Looking for advice toward my first Safari

[HNTNH]

I've always dreamed of hunting Africa and I'm finally trying to make this dream come true within the next couple years. I'm hoping that coming onto this forum might shed some light on the many questions that I have and make it easier to finally book a trip.
I'm looking for a trip that could accommodate my self as a hunter and my Wife as a non hunter so that I can kill two birds with one stone and give her an extravagant vacation while satisfying my need to hunt. I've also never been outside the United States and even though I've been on a few Hunting trips that required me to fly I have never brought a firearm on the plane. I'm not opposed to trying to fly to Africa with my rifle but I'm thinking it may be better to rent a rifle there, Have any of you done this?
I've been looking at Intrepid Safaris and for under 5 grand I can do a plains game hunt but that being said how much money would you want to have at the ready?

Thank you all for the help and I apologize for the novel but this is something I need to make happen

 

[Hogpatrol]

Well, you came to the right place! As far as $$$ is concerned, if you are mounting trophies, consider the total cost will be around double the hunt cost. Aside that, take your own rifle! It's not that difficult if you have your ducks in a row beforehand.

 

[Fire652]

I just finished my first safari. Taking the rifle was not bad I used the Afton house and used their rifle permitting service. Read as much as you can. I booked through limcroma and they have staff that will work with your wife on day trips and other excursions. You are starting off right joining this forum and asking questions. Have a wish list but be prepared for what Africa offers. You might see an animal that you really want and if you plan ahead you can afford to add on. Talk to multiple outfitters and I highly suggest picking an outfitter that supports this forum. They are usually vested and have great reviews. Enjoy all aspects of the hunt. I enjoyed the planning all the way through the hunt. Read the books by Rourke, chapstick and others. Most importantly have fun and realize this won’t be your only trip. I planned mine as my only trip to Africa. I harvested a few extra trophies but began planning my retried trip before I even left camp. Once Africa is in your blood you will be hooked.

 

[RBurg44]

Taking your own rifle is very easy. Save your money and for around $125 if i recall correctly riflepermits.com does all the work for you! Theres somthing about taking your own gun with you. I planned my first hunt two years ago and had the same questions you are asking. As for who to hunt with i personally believe the best vaule for your buck your can not beat pawprints Safaris. There is plenty of things you can do besides hunt the whole time. Check out their website. Both hunts and outside excursions are on there. But you will have the time of your life and youll never forget it! Planning is part of the fun! As for how much money to have with ya. For around 6isk grand you can take 6 animals for sure.(depending what you want) if you have any questions about anything pm me.

 

[BRICKBURN]

Welcome to AH.

There are plenty of threads on Ah all about the topics you are inquiring about. Enjoy reading them as you educate yourself. You will feel a lot more confident after you have done some reading here.
Safari Planning Guide. etc.

RSA and Namibia import permits are FREE. There are templates on AH about how to properly fill them out and the procedures to do so. or use a service if you can't manage a black pen.

I have rented rifles and taken my own. 9 times out of 10 the rental will work just fine for the hunters. The Outfitter wants you to enjoy yourself and be successful. Most of us like our own rifles.

Enjoy your preparation.

 

[AfricaHunting.com]

Welcome to AH HNTNH! There are some very informative sections for you to explore on AH for the preparation of your hunt. I see from your avatar that you also bow hunt, you may want to consider a hunting outfitter who could organize for you a rifle/bow combo hunting safaris.

 

[MAdcox]

You are in the right place. Lots of people on here with lots of experience and outfitters you can read reviews on and ask questions of.

I made my first trip last year and @Fire652 is correct, don't count on this being your last trip. I'm heading back in 2019 (thanks to this forum and @Wintershoek Safaris ) and again to hunt Namibia with @Kowas Hunting Safaris in 2020.

I took my gun last trip and plan to whenever possible. It adds a few steps and some time to the airport, but wasn't a big hassle and was well worth it to me. That said, my wife plans to stay over in London a few days on my next trip, so I'll be using a camp gun.

Most of all enjoy the planning process. Read, shoot (of sticks), walk, and just have fun with all the prep. It will all be part of the memories you are about to make.

 

[KMG Hunting Safaris]

Welcome to the forum @HNTNH,
Will you please drop me an email or direct Personal Mail here on the forum, and I will be happy to present you with some ideas. Our accommodation will suffice to your requirements. We have just added a new lodge to our options, which I have no doubt will meet the approval from the better halves.

