Any Tips on safari outfit?

[Oldsarge]

Actually, I got the band a couple of safaris before I shot a zebra. Where I hunted the first couple of times there weren't any zebra or I'd have gotten one first out. However, I did finally make up for my faux pas and that rug now adorns the slate floor in my guest room. BTW, many safari hunters take one look at the carcass of a zebra with it's chrome yellow fat and say, "Uh, give it to the staff." That's a serious mistake. While eland is doubtless the best meat of four legs, zebra is right up there. It's absolutely delicious and even if you're on a photo safari, stop off at The Carnivore and have some. You'll be amazed.

[mustangman3000]

Going on safari would be a dream for me, but at this point in life it is a very distant dream. But that hasn't stopped me from collecting a couple of safari hats!

The one on the left is a custom hat by Black Sheep Hat works and on the right is an Akubra Territory with a puggaree that I got off eBay.

[Oldsarge]

And the fine double rifle in front? I presume it's a muzzle-loader since there is no top lever or hinge. What caliber? You are aware that safaris in RSA can be had for remarkably little money and flying from New Orleans is cheaper than from the Left Coast and that there are operators who specialize in catering to BP Bwanas . . . ?

[mustangman3000]

The "fine" double rifle as you call it is indeed a muzzleloader, its a .50 Pedersoli Kodiak. I recently found it at a local gun shop in almost new condition. They had it priced at $580.00, I got it for $500.00. Now I just need a howdah pistol to go with it!

And to answer your other question, I haven't priced anything. I only became interested in hunting over the last year, so before I even think about going to Africa, I need to get some experience under my belt.

Plus I don't know anyone who I think would be interested in going with me.
Africa doesn't seem like place you should experience by yourself for the first time.

[Oldsarge]

A .50 Kodiak? Perfect! I'd probably draw the line just below giraffe (they're amazingly huge!) and wouldn't have the cojones to try a lion with one but the vast majority of your plains game including leopard (a very expensive hunt!) could be taken. And while a whole bunch of people have gone to Africa alone, I agree with you. Having someone along that you know on safari improves the experience and if it's another hunter, it's always good to have another gun behind you if things go south. And Louisiana should be a grand place to get some hunting under your belt. You've got long deer seasons with generous bag limits, feral hog and I don't know whatall else. Check around for a hunting club. The South is famous for them.

BTW, good bargaining on the Pedesoli. $500 is a good price.

[Otter]

I have used the Tilley stuff for a few years. Not quite so vintage, think 1950 - 1970 to give you a feel, tough as old boots and you can rinse it out and it will be dry by the morning with no wrinkles.

[Mr. Godfrey]

tough as old boots

so very true. Mine was so abused after a couple of stints in Indonesia, after a rinse or two it still looks fine. Agree about the look for a vintage look, I use my Akubra safari with a puggagree added. I would love to add real leopard though ah the dream...............