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Sarg
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Where to put your money , on self guided hunt in Africa ?
      #138332 - 02/07/09 08:44 AM

I have a mate in the Congo right now & we have been talking about his up coming hunt .
I might join him later if I can get over there .

One of the many things to worry about is WHERE do you keep all of the funds to keep you going on a long and difficult hunt like this , no Banks , no ATM's & no exchange , bar in the main 2 Cities most likly ?

Any ideas , remember if it is on you & you are a White guy , the locals may see you as a ATM !

Thanks

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Bramble
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Re: Where to put your money , on self guided hunt in Africa ? [Re: Sarg]
      #138346 - 02/07/09 06:01 PM

Put it all in a large bright dayglo orange envelope.

Fasten this to the outside of your rucksack and attach a sign in both English and French which reads

"
We are sorry that we offended you and of course we do realise that this is un unstable region surrounded by waring states, where the principles of law, order and reason were abandoned years ago. We did not mean to wander into your little bit of it and realise that our lives of deaths rest on your whim today.

Those are very nice AK 47's and RPG's that you are carrying and we hope that our donation to your cause will enable you to buy lots more. Do also buy some sweeties for those flinty eyed children that travel with you. ( Do you think that being forced to kill their parents with a machete had a disadvantagious effect on their development ?)

The firearms that we are carrying, as you can see, are only for killing animals, we mean you no harm. Don't be silly, of course we are not assasins sent by the government, nor are we CIA or special forces. Dont for a minute think of course that this means we are suggesting that you are irrational or subject to fits of dillusion, that is just the drugs that you are using.

Please take this money, which represents more than you and your men will otherwise see in their entire lifetimes. It is all there so there is no need for me to get naked whilst you search my clothes and belongings. We ask only that you spare our lives and leave us with the GPS and the canteens, without which we are going to wander this bush for days until we run out of drinking water and die hopelessly lost. That is if you have indeed decided not to cut off my penis and make me eat it for amusment "

That should proberbly get the job done. Have a good trip.

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tophet1
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Re: Where to put your money , on self guided hunt in Africa ? [Re: Bramble]
      #138348 - 02/07/09 08:31 PM

What I think Bramble is trying to say is: It's probably not a very good idea to go on a hunt in the Congo.

But, where there is a will there is a way. Does your friend have many contacts over there ? Local knowledge is invaluable and in your case possibly essential.

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NitroXAdministrator
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Re: Where to put your money , on self guided hunt in Africa ? [Re: tophet1]
      #138350 - 02/07/09 10:57 PM

Travellers cheques sound like a good idea. At least if they are lost, you can recover the funds. As long as you can pay what you need with them. You might need more cash of course on a self guided trip.

I usually carry funds with me if unsure of where to put them safely. Of course there is a risk, just like carrying your passport on your person.

--------------------
John aka NitroX

...
Govt get out of our lives NOW!
"I love the smell of cordite in the morning."
"A Sharp spear needs no polish"

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9.3x57
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Re: Where to put your money , on self guided hunt in Africa ? [Re: NitroX]
      #138354 - 02/07/09 11:39 PM

Quote:

Travellers cheques sound like a good idea. At least if they are lost, you can recover the funds. As long as you can pay what you need with them. You might need more cash of course on a self guided trip.

I usually carry funds with me if unsure of where to put them safely. Of course there is a risk, just like carrying your passport on your person.



Not sure which Congo he is speaking about, but when I was in Zaire/Congo, traveller's checks were worthless as the remoteness of the areas precluded any cashing of said checks and they weren't negotiable as issued.

Cash is the thing, tho troublesome, just like as Nitro says carrying one's passport. Of course, when needed, really needed, the passport must be on one's person.

Ain't nasty places fun?

--------------------
What are the Rosary, the Cross or the Crucifix other than tools to help maintain the fortress of our faith in Jesus Christ, the Son of God?

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NitroXAdministrator
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Re: Where to put your money , on self guided hunt in Africa ? [Re: 9.3x57]
      #138355 - 02/07/09 11:46 PM

An idea would be to carry funds in more than one location on yourself. So if not searched, you can hand over only one location.

If "asked" to give up funds, sometimes one can bargain, or negotiate. I was once asked for US$500 and negotiated with the crooks for about 40 minutes. Ended up giving up GBP35 (about $50). With hindsight may have been able to get away with paying nothing, but $50 is better than being knifed or disappearing. The story and experience is "worth" $50.

I will PM you one place I have used to carry documents and extra cash.

