With a trip to Zimbabwe for dangerous game fast approaching us we were reflecting on the amount of preparation it takes to get ready. We thought we would share with you our experience and thinking on the matter. Between us, this is going to be our eighth trip to Africa and while that does not make us the most experienced, we are more detailed than most and have taken the time to put it all on paper. These experiences and planning suggestions will absolutely make your long awaited hunt in Africa more enjoyable. Much of what we talk about below is not just applicable to Africa, but to any hunt that involves travel, especially across international lines. We have learned a few things that will save you anywhere from a little to a heck of a lot of frustration.

Let’s start at the beginning since these types of trips really need to be planned well in advance -- at least 12 months -- and preferably longer. First, most people just don’t know an African PH (Professional Hunter) you can just call up and book with. Unless you have a good working relationship with a PH we highly recommend that you go through a reputable African safari-consulting agency. A consulting agency can direct you to a well-known PH in the best location and time for the particular species you want to pursue at the best price. This first step can make or break your hunt right out of the gate.

It is important to go over the contract details carefully. There are fees particular to African hunts that you may not be used to so make sure you are being given a total cost with no hidden/extra fees.

We would never consider going to Africa without some sort of travel insurance. Political instability, risk of disease and injury, and just bad luck track you when you travel to Africa and to a greater or lesser extent when you travel in general. Travel insurance services actually can be broken down into several components.

We suggest at a minimum that you look at insurance that covers your non-refundable tickets. Some of the tickets to more remote places can cost a pretty penny. Airlines are not known for customer service these days and absent an autopsy, your reason for a last minute cancellation may not ring their bell. Your travel agent generally (which we recommend using) can do this part.

Trip cancellation insurance is also worth considering. If the outfitter cancels, well he should refund you in full and it should be in the contract. But what if you get hurt or sick 3 days before the extravaganza begins? What if heaven forbid you lose a family member just prior to departure and just can’t go? You have to read the fine print, but these policies are priced on what the cost of the Safari is.

There is another insurance that is an absolute must have; medical travel insurance. Travel medical services insurance IS NOT a substitute for regular type medical insurance. Please do not think your standard type medical insurance can be dropped for the services we discuss below. Most obvious is the fact that travel medical insurance services are just as likely to be needed on non-hunting trips as they are in any of the far flung exotic places our passions take us to. It is precisely because of this reality that we have to choose wisely. Clearly most of us would rather have our medical care closer to our home if we are hurt or sick. Unfortunately, we seldom think of these mishaps befalling ourselves in the bush let alone where WIFI networks exist in urban areas. But, they do occur and more often then you think.

Medical travel insurance services can be very limited and specific. There are literally scores of air ambulance companies. Mostly these services are contracted post hoc but can be purchased prior to a trip. What these companies provide is a ride home. They have very restrictive criteria. Basically, you must already be in a hospital, in a place that they cover and they then bring you to another place that they cover. Unlike the ambulances that we see and hear on a daily basis on our streets, there is usually no pick up from where the injury or illness occurred and the drop off point may be predetermined as well. We do not recommend this skeletal service type.

In order to have any real value, especially in Africa, the company you choose to trust your life with will always send help to you immediately WITHOUT you having to see a physician first or actually be in a hospital if they are not available or of poor quality. This cannot be overstated, as there may not be a qualified physician or a hospital anywhere to be found. The equipment they pick you up with needs to be a fully equipped mini-emergency room with wings that is staffed by well-trained, credentialed personnel. Continual contact with a trained medical doctor is an absolute. Also the ability and willingness to get you all the way home not just to the closest hospital (which could be a less then desirable locale) is a high priority. Lastly, having contacts in countries all over the world and speaking their languages is a must. These are the major points but if you review the fine points of the policies, you will see there are many other small but very important benefits offered by each company.