Get in Shape
Your African Safari will require you to be able to walk sometimes 5-6 hours, for up to 8- 10 miles if hunting Cape buffalo or Elephant they are motivated.
Temperatures will be in the mid 70s to mid 80s, later in the year in the 90s. The terrain varies from flat ground to rolling hills with an occasional mountain to climb. A typical hunting day can be quite long, as you leave camp before the sun is up and return after it has set. Most Safaris are from 10-21 days in length.
Are you in the proper physical condition for this trip? The answer is most likely ‘no’, if you are like most of us!
The main exercise that you should be focusing on is walking. Start off by buying a good quality pair of hunting/walking shoes, the ones you plan on wearing during the Safari. Buy your shoes now, not the week before your safari. Any of the hiking type, over the ankle is fine. The important thing is to buy a pair that is lightweight, quiet, and comfortable, with soft rubber soles.
This done, set aside a schedule that allows you to walk for at least an hour every day, for a minimum of 5 days per week. Walk as rapidly as you are able, but at a comfortable pace. By the time you leave for your Safari, you should to be able to walk for a minimum of 5 miles. At the end of your walk, you should be able to be in good enough condition to make a shot, if need be.
Now, to simulate the Safari, mix in some slow jogging with your walk. Each Safari is a once in a lifetime experience that will be greatly enhanced if you are in reasonably good physical condition. Also, your chances of collecting top quality trophies if you are in good physical shape are much higher.
Take the time now to get into the best physical condition for your safari!
Preparations and Equipment: Namibia
Rifle (we recommend 30 cal. or larger) with scope Plains Game
Ammunition, 80 to 100 rounds, soft point
A good pair of binoculars
Photographic equipment
3 pairs of camo or olive green hunting pants and shirts (long sleeve & short sleeve)
1 pair of hunting boots and good comfortable tennis shoes
4 pairs of comfortable socks for hunting
A warm, rugged hunting jacket and vest
Sunglasses and a hat
Sunscreen or sunblock
Leisure wear and shoes (for the evenings)
Preparations and Equipment: Zimbabwe
We recommend that you bring your own firearm, one that you are familiar with. The choice of firearm is entirely up to the client. However, National Parks regulations in Zimbabwe require minimum calibers for certain species.
For heavy set animals, such as elephant, buffalo, hippo, lion and eland, a .375 or bigger is required.
For all smaller, soft skinned animals, a .270 upwards is sufficient.
You should bring at least 20 rounds of solid points and 40 rounds of soft points, depending on what you are hunting.
As Zimbabwe is prone to malaria, we strongly advise that a start a course of anti-malaria prophylactics at least 2 weeks prior to your arrival.
You will be required to obtain a visa to enter Zimbabwe, these can be obtained for US$30 at the airport, however we suggest you obtain your visa in advance.
You will be required to pay a departure tax of US $20 at the airport when you leave the country. All prices are subject to statutory price increases, and will go up without warning.
A permit for all animals on the CITES list, such as leopard, elephant, cheetah and crocodile, must be obtained before the hunt, as applicable to your country. Copies must accompany the hunter and the trophy shipment.
Evenings, early mornings and winter months can be chilly, so a warm jacket is recommended. Daytime temperatures and summer months can be hot, so comfortable clothing is necessary. We recommend that you bring 3 sets of lightweight safari outfits and the best colors to wear in Zimbabwe for hunting are natural khaki, green or brown, military camouflage clothing is prohibited in Zimbabwe.
Please Note:
Although we maintain utmost care and precaution for the safety of our Makadi Safari guests, we cannot accept responsibility from any illness, accident or loss whatsoever, nor any expenses of any nature arising therefrom. We advise, therefore, that you aquire sufficient insurance for yourself, your personal belongings and your baggage before you leave.