--------------------
John aka NitroX

...
Govt get out of our lives NOW!
"I love the smell of cordite in the morning."
"A Sharp spear needs no polish"

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Huvius
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Re: Where to put your money , on self guided hunt in Africa ? [Re: NitroX]
      #138358 - 03/07/09 12:57 AM

The real question should be:
What is there to hunt in the DRC which is worth risking your money or your life for?
With the possibility of robbery and the probability of bribes - it may be less expensive to go on a hunt with a bonified guide.

IMHO, go somewhere more safe!

--------------------
He who lives in the past is doomed to enjoy it.

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crkennedy1
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Re: Where to put your money , on self guided hunt in Africa ? [Re: Huvius]
      #138361 - 03/07/09 01:58 AM

Lots of good advice, but I think that Bramble is closest to the mark. Regardless,Sarg I am very interested to hear how things work out for you and your mate. (Be careful, I'm sure these guys have no problems conducting body cavity searches...)

--------------------
DOUBLE or NOTHING

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NitroXAdministrator
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Re: Where to put your money , on self guided hunt in Africa ? [Re: crkennedy1]
      #138363 - 03/07/09 02:25 AM

What's wrong with someone pursuing serious adventure in places rarely travelled?

If you've got the balls, experience, and the willingness to take extra risk, why not?!

Hell bells, around a hundred years a go a lot of safaris especially to wilder areas of the "Black Continent" entailed far more danger. Such as the many ivory hunters of the Karamojo and the Lado Enclave. No PHs to hold hands for those guys either.

Self guided involves a higher risk of not scoring on animals of course, as well as the possible other risks of hunting or visiting remote areas such as the Congo.

I would be keen to hear more about what your trip will include and what is planned.

Someone has to be the bunny to first hunt in places no one else returns from!

--------------------
John aka NitroX

...
Govt get out of our lives NOW!
"I love the smell of cordite in the morning."
"A Sharp spear needs no polish"

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grandveneur
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Re: Where to put your money , on self guided hunt in Africa ? [Re: Sarg]
      #138364 - 03/07/09 02:56 AM

Be carefull! La Republique Centrafricaine, la Republique Democratique du congo and l'ex-congo Belge are not very safe today. I dont know if your mate is a European or a local, but the local people see the problem a little bit different. In "special" aeras it is better to use cash, and for this countries Euros, no Dollars!!! Money can be helpfull in "special" situation. But the risk is high if you cannot use the service of a big, puissant, local outfitter and a lot of protection.

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crkennedy1
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Re: Where to put your money , on self guided hunt in Africa ? [Re: NitroX]
      #138365 - 03/07/09 03:10 AM

Quote:

What's wrong with someone pursuing serious adventure in places rarely travelled?

If you've got the balls, experience, and the willingness to take extra risk, why not?!





Call me crazy, but when I ride my Harley, I wear a helmet, when I parachute I pack it myself, when jet ski I wear a life jacket and when I rock climb I use a rope. I like adventure as much or more so than the next guy. But, I also want the odds in my favor. It's not sounding like that's the case in the Congo.

Regardless, I am excited for the adventure and will prefer to live this one vicariously through another. I like life and when push comes to shove - I'd rather be a live chicken than a dead duck. Go get 'em Sarg, I want all the details, if you make it back alive. If you don't, I'll think of you every time I look at my farm-raised Kudu shot on a farm in South Africa.

--------------------
DOUBLE or NOTHING

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shakari
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Re: Where to put your money , on self guided hunt in Africa ? [Re: crkennedy1]
      #138376 - 03/07/09 06:49 AM

I reckon Bramble has it about right but I'll also add one other warning of something the early explorers didn't have to worry about. Mines, lots and lots of mines, and I don't mean the ones that produce precious stones etc.

--------------------
Steve "Shakari" Robinson
Kuduland Safaris (Africa) Ltd
info@kuduland.com
www.kuduland.com



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Sarg
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Re: Where to put your money , on self guided hunt in Africa ? [Re: crkennedy1]
      #138378 - 03/07/09 07:44 AM

Thank you guys some very funny replys there .

I was reading in the last couple of weeks in DRC there has been a increase in PENIS thefts
not be cutting off but by Witch Craft ? ? and they are burning & hanging the culprits ? ?

It is (Brazzaville) Congo , CFA is official currency , but I'm hearing US funds mentioned a bit ,
Travellers cheques will not work im told .

Sounds like game is around , not like DRC , will have to see !

May not be the safest place , but I spent a few weeks in the Sumatran Rain Forest in the 80's hunting Tigers (good numbers then) with the locals & made it back in one peace (not with a Tiger)

I'm hoping it is not too much worse than that !

