I wouldn't even consider taking the varmint rig - only hunting rifles.
1,500fps with a 50gr. bullet is serious stuff - matches the 2 7/8" Sharps. With hardened lead bullets it will shoot through 2 Bison - sounds good enough, but I think it's the wrong bullet for cats. I believe you should have something that will expand for them, like perhaps a 350gr. soft, soft point at about 2,000fps. Personally, due to the darkness usually attributed with these cats, and their potential danger is not killed outright, I'd be using a rifle. my opinion- my ideas - never been to Africa, but makes sense to me. I would certianly use the handgun on the antelope including the eland but not on dangerous game. To me, that seems more of a trick, rather than good judgment.