What are your expectations and perceptions?

As a Safari operator in Africa we often try to do our best in providing good quality service to hopefully provide you with a safari of a lifetime or perhaps just making a dream come true. However, it seems to me that the clients perceptions and expectations of an African Safari may vary a lot. Which one truly can understand, since no human being is the same. What in your opinion are your EXPECTATIONS and PERCEPTIONS of an African safari???

My limited experience of Africa has always been to notch as far as outfitters go they have always gone out of there way above and beyond from the outfitters I have hunted with in north America as for expectations all I really expect is a comfortable bed, warm showers and atleast a shot opertuninty and the primary animal I am coming over for

son and I going on first trip in late July.
The main things I talked about for this trip (and future one with wife)
1. Accomodations for Matt and I needn't be plush. When wife comes, will want a little more than merely comfortable. But, seeing our place to sleep, I think Matt and I will consider it a step above plush. lol.
2. Animals available to hunt and, imortant for when my wife goes, the ability to get her shots 125 yds or less.
3. Actually, the one thing I specifically asked about and requested and will be very important will be the food. For Matt and I, we love to cook and love to bbq/grill/smoke etc. We want to eat quality food from animals that either we kill or that have been hunted there. (no beef, chicken, etc) I can cook that at home.
4. Quality animals to hunt but honestly I'm not a "record book" type person.

we are eagerly anticipating this trip, as all do, but I feel I'm too ignorant about it to really know what to expect for the most part.

The wife and I are leaving in 30 days for our first safari in the Eastern Cape. I feel I must qualify my post by saying that we are from Texas and we Texans for the most part pride ourselves in our State and more specifically our hunting. For some reason, I have no concerns about the living arrangements, food, or hospitality, this may be because I have been able to meet my PH on two separate occasions and am very confident in him. My concerns is primarily with choosing the Eastern Cape as my first safari and my hope is that it is not what Texas hunting has become. Texas like the South Africa is largely owned by private individuals and being divided up into smaller and smaller tracts. Of course high fencing ones land has become very popular and a must on smaller tracts of land. I have become accustomed to guaranteed hunts or hunts on such small high fenced tracts of land that it is more target practice than hunting. I hope and expect South Africa to be more than this. I want an opportunity to hunt wild animals that don't have to necessary be free range but do have to be fair chase. One other pitfall of the current Texas hunting climate is trophy expectation. I have become accustomed to knowing almost exactly what my animal is going to score before I even see it. This is good in that I have collected many huge animals that all score in the sci gold level. But, this is also bad because I have come to expect this type of trophy quality and am not interested in shooting animals that would not go at least bronze while in Africa. This sounds like the problem of a spoiled child, but I am a product of my experiences. I have relayed this to my PH and of course he will do his best. My trophy list is large ( every plains game species offered) so I hope this will increase the likelihood of taking larger animas, but my expectations are great. I probably sound like a PH,s worst nightmare!

I expect the outfitter, PH or agent to be honest with me when selling the hunt. The information provided to me will influence my expectations and perception.

I expect good communication before, during and after the hunt.

I expect all of the cost to be provided upfront. I have a budget. Contrary to what some may believe not all Americans have an abundance of money. It would sour my experience if the final bill included charges that were not disclosed upfront before hand.

I expect to be provided a fair chase, ethical hunting experience. I expect the PH to put forth the effort to put me into a position. so that I may have a reasonable chance for a good shot at a representative of the species. I like to hunt hard. The PH needs to be a good hunter and to match or exceed my abilities and effort. The PH needs to scout, know the habits, movements and area's that the various animals prefer.

I expect the outfitter/PH to understand the challenges of bowhunting. I am a bowhunter. Set-up waterhole hides to allow broadside shooting 30 yards or less. Setup the hide well, then it is up to the animals, after all hunting is hunting.

I expect to have fun and spend time with an outfitter and their staff that enjoys what they do. The total experience will include the sights and sounds of the African bush, the time in the field in pursuit, the animals seen, the perfect shot, the camaraderie around the campfire, the laughter, the friendships made, the different taste of African foods, the clean sheets, the cold beer, the sunrise and sunset. These will be the memories that will last my lifetime....

Most of all I expect myself to be prepared for the hunt. My hunting abilities will be practiced so that I can give it my best effort. I expect my enthusiasm and attitude never to wane, regardless of unexpected changes. I expect to absorb as much of Africa as possible.

Thankk you very much for your comments! It's appreciated. It gives us a good framework of what to focus our service on, or rather sharpening it up in the future.

Very good topic!