We know that any trip can be overwhelming, so we compiled a Hunting Checklist for you, to help you get everything together.
Your hunting safari will be in the bush, and the terrain can vary from savannah grasslands to rocky hills. To blend in with your surroundings, it would be wise to pack in the following:
v Safari shirts – either long or short sleeves. Strong material. Preferably cameo, khaki, light beige, brown, or olive green color. No whites or bright colors – these will be suitable to wear at the camp but not in the bush.
v Safari pants – same criteria as above.
v Comfortable walked-in hiking boots (preferably ankle high)
v Extra shoe laces
v Thick socks
v Wide brim hat
v Warm beanie
v Warm jacket
v Light sweater
v Sunglasses – preferably Polaroid
v Informal clothing and footwear for the camp – the camp is set in the mountains, and it can become cold at night and early morning, but it will heat up considerably during the day.
v Swimwear
v Sleepwear
v Toiletries
v Chronic medication (bring extra)
v Survival kit (to keep with you at the camp and on the hunting safari):
o plasters
o aspirin
o sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30
o Lip ice or lip balm with sunscreen
o Skin cream
o Imodium
o Anti-septic cream
o Anti-histamines / sinus medication (make sure you buy non-drowsy medicines, e.g., “Allergex non-drowsy”)
o Tweezers
o Insect repellent (e.g., Peaceful Sleep cream/Tabard)
o Anti-acids
o Eye drops
o Ear drops
o Tick spray containing DEET
v Digital camera with memory card and chargers
v Binoculars
v Cell phone chargers
v Rifle and ammunition (if you are not renting one of our rifles)
v Flashlight and extra batteries
v Pocket knife
v Small backpack to take with you on safari
During May, we can still experience scorching days (30 degrees Celsius and up) during the day, but the evening, nights and early mornings are quite chilly by then. Night/Early morning temperatures can vary from 8 – 12 degrees Celsius. Day temperatures normally range from 25 – 30 degrees Celsius and are sunny. From about 15:00, the temperature will start to drop again. Our rainy season has passed by then, but we had the odd storm in May before our first cold front. It is best to dress in layers on your hunting safari.
Our coldest months are June and July, when temperatures can drop below freeze point at night. Daytime temperatures can vary from 18 – 24 degrees. The days start warming up in August, but the nights are still cold. During September, days become increasingly hot and reach up to 35 degrees. Nights are also pleasant and warm.
The camp and hunting area are based in Malaria-free areas. If you also intend to visit the Kruger National Park during your stay in SA, then you need to take an anti-Malaria medication. Please speak to your GP well before your trip because some of the medication you need to take six weeks before entering a Malaria area. Malaria can be deadly, and even if you take the medication, you must still watch out for any symptoms such as a cold, headache, high temperature with chills, feeling tired, difficulty breathing, nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain, joint pain, blood in urine, seizures and yellow discoloration of eyes and skin (jaundice). If you experience any of these symptoms, you must visit your GP asap and tell him you were in a malaria area.
We do have a tick problem, and although there are no tablets to prevent tick bite fever, tick sprays are available to prevent ticks from climbing on you. If you develop any flu-like symptoms (headache, fever, sore joints, and muscles) 8 – 10 days after your hunting safari, regardless of how mild, you should visit your GP and advise him that you have been on a hunting safari. The bite mark will also be swollen, with a black center, and the surrounding skin will be very sensitive. Tick bite fever is treatable, and you will fully recover after a few days.
Allergies and Sinus problems can also be problematic if you are not used to the bush. If you are prone to these problems, ensure you have the correct medication and that they are preferably non-drowsy, as these medications can severely impair your ability to hunt.
