Safari Dreams: A Practical Guide To Your Hunt In Africa Paperback – January 11, 2008

Boston's approach in his other books, rating firearms, computer privacy applications, etc., is brought to bear on the world of African hunting and what is required to bring down the African game animals we all dream about hunting one day. Boston has whittled down the requirements for such a hunt to the point where he probably has the blueprint for the most inexpensive trip one could take to go hunting in African.Why is this book so good - even if you may never get to Africa. I will make an analogy of sorts. In North America, the largest gun cartridge you would need to effectively being down the biggest and most dangerous predators, - let's say Brown and Polar Bears - is a .338 Winchester Magnum. As a result virtually every hunter in North America is familiar with that cartridge and everything smaller - i.e. 7mm Magnum, .308, .30-06, .300 Win, etc. BUT, when you talk about African hunting - you enter a rarified world of guns and behemoth cartridges that 99% of only read about. Stuff like the .416 Rigby, .375 H&H, .378 Weatherby, .470 Mbogo. This stuff is not common and very expensive.Not to waste any time, Boston takes us through these calibers, their pros and cons, what calibers are appropriate for shooting lion of Cape Buffalo, ammunition for them, etc. There is a massive amount of data here presented as Boston presents all T&E summaries - clearly and succinctly. You will need at least two rifles for Africa. One for plains and smaller animals and then a big one for DG's - dangerous game. This section fills the biggest part of the book.The remainder of the book deals with handling your guides, field craft, and what to expect getting to the game preserves of South African to make your African safari a reality. There is a large section of photographs showing Boston hunting over in Africa with pictures of many of his trophies.I have more pressing travel desires than an African safari I am trying to work on getting to Egypt to see the pyramids. But if I ever get to a point where I can afford to hunt Africa (even though Boston has the cheapest way to do it - it is still VERY expensive to hunt Africa) - the first book I pick up will be this one and the first rifle I purchase will be one like that used by Boston on his safari. Boston T. Party has a nice saying on the back cover of the book "Action turns daydreams into realities."

Of the 3 books I read on general safari planning (not counting Safari Guide II), this is the most detailed. The author had been on 3 safaris when the book came out in 2008, for both plains game and the Big 5. He is quite opinionated, but at least he goes into the small details that some of the other books leave out. The book may be a little dated, as things can apparently change quickly in the safar business, but I would definitely read this book in preparation for my first African hunt. Books like this give you plenty of good information, and also spark lots of new questions that that need answers before you are ready to take the "big hunt".

Have been on 2 safaris now and they would not have been the successes they were without me first reading Royce's most informative and well written guide.He covers so MUCH and provides food for thought, technical ballistics, equipment, pitfalls, travel tips and much much more.Hunting in South Africa is exciting but also a business and the author gives you and insiders view on big game hunting and just knowing what to do do and how to go over there prepared, will make your SAFARI very enjoyable and with no "surprises".I commend Mr Royce for his efforts and his ability to illustrate, communicate and convey the essence of a great hunt.Dont go to Africa without this book...

I bought five books from amazon covering "African hunting safaris." This one was my least favorite of the group. Chapters of meaningless opinion covering all things rifle. My copy has a red stamp "this thesis is now discredited" in several places-stuff that had no business being in the book in the first place! Unusual amount of quoting other authors material throughout, strong on personal opinion and regrettable lack of entertainment. The really good thing about it is the photography, which is where the book earns a full star and a half- Much better than other similar content books. I did pull out about 10 good ideas but all the other material is available in every other book available and obviously the internet and absolutely from your ph when you select one. Its not the worst book ever written but there are many better.

WOW, I was unimpressed with the entire book, the author seems to get stuck on some theoretical knock down value and doesn't let up. I was looking for more planning information, instead I got a sermon on why a 416 is superior to a 375 H&H.There are better books out there, in my opinion.

If you are thinking about going to Africa this book is a must have. Great layout. Great pictures. At last a book that gives you a true estimate on prices. The most practical book yet. It will give you everything you need to know about getting there and back.

I would recommend that anyone even remotely interested in hunting in Africa buy this book. I bought it last year and am proceeding to prepare for my dream trip.