Educate me on hunting Africa

[idaho guy]

I always told myself I would go to Africa to hunt but never made any effort to do anything about it since we always had a lot of hunting plans close to home. Fast forward to today, I over served myself at the RMEF banquet bar and bought a ten day safari for 4 people with esp safaris.  No thought went into this safari other than I was the last guy with his paddle up. I have 3 buddies going with me and where we are going is obviously set. Here are my questions-I read about a hunting travel agent? This sounded like a good idea as it would be someone familiar with the logistics(guns etc) of getting hunters in and out of Africa and also a hunter handler? anysways, someone that deals with customs on your guns and meets you at the airport to deliver the guns to you. These are 2 things I would love information and maybe some names on. Other than that fire away any and all information is appreciated. We are going this July so we need to be making plans soon. On the taxidermy we are all going to bring it back and have it done by our personal taxidermist. I have an Idaho guy who I have used for years and really trust. IF anyone has gone with ESP safaris would love to hear your experience as well although we cant really change that! Thanks in advance     

[Bob33]

Are you flying into Johannesburg?

[idaho guy]

Are you flying into Johannesburg?

/quote]

Yes! we have not bought tickets but that is the plan and then 5 to 6 hour drive to hunting spot

[Bob33]

I recommend using Henry Durrheim to process your firearms paperwork. It should cost about $125 but is worth it. Do your reaearch on the best connections for air travel. Going through Atlanta is generally considered the most firearm friendly route.

http://riflepermits.com/

[idaho guy]

Thanks Bob! thats what I was looking for! 

[UrbanTrapper]

I have hunted Africa seven times, twice in 2017. I would say DON'T get your taxidermy mounted in Africa (zebra rugs OK).  You will see some good taxidermy (probably done by the owner) and hear the old saw, "Who know better what an impala looks like someone in Africa or someone in the US," but African taxidermists make their money having low-skilled/low-experienced locals do most of their mounts and they usually do a poor job (you will banish the mount to your shed).  Get your taxidermy dipped and packed and sent to a US taxidermist you know and trust. 

[JimmyHoffa]

I've heard lots of stories about guys getting animals taxied in Africa, then when the mount arrives in the US it is not the same animal they shot. 

[hunterofelk]

Yeah, that happened to me.  Different Kudu, gemsbok and springbok.

[Bob33]

I've personally had outstanding results using African taxidermists. For me it came down to trusting my outfitter and his recommendations. They don't want a dissatisfied customer.

[wa.hunter]

I too just got back from Namibia and South Africa, taxidermy cost there are getting as costly there as here now, problem is, the cost to ship home gets real pricey.
I would also make sure you know what you are getting with the donation you purchased. Sometimes can be some big surprises!!!!$$$

[idaho guy]

Thanks for the good advice. Had already decided to have my regular taxidermist do the mounts but good to know that’s probably the right decision. Any other ideas would be great and yes there is definitely extra cost with the safari I bought at the auction! Any other ideas would be great

[724wd]

if you wanna do some research, they accuratereloading.com forums for hunting africa, taxidermy, and all the associated stuff (tipping, paperwork, flights, bribes  ...)

[BNAElkhntr]

I second Bob33's advice   for Rifle permits not sure of your Airflight planning But  I twice used Custom Travel out of Wisconsin for flight arrangements And If you Don't  Do NOT  Layover NEWYORK,AMSTERDAM OR ANY other spot   Best To Fly
South African Airlines out of Dulles Non stop to Joburg  or Delta out of Hartsfield non stop if you ever want to see your guns again

[Rob]

I have been there a few times.  I wore this thread from the first trip I planned from scratch. 
http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,64016.0.html

Might find some good pointers there.

Hit accuratereloaders.com as noted .  Gold mine of info there.

I used riflepermits.com to import firearms.  They were outstanding.

Ping me with any questions you have.

[USMC86]

I've been to Zim and Namibia several times.  Every time I have used Gracy Travel in San Antonio.  They know the ins and outs of travelling with firearms internationally and will keep you out of trouble.  If you are flying into J'berg, they have a service they offer that is well worth the $.  A guy will meet your party coming off the plane, whisk you through customs (no standing in line) and will handle your permits with the police station in the airport.  Particularly coming off of a very long flight, you can't imagine how nice that is.  You get to walk past the long customs lines, and you get to avoid the long lines getting your gun permits.  We usually overnight at the hotel in the airport, and they come get us in the morning and get the guns checked back in for our connecting flights. 

enjoy your safari- should be a wonderful experience