How did you select your first safari?

[Tanks]

My father selected it and took me to Rhodesia with him when I was a teenager.

 

[Jaegger]

Am just wondering how everyone selected their first safari, did you pick the animals that you wanted to hunt and then look in those areas where they are available, did you pick the outfitter or PH that you wanted to hunt with and select from that, did you pick the country that you wanted to hunt first then determine from that what was available …

Hey Ravensview,

Great topic & your question is well defined. I’ll lean on my travel/hunt experiences - I’m flying to S Africa late August on my 8th Plains Game hunt & why RSA? This trip - species specific. My 1st trip: 2007, Namibia & a 3/trophy package deal over 6-days that ended up being 5/trophies - it’s normal! It was the package deal & value that brought me to Namibia …

The African Hunting Industry today whether Shows or Internet or Word of Mouth or Specific Species is vast & can be information over-load w/ allot of rabbit holes to investigate - in a good way! What has worked for me:
* I wrangle up a 2 - 4 group as 2x1 can be a better value & set a budget.
* We select a Country that supports some Pre & Post-Hunt activities
* Research indigenous species as these will normally be the best value & build our trophy hit-list.
* Search Operators w/ these species & you will quickly set a high/low price point by species for this Country.
* Daily Rates usually vary by Accommodation type ie modest Family Ranch Style vs. Fancy Lodge or Remoteness of Camp & again you will quickly set a high/low price point.
* Group will quickly develop a short-list of Operators.

*Note: this system balances well until your trophy room starts to fill & now you‘re chasing down specific species & Country becomes secondary.

Final Step: ask AH seasoned hunters for input + read Hunting Reports. This front-end work is ‘fun’ & traditionally lands you in a quality Operators camp for an exciting Hunt & new Friendships! Happy trails …

 

[sestoppelman]

Having always wanted to go to Africa since reading Ruark and others as a kid, I had hoped it would be Tanzania. After perusing a ton of brochures in the early 80's trying to make up my mind where to go and what to hunt, I got in the mail some info from an agent in Canada named Jerome Knap (Canada North Outfitting) , now passed on I understand, very nice fellow. RIP
He had bookings open with a company in Tanzania for 7 days, 7 animals including buffalo and all trophy fees and airfare!!! from NY, for a price that even then was below average. That tore it!
Off to Tanzania I went in 1984 to Masailand.

 

[CBH Australia]

I dont expect theat many will go my route. But, I always wanted to hunt africa, since my kindergarten age. My grandfather was hunter, and african exotic animals boosted my dreams and imagination,
Then, I did not know how, or even if this was possible at all!. As a kid I thought that african safari was a thing of the past, gone with the winds of history, or even if this was possible, then it would be too expensive for me.

My first step in the direction was maybe 5 years before my first safary, when on internet I found out that some people from my country are actually hunting Africa, and bring home the trophies.
I came to conclusion safari is possible, practically and ecconomically. That was my true reveliation!

My next step was, again by accident, finding this forum on internet. and that was maybe 3 years before my first safary. First I was just lurking here, then I decided to join this forum, and started with stupid newbie questions.

Then I started the reasearch, a bit deeper.
My reasearch was online plus books. In three years, before my first safari I have collected and read dozens of books: African safari history, african animals, hunting rifles for africa, and modern safari authors.
Online search was reading this forum,random google search, and contacting outfitters for options.

After three years, I got my sights aimed to South Africa and Namibia. In those three years I got the rough picture of African continent from hunters perspective. Where is economic to hunt, and where is expensive. What questions to ask?
In which countries hunting is allowed and where it is banned.
Where are the wilderness and where are the farms lands. Where are security risks, and political instability, and where is safe for tourists.

A window of opporunity for my first safari was when a friend of mine, reccomended an outfitter based on his experience.
Before contacting this outfitter I knew what I wanted, I already knew what animals I wanted to hunt. I made a list of most iconic plains game species and when signing the contract, I had a price list of each animal, and made my own package.

Then I went for safari.
.

Something like that.

I always wanted too Hunt Africa, I found this forum, read heaps. They said it's not as expensive as you might think.

I posted for a cup hunt as I wanted the experience and I'm not a trophy hunter.

I considered the offers and the cost and realised it could be done.

