Advice needed on first African Safari

Hello Folks,

I'm trying to plan my first (maybe my only) safari. I am pretty set on Namibia. I would like some advice on making sure this an enjoyable trip with no big surprises. The questions below are for a safari I am hoping will cost $10,000 at the most

1. How do I choose a good outfitter? I want a decent place to sleep and good food but I don't need luxury, I want good hunting, fair chase, prefer spot and stalk. I don't want to be at a place where I am one of many hunters...

2. Are package hunts a better choice then daily rates and trophy fees? I would like to stay around $6000 or less for the "hunt". Kudu and Imapala is a must. I am thinking of maybe trying to get a Oryx and Red Hartebeest as well for around that price. Is 7 days enough hunting time for that? Will I wish later that I would have spent more money and gotten more animals?

3. What can I expect the approx cost will be to pack and dip the above trophies and export them to the USA? Is that a better way to do it then to have them mounted in Africa?

4. I am very comfortable with my 300 Win mag up to 300yds and deer hunt alot. Will this set up work for me over there?

Any advice is appreciated, I just don't want this trip to turn into a horror story like some I have read. $10k is a chunk of money for me but worth it for a once in a lifetime trip.

Thanks, Vee

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IF YOU GO ONCE-YOU WILL GO AGAIN-DEAL WITH IT

Originally Posted by veeyoder

I am very comfortable with my 300 Win mag up to 300yds and deer hunt alot. Will this set up work for me over there?

..no problem at all for the PG that you have chosen. Use premium ammo and practice shooting off the sticks as much as possible. You will get much info and help here, so enjoy your planning..

Welcome to the forum, finding a quality outfitter is pretty simple references should help with this.

Pertinent questions on how much land you'll be hunting, is it all adjacent or are they operating black top or asphalt safaris by driving from area to area..

How many hunters will be in camp... It seems that you know exactly what you'd like so make this clear to prospective outfitters.

7 days should be good make sure of actual hunting days, transfers or any other related costs some outfits might have.

Agreed with DOCMAN all should be fine with calibre choice and rifle...

Finally leave with an open mind and go to enjoy... I doubt whether you'll only go once... :-) it gets in your blood!!!!

Good luck and my best always!

Welcome to the AH forum...

With a limit of $10,000 for your safari it is doable.

Does that include Airfare?

Many PH on our forum will do you a great job.

I would look to South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe and Namibia. All are a good place to go right now, just ask for references....

Check out the "hunting deals" on our top header, to find some smoking good deals.

Better answer for you

Originally Posted by veeyoder

Hello Folks,

I'm trying to plan my first (maybe my only) safari. I am pretty set on Namibia. I would like some advice on making sure this an enjoyable trip with no big surprises. The questions below are for a safari I am hoping will cost $10,000 at the most

Is this for the entire safari, airfare, trophy fees, tips, shipping and taxidermy?

1. How do I choose a good outfitter? I want a decent place to sleep and good food but I don't need luxury, I want good hunting, fair chase, prefer spot and stalk. I don't want to be at a place where I am one of many hunters...

We have many PH's on here who will do a great job and fill these requirements..

2. Are package hunts a better choice then daily rates and trophy fees? I would like to stay around $6000 or less for the "hunt". Kudu and Imapala is a must. I am thinking of maybe trying to get a Oryx and Red Hartebeest as well for around that price. Is 7 days enough hunting time for that? Will I wish later that I would have spent more money and gotten more animals?

With package hunts, you will have to decide if it is right for you...many like to pick a PH and go animal by animal and build there own trophy list. 7 day will be fine for what you are looking at doing.

3. What can I expect the approx cost will be to pack and dip the above trophies and export them to the USA? Is that a better way to do it then to have them mounted in Africa?

Depending on what country you will select it will run you about 1500 for dip and pack and shipping...now if you do taxidermy work in Africa select a very good taxidermist and obtain a price prior to going. check state side and in Africa to see what your cost will be...Look at doing a few euro mounts to reduce your total cost.

4. I am very comfortable with my 300 Win mag up to 300yds and deer hunt alot. Will this set up work for me over there?

This will work fine for the animals you have picked..

Any advice is appreciated, I just don't want this trip to turn into a horror story like some I have read. $10k is a chunk of money for me but worth it for a once in a lifetime trip.

