What caliber rifle should I bring on an Africa hunting safari?
This is one of the most frequently asked questions we get. The answer is that you should bring the rifle that you shoot the best with, as long as it meets the minimum legal standards for the country and game you are hunting. In general though for plains game any rifle above .270 Winchester will do fine as long as you use the best quality bullets available. For the .270 I would lean toward the heavier end of the bullet weights available. If you have a 300 Magnum of any type from 300 WSM to 300 Dakota that would be preferable on plains game however, if you don't shoot it well don't bring it to Africa! What sense does it make to bring a rifle on a once in a lifetime trip if you hate to shoot it? Now for dangerous game Cape buffalo, elephant, lion, leopard, or rhino most countries require a .375 caliber at a minimum. The bottom line on rifles is that if a bullet is well placed, it will be effective. If an animal is poorly shot, no matter how big the bullet is it will never make up for a bad hit.

What's the food like on an Africa hunting safari?
For the most part the food on safari in Africa is excellent. It is much better than what you would get in a typical deer camp in the USA. You will likely have game meat or beef every night for dinner. Breakfast is usually cereal and "rusks" (cookies) with milk, juice and coffee or tea. Some safari operators provide a complete sit down breakfast with eggs, bacon, pancakes, waffles etc. Many times this is a mid morning meal rather than a 6 AM meal. The most important thing to remember about eating in Africa is to disclose any strong food preferences, dislikes or allergies ahead of time. The folks in Africa really want you to have the time of your life so if you are allergic to something or absolutely hate something please let us know ahead of time so we can tell the outfitter about it.

What are the gun laws like in Africa?
The gun laws in some African countries are very lenient while others are pretty strict. In Namibia it is relatively simple to get a rifle or shotgun in but no handguns are allowed. In South Africa the paperwork is a burden. We suggest that you allow us to handle the paperwork for you no matter which country you are hunting in. This will allow you to avoid hassles, enter and leave the country that your safari will take place in very easily.

Do I need vaccinations to go on an Africa hunting safari?
This is a question that should be asked of your personal physician. The general answer is probably not. Travel to most African countries does not require any special medical arrangements however, in some cases it is a must. For instance in Namibia and South Africa you most likely do not need any medications for malaria. The semi-arid climate in these two countries leaves them relatively malaria free. There are some exceptions though. There are some remote parts of Namibia and South Africa where taking the malaria prophylaxis drug Larium (or similar) is advisable. Any of the countries where you will be hunting in areas that are swampy or wet may warrant taking the malaria pills as well. Your doctor may recommended a hepatitis A&B vaccine and confirmation that your tetanus vaccine is up to date. The bottom line is consult your physician.

Do I need insurance to go on an Africa hunting safari?
We typically recommend that our clients take medical evacuation insurance as well as trip cancellation insurance. After hearing of a few horror stories of folks getting injured in Africa and not being able to get home for less than a small fortune, we began to recommend medical evacuation insurance. For a reasonable yearly fee, or as part of a comprehensive travel insurance plan you can be evacuated from the site of your injury to a local hospital, and then flown to your home hospital in a fully equipped medical evacuation airplane. We also strongly encourage you to have trip cancellation insurance. Since deposits are not refundable it is wise to be insured against any eventuality that might prevent you from taking your safari as planned.

What clothes should I take on safari?
South Africa has diverse hunting areas in different climates. The usual weather is cold at night and in the early mornings. You'll need a sweater for the late afternoons and early mornings. Make sure and bring a light, weather proof jacket and five sets of hunting wear, including both warm and cool clothes. Comfortable boots that are broken in are a necessity both for hunting and walking. Laundry is done daily.