Ouch, this is going to be rough.

If all goes according to plan, I will leave Anchorage around 4 p.m. on September 15 and arrive in Bulawayo Zimbabwe around 3 p.m. on September 17th. No layovers of more than a couple of hours anywhere.

Flight goes from Anchorage to Seattle. Seattle to Atlanta. Atlanta to Johannesburg South Africa (roughly 18 hours in the airplane though there is probably a fueling stop). From Jo'burg to Bulawayo Zimbabwe. I believe Zimbabwe's time zone is +2 GMT, so figure I'll lose 11 hours while traveling. Still leaves 36 hours in the air or airports, assuming all goes according to plan.

Wow. Take lots of books!!!!!

Better ask RD how to survive those long flights!

Sleeping pills and a soft pillow! :p

Alyeska, I have to say that the plane flight is one reason I'll probably never get to Africa. I simply don't fly unless it's an emergency, so there is just no way I can picture 36 hours in a plane...

I wouldn't mind going on a ship, I guess.

Better yet, maybe they'll build a bridge someday... :p

One of the things keeping me from an African hunt is the cost of the plane flight. But when I flew to Germany last year with Lufthansa, all food and all drinks were free and very plentiful. Helps.

September is a good time to be in Zimbabwe, or anywhere in South Africa for that matter. It will be Spring and you shouldnt have too much rain, as the rainy season is normally in the Summer (November -January). I hope you have been spending some time in a sauna though, because its a "little bit" hotter than what you are used too, I recon.. The nights are very pleasant (cooler). Are you taking any anti- malarial medication as a profilactic measure? Sometimes the side effects of these meds are quite bad, depending on what you use. A lot of the locals just rely on barrier teqniques (wearing long sleeve shirts and long trousers or some type of repellent.), especially at night. A good tip is to put some eucalyptus oil on your ankleswhen you go out in the bush.. that will deter a lot of crawlies from hitching a free ride and having a free meal. Some hunters even use some diesel fuel instead of eucalyptus oil. You would be hunting downwind anyway wont you?

Start practicing sleeping upright at home! Sit on the couch with a person on each side of you, turn the TV on loud, turn the vacuum on, and have someone shake the couch ever couple of minutes. When you can sleep with that going on, you will sleep on an airliner!

Oh, nothing to worry about but the fellows up front don't have any problem sleeping!

Thomas,
Thanks for the tips. It's going to a whole lot hotter than I'm use to. No question about that. I spoke with my doctor about malarial meds, and he recommends starting Malarone (sp??) or Doxycycline (sp???) about a few weeks before departure. He thinks we should probably stay away from Larium because of its side effects in some people. PH is recommending gaiters as ankle protection from seeds and brush around ankles and feet. Figure I will carry some bug dope with me, also. Bugs are really bad up here in the summer and fall, where no juice works 100% of the time, but Ben's 100 works as good as any. Not sure if it works on African bugs or not.

RD,
I've been a few international flights and sleep does not come easy. I think I'll take some sleeping pills with me or no-jet lag pills. Didn't get a wink of sleep on our flights to or from England last year, but did read a couple of books on each leg of the flight. I was pretty rummy when we landed. Definitely don't want that to be the case on this trip.

Partake of the free drinks enough and it won't matter if you get any sleep or not! Then, you can really feel "rummy"!!! :p

Think I may be properly "libated" in the 13 hours it takes me to get from Anchorage to Atlanta.

Hay I don't see anywhere on your flight where your stopping in Idaho to pick up your gun bearer (me). I've got to go to storage to find my bug repellent though.

Are you taking your own rifles or gonna use guns supplied by the guide?

All kidding aside sounds like it's gonna be a good hunt.

Faucett.
I'm taking my own rifle(s). Will probably be the 300 H&H stoked with 200 grain North Forks and the 338 with 230 FailSafes, or might just take the 300 alone with a maintenance kit and extra scope.

alyeska338, doxycycline can also be used in the treatment of malaria, so a lot of people dont bother with prophylactics and take a course of the stuff if they develop a fever / cold like symptoms a few weeks after they have returned from a risk area..
As far as ankle protectors.. theyre good for snake bites, but will chaff somewhat.. lotsa guys just dont wear socks in the veld, because they act as magnets for a lot of seeds, which work their way into your shoes and can make a walk quite miserable... so back to the eucalyptus oil?

Thomas,
Thanks again for the recommendations. I'll definitely look into the oil.