Airfare --- $2,000 to 2,500 depending on time of year and dates traveled.
PH fees @ 7 days --- 350.00 to 450.00 a day = $2,800
Trophy fees: rough numbers $4,150
Kudu....................1,750
impala...................400
Gemsbuck............1,000 depending on country selected higher or lower
Red Hartebeest ...1,000

Dip and Pak...........500
Shipping ................500
importer .................500

Taxidermist work 4 shoulder mounts $2,000 to $4,000 depending on where you go..

This comes out to about $11,000
Who you go with may have different pricing on fees and trophy costs. Your taxidermy cost are your area to check out. that is why many hunters are doing some mounts and other in euro mounts.

Thanks, Vee

Welcome to the forum, I see you ve already got the right answers from the old hands here

2013 Eastern Cape Hunts with FREE ANIMALS

check this out

Originally Posted by DOCMAN

..no problem at all for the PG that you have chosen. Use premium ammo and practice shooting off the sticks as much as possible. You will get much info and help here, so enjoy your planning..

I have always used bipods for shooting and love them. Harris Bipods HB25CS Adapter You have to go down on one knee. Does this work or should I buy shooting sticks? If so what type?

Originally Posted by James.Grage

Better answer for you

Thanks for the answer.

I was "hoping" to stay at $10k, but am not sure if that is realistic for everything. I do want to go to Namibia. From what I have seen online I think I should be able to get the animals I want and PH fees for $6,000 to $6,500. Airfare is approx $2,000. From what you said about getting the trophies over here $1,500. That is $9,500 - 10k. I am wondering what are all the other costs I should be aware of and what can I expect to run into? As far as taxidermy goes is it possible keep everything the way it arrives and mount them over a period of time? Thanks for your help...

Originally Posted by James.Grage

Better answer for you

Airfare --- $2,000 to 2,500 depending on time of year and dates traveled.
PH fees @ 7 days --- 350.00 to 450.00 a day = $2,800
Trophy fees: rough numbers $4,150
Kudu....................1,750
impala...................400
Gemsbuck............1,000 depending on country selected higher or lower
Red Hartebeest ...1,000

Dip and Pak...........500
Shipping ................500
importer .................500

Taxidermist work 4 shoulder mounts $2,000 to $4,000 depending on where you go..

A few additional costs:
Tip (PH): Discretionary, but typically 10%-15% of safari cost
Tip (Camp staff): Typically $50 - $75 per day - covers trackers, skinners, cooks, housekeepers, etc...
Overnite stay in Joberg: Figure $200 per night if required (African Sky Guesthouse or Afton Guesthouse)
Gun Service: Discretionary but worth for a first timer - $150
Souveniers: Discretionary, but you'll want some momentos - $150 -$200 unless your wife goes, then double it! LOL
Airlines: Extra baggage charges - The way things are going, you will have some.

Hope this helps.

Originally Posted by Buff-Buster

Airfare --- $2,000 to 2,500 depending on time of year and dates traveled.
PH fees @ 7 days --- 350.00 to 450.00 a day = $2,800
Trophy fees: rough numbers $4,150
Kudu....................1,750
impala...................400
Gemsbuck............1,000 depending on country selected higher or lower
Red Hartebeest ...1,000

Dip and Pak...........500
Shipping ................500
importer .................500

Taxidermist work 4 shoulder mounts $2,000 to $4,000 depending on where you go..

A few additional costs:
Tip (PH): Discretionary, but typically 10%-15% of safari cost
Tip (Camp staff): Typically $50 - $75 per day - covers trackers, skinners, cooks, housekeepers, etc...
Overnite stay in Joberg: Figure $200 per night if required (African Sky Guesthouse or Afton Guesthouse)
Gun Service: Discretionary but worth for a first timer - $150
Souveniers: Discretionary, but you'll want some momentos - $150 -$200 unless your wife goes, then double it! LOL
Airlines: Extra baggage charges - The way things are going, you will have some.

Hope this helps.

I think this is a really close estimate. I think the dip and pack and air freight are a little light. Having just paid all these costs for my recent hunt I would tack on $1000-$1,500 to what is stated above for these expenses. My friend, once your done you won't even think of the costs becuase you can't put a value on the memories you'll make and the fun you'll have on your trip. It's worth every red cent.

