Flight leaves Monday morning at 12:35!! All packed and ready, staying 7-10 days depending on success.

Harvest list is a Kudu, Impalla x2, Gemsbok, Warthog x2-3, Waterbok, Zebra & Bush pig. (Some will be rifle some will be bow) we will also do some predator and wing shooting. I'd love a stinkin Eurasian Widgeon!

Haven't slept well for three days and was down with a serious cold for three. I'm so jacked up I just can't stop imagining what it's going to be like hence why I'm up at 3am..

Hunting with Kobus's at Hunters Creek Safaris, may hunt several different places as they operate their own helicopter. I guided Kobus on a whitetail hunt a few days before the DSC show last year and he harvested a sweet 165" buck! He twisted my arm to come, didn't take much, lol. He is wanting me to experience the whole thing and is interested in booking some safaris, working shows and other possibilities as well as kill another whitetail in the next season or two. So it's a win win!

Flying from Dallas to Atlanta, 3hr layover then to JHB (Johannesburg). On the way back I go from Johannesburg to Paris 6hr layover then to Atlanta, 3 hour layover then to Dallas. Both of the long flights will be at night and I will drink a few beverages to sleep on the flight. I have never flown international other than Mexico once.

Not taking a gun or bow to save a little money and time in customs.

Weather is low 40s at night mid 70s during day. Wind predicted 6-15 mph most of the trip and just a few scattered rain showers.

He has a hunter coming in to hunt an elephant while I'm there so I will be filming that hunt, should be awesome!

CLOTHES PACKED (they wash daily so no need to over pack)
2 pair of jeans
2 carhart long sleeve safari shirts
1 pair cowboy boots
1 UA vest
2 pair of wool socks
2 pair light socks
2 pair boxers
1 pearl snap button up
1 pair of sleep pants
1 casual SS shirt
1 casual LS shirt
Light Camo UA jacket
Heavy Camo UA jacket
Baseball cap
Beanie
Camo Buff face mask
Heavy fleece face mask
Leather ranch gloves

MISC PACKED
Back up pair of sunglasses
2 extra pair of contacts
Shampoos
Deodorant
Razor
Clippers
Band aids
Gatoraid mix

GEAR PACKED
Passport
10x42 gold ring Leupold on harness with lens cloth
Rigid Halo flashlight with charger and battery's
Canon XH-A1s video camera with charge and battery
Tripod for cameras
1 go pro, spare battery and charger
Canon Rebel camera with extended lens with spare battery and charger
Power inverter 220-110
S.Africa plug adapter
Cell phone and iPad with chargers
1 Moultrie game camera
Extra SD cards
Sd card readers
****Camo backpack for hunting, also my carry on for valuables above and 1 set of clothes in case luggage is misplaced

For you curious minds on the money portion if you paid retail. Remember it's one of those things you all dream about and is not all paid at once, it can be broken up over a year or two so don't let it frighten you. You can also use a credit card and payoff over a few years if it's low interest. There are LOTS of variables. I'm a full time guide, my wife doesn't work & we have a 2.5 yo lil girl to so if I can do it anyone can.

* Flight - $1450-$1850 (depends if I change for a few added days there)(watched expedia for three months)
* Safari - $6-$12000 (depending on harvest)
* Tipping - $800 (ph/cook/cleaning/tracker/skinner)
* Shipping of trophies - $1800-$3000 (dip n ship to states)
* Taxidermy - $6500 (skull warthog x2, shoulder warthog, skull bush pig, pedestal Zebra, pedestal kudu, oryx and waterbuk together, shoulder Impala together) I'll be doing them in two sets to split cost

Zebra Prdiatal - single drinking with hide on pediatal



Impala Pair (minus baboon skull)


Warthog Skull Pair


Gemsbok, Kudu & Waterbuk Trio - (set up like this)


Warthog Shoulder


Bushpig Skull

Zebra


Waterbuk


Gemsbok/Oryx


Kudu


Impala


Warthog


Bushpig

Varmints

Jackall


Caracal


Genet Cat


Serval

Birds
Guineafowl: May - September
Egyptian Geese: February - September
Spurwing Geese: March - September
Ducks: May - August;

Red- Billed Teal


Fulvous Whistling Duck


African Pygmy Goose

Good luck Cody, have fun!

Great write up Cody, I like how you broke everything out. Makes it seem more realistic. Good luck

Thanks for all the information. Good Luck and I hope your trip exceeds you all your expectations!!!! I can't wait to see the photos from your trip. Safe Travels, Baker

Especially appreciate the cost breakdown.
I've NEVER been able to get someone to give me a solid answer on tipping.
Had also wondered about taxidermy/shipping.
I just returned from Africa on a mission trip. We went on both a land & river photo safari. My daughter was teasing me- said I looked like I wanted to throw a spear at Cape Buffs. Was tough to be there & not hunt.
Looks like about $24k.

Good luck Cody sounds like a great trip and great time

Have a safe and wonderful trip.

Cody,
I just returned from Africa myself. A couple of things to add to the list. First sunscreen and lotion. There is no humidity there and the desert sun gets warm. I never use either in the states, but needed both there. Also, if you like good whiskey, buy some in the Jo'Berg airport before you leave it. You will not find much of a variety at liquor stores there and may not be much in camp. Other than that, sounds like you are ready to rock. Shoot straight and have a big time. Plus, start saving again because you will want to go back. Ha Ha

Good luck I have been there 4 times and want to go again.

Good luck buddy. I hope it is everything you are hoping for and more. Can't wait to see some pics.

Thanks all, still excited as a kid in a candy store

Packing everyday does not help fight the excitement of the trip

Kobus is getting really excited as per my excitement and he said I only get 1 box of bullets bc he doesn't want me to go broke lol

I'm headed to the TTHA show tomorrow afternoon then staying the night in Dallas so tonight will be the last night in my own bed. That's a huge step for this journey to begin

I just got back today from RSA myself and am jet-lagged as all get-out. I would also say that your tip allowance is a little low by maybe 50%, but tipping is certainly an individual pursuit. Consider buying a carton of cigarettes at the tobacco store when you arrive at JNB. Most trackers, skinners, and staff smoke and will appreciate a pack of cancer sticks every other day or so. The brand, Peter Stuyvesant "red", seems to be very popular.

As for alcohol, go South African......Castle beer, of course, and RSA is known for their top-quality wine industry. Red shiraz and cabernets are uniformly excellent, and don't forget the pinotage wines, a blend unique to South Africa that really goes well with all the wild game you'll be consuming.

When in Rome (or RSA), do as the Romans do, ya know.

It will be a trip of a lifetime or 2 or 3....Enjoy every minute. Look forward to your updates. Good Luck

Dawaba

I'm taking my PH a bottle of his favorite whiskey and some gifts for his family, 2 boys and wife.

I already got two cartons of smokes for everyone. He suggested I bring US flavors

Eric,

You should come with me next August! Looking like I may be there all of August with clients

Good luck and safe travels! I'm looking forward to your pix and hunt story!
Diane

I will try my best on a neat wright up. And can guarantee lots of photos and possibly some awesome video

You get all your shots?

No shots needed for where I'm headed. Most other places you need malaria, yellow fever etc.

24 hours until I get to be at the airport

Good luck man! cant wait to see pics!