Safari Planning

Planning an African hunting trip requires careful consideration of various factors such as hunting regulations, desired species, accommodations, travel arrangements, and safety. While I can provide you with a general outline, it’s important to consult with professional hunting outfitters or travel agencies that specialize in African hunting trips for more specific and up-to-date information. Here’s a rough plan to get you started:

Planning your Safari

Decide on the hunting species

Determine the specific animals you wish to hunt. African species range from plains game like impala and kudu to the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, buffalo).
Ensure that the selected species are legal to hunt in your chosen destination and comply with local hunting regulations.

Plan the duration of the trip

African hunting trips can vary in duration depending on the species, hunting methods, and personal preferences.
A typical hunt can range from 7 to 14 days, but it’s advisable to consult with the outfitter for their recommended timeframe.

Select a professional hunting Outfitter

Seek reputable hunting outfitters that are licensed and experienced in your chosen destination.
Read reviews, check references, and evaluate their expertise in the specific species you want to hunt.
Ensure they follow ethical hunting practices and prioritize conservation efforts.

Obtain necessary permits and licenses

Check the hunting regulations of your chosen country and obtain the necessary permits and licenses.
Some countries may require a hunting license, firearm import permits, and CITES permits for hunting certain species.

Safari Planning

Timeline

One Year Before your Safari

Book your airfare. Most flights go on sale 330 days in advance. Book early, as flights fill up during the most popular hunting months.
Book any pre/hunt or post/hunt accommodation reservations. If you are sightseeing before or after your hunt, book any tours, vehicle rentals or necessary accommodations.
Start getting in shape. At a minimum, walk 3 miles at least three times a week.

Six Months before you go

Ensure that your passport does not expire for at least 6 months after your departure date from Africa. Make sure that you will have a minimum of 6 blank pages available for your entry into Africa. If you are visiting multiple countries on your safari, you should either apply for a new passport at your local Post Office or apply for additional pages for your existing passport through the US Department of State’s website at: http://travel.state.gov/passport/forms/ds4085/ds4085_2662.html
Apply for your visa if required for entry to the country you will be visiting. See visa Information under the More Info section of this website. A good source of information on obtaining visas is available at: http://www.traveldocs.com/
Talk with your physician about any inoculations you may need for your trip. You may want him to prescribe a couple of antibiotic prescriptions, anti-malarial medications, anti-diarrheal prescription and sleeping pills for your flight over. (See tab on Medical Information))
Visit your local travel clinic or health clinic offering travel immunizations to get your required inoculations. Some of these inoculations require multiple injections over a period of months.
Practice shooting the firearms off of shooting sticks.
Order African Shot Placement Guide mini-edition.

Four Months before you go

Get a “Letter of Invitation” from your outfitter.
Send your Hunter Information Sheet provided by your outfitter and flight information to your outfitter.
Make sure you have CBP Form 4457 proving ownership of your firearms.
Verify that your outfitter has all documents necessary for procuring your hunting and firearms Import Permits, if he is getting them for you. (Each country’s requirements are different)
Make sure your will is up to date.
Make sure the boots you will be wearing are properly broken in. This is extremely important! Do not go to Africa with new or untested footwear!
If you are traveling to politically unstable countries, register your trip with the US Dept. of State at: https://travelregistration.state.gov/
Get a PIN number issued for at least 1 of your credit cards. You may need a PIN number to use your card in some circumstances. Be aware that American Express is not accepted at many locations in Africa. Try to have at least two cards that are either Visa or Mastercard.
Apply for any CITES Permits that may be required for your hunt. These permits are obtained from US Fish and Wildlife Department. If you have selected a Customs Broker, discuss with them the latest requirements. You may want to pay them to handle the entire process for you. Do not apply for your CITIES permit too early, as they are issued with expiration dates!
Find out your outfitter’s forms and methods of payment requirements.
Continue walking 3 miles at least 4 times a week!
Review this checklist!

Two Months before you go

Purchase a Medical Evacuation and Field Rescue Membership. We recommend Global Rescue. They may be contacted at: www.globalrescue.com
Order Trophy Tags from your taxidermist. Include your information and your Customs Broker’s information on the trophy tags.
If you are wiring funds to your outfitter, do so now. Do this only if you are confident in your outfitter and have carefully checked his references.
Do some of your walking wearing the boots you will be hunting in

One Month before you go

Review Packing Checklist and verify that Passport and any required Visas are in order.
Practice shooting.
Order Foreign Currency or Traveler’s Checks.
Order TSA locks for your gun case and suitcases.

Three Days before you go

Verify Flight schedules.
Begin Packing using Equipment Checklist.
Cancel mail and newspaper if no one will be home.
Pay all necessary bills.
Copy all important documents (Passport, Visa, Form 4457, Letter of Invitation, etc:) and leave 1 set at home with reliable contact and take 1 set with you.
Pick up money or Traveler’s Checks from the Bank.
Arrange transportation to airport.
Make sure you have all the prescriptions that you will need!

Check in for your flight.
Review Equipment Checklist.
Finish packing / Remember medications!
Change message on answering machine if desired.
Re-verify Airport Transportation.

One Day before you go

Departure Day

Leave on one of the world’s greatest adventures!