Hey Dogleg any input would be great.
OK:
-Use softs.
-Take twice the money and half the ammunition you think you need.
-Take half the clothes you think you need.
-Check references.
-Remember that everyone that hunts Africa either thinks they are, or wants to be a booking agent. Remember that when you get offered the same deal. And again when you check references.
-If a PH tells you to not shoot it again its done, shoot again out of spite. You're the one that pays for mistakes.
-If the PH tells you to take a shot that you aren't confident in don't take it. Same reason as above.
-Roll with the punches. Something will go wrong everyday. Don't let it wreck your day or trip.
-Don't smile at the local girls. Just to be safe, don't smile at anyone.
-Use lots of gun.
-Forget about your long and cherished string of one shot kills. If you can get a 2nd shot into your buff do it. If you can get the whole mag into him, do that. Pay the insurance.
-Shoot between the trees not through them.
-Have fun.
-Take lots of pictures. Burn more into your retinas.
-Travel in clothing/shoes that you could hunt in if you had to. Take a set of hunting clothes and your binos and camera in your carry-on.
-Put half of your ammo in your partner's luggage if you have a partner. Take half of his. That way if either of you lose your luggage the other will at least have something to start with. Even one box might get you through.
-Expect widely varying reactions from people when you get home, everything from unbridled enthusiasum to disapproval to resentment. Some react with disbelief. Be prepared for someone to stop you in mid-sentence to ask what you do for a liveing. Which responses come from which people is often a surprise.
-Have fun. I know that was covered earlier, but its worth saying twice.
-Start planning your second trip before you finish the first one. Everyone else does.