John,

Regarding the rifles, it all depends on the company. Our ones are .404 Jeffery custom built by Sabi Rifles with mercury tube recoil arrestor and Swarovski 1.5-6 and QD mounts.... but like you, I've also seen some real crap... and it's those companies that don't have decent rifles that will need to improve, but the way air travel is going, I can see (decent quality) loaners becoming increasingly popular.

Regarding clothes... post is another option but postal theft is a problem in Africa and sending by courier is expensive. You can buy a cotton T shirt here for US$2-3 so in some ways it's hardly worth the postage and hassle.

Incredible how air travel has changed over the years. It wasn't that long ago you could sweet talk the check in girls and get the fees waived, but not anymore I'm afraid.