Guns for Africa?

[Mr. 16 gauge]

O.K., we here tell that most hunters are using .375 H&H, or 416 Remington. While I like buying new firearms, it seems to me that most African plains game run the gammut (size wise) from our elk to deer. I'm thinking that any reasonable caliber (.30-06, .270, 7mm Rem. mag) will do the job with a decently constructed bullet (Speer, Hornady, Sierra).

Do those of you who have hunted Africa concur, or do you really need those magnum boomers?

Also, I understand that some places do not allow semiauto rifles....sporting or otherwise. This eliminates some fine hunting rifles, such as the Remington 742 and Browning BAR.
What about pumps and lever actions? Also, what about side arms? are they verboten, or are you allowed to carry pistols/revolvers while out in the bush?
Thanks in advance.............