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Paul, you will find the PHs and trackers find it unusual for a client to carry anything other than a rifle. They will usually ask to carry your camera, water bottle, small pack etc. The trackers believe it is their job to carry stuff for you. Especially if you are slower than them.

If the PH / trackers aren't at least offering they are probably lazy as it IS their job. On my last safari the trackers were upset when I carried anything other than a rifle.

On another the tracker carried the shooting sticks and nothing else, never offering to help with anything, with the PH carrying the water, and I also carried a day pack or bum bag. But usually they are goo helpful blokes, knowing it helps the tips as well, and even gov't game scouts help and get into the tracking, hunting and helping.

However it is wise to insist on separate water bottles from the staff. For wise hygiene/disease reasons. Sometimes the water bottles carried are for the whole group and shared. Insist on a client only one. HIV and AIDS is very common as is other diseases. I caught glandular fever on my first safari.

However I like to carry my camera, as often you miss a lot of photos when hunting if you have to stop, get it from someone, pull it out and shoot, then do it in reverse. Around your neck, hanging under an arm, or on a pouch on your belt and it is handy. However carry an SLR camera when walking fast for several kms is a pain so I have now a small digital for a pocket, as I missed a lot of photos last trip.

I also like camelbaks, and a good 3 litre one. If thirsty I like to take a small sip and with a camelbak no need to stop and pull out a canteen. Carrying it on your back also is reasonably effortless. The guys still find it strange for a client to carry them himself as well.

I know they have "chiggers" in Zim which I think is a flying insect ("chiggers" are another insect which lays eggs in wet clothes and also burrows into armpits etc. ironing is the way they kill them) and might be confused with "jiggers". Might be the same bug? I'm not sure if "jiggers" exist in Zim but they are further North in Tanzania, Malawi and probably Zambia. They are small worm or insect that exists in damp soil and if walking barefoot on them will burrow into your foot, grow and probably cause an infection. They can be removed by digging in with a needle and pulling them out, then disinfecting. Personally I would leave my boots on as if good boots they fit well and dry out quick enough. JMO.

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The croc in the photo is not shy!

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John aka NitroX

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

Edited by NitroX (14/05/09 02:06 PM)

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