Rough it while you hunt it!

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KVS

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Good day everyone,

I have just returned from a bit of a marketing/information gathering trip to the UK and some parts of Europe. As most of you know Kingsview Safaris is a relatively new operation so we are always on the path to learn more and better improve our operation to meet the needs of our (prospective) clients.

I met a lot of like minded people that provided me with some fantastic information and food for thought. Ideas were thrown around, questions answered and yes even Cecil was discussed which became fairly irritating after a while.

One of the ideas that kept coming back was the idea of roughing it while hunting. Getting out into the bush and really experiencing the wilds of Africa while hunting. Fairly similar to those back country hunting videos on YouTube where they pack out what they shoot and camp where they can.

I have begun talks with the owners of our concessions and even the Provincial Conservation office to see if we could put together a similar experience. Camping out in the bush, cooking on open fires, bucket showers, learning bush skills, the works. I know there may be one or two threads on this forum that have mentioned or touched on this type of hunting before but I would like to focus soley on this concept with this posting. There is all sorts of logistical problems to deal with when it comes to something like this but as an Outfitter thats for me to handle.

Putting costs and pricing a side, I would appreciate feedback from those individuals that may be interested in something like this. I am not trying to reinvent the wheel here, just simply being able to offer something that many people have asked for.

All the very best
Jono
 
This is exactly what I did when I went to SA.

A friend and I said to the outfitter we wanted to rough it in the bush, cook over an open fire, the works. It was great fun and I will do it again upon my return. The outfitter scouted out a suitable area by a water source and we had our tents set up up in a ring with a camp fire in the middle. The PH had a big cool box which he filled up with drinks and essentials but other than that we ate what we shot BBQ'd over the fire. I found it the perfect way to unwind after a day in the bush, chatting round the fire, cold one in hand with BBQ'd Zebra steaks and listening to the African night. With regards to a shower, you just pour a cold bucket of water over your head, very refreshing. If you needed the loo then the PH had put a temporary one up (Hole in the ground) with a seat and a reed wall.

Next time I plan to take a hammock and tarp and forget the tent. Just string it up between 2 trees and then a tarp over the top just in case it rains. You can also buy 'camping showers' where you have a big black bag you fill with water and hang from a tree and the suns rays heat the water up and then a pipe and shower head come off it.

I think this is a great way to do it. I have no interest in spending my money on staying in luxury accommodation when you spend all day in the bush. The money saved also = more animals!

Granted its not for everyone's taste.
 
Jono, I think you will find some folks looking for that type of experience. May be limited I think but still a nice option to choose from.
 
I thought I was roughing it.

P1000111.jpg
 
Kingsview_safaris said:
Good day everyone,

I have just returned from a bit of a marketing/information gathering trip to the UK and some parts of Europe. As most of you know Kingsview Safaris is a relatively new operation so we are always on the path to learn more and better improve our operation to meet the needs of our (prospective) clients.

I met a lot of like minded people that provided me with some fantastic information and food for thought. Ideas were thrown around, questions answered and yes even Cecil was discussed which became fairly irritating after a while.

One of the ideas that kept coming back was the idea of roughing it while hunting. Getting out into the bush and really experiencing the wilds of Africa while hunting. Fairly similar to those back country hunting videos on YouTube where they pack out what they shoot and camp where they can.

I have begun talks with the owners of our concessions and even the Provincial Conservation office to see if we could put together a similar experience. Camping out in the bush, cooking on open fires, bucket showers, learning bush skills, the works. I know there may be one or two threads on this forum that have mentioned or touched on this type of hunting before but I would like to focus soley on this concept with this posting. There is all sorts of logistical problems to deal with when it comes to something like this but as an Outfitter thats for me to handle.

Putting costs and pricing a side, I would appreciate feedback from those individuals that may be interested in something like this. I am not trying to reinvent the wheel here, just simply being able to offer something that many people have asked for.

All the very best
Jono
Click to expand...

I would be into a trip like this. Could be a really good time especially with a good group of people that are into it also. My wife on the other hand, not so much. I have enough trouble getting her to tent camp in Alaska where we don't have many creepy crawlies that sting and bite. In my experience more than 3-4 nights in a tent is about the maximum for most people. I think it could work if a few nights in a tent were part of the overall longer trip from a lodge.
 
I agree with Mekaniks, I work pretty hard and don't want to do it on a Vacation/Safari as a person that thinks overcooked Eggs from room service is roughing it enough I would still enjoy a few nights in the Bush but not the entire trip
 
I like the idea of it, but my one trip to Africa so far included my wife Ann. And, any future trips will include her. So, we would probably not do it.
 
I salute you for thinking out of the box.

At one point in my life, I would have enjoyed this type of arrangement. Alas, old bones, bladders, etc. appreciate a little more comfort these days.

Correct me if I am wrong, but would a rustic campsite be an additional cost since a "standard" of lodging has to be provided in the RSA?

All the best on your decision and again, good job trying to differentiate yourself and target a submarket.
 
It sounds like a good idea, there would be some who would like that and there will be some who may opt for that as an add-on to a standard trip, maybe 2 nights away from the main accomodations for example.

I like the idea, almost all our hunting and fishing trips as a kid with my dad and friends were the type where we'd drive to where we wanted to be and set up camp for anything from 3 days to 10 days.
Some basic and some pretty well kitted out!

I say go for it, see what the RSA regulations have to say and try put together a couple of trial trips to get the logistics and bugs worked out.
 
Twenty five years ago, I backpack hunted in Colorado wilderness areas on two trips. If you didn't carry it, you didn't have it. Camped next to a high mountain lake for a continuous supply of trout and nothing but stars overhead at night! These were the best hunts of my life, but am too old to do this type of hunt now. But my advice for all of you young guys that are fit, do it now. You will remember every minute for the rest of your lives!
 
You can rough it but most people still like a hot shower and running toilet...would you class this as roughing it...
IMG-20150813-WA0045.jpg
 
TMS said:
You can rough it but most people still like a hot shower and running toilet...would you class this as roughing it...View attachment 47354
Click to expand...

Hey Simon the heated pool,and hot tub must be just out of the pic behind the trees?? Hehehe not really:LOL:

But seriously I would stay there in an instant. Thatched huts are definitely a big step up from tents. I think it would be really cool to offer some nights away from the lodge while hunting, if it's huts, or tents anything more "rustic" could have some appeal. Especially if it's located in close proximity to some cool terrain, river, mountians, wild critters ect that one might not experience staying in the lodge.
 
@Mekaniks , you spot about location, the view is brilliant, but 20 yards from camp is a under water river, which cools the camp down in the evenings. The thatched chalets are for the ph's an
IMG-20150727-WA0011.jpg
d myself, there are luxury tents for the clients.
 
Mekaniks said:
Hey Simon the heated pool,and hot tub must be just out of the pic behind the trees?? Hehehe not really:LOL:
Click to expand...

Don't joke about the hot tub!!! We actually had one until last year in camp, unfortunately the rats got hold of it in the off season.

Jono, going back to your original post, we also use fly camps, sometimes it will take 4 hours just to get to some hunting areas, but from experience 2 nights max, then clients want comfort.
 
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