Bigmaxx,

You are in for a GREAT Safari. I have hunted Chewore South with Roger Whittall Safaris twice. You will see many, many buffalo and also many elephants.

Before moving on to the topic of rifles, I suggest that you reserve quota for a Chobe bushbuck in Chewore. A great hunt for an beautiful anumal and there are excellent bushbuck there, but the quota isn't unlimited. Also, I would suggest reserving quota for a hyhena. It is a fun hunt and sort of a leopard hunt "light" with not dissimiliar tactics, but lacking the required attention to minute details so more fun and relaxing. A hyhena skin makes a nice rug and the skull is remarkable for its teeth. The quota isn't large in Chewore so resreving ahead of time is wise, for both animals. Neither of these animals is expensive trophy fee wise and reserving the quota shouldn't cost anything.

I suspect that you may move from Chewore to Humani in the Save Consevatiry after you have been successful with your buff. If so then you will see vast numbers of plains game and some of the cheekiest elephants to be found.

Do you know who your PH will be yet?

On to rifles, I suggest the 375 Ruger as a second rifle because it can serve as an adequate back up to your 458 Lott should you encounter any problems with it. There is no penalty to selecting it over your other choices and the insurance it provides as a back up may prove invaluable.

I have taken a 458wm and a 375H&H and this has proven completely successful. The flatter trajectory of the Ruger only makes your rifle a better selection.

Also I have used the 1.5x5 Leupold on my 375H&H and find it an excellent choice, except when it comes to leopard hunting, where it lacks sufficient low light performance.

Lastly, I have a healthy respect for elephants, especially in the Save, if you do end up there, and find an elephant capable rifle comforting. Even when after inocuous game like impala or kudu I load my 375H&H with one soft up the spout and maybe another on top of the magazine and then solids below.

JPK