Knife for a safari in Africa?

[Steven65]

Dug out some (film) photos from 2013 when we went last, also to show what equipment you need BTW, my longest lens was 180mm, for birds it’s better to have something longer. And the dogs (my favorites) we could only see on a Walking Safari, no car.

Great pics........It's been years since I was in the Bush. I must make a trip sometime.

 

[DennisM]

CPK EDC, BFK or FK ... either would suit you just fine.

 

[gamma_nyc]

What is it you want to see? The big 5?

If so you could do Kenya, Tanzania, or South Africa/Botswana. It's a good time now because we are going into winter. The grass is less so you see more and the mosquitos are less.

I can only speak about South Africa, you could probably find a really good deal to visit during winter. Either in the Lowveldt near the Kruger or the Okavango delta in Botswana.

As far as knives are concerned I would be happy in SA just carrying a 4" fixed blade like an ESEE or something similar (preferably concealed) or something like a Buck 110, a good SAK or Leatherman. I suggest orange lanyards so if you drop them in the bush they are easier to find.

In SA your CC will work everywhere including ATM's for cash. Avoid carrying too much US currency.

This is very helpful, thank you. The big 5 sounds right, though would like to see giraffe, hippo, crocodiles, zebra herds, hyennas, and a black mamba snake...

 

[gamma_nyc]

This may be the wrong forum to ask, but what is best way to carry a revolver or rifle there?

I've always wanted an excuse to get a big bore revolver : )

 

[oldmanwilly]

This may be the wrong forum to ask, but what is best way to carry a revolver or rifle there?

I've always wanted an excuse to get a big bore revolver : )

I'll defer to the expertise of members here who are from the continent, but some things to consider:

If you're hunting, your outfitter and PH will procure any permits necessary for you to travel, carry, and use whatever firearms you intend to bring in the areas you intend to hunt. In your case, reach out to the photo safari outfit you choose and ask what their policy is on patrons carrying firearms. I am willing to bet that most, if not all, photo safari companies prohibit patrons from carrying any firearms under any conditions and, depending on the country, tourists are probably legally prohibited from carrying firearms on game preserves managed for photo safari.

As for excuses to get a big bore revolver: do you live in the US? If so, did you know there's bears all over [certain parts] of the US? You should probably get a .357 mag or bigger to keep around in case you stumble across a bear. Heck, in certain parts of Oklahoma, Florida, and Texas there are also lions and tigers...so you should probably get two revolvers.

 

[ferider]

This may be the wrong forum to ask, but what is best way to carry a revolver or rifle there?

I've always wanted an excuse to get a big bore revolver : )

They do have Black Bears and constitutional carry in Arizona (a guess?) … just saying

 

[gamma_nyc]

I was thinking 454 Casull, but yeah, i can easily get one in the US...though, the role of that sort of pistol is better suited to large game defense!

 

[DennisM]

I was thinking 454 Casull, but yeah, i can easily get one in the US...though, the role of that sort of pistol is better suited to large game defense!

A S&W .460 (top right) is capable of firing 45 LC, .454 or .460 ...

Here is the holster I have

Guides Choice® Chest Holster

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www.diamonddcustomleather.com

 

[Wishfulthinker580]

I’m not sure you can temporarily import a firearm for anything other than hunting (possibly other sporting purposes) and I believe you have to have a letter from your outfitter basically stating that. I didn’t go to RSA so I’m not sure but IIRC you have to have some form(s) for SAPS. It will likely vary country to country

 

[mrknife]

I was thinking 454 Casull, but yeah, i can easily get one in the US...though, the role of that sort of pistol is better suited to large game defense!

model 500, thats got pretty good stopping power

 

[Steven65]

I was thinking 454 Casull, but yeah, i can easily get one in the US...though, the role of that sort of pistol is better suited to large game defense!

In South Africa you can only bring in firearms if you are coming for a Bona-Fide hunt.

The things that can kill you in the South African bush (most of Africa) are not defensible with a large bore revolver.

The most dangerous animal in Africa is the Anopheles Mosquito, followed closely by the ticks and other hidden parasites.

Leave the gun at home and bring the correct kit and meds. That will go far further than any firearm for defence of your life in the bush.