Many thanks

Two of my friends were up there after buffalo and various plains game. For the first 2 days they had lotsa signs of game in the area. Then the one shot a Hyena.. the trackers and skinners (very superstitious) wanted nothing to do with the animal , believing that the hunter was now "cursed"..
Strange thing is that they saw very little sign after that and 2 days later the land cruiser they were traveling in rolled , fracturing the ph's leg and severly concussing the hunter in question. One hunt down the tubes..

Thomas,
That is interesting. I have read that many years ago some of the pygmies in CAR or Congo were superstitious about touching a Bongo, even after it was dead and they would not allow any of the meat from the bongo to be consumed by their village. That does not seem to be the case now.

I did not realize the locals would be superstitious about hyenas being killed. I had read where the locals would revel in Fisi being shot in Tanzania and Kenya in the old days.

Are there many hunting superstitions like that, concerning the locals? Maybe even start a new thread about those? Would be a very interesting topic.

I dont know too much about the local superstitions, except that at one time in the distant past there were rumours of witchdoctors being linked to hyenas. There was even a reported case of a hyena that was shot and upon exmination of the carcass beads were found woven into the fur of the animal (this goes back quite some time though).
Another supertition is that by using a scale of a scaley anteater, you could become invisible for a short while so that you could escape your persuers .
Some of the locals, mainly in the more remote areas still elevate their beds up high from the ground, using bricks of sorts.. this is to prevent the "tokeloshi" from getting at them. This tokeloshi was described as being of short stature (maybe two and a half feet - hence the high beds) but being very potent and dangerous. Whenever I asked for more information about the tokeloshi, most were too afraid to even talk about it..
Remember that traditional African medicine still involves herbalists, also known as sangomas. These sangomas base their knowledge on an intimate knowledge of nature and communicating with their ancestral spirits and are still highly respected in their communities. Some would even cast a spell for you, if the need arose.Today you have sangomas placing ads in newspapers, offering to help with a variety of problems, from making someone fall in love with you right up to making you wealthy.

Dear Alyeska -
I have found that wearing low cut racketball sneakers with no socks worked perfectly - no blisters - no seeds or other "stuff" in my shoes. So far the sneakers have gone on 9 African hunts and are still the best answer I have found to comfort, traction, good footing, ease of drying out after wading some smallish river feeders, and I will kepp wearing them until they, or I , rot!

I used Cabelas Canadian formula bug repellent and I was "bug proof" - even at night near the hippo pool where the mosquitos snatch baby hippos into the air!

I did take my malaria prophylaxis as directed and had no negative reaction but some folks do react very badly. I have been almost non-reactive to all medicines since birth. I only react badly, so far, to a surgeon with a scalpel in his or her hand.

One piece of advice which I have given to every person that has asked: Take a small, high quality camera - a Leica M series is terriffic - but there are great cheaper cameras with built in zoom lenses now available. If you are planning on taking 20 rolls of 36 exposure, 35mm film, don't. Take 40 rolls. Film in a lot of Africa is hard to find and is usually not in the best, fresh condition.

I usually take a lot of time to just do photography WHILE we are hunting. I was amazed on my first hunt that I shot up 10 rolls - 360 exposures - on giraffe and hippo alone. It is really easy to do - and way cheaper to have too much film than going back for more photos later.

Another tip. Your PH and his staff will LOVE you if you take some photos of THEM - all by themselves - without you in the middle of the shot - and send them copies when you get home. This is a real luxury to most PHs and their crews.

You WILL have a great trip. Keeop the magazine topped off, your wits always engaged, and put good bullets where they belong - than give all of us a "blow-by-blow when you get hpme.

Bluesman





Thomas,
Thanks again for the recommendations. I'll definitely look into the oil.

Many thanks

Bluesman,
It's kinda funny, but I'm notorious for taking umpteen million pictures while traveling, yet hardly take a camera into the field while hunting or fishing up here. I'm still on the search for a quality digital camera, but still have my old film Nikon that has served me well in the past. I'm sure I will burn through several rolls of film. Of course the drawback of the Nikon is its bulk and weight.

Thanks for the comment on the raquetball shoes.

Alyeska -

Since acquiring a digital camera, the 35mm pretty much stays in the case.

You can get extra cards to take along that can store an amazing amount of pictures. Best thing is you can review the shots in the field or back a camp and edit to your heart's delight.

Quite a few of the newer digitals fit handily into a shirt pocket, so there's no excuse on not having it with you at all times.

Think you'll do fine with the .300 H&H since you're hunting thin skinned game of moderate size. With the new premium bullets and today's powders, that old cartridge should do the trick.

Did the Dakota Arms magazine ever get there?

