Getting an unescorted rifle through customs by shipping the rifle prior to your hunt is not a stress that I would want to add to my hunt. Last September was my first hunt to Zimbabwe, while I had no problem getting my rifle and shotgun through South Africa and Zimbabwe customs my PH has waited 14 months trying to get the paper work for his new .458 Lott. Some goverment employee may see your shipping a rifle ahead of your hunt as a way to side step the process.
My PH carried a .416 Rigby but found it harder to find ammunition. At the end of the season he was down to 8 rounds with none to be found. With the .458 Lott he could use .458 Win as a back up ammo and clients will leave the extra rounds for the PH. With the .416 Riby he could not use the .416 Remmington ammo.
Most American hunters over pack for the hunt. I could have got by with 3 changes of hunting cloths and had 1 set un touched. Try stepping back into the shoes of he early hunters (Selous et al.) where you had to carry every thing with them. I would avoid the Rosevelt grand tour mode of travel.
All you need is 1 rifle, 60 rounds ammo and a good pair of boots. Every thing esle is personal preference.
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