What are the more important features that you look for in a hunting lodge?

Originally Posted by BRICKBURN

This is just asking the guys what they want.

Now lets add another thread, "You are also taking your wife along...."
Now what is the most important feature of the lodge?

Think it will change the list much?

AAAAHHHH,,, but that's not the question, If you and I were hunting in Africa, that's the question.... My wife was astonished at the "quality of living, so to speak" she was all ready for a roughing it type safari. But, to answer your last question, of course it would change the list.

Count me in on the luxuries. My trip will include the wife and she's not the "roughing it" type. So, everything nice is appreciated. Comfortable beds, clean sheets, hot water, are a must, especially with my wife in tow.

For me, top of the list is good food, featuring as much local game dishes as possible. This is particulary important being we can't bring the meat from our trophies home. I want to experience the local cuisine.

In a nutshell, Bert the Turtle's description about sums it up for me.

Dont be bashful about speaking up if you find yourself sitting down to chicken and beef often. It has happened to me twice and it annoyed the heck out of me. Sometimes to the locals who often eat game all the time, domestic fare seems like a nice change to them. We of course want to eat all the meat we put on the ground but like I said, sometimes you have to squeak to get it.

Originally Posted by sestoppelman

Dont be bashful about speaking up ...... We of course want to eat all the meat we put on the ground but like I said, sometimes you have to squeak to get it.

Could not agree more. Just ask and they will very likely deliver.

Originally Posted by billc

I hope some outfitters are watching this post.Though I guess most already have there great lodges in place so not sure how they can cut back.

It is ALWAYS important to know what your client expect. No substitute to KNOW your client. The replies to this thread is valuable. Thank you all for your feedback!

Originally Posted by sestoppelman

...sitting down to chicken and beef... It has happened to me twice ...the locals who often eat game all the time... We of course want to eat all the meat we put on the ground ...

This is part of the essence of the experience! Get exposure to game meat since there is no opportunity to take it home...!

If I'm by myself I want something clean & comfortable, good food, and a good bottle of whiskey and a cold beer! I don't need much more! If i have the wife along that would be a little different story!

A thatched roof with lots of timbers hooks me every single time!

This will be my 1st(and probably only hunt) to Africa.
What I MUST have is power(even 12V batt) for my Cpap machine so I can sleep at night!!
I do not need the pool/spa and such.
I want a roof that does not leak if it rains. A good bed with sheets/blanket or sleeping bag. So I will be rested. I want to eat the wild game since I cannot bring it home which I would like to. Also good food and company at dinner etc. A hot shower and clean bathroom.. No need for a bath. Laundry so I do not have to bring as many clothes. Large or small a pleasant staff. A clean room and general eating/meeting area. Someone who speaks english to guide me and such. Not about the lodge but good working transportation.
Things which would be nice includes game mounts, electric convertor in my room, alarm clock so I get up in time, a bottle of rum and some diet cola for drinks after hunting. Diet sodas as I am diabetic.
I understand this is a long list. I have hunted the hard way most all my life and would like something alittle better but not need all out as I am there to HUNT.

You will have all of that and more in virtually any camp you go to, except for perhaps some of the more remote camps in out of the norm countries. Even there the basics will be provided.

Well guys I'm going to say 3or4 star accomadations no I don't need a pool because I hunt during the winter months and in the evening I would rather be standing by a fire then splashing in the pool, but I do want comfort I didn't fly thousands of miles to sleep on the ground I can do that at home in the deer woods laundry as needed even if it means every day, good food, friendly staff and a bed to sleep in. I don't mind tented camps as long as they have Comfort, hot water to wash up with and a hot meal in the evening Oh and coffee is a must. But to me the most important thing is Attitude and honesty of the outfitter and the PH's that work for them when they need to make you feel like your really wanted there not just a job.

I like simple things , Good bed , Hot shower and Good food. I am not used to luxury. I don't live in Luxury, it make me feel uncomfortable. Not a hole in the wall place but homey, but if it is better well I can live with it.