The Dakota magazine did make it. Thank you so much for sending it over. Have not had a chance to read it. Finishing up my final thesis in the next few weeks (April deadline, just like taxes). Was hoping it was okay to hold it for another month or so till I finish up this master's program. My apologies for not getting back to you on that.

The animal that concerns me about the 300 H&H is the Eland. While I believe the H&H warhorse will handle it if given a good shot angle, it does concern me about getting the right shot. The 200 North Forks are on order and I'll be working up loads sometime in the next month or so. The 180 NP's are shooting great if I don't get the right recipe for the 200's.

We did pick up a digital camera last year, but I've yet to take a picture of acceptable quality with it. It did have everything I was told to look for, good optical zoom and large megapixel image capability, but it just isn't the quality I'm hoping to find. Got a buddy up here that has a Canon S30 or 40 that takes outstanding pictures and will try to hunt one of those down. Ours just doesn't do the job.

The magazine is yours - I'm sure you'll find the articles on African hunting helpful. Understand about finding the time with your heavy school load.

Just not sure what eland will be able to stand up to the NP and the North Forks. That M70 should put "paid" on them in short order. I've read where lots of folks, including the PH's think the '06 with good bullets and marksmanship is plenty gun for plains game.

Thanks, kdub. The 180 NP's are shooting like a house afire right now. I do want to try the heavier North Forks for accuracy though. I'd be more comfortable tackling a 2,000 lb critter with the 200 grain bullet, instead of the 180. Just gotta put it in the right place though.

Am seriously considering just taking a maintenance kit and extra scope/mounts with the 300. Sure would make packing easier. Just hate to leave the 338 at home because its been a faithful companion on hither and yon adventures with me for so long.

alyeska338, the biggest problem with Eland is getting close to them - they feed and move at a brisk rate , covering great distances and if they sense that you are on their tracks you are in for a long walk / stalk.. but thats what its all about , not so?

Alyeska -

Nikons are too heavy - but there is a real answewr to a few problems that I have found with digital cameras.

My objection to the digital cameras is that they are kinda like the Remington 700 action - they work great almost all the time but when I'm going on an important hunt I will always take a controlled feed rifle.

The digital cameras use batteries and electronics - maybe I'm just an old fart but as a long retired Time-Life photojournalist, I don't, and won't, trust my pictures to these wonder-cameras.

My long time favorite camera for rough and ready use in the field has been a Nikonos - the Nikon "underwater" camers. It is virtually indestructable, is very light weight, and has no gim-cracks or other stuff that can go south unless you have to use it as a club.

Used, and easy to find used, they sell for around $250.00. They don't have through the lens focusing, or even a rangefinder, but since you are going to be able to judge distance as well as a good rifleman, this isn't a problem.
Being an "underwater" camera the Nikonos is both water AND dust tight. Mine has taken too many beatings to relate and it is still as tight as a drum and working like it is new.

I use only the 35mm lens and have been entirely satisfied with the end result. And last - they DON'T use batteries or electronics - and I like the "controlled feed" system that makes life simple and reliable!

Maybe I'm just too old to rely on the newest technology, but when photojournalists go off to the boonies, or to war, reliability beats everything else hands down.

Bluesman


Bluesman,
It's kinda funny, but I'm notorious for taking umpteen million pictures while traveling, yet hardly take a camera into the field while hunting or fishing up here. I'm still on the search for a quality digital camera, but still have my old film Nikon that has served me well in the past. I'm sure I will burn through several rolls of film. Of course the drawback of the Nikon is its bulk and weight.

Thanks for the comment on the raquetball shoes.

alyeska338, the biggest problem with Eland is getting close to them - they feed and move at a brisk rate , covering great distances and if they sense that you are on their tracks you are in for a long walk / stalk.. but thats what its all about , not so?
That is what it is about. The hunt. Spot/Stalk and stillhunting are the hunting techniques I enjoy the most.

alyeska338, another point to ponder : I saw that you were stopping over in Johannesburg en route to Zimbabwe.. Make sure that you have the neccessary import / export permits for your weapons as they come through South Africa.. We seem to be one of the few (if not the only) countries which require these documents , even when the weapon is not destined to be used here and is only "passing through". I would suggest that you get some clarity on this matter so as to avoid any disappointment before your hunt..
Maybe you should allso find out what the policy of the airline you are using is regarding live ammunition transport.
Better to know now that to be upset later, I think.

I hang my head in shame alyeska338, I misinformed you about the import export permit system in RSA. I was talking to a gunsmith friend of mine who does a lot of work for out of the country clients and he informed me that if the weapon is in transit and not destined to be used in the RSA, you shouldnt have any problems.