Hope to hear from you,

Take Care,
Marius Goosen

 

[Spear Safaris]

Welcome here.
Please feel free to visit our website, www.spearsafaris.com and or send me a private message and i will put something together for you. I look forward to hearing from you.
Enjoy the journey
Ernest

 

[CAustin]

Welcome to AH sir. Lot of good people on here that are more than willing to help with questions and there are many threads that will help you along the journey.

 

[billc]

Well if you make the trip happen you will have the time of your life. How I like to decide on my trips is like this.

Pick the animals you want to try for. Then pick the area which works best for your list. If you have a budget in mind stick to it and take what your after. You may see something the Ph really likes but it could also throw your budget out the door. Change your list as you want based on how the hunt goes.

You pick the right outfitter you can get alot of plains game for 5000. Other fees rifle permit help 150 and worth it but with help you can do it yourself. Airfare 1200 to 2000 per person to SA. all depends on the season you go what airfare runs. Those are your only cost you must do.

Taxidermy or pictures is a choice you make. Pictures free and taxidermy 150 per animal dip/pack then crating and paperwork other 300 to 500. Then say 1000 to 1200 shipping home. Doing mounts on say 5 or 6 animals you could be 3000 to 6000 depending on what you do. That can be spread out over time though.


You will find most lodges in SA would be fine to take the wife. There is plenty of free side trips you can do and some that cost depending on your goals. May cost you 100 to 300 a day for side trips just for her but so many to pick from.

For me I think northwest and limpopo area offer some of the best hunts and good touring. Good luck on the planning

 

[Ridgewalker]

Welcome to AH! If you cannot find the answer under the “Safari Guide” heading, just ask us. Someone will have an answer for you.
I’d suggest you also check under “DEALS & OFFERS”. There are some great deals in there even if you have something specific to hunt.
One opportunity to try both lodge and classic tent camp on one trip is with Pawprint Safaris. They have a great deal going right now. The lodge is in the North West and the tent camp is in the Limpopo area. Having done this, I can highly recommend it!
Best of luck and have a great time planning!

 

[kesha]

Welcome to AH! Lots of option for you price point and keep the misses happy too.

 

[mdwest]

I'm looking for a trip that could accommodate my self as a hunter and my Wife as a non hunter so that I can kill two birds with one stone and give her an extravagant vacation while satisfying my need to hunt. I've also never been outside the United States and even though I've been on a few Hunting trips that required me to fly I have never brought a firearm on the plane. I'm not opposed to trying to fly to Africa with my rifle but I'm thinking it may be better to rent a rifle there,

All easy to accomplish.. plenty of folk here can provide ample advice, assistance, and recommendations on how to meet the requirement of giving your wife and incredible vacation while at the same time allowing you the opportunity to have an incredible African hunt..

Flying with a firearm isnt difficult to do at all.. literally thousands of people do it every single day.. you'll need to know the process, get all the correct forms completed and submitted ahead of time, and there are some specific things you need to know and/or do depending on what country you intend on traveling to, what airline you intend to fly, etc.. but again, there are plenty of people here that can help point you in the right direction once you have made a couple of initial decisions....

 

[Badger Matt]

I've only been once and leave again at the end of the month. I added days to a package so I'd have 10 hunting days, even if I'm only targeting 3-4 animals. Consider it. It doesn't cost that much more and, hey, I just love African campfires. I really wish my bride would join me; the night skies are amazing!

 

[HNTNH]

I just wanted to Thank all of you guys! It’s good to see there are so many helpful people

 

[HNTNH]

I've only been once and leave again at the end of the month. I added days to a package so I'd have 10 hunting days, even if I'm only targeting 3-4 animals. Consider it. It doesn't cost that much more and, hey, I just love African campfires. I really wish my bride would join me; the night skies are amazing!

What outfit are you using and what are you targeting

 

[Shootist43]

Welcome aboard HNTNH. AH is the best site on the net to get straight answers to all of your questions. Since it is the "hunting season" in Africa lots of members were, are or going to be hunting and writing up their reports which include photos. Lots of outfitters can accommodate your needs and or desires. I second the thought of taking your own rifle. It takes a little effort to make sure all your "ducks" are lined up but it isn't hard.

 

[Just4fun63]

This site has answered my questions. All the outfitters have been very helpful. I hope to get my first trip booked soon. ( decided to save up a little more cash for a longer trip).

 

[Safari Co. Africa]

Welcome. On this forum you will find everything you need to know.

Reading your post one things comes to mind: Happy Wife...Happy Life...

send me a mail, info@safaricoafrica.com and lets put something together that will indeed kill two birds with one stone and not leave one wounded...