Headed back to Africa in 2016! <<Photos now posted starting P2>>

[Rob]

Just found out that my dad won an Raffle for a 10 day Buffalo hunt in his choice of Zimbabwe or South Africa!  All expenses covered for one hunter and one observer except for airfare and tips (probably 3-4K each out of pocket)

He is 80 and does not feel he can physically do the hunt (we have done two trips so he knows what the hunts are like).  So he wants me to be the hunter and he will be the observer.

He and I already got Buffalo last time we were in Zim, so I am thinking I will trade in the trophy fee for a Croc/Hippo combo.  Will be a house boat hunt near Vic falls.

Last two times I had nearly 2 years to plan.  We want to go in July/August of this year so that gives me about 5-6 months!  Should be just about the right amount of time.

I will keep this thread updated as the trip progresses for those who are interested in following along!

Pretty excited!

Here is some eye candy from our 2012 trip.  I call this shot "The Mentor" and it is my favorite photo ever of dad and I.

[3dvapor]

Wow sweet photo.   What do the crocodile mounts look like.  I'll have to check those out.

[BOWHUNTER45]

Nice ...How did they shadow in the map   That cool !!!

[carpsniperg2]

Sweet should be a great time.

I just picked up one of my dream guns in 458 lott and been looking at Africa myself. Look forward to some pic's.

[coachcw]

Looking forward to tagging along on the thread ..... enjoy it , so cool to spend the time with pops .

[shootem]

Tag 

[hunting4sanity]

That's an amazing photo! Your earlier hunt reports helped me when I went to Africa, so I'll be checking back to this thread often. I've been longing to go back for safari #2 since I got on the plane leaving Africa.

[Rob]

Not sure what app she used for the photo, but i like it!

This thread will be less about how to plan a trip well, and more about how to plan one fast!

Short list:
- where to go, zim or SA camps?
- what animals to target
- shot updates
- set dates
- any side trips?
- book flights
- rifle decisions
- rifle permits for SA
- form 4457 for us re entry
- packing lists
- taxidermy fees
- any items i need to buy?
- trigger time
- need to get a load worked up for my 7mm using swift a frames

I'm sure there is more...

[Ridgerunner]

Tagging along, an hunt in Africa for Kudu is veyr high on the list, just need to figure out how to make it happen, I agree that photo is SWEET!

[Kit Carson]

have fun! That's awesome!! 

[Rob]

Still nailing down dates.  90% sure we are going to trade in the Buff hunt for an 8 day live-aboard boat trip on Lake Kariba and connected tributaries in Zimbabwe targeting Hippo and Crocodile, followed by a day or two of hunting from a land based camp.  A bit more money than the buff hunt, but it will allow more mobility for my dad (he is 80 and after a couple ankle replacements has a hard time on uneven surfaces).  This will also allow us to do some fishing too. 

Looking like Late July for the trip.

We will want a day in Victoria Falls to visit the falls.  I would love to go try out the Devils Pool on the edge of the falls, but it looks like that is a mid-august to December time frame and we may be a few weeks early.  It also looks like one needs to go into Zambia to see them and I am not sure I want to mess with a border crossing.

http://www.zambiatourism.com/destinations/waterfalls/victoria-falls/victoria-falls-devils-pool

[carpsniperg2]

croc and hippo would be a lot of fun. I always enjoy watching the hunts for croc's. Such a small target to make sure you anchor them right away.

[Rob]

They say it is the most difficult shot in Africa..  start with a brain shot (golf ball target), then follow with a neck shot and if there is time, break the hips.

[carpsniperg2]

I believe it from what I have seen. Crack the walnut and then anchor in the smile.

[Rob]

I have been off-line for a while trying to finalize dates.  We are set.  This is going to be rapid planning event (use to having 2 years to plan).

Plan is as follows:
*Fly from Seattle and Austin and meet in Atlanta on 7/15
*Depart Atlanta on the evening of the 15th for JoBerg  Arrive on the 16th
*Our PH is going to make us hotel reservations and book us flights from JoBerg to Victoria Falls on the 17th
*Down day on the 18th in Vic Falls.  do some touring. allow bags to catch up to us if they get lost (had a nightmare last hunt with Bags!).  Board the boat on the 18th
*Travel along the rivers and lake Kariba to arrive in a hunting area on the 19th
*Hunt the Lake and rivers of Kariba from the 20th to the 24th
*Take boat back to Vic falls on the 25th
*26th and 27th can be spent hunting from local land based camps, or sight seeing.
*Depart Vic Falls on the 28th
*Arrive home on the 29th.


Only 13 Saturdays till we are in Africa!!  Crap!  Too much to do!