How to Prepare for an International Hunting Trip or Safari

Going abroad for a hunting trip is a life-long dream for avid and passionate hunters, especially those who hunt big game. There are many excellent hunting destinations around the world, and they collectively offer very diverse hunting experiences. One of the best places for big game hunting is Africa, because it is home to many interesting animal species, and it is one of the few places in the world that offers safari excursions. Whether they wish to go to Africa or other continents to hunt animals, hunters should make sure that they are well prepared for their trips.

Research your destination

Before making travel arrangements, travelers should try to find out more information about the sport of hunting in the countries that they are visiting. Research the top hunting destinations, the kinds of animals that are available, and the hunting laws of the countries you are interested in visiting. Every country has its own hunting and firearm laws, and hunters need to understand these laws before embarking on their hunting trip. Similar to the US, many foreign countries have lists of protected or endangered animals that inhabit their land. Those who are found guilty of hunting protected or endangered animals during their oversea hunting trips will get into serious trouble with the law; they may face jail time or a hefty fine, in addition to the loss of their hunting license. Travelers who are going on safari in Africa should be aware that most large animals there are regarded as protected species. Nonetheless, some safari guides may offer to arrange for tourists to hunt these animals illegally. It is advisable that hunters refrain from accepting such offers.

Staying healthy

Travelers planning to go hunting in an underdeveloped country should be prepared to deal with poor living conditions. They need to exercise extra caution when they consume food and beverages in these countries. It is best that they drink only bottled water and avoid eating food that is sold on the streets. They can also bring some water purifying tablets, which can be useful when they are traveling to remote places that do not have clean water supply.

Travelers should educate themselves on the types of diseases that are common in the countries that they are visiting. Certain diseases, such as malaria and tuberculosis, may be curable in the United States, but they are serious health concerns in underdeveloped countries. The U.S. government offers advisories for travel to any country in the world, and such information contains tips on how to prevent common diseases. Before leaving for their international hunting trips, travelers should consult their physicians and get the necessary vaccinations or medications.

Find the right tour operator

After doing the necessary research, it is time for travelers to look for travel agencies that offer hunting or safari trips. It is important for them to select an agency that has extensive experience in organizing hunting vacations, because such an agency can help them find the best hunting opportunities in most countries around the world. It can also provide useful advice for hunters, including what to bring and how to stay safe during hunting trips. Travelers can find a good travel agency by reading reviews on the Internet, and they should do some comparison-shopping before they purchase their vacation package.

Pack carefully

Travelers should make sure that they bring the right clothes with them. Check the climate of the country that they are visiting and bring clothes that will make them feel comfortable throughout their trip is important not only to hunters, but to any traveler who is visiting a different area of the world. If planning to hunt in dense forests, hunters should bring clothes that will cover them from neck to feet, so that they will not be bitten or stung by insects. They should also bring insect repellent, medical kit, a good pair of boots, and the necessary hunting gear.

Get travel insurance

Travelers who are going hunting overseas should purchase a quality travel insurance policy. Accidents can happen during even the most well planned hunting expedition, ranging from misfires to animal attacks. Such incidents can cause serious injuries, which will result in high medical bills. Travel insurance will help cover the cost of medical bills, as well as a number of other losses that can happen to travelers, such as medical evacuation costs, loss of baggage, loss of belongings, and trip cancellation. Before choosing a travel insurance provider, confirm that they offer coverage for hunting expeditions, some insurance providers may not offer the type of coverage that you need and shopping around is important.

Related topics

• How travel insurance helps in an emergency
• Health concerns when traveling in underdeveloped countries