My wife and I traveled with me taking 10 animals in my package all for about 8k US

 

[outwestidaho]

#1 They had to have the game I wanted to hunt.
#2 They had to have prices that were with in my budget.
#3 The lodge etc. had to be rustic and Africa (I don't like places that are just a house )
#4 Good reviews and reports. Plus I actually called people who hunted with the outfitter.
#5 I didn't listen to much to people who had been to Africa once, that had the best hunt ever. It may have been and probably was, but with nothing to compare it to, I like more info. Same holds for people who have hunted with the same outfitter multiple times and no where else. They may be completely happy you may not.
#6 I had a priority animal to hunt. So I made sure that the outfitter could provide a great hunt for that animal.

This site is full of info go back and dig it up. Taxidermist that are heavy on African work hear a lot about good hunts and bad ones. Shows are a good place to meet outfitters face to face.

This is my process that works for me. Its not personal against anyone. After being in Africa 5 times now I've had one hunt in Africa that wasn't the best . I booked it through a boking agent and should have done more home work on it. It was still a good adventure but not what I was looking for in a hunt.

 

[Marcus bock]

I'd be sure, also, that the lodge has it's own PH's,... not renta-PH's.

 

[Stephen Ausband]

I don't know if my experiences were typical, but they worked out well. Some friends had hunted in Africa numerous times, and they hosted a get-together with a PH/friend from RSA. Over drinks and food, I talked with him about wanting to see some of Africa for the first time and wanting to hunt a buffalo and some plains game. He had information, pictures, brochures, etc., and we made a plan. It worked out very well. The second time I went with a PH the same friends had hunted with in Zimbabwe numerous times. Being able to draw on their experiences was a big help. This trip (to Kazuma and Pandamasuie Forestry areas, huge chunks of wilderness near Matetsi) was wonderful. For the third trip (coming up next year) I made an inquiry on this forum, got good replies from several outfitters/Phs, checked reports on the forum, and made my choice. I plan to hunt with Spear Safaris for buffalo in APR near Kruger and then farther north around the Soutspansberg range. I'm very much looking forward to it.

 

[Mark Biggerstaff]

My first safari I searched here on AH. I looked at all the outfitters and contacted the ones I was most interested in. Then I looked at the size of operation and how big camp was. I decided on a PH/ outfitter that has family owned land and runs a camp where you or your group are the only ones on the property hunting at the time you are there. He also has other areas to hunt besides main camp.
Then I decided on game I wanted to hunt.
Just finished safari #3 with them and have #4 booked for May 2022.

 

[Bhfs300]

I talked to the different places at our local sports show(Denver).
Stopped in for several years before finally making the plunge.
Picked from their packages with my main trophy(kudu).

 

[Still alive]

Off topic : can we expect a report

It’s under Africa hunting report. With pictures of my son and I. We had the best hunting trip ever. Blue wildebeest for me and zebra for my son were the best. Hope you enjoy

 

[Ravensview]

Thank you for all of the replies,

 

[375Fox]

Thank you for all of the replies,

What do you think your priorities will be when you select your first safari?

 

[Ravensview]

What do you think your priorities will be when you select your first safari?

I’m thinking which usually gets me into trouble, type of experience, some type of tented camp (I do like a shower, either bucket or sponge at least and a crapper is nice, even if it’s an outhouse,)
location away from amenities I’d prefer to not see power lines, fencing, human habitation, distant lights etc.., more enjoyment than trophy size, I am sure this will change and morph as more pieces of the pie come together, then as costs are added in, I am in no rush when things and conditions are right, they will be right if that makes sense, there are a lot of rabbit holes to chase down.

 

[375Fox]

I’m thinking which usually gets me into trouble, type of experience, some type of tented camp (I do like a shower, either bucket or sponge at least and a crapper is nice, even if it’s an outhouse,)
location away from amenities I’d prefer to not see power lines, fencing, human habitation, distant lights etc.., more enjoyment than trophy size, I am sure this will change and morph as more pieces of the pie come together, then as costs are added in, I am in no rush when things and conditions are right, they will be right if that makes sense, there are a lot of rabbit holes to chase down.

Best advice I can give would be to not over think it. Decide on an area, some primary species, and a price range and then go. Most everyone enjoys their first safari even if they realize later it could have been improved. Just go and use that safari to learn what you want on the next, don’t delay a first safari for everything to be perfect. Africa changes every year as the population grows.

