Africa Safaris

Namibia

A Namibia safari offers simpler than South Africa, but luxurious accommodations, and uniquely Namibian hospitality.

Hunting Safaris in Namibia

You will discover that Namibia is not only beautiful with a pleasant climate, it is the easiest, stable, safe and clean hunter friendly country in Africa. The airport offers simple in and out for your rifles and the excellent roads makes it an easy country to travel, making a Namibia hunting safari a good choice.

It’s primarily an agricultural country, with roughly 80% of the population dependent on subsistence farming for a least a part of their living.  For some of these farmers, wildlife does pose a constant threat.  Elephants raid crops, and predators such as hyenas, lions and even wild dogs will go after livestock.  Wildlife though is seen as an asset in this country.  Hunters pay to hunt, and with the advent of the conservancy system, the money from hunters goes to conservancies, which compensates farmers for their losses.  Farmers see the balance of healthy game management through hunting, and reduced human/animal conflicts.

The wildlife population was around 2,000,000 in the early 1900’s, but with no regulations or quotas, no value on animals, and lack of funding, the population of wildlife plummeted to under 500,000 animals by the 1960’s.  With hard work, strict quotas, and using hunting as a conservation tool, the wildlife population today stands around 3,000,000, proving that controlled, legal hunting is the best method to not only sustain, but also increase, animal numbers.  Revenue from hunting also goes to fund anti-poaching efforts, as another way to protect wildlife.

• Safe, stable country.
• A Namibia hunting safari can be less expensive than a Safari in South Africa. Due mostly to simpler lodging.
• Safaris are custom made to fit your personal goals for your Africa Safari!
• More low fence, free range hunting than is found in South Africa.

Africa Safari Gear List

Preparing for your first African Safari can be intimidating, but there’s no need to worry. The truth of the matter is that packing for a hunt in Africa isn’t all that difficult. We have worked together with our P.H.’s on a safari gear list for your upcoming hunt.

Pre-Hunt Checklist

• Valid Passport (South Africa requires your passport to be valid for an additional 30 days after your return date to the USA. No exceptions.)
• Airline ticket.
• Proper weapon documentation.
• Email the date and time of arrival to your P.H. for pickup at the airport.
• Inoculation (if needed in the area you are hunting).
• Deposit paid and confirmed.
• Traveler’s checks and enough cash for gifts, tip, etc.
• Travel Insurance.

Safari Clothing

Keep it simple. Bring a few changes of light hunting clothing (most places will have a daily laundry service). Odds are you will be riding in the back of a truck on a high rack to and from hunting areas, and that can get chilly. So bring a good jacket along. During the day, temperatures should be pleasant.

*When hunting in Mozambique it is important to note that you are allowed to bring realtree type camo but it is against Mozambican law for an ordinary citizen to wear military style camouflage.

• 2 pairs of light hunting pants
• 2-3 hunting shirts
• 2-3 pairs of socks and underwear
• 1 pair of insulated underwear (tops and bottoms) *we recommend Merino wool
• Light jacket for stopping wind
• Wide brim hat or cap
• Good ankle boots/shoes that are very comfortable (you don’t need heavy mountain boots)
• Comfortable shoes for lounging at the lodge
• Light stocking hat and gloves
• Light rain gear

If you are hunting from May to August, be sure to bring some heavier clothing as well as temperatures can occasionally drop below freezing. If you are hunting during this time add the following items:

• 1 pair of insulated hunting pants
• 2 pairs mid-weight socks
• Insulated coat

Optics

Get the best optics you can afford. Don’t skimp here.

• Binoculars (Quality 8’s or 10’s)
• Spotting Scope
  
• Tripod
  
• Rangefinder
• Bino Harness
  
• Phone Skope – Mount your phone to your optics
• Lens Cloth and Cleaning Equipment
• De-fogger

Firearms and Ammunition

Clients always ask us what type of rifle and caliber they should bring to Africa. Our advice is always, bring the rifle that you are most comfortable shooting with, shot placement and premium quality bullets are more important than caliber choice. For plains game, we recommend any caliber between 270 and 375. However calibers for dangerous game, the minimum requirement by law is no caliber smaller than 375H&H. We recommend using premium quality soft point ammunition like Swift A-frame, Woodleigh, Norma or Barnes. For elephant and hippo it is advisable to use heavy caliber solid ammunition.

When hunting dangerous game, use a good quality low powered variable scope of 1.5 – 6 x 25 power. We recommend a higher powered scope of between 3 – 9 x 40  magnification for plains game. When transporting your rifle it should be transported on the airline and on any major road in a solid, lockable, hard case. Whilst travelling between hunting areas or on the back of the hunting vehicle we recommend that you bring a soft padded rifle bag.

• Rifle
• Ammo (40-60 shells should be adequate for a typical hunt)
• Gun case with locks
• Soft gun case

Archery

• Bow (talk to your Agent or PH about poundage requirements)
• Arrows and good broadheads (2-3 dozen arrows should be adequate for a typical hunt)
• Bow case with locks
• Soft bow case

Post-Hunt Checklist

• Valid Passport
• Airline ticket
• Proper weapon documentation
• Certified copy of your Passport for the taxidermist.
• Tip your P.H.
• Pay trophy fees and final payments for the animals you take on your Safari.
• Make arrangements for your trophies.

The standard tip for a guide is 10% to 20% of the cost of your trip. Remember to tip the cooks and other help in the camp as well. The amount you give reflects your appreciation for your guide’s hard work and effort.