Hunt Preparation Checklist

Assuming your African hunt will be about a year ahead, this hunt preparation checklist itemises all things you may need to do, in good time before you depart.

Hunt Preparation Checklist: Right after booking, so about a year ahead

Start a weight loss and fitness program if necessary. Beginning it now will give you plenty of time to reach your optimum weight and fitness levels by the hunt start date.
If you want to purchase a new firearm for your Afican hunt, do it early so you can get the rifle customised for Africa (if you want to), start your shooting practice, and also get it on your firearm certificate correctly if this is applicable.
Get in a good supply of ammunition of the type you will be using in Africa for shooting practice
Start shooting practice as the more time devoted to this, the better.

Hunt Preparation Checklist: About 6 months before departure

Begin the unavoidable shop for new items of hunting equipment and clothing
Check your guncase and luggage are in good condition - replace if necessary
Check your passport for validity date and ample empty pages – renew if necessary
Organise hunt insurance and any other specific insurance cover you may need.
If you don't have a taxidermist already, start looking at the alternatives - taxidermist in Africa or at home, prices,shipping costs etc. If you opt for a taxidermist in your home country, ask him to send you a batch of trophy tags to take with you.
Get firearm documentation together ready to send to your outfitter or complete yourself for your import permit(s)
Get lots of passport photos done - for firearm permit application, visa application and spares to take with you.
Send the required firearm documentation to outfitter or firearm permit handling company (RSA) or permit issuing authority if applying yourself (RSA).
Make international and/or domestic flight and seat reservations.
Complete and send off Dutch firearm consent form if transiting via Amsterdam
Get CITES import permit application done if intending to hunt a CITES Appendix I species
Make any hotel and transfer reservations you may need, if your outfitter doesn’t do this on your behalf

Hunt Preparation Checklist: Within about 3 months of departure

Apply for a visa if necessary for your hunting country. Time this carefully - not too early, as the visa validity is from the date the passport is stamped not from date of travel.
Prepare your personal first aid kit and get enough supplies of prescription medicines to cover the safari
Get all vaccinations and anti-malarial drugs, as necessary. Start anti-malarials at prescribed time, in advance of arriving in Africa
Order traveller's cheques and cash in the necessary currency
Start gathering everything together prior to packing. See also Packing List
Important - remember to cycle all your ammunition through your rifle. This ensures there is nothing wrong with the ammo you are taking.