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

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

Most are to fancy for me.I would love a more roughing it type lodge at a better price myself.I do understand there is so many people these outfitters deal with that like to be waited on but I just want to hunt.Have a bed with a pillow and i am good to go.Some good food at dinner is nice also.I most say i think almost all the places you see when looking at outfitters website look amazing.For me I guess a nice clean place with good food is most important

Well-maintained accommodations (not fancy, just well-maintained) with a service-oriented staff who enjoy what they do and take pride in making you feel welcomed.

Originally Posted by billc

Most are to fancy for me.I would love a more roughing it type lodge at a better price myself.I do understand there is so many people these outfitters deal with that like to be waited on but I just want to hunt.Have a bed with a pillow and i am good to go.Some good food at dinner is nice also.I most say i think almost all the places you see when looking at outfitters website look amazing.For me I guess a nice clean place with good food is most important

I ran into this looking at KMG's site. This is right up your alley Bill.
"Ruff it" Accommodation

"Ruff it" Lodge - KMG Hunting Safaris

Of a "Lodge" type accommodation:
Big Enough beds KING size.

A gorgeous view from the covered porch of the room; with real Wildlife TV (Coffee in the morning to sit and watch the critters wake up)

Clean and comfortable, no luxuries necessary, friendly staff, and good food.

Clean and comfortable with plenty of beverages in the evening. I don't need all the foo-foo crap. If it would cut down on the outfitters pricing just a little, it would be worth it in my mind. I would say most of the US hunters (I did not say all) but most are use to deer and elk camps, where hot water is a luxury. I like comfort, but I don't need a damn pool and spa.

Jerome I was actually thinking of starting a thread like this, wow.

I guess I'm the girlie-man here. I don't mind a hunting camp without the luxuries, but if I'm going to a lodge, I want comfort. I want good sheets, a nice mattress, and en suite bathroom with plenty of hot water. Not tepid water. Of course I want good hunting, but as far as the lodge itself, I want good food. I prefer game meats be incorporated into as many meals as possible. And plenty of time around the bar before dinner. I have no need for massages or a sauna, but if the weather is nice, I won't turn my nose up at a pool. But I really do want the dining to be excellent. Daily laundry service so that I can pack as little as possible.

I like there to be lots of taxidermy, preferably creative, to inspire ideas for my own trophy mounts. Great view of the surrounding gamelands is nice.

Originally Posted by Bert the Turtle

I guess I'm the girlie-man here.

No your not, it's just what you like when you go hunting in Africa....Plain and simple.

Believe me Hot water is my friend.

Originally Posted by Bert the Turtle

I guess I'm the girlie-man here. I don't mind a hunting camp without the luxuries, but if I'm going to a lodge, I want comfort. I want good sheets, a nice mattress, and en suite bathroom with plenty of hot water. Not tepid water. Of course I want good hunting, but as far as the lodge itself, I want good food. I prefer game meats be incorporated into as many meals as possible. And plenty of time around the bar before dinner. I have no need for massages or a sauna, but if the weather is nice, I won't turn my nose up at a pool. But I really do want the dining to be excellent. Daily laundry service so that I can pack as little as possible.

I like there to be lots of taxidermy, preferably creative, to inspire ideas for my own trophy mounts. Great view of the surrounding gamelands is nice.

Bert, I agree
Plenty of hot water
Laundry daily,

The massages are a nice feature when you get all tensed up about those big shots you have to make.

Good staff and great food, reliable power at certain times, bar time before dinner, daily laundry, dry towels, hot shower in the morning to loosen up the bones. Good campfire.

Can go without pool, sauna, massage

Really appreciate on time meals. Clean laundry. Dont care about luxuries like a pool or ultra fancy dining areas and too many people hovering around. The most memorable camp for me has to be the tent camps I stayed in while hunting Botswana, both the dry and wet camps.

Roof over my head and an alarm clock so Im not late for hunting. A great view is a bonus but not necesary. I would rather spend a few more bucks on trophy fees or tips than on fancy accomodations.

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.

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?

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?

In that case add a heater. LOL

Some good responses here. I'm the type that doesn't need the pool, massages and spa either, but I like a hot shower, daily laundry and good staff and food. The taxidermy comment above was great to.

A couple guys mentioned drinks before dinner which is good but dont forget about after dinner too.

nd

A good bed (but I don't mind sleeping in a tent either ).
Good and simple food(lunch and dinner is enough as I have never been a breakfast eater).
A nice place by the fire to talk with other people passionate about hunting.

I couldn't care less about luxury, pools, bars and lots of staff pampering me.

I don't need all the frills but what the heck I ain't turning it down! I have ruffed it plenty of times in a spike camp with no running water or toilet.... It's expensive to get to and hunt Africa so it might as well be comfortable and special. Bringing my future wife along and it better be 5 star so she can feel pampered and enjoy herself with a massage or a dip in the pool

camps come in all sizes and styles. it is up to us to chose wisely and go with what we want or expect.

i want a safe camp. Good food and would like to feel welcomed by the staff.

as far as the shower vs bath i like a short shower in the AM....hot water is nice, however i have taken cold showers before and they become very quick.

Laundry...the camps i have been at do daily laundry and pres your clothing and make any repairs if necessary. like sew on buttons or a rip in the cloth.

I do not need a stock liquor bar however a beer or a glass of wine with dinner is great. again i am here to go hunting not to get drunk every night.

i like to get a name list when i arrive so that i can call the individuals by name when i bump into them. every one like to be recognized and knowing first names goes a long way. along with a few words in there native tong.

i like to get up early and sit in the dark while other are rousting for the day and i like a safe place where i can go and sit and watch the day begin. usually camera in hand and my daily journal is being filled in at his time.

When leaving camp i like to hand out individual thank you cards addressed to the person using there name and include a short note for them thanking them for there thoughtfulness.

I have been in what i would call a 3 or 4 star all the way to tented camps and i have had a great time i all of them.

i have found if you have a great attitude about your living accommodations it will make your stay that much greater.

my2cents