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tophet1
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Re: Where to put your money , on self guided hunt in Africa ? [Re: Sarg]
      #138380 - 03/07/09 08:50 AM

When I was back-packing in my youth, we had a saying/philosophy:

If a German hadn't visited a place, an Aussie had. If the Aussies were the first 'in' they would probably find a Kiwi had already been there.

Go Sarg, you are obviously no stranger to adventure.

Edited by tophet1 (03/07/09 08:51 AM)

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9.3x57
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Re: Where to put your money , on self guided hunt in Africa ? [Re: Sarg]
      #138383 - 03/07/09 11:23 AM

Quote:

I'm hoping it is not too much worse than that !



Sarg:

I wish you the best. If you can pull off the trek, all the power to you.

I love your posts and from them, your attitude.

Of course, all the posters here are right. Bramble's got me laughing, but he is right you know. I myself spent three days under arrest by a group of ragged out thug wannabe soldiers in Congo for absolutely nothing so I can vouch for the general thrust of his concerns.

By God's grace I was not overhauled, but trouble can ensue of course.

Of course, I could drop a tree on myself next week...

Godspeed on your endeavour, and like Nitro says, post the results.

Count the cost tho, Mate, make sure you get your ducks in a row and do it as right as you can.

But you already know all that.

--------------------
What are the Rosary, the Cross or the Crucifix other than tools to help maintain the fortress of our faith in Jesus Christ, the Son of God?

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Bramble
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Re: Where to put your money , on self guided hunt in Africa ? [Re: tophet1]
      #138385 - 03/07/09 11:32 AM

Sarg.

I did write my first reply for giggles and I am glad that you took it that way.

I am not one to put anyone off of a bit of adventure, however, my point was a serious one.

If a pair of white guys go off on a self guided hunting trip in Congo there is a very real possibility that you will not come back. If you run into one of the roaming groups of bandits or diamond smugglers of which there are many, they are not going to negotiate with you for how much you are prepared to give them, they will simply kill you and take everything.
Your life has no meaning to them and there is no law and zero chance that they will be caught or punished.

As Steve has said the area is littered with mines and you will have no way of knowing where not to go.
If you get hurt out in the ulu by whatever means, you will not make it back.


"I'm hoping it is not too much worse than that !"

It is many orders of magnitude worse than that.

Regards

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SharpsNitro
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Re: Where to put your money , on self guided hunt in Africa [Re: Sarg]
      #138390 - 03/07/09 02:30 PM

Rent the movie "Papillon" if you have not already seen it. Dustin Hoffman's character Louis Degas had the hiding method that you are looking for.

You should also probably keep a small amount in a pocket so as to not raise suspicions if you are searched.

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alexbeer
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Re: Where to put your money , on self guided hunt in Africa ? [Re: Bramble]
      #138396 - 03/07/09 05:37 PM

Bramble,
You cracked me up, I laughed so hard I blew my coffee all over the key board when I read through your first post, heck of a mess. Great stuff

Sarg,
Someone once wrote something like this: "You have only half-lived your life if you never feel the icy clutch of danger for it's own sake". So go for it man, if it goes pear shaped, just do the best you can, and if it goes well, you will have had a brilliant hunt and a fantastic adventure, one that many could only dream about. I reckon I'm one of the dreamers

Regards all

Alex

alexbeer.com

--------------------

Details matter!

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kamilaroi
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Re: Where to put your money , on self guided hunt in Africa ? [Re: alexbeer]
      #138397 - 03/07/09 05:43 PM

FWIW a local fella (Mexican= Victorian) did a self guided hunt in that area abt 25 years back. Lived with "pygmies" (forest people) etc in DRG, CAR and Cameroons from memory. He survived BUT was a case study at Walter and Eliza Hall Institute as he had all sorts of weird diseases/ parasites and may not be still alive.

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NitroXAdministrator
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Re: Where to put your money , on self guided hunt in Africa [Re: SharpsNitro]
      #138400 - 03/07/09 06:38 PM

So lets ignore the "Congo" destination and help Sarg out with some constructive comments. Where do you hide your passport or cash when travelling to less than savoury places? I am sure Sarg would accept PMs also if you want.

One I suggested to Sarg along with more serious ones, is he travel with a goat, and secret his cash in a plastic bag under the billies hide a la "Blood Diamond".