 

[Jonathan Kashouty]

I have hunted PG in RSA and Namibia and loved both locations and outfits. Frontier Safaris on the EC and Kaiwhai Safaris in Namibia. Right now RSA seems a little easier to get to especially if Delta resumes Atlanta direct to JNB on August 1. Namibia will probably require one overnight in JNB and then the airport shuffle again the following day.

 

[Jonathan Kashouty]

Looks as though I will be returning to Namibia in October...Excellent!

 

[Jaegger]

@ Jonathan: best of luck on your return to Namibia! I’ve enjoyed each of my trips & Namibia is a place where time of year really changes the bushveld condition & affects game patterns. I hunted early Oct = warm, dry, dusty, & one in the group had severe allergy issues - if that affects you. End of dry season w/ minimal tree/bush edibles & grass left so that drives game concentrations.

*FYI: Germany is allowing entry of vaccinated US citizens & there are good connections to Namibia - popular destination for Germans.

@ Ravensview: 375Fox hit on key points: don’t over think it, budget, and just pull the trigger & do-it. You can find a proper 6 or 7-day, 4-trophy pkg for < = $3,000. P.S. Early & Late season provides ‘specials’.

I like your direction w/ a soft-side camp (tents) however that may limit your Operators, raw remote Topo, & focus - hunt experience. Trophies: majority of PH’s work hard for a proper/best trophies the Region can produce. I’ve enjoyed 2/soft-side camps each remote & both had proper toilet/wash facilities. Hot water: propane & the other a wood burning Donkey Boiler.

On AH: Search, Advanced Search, type: “Tented Camps” & I keep search dates relevant: 1-year back. Good options right here to start your adventure & remember, when you sign your 1st African Hunt Contract “it’s a Daydream w/ a Deadline!” Happy Trails.

 

[Ravensview]

@ Jonathan: best of luck on your return to Namibia! I’ve enjoyed each of my trips & Namibia is a place where time of year really changes the bushveld condition & affects game patterns. I hunted early Oct = warm, dry, dusty, & one in the group had severe allergy issues. End of dry season w/ minimal tree/bush edibles & grass left so that drives game concentrations.

*FYI: Germany is allowing entry of vaccinated US citizens & there are good connections to Namibia - popular destination for Germans.

@ Ravensview: 375Fox hit on key points: don’t over think it, budget, and just pull the trigger & do-it. You can find a proper 6 or 7-day, 4-trophy pkg for < = $3,000. P.S. Early & Late season provides ‘specials’.

I like your direction of a soft-side camp (tents) however that may limit your Operators, raw remote Topo, & focus - hunt experience. Trophies: majority of PH’s work hard for a proper/best trophies the Region can produce. I’ve enjoy 2/soft-side camps each remote & both had proper toilet/wash facilities. Hot water: propane & the other a wood burning Donkey Boiler.

On AH: Search, Advanced Search, type: “Tented Camps” & I keep search dates relevant: 1-year back. Good options right here to start your adventure & remember, when you sign your 1st African Hunt Contract “it’s a Daydream w/ a Deadline!” Happy Trails.

Thanks for the info and guidance Jaegger, I like your statement ”daydream with a deadline”, yep over the years I have come to appreciate a warm trickle of water to clean up with, that being said even a cold water dunk is appreciated on a winter hunt or a proper Sauna just seems to be a luxury that I have come to enjoy. Last time I traveled to Germany was late 70’s early 80’s,

 

[Jaegger]

Thanks for the info and guidance Jaegger, I like your statement ”daydream with a deadline”, yep over the years I have come to appreciate a warm trickle of water to clean up with, that being said even a cold water dunk is appreciated on a winter hunt or a proper Sauna just seems to be a luxury that I have come to enjoy. Last time I traveled to Germany was late 70’s early 80’s,

My pleasure - Namibia can provide a ‘proper outdoor Sauna’ during the right time of year … I hunted there in Mar‘19 & it was brutal: 38c+. We are hunting on Daily Rates (paid service) & proper Operators strive to provide accommodating toilet/showers - some more rustic than offers but all service the purpose. I know an Operator in Namibia that provides soft-side main camp & what’s cool - backpack to overnight spike camps from main camp - 1st for me.

I live/work in Germany for US Dept of Defense - it simplifies travel for most African locales & taking advantage of that while I can … bests!