Thanks everyone for the wonderful responses. One more question. I think just from my own research that I would want to go to Namibia. But for all you who have been over there if it were up to you, would you choose Namibia or SA for the plains game I have chosen?

From what I can tell from pricelists online, SA is higher, but then airfare for me would be less.
To me the experience is more important tho, I want to feel like I am far from civilization and hunting in the wild

Sorry men i had a brain fart on tips, motels and travel to camp...

Rifle service is free if you book with Gracy travel...

Taxidermy work on an extended time period...again ask the taxidermist you are planning to use...i have seen this done before, however care of your capes and hides determines what you will have to work with...

You need to use a Internationale travel agent to help you on your trip...that specializes in hunter/rifle travel...to help you with the rifle permits needed for countries you will be staying in and or some times traveling through...

Do not forget your travel doctor to be current with your immunization.

Originally Posted by veeyoder

Thanks for the answer.

I was "hoping" to stay at $10k, but am not sure if that is realistic for everything. I do want to go to Namibia. From what I have seen online I think I should be able to get the animals I want and PH fees for $6,000 to $6,500. Airfare is approx $2,000. From what you said about getting the trophies over here $1,500. That is $9,500 - 10k. I am wondering what are all the other costs I should be aware of and what can I expect to run into? As far as taxidermy goes is it possible keep everything the way it arrives and mount them over a period of time? Thanks for your help...

As far as the total cost is concerned- budgets are important but remember- the memory will linger for years after the cost is forgotten. As an example, on my first trip (Zimbabwe in 1999), when it came time to pay for the trip at the end, I paid for eveything and tips and had $2000 left over. I looked at it and gave the Travelers Checkes to the PH/Outfitter and told him to put it toward his sons college fund. It was the only time in my life when money had absolutely no value compared to the experience. I've been back 4 more times now. Africa will get into your blood. Plan on it.

Originally Posted by veeyoder

Thanks everyone for the wonderful responses. One more question. I think just from my own research that I would want to go to Namibia. But for all you who have been over there if it were up to you, would you choose Namibia or SA for the plains game I have chosen?

From what I can tell from pricelists online, SA is higher, but then airfare for me would be less.
To me the experience is more important tho, I want to feel like I am far from civilization and hunting in the wild

I myself am an East Cape fan but both places are great. Let me give you one more to look at he's been at it for year he's a member of DSC, SCI and PHASA and has great prices to boot. Lindale Safaris on the East Cape Welcome to Lindale Safaris

Originally Posted by veeyoder

Thanks everyone for the wonderful responses. One more question. I think just from my own research that I would want to go to Namibia. But for all you who have been over there if it were up to you, would you choose Namibia or SA for the plains game I have chosen?

From what I can tell from pricelists online, SA is higher, but then airfare for me would be less.
To me the experience is more important tho, I want to feel like I am far from civilization and hunting in the wild

I think just from my own research that I would want to go to Namibia. But for all you who have been over there if it were up to you, would you choose Namibia or SA for the plains game I have chosen?[/QUOTE]I can only speak to SA since I was there this past July. I'm very particular and I wanted both comfort and a real hunting experience, and that was exactly what I got. This was hunting and a vacation for me. I felt completely disconnected from the rest of the world to the point that I completely lost conception of time. I had no idea what day it was anymore until I asked. As far as the game is concerned, you would NOT be disappointed with SA. There's game all over the place. SA was awesome for me and there's no doubt I'm going back.

Originally Posted by Cliffy

Africa will get into your blood. Plan on it.

This is so true...it's an addiction. It's all I think about now.

If you can afford 10 days do it. 7 days will be over so fast you wont believe it. It takes a couple of days to get acclimated due to jet lag etc. For the critters you want Namibia is a great choice, but so is RSA. Namibia is a bit less cultivated though and that may be what you are looking for. Good luck!

Originally Posted by Cliffy

As far as the total cost is concerned- budgets are important but remember- the memory will linger for years after the cost is forgotten. As an example, on my first trip (Zimbabwe in 1999), when it came time to pay for the trip at the end, I paid for eveything and tips and had $2000 left over. I looked at it and gave the Travelers Checkes to the PH/Outfitter and told him to put it toward his sons college fund. It was the only time in my life when money had absolutely no value compared to the experience. I've been back 4 more times now. Africa will get into your blood. Plan on it.

Great gesture Cliffy! Classy...very classy!