--------------------
John aka NitroX

...
Govt get out of our lives NOW!
"I love the smell of cordite in the morning."
"A Sharp spear needs no polish"

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NitroXAdministrator
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Re: Where to put your money , on self guided hunt in Africa ? [Re: alexbeer]
      #138402 - 03/07/09 06:47 PM

Quote:

Someone once wrote something like this: "You have only half-lived your life if you never feel the icy clutch of danger for it's own sake". So go for it man, if it goes pear shaped, just do the best you can, and if it goes well, you will have had a brilliant hunt and a fantastic experience, one that many could only dream about. I reckon I'm one of the dreamers



Alex,

A couple of ideas I suggested to Sarg which I am willing to post on a public forum as I think it is a good one, and also something one will always carry when hunting.

My Grandfather used to drill a hole/tube into the butt of his shotguns, then roll up his licence and put it into the butt, then a plug to seal it in.

Couldn't something like this be done, even if a rifle has a recoil pad? Drill a hole into the pad, then the butt stock. A matching rubber plug for the recoil pad and viola! A place to put a roll of cash, or other rollable documents.

Alex, have you ever been asked to make such a compartment on your rifles? Other than cartridge traps which are often on European styled firearms. Which could also be used for the same purpose of course.

Another idea I had was to utilise a cartridges pouch and have a pocket sewn into the back of one to hold a passport or cash etc. Again it will always be on your belt when hunting.

When one puts one's mind to it, various things can be utilised and if in more than one location it is also a good idea.

--------------------
John aka NitroX

...
Govt get out of our lives NOW!
"I love the smell of cordite in the morning."
"A Sharp spear needs no polish"

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kamilaroi
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Re: Where to put your money , on self guided hunt in Africa ? [Re: NitroX]
      #138403 - 03/07/09 08:04 PM

don't wear cams.
respect the locals.
have the right "body language" for the circumstances (loose and slow movements and no stridin' around like a Belgique "colon")
have a sense of self deprecating humour. (and use it!)
be prepared to "suck up" to officialdom as circumstances require
be prepared to negotiate on issues over at least several hours if not more and sit down to do it and get some food to ease the process.
understand body "space"
DON'T confront the locals with direct eye contact!
Don't hit on the wimmin! (if you even think abt it they will know)
have enough WELL USED equipment that it appears you know the ropes.
have some French language skills.

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NitroXAdministrator
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Re: Where to put your money , on self guided hunt in Africa ? [Re: Sarg]
      #138408 - 04/07/09 02:33 AM

Quote:

Sarg:
It is (Brazzaville) Congo , CFA is official currency , but I'm hearing US funds mentioned a bit ,
Travellers cheques will not work im told .

Sounds like game is around , not like DRC , will have to see !




Information on Congo (Brazzaville) (Republic of Congo) for those interested:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Republic_of_the_Congo

CIA Factbook - Congo (Brazzaville)

--------------------
John aka NitroX

...
Govt get out of our lives NOW!
"I love the smell of cordite in the morning."
"A Sharp spear needs no polish"

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EricD
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Re: Where to put your money , on self guided hunt in Africa ? [Re: NitroX]
      #139003 - 15/07/09 08:07 AM

Quote:

What's wrong with someone pursuing serious adventure in places rarely travelled?

If you've got the balls, experience, and the willingness to take extra risk, why not?!



I couldn't have said it better myself. But then I had some serious plans to travel thru both Congo-Brazzaville and the DRC by myself only a few years ago. Until a baby got in the way.

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EricD
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Re: Where to put your money , on self guided hunt in Africa ? [Re: kamilaroi]
      #139004 - 15/07/09 08:18 AM

Quote:

don't wear cams.
respect the locals.
have the right "body language" for the circumstances (loose and slow movements and no stridin' around like a Belgique "colon")
have a sense of self deprecating humour. (and use it!)
be prepared to "suck up" to officialdom as circumstances require
be prepared to negotiate on issues over at least several hours if not more and sit down to do it and get some food to ease the process.
understand body "space"
DON'T confront the locals with direct eye contact!
Don't hit on the wimmin! (if you even think abt it they will know)
have enough WELL USED equipment that it appears you know the ropes.
have some French language skills.



All of the above has worked for me in various circumstances throughout Africa.

In addition, I would add that it is important to not let it show that you are scared or intimidated. Showing this will add fuel to their fire and assure them that you are an easy target that will give in shortly. Behave in a neutral, polite way, with a smile (but not a shit eating grin!). Do not show impatience or that you are in a hurry. Unless you want to fork over money for nothing.

All of the above has helped me thru over 20 African countries without giving into bribes/baksheesh/cadeau, even with guns being waved and pointed.

As for hiding money, as John has mentioned there are lots of places if one uses ones imagination.

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