I spoke with my travel agent about this when I we booked the tickets. Kathi Klimes is the agent. She and her husband have been to Zim on a few ocassions and are going to be leaving HHK's camp just as I arrive. She said if the travel was straight through to Zim, I wouldn't need the permit, but if I was staying over in RSA and receiving my baggage there, then I would. I suppose it would not be a bad idea to get one if, for some reason, I am delayed in Jo'Burg for an extended amount of time (happens in the States on occasion).

alyeska,
I have been dragging a digital camera everywhere with me now for the last 3 years. Vacations, and more importantly hunting and fishing up here. It survives bouncing around in the boat pretty well and still takes nice pictures. What you might want to find is one that runs on Double A batteries. Then get a couple of the Costco packs of them and a couple memory cards. Fred Meyer has good deals usually on the memory cards up here. I went big, a 256MB for my main card (5oo pics on large format, fine detail) and keep the smaller card as a backup. The extra batteries will allow you to edit in camp in the evening. The Lithium batteries are nice but really spendy and if you lose them, kill them, will you be able to find more in Africa?

Yeah, I am in the planning stages for Africa. Have to get married this summer, then build the garage first. Once that is done, we are going. It is a good thing she takes MUCH better pictures than I do. I need a digital camera. Film and processing gets too expensive when I get one good picture out of 20 shots... Cameras hate me I guess. But I am still taking my 35mm compact and she will pack the polaroid. I have heard the same about the PH and staff liking pictures of themselves and the polaroid is the fastest way to deliver from all I understand about that in addition to mailing pictures back afterwards.

I am kind of leary about Zimbabwe because of the political stuff going on. It may be better in 2-2 1/2 years. I dont know. I'm looking forward to reading all about things when you get back.

Michael

"though there is probably a fueling stop"

I've found that fuel stops are typically a pretty good idea...beats having the passengers flap their arms the last hour or two :rolleyes:

I sure hope that not only the travel, but the hunt and associated experiences are everything you can hope for. Also hope this first one is only one of many that you'll enjoy. Knowing you, you will have read the correct material and will be prepared so please save some of your strength to tell we homebodies all about it when you return.

Dan

I am kind of leary about Zimbabwe because of the political stuff going on. It may be better in 2-2 1/2 years. I dont know.
The political and economical situation in Zim is why I decided to get over there now, instead of waiting a few years (till I could actually afford a Buff hunt). I am afraid Zim may go the way of Kenya, or worse yet, Sudan, Uganda, Somalia, et al. Typically when we see an implosion in Africa or revolution, it takes years for the country to rebound and reopen its borders for hunting. It's been decades for Kenya, and Sudan, Uganda, Somalia are all still in conflict. Game populations in some of these countries have been devasted through the lawless regions to support waring factions. I've wanted to hunt Zimbabwe for a long, long time and figure I better get over there now if I want to go at all. But... we cannot see the future and Zim may actually quiet down. Personally, I think it is going to get a whole lot worse before it gets better.

"though there is probably a fueling stop"

I've found that fuel stops are typically a pretty good idea...beats having the passengers flap their arms the last hour or two.

Dan
My understanding is the either the Airbus or the Boeing 747 does not require a fueling stop, but the other does. Neither list a fueling stop on the itinerary, though one or the other does make the stop.

If we have to flap our arms, I may be too tuckered out to do any hunting. Like to think I'm in decent shape, but not quite that good! :D

If you cup your hand correctly, the average person can produce enough lift to fly if they flap their arms 32,000 times per minute.

Now ponder on this a bit. Those turbines that take you across the pond are turning 56000 RPM!

If you aren't let off the plane to refuel, it may not be listed as a stop on your flight. Flew LA - Singapore once, stopped in Taiwan for gas, even though the ticket made no mention of it. We were allowed to walk off the plane into an empty terminal, but didn't clear customs, etc.

You are right, Mike. I don't think the airlines will allow the passengers off during the refueling stop.

If you cup your hand correctly, the average person can produce enough lift to fly if they flap their arms 32,000 times per minute.

Now ponder on this a bit. Those turbines that take you across the pond are turning 56000 RPM!

Ranch Dog, My concern when I read things like "56,000 RPM" my first thought is how most companies (certainly not restricted to airlines) buy the cheapest parts....as in bearings? Particularly since I'm on the short end of 32,000 per minute by about 31,990 flaps.

Dan

DOK,

There's a reason a jetliner costs several million dollars, and cheap bearings ain't one of them :)