Going it alone.............

I´ve had to do a lot of traveling alone on business, and I hated it.

To Africa I always go with friends, the more, the merrier, then hunt 1x1.

I went alone on my last safari enjoyed every minute of it no other hunters in camp proper time to myself.

That is another side benefit of going alone. As Charlie stated above if things are going well you will likely make friends over there- I certainly did! Seems to be easier when you are alone to make a serious lasting friendship with a PH or outfitter than it is when two or more buddies are there feeding off eachother

Traveled twice solo, felt pretty freeing, actually. Met Craig Boddington's wife on the first solo flight to SA, had a nice chat with her. Neat lady.

Met other hunters, too, and had great discussion with them about their hunting and life experiences. I'm planning a trip to Argentina now, will probably be going solo. All of my friends play that stupid, pointless golf thing.

Going alone actually kind of enhances the adventure.

I've been 3 times and always alone. The first year I asked my buds and got the hell yes we'll go. But as we got closer the excuses started and I went solo. I like going alone, you are on your own schedule, do what you want and nobody snoring to keep you awake. The only downside is the 1X1 costs are higher but worth it IMO.

BRICKBURN said:

6'7" It may play a part.

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Height, width of shoulders or foot length?

Personally I like to hunt on my own as I feel it is way more successful for me as all my focus is on the hunting no distractions, bending to others wants, etc. Last year I went to Africa with a long time hunting companion we each had our own PHs and sometimes didn't see each others for a couple of days and that was good with us and even then you only see the other person at breakfast and dinner. This year will be on my own and cant wait to go!! I have made the mistake of taking PIA's with on trips and hunts and that is a HUGE MISTAKE BE CAREFUL WHO YOU HUNT AND TRAVEL WITH people lie about experience, cause all kinds of trouble, can get you hurt or killed, etc. so go have fun!

I am in the exact same boat on my next trip. My wife liked Africa but there's no way she is doing the flight again. Plus she wants to see her family in Sicily on her next trip anyway.

I have no issue hunting alone. My only fear is getting stuck next to someone unpleasant on the very long flights!

brushmore said:

I am in the exact same boat on my next trip. My wife liked Africa but there's no way she is doing the flight again. Plus she wants to see her family in Sicily on her next trip anyway.

I have no issue hunting alone. My only fear is getting stuck next to someone unpleasant on the very long flights!

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Noise cancelling headphones, a few scotch and sleep looks after that

lcq said:

Noise cancelling headphones, a few scotch and sleep looks after that

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Except when the person is huge and doesn't fit in their seat entirely, smells band, or/and keeps falling asleep on to you.

brushmore said:

Except when the person is huge and doesn't fit in their seat entirely, smells band, or/and keeps falling asleep on to you.

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that sucks donkeys. I've never had the displeasure. Guess you are just lucky

brushmore said:

Except when the person is huge and doesn't fit in their seat entirely, smells band, or/and keeps falling asleep on to you.

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That's super passive aggressive. Just call me out by name! lol

rookhawk said:

That's super passive aggressive. Just call me out by name! lol

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I have encountered all of those attributes in people on flights before but luckily not all of those in a single person, yet.

brushmore said:

I have encountered all of those attributes in people on flights before but luckily not all of those in a single person, yet.

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just wait it seems you are lucky

I took my son to Africa when he was 10. Great kid, had a great time, but a 10 year old is more of a liability than an asset in any "situation". Sensational news notwithstanding, the world just isn't that dangerous now. When you think of all the diseases that are now preventable or treatable, the ready availability of safe drinking water, etc. we are way, way safer than our great grandparents. Hell, when I was a kid my dad's arm was my seatbelt and we played with lawn darts. Don't let the news convince you travel is dangerous.

If you don't want to be alone, make friends on the way. Its easy!

Bert the Turtle said:

I took my son to Africa when he was 10. Great kid, had a great time, but a 10 year old is more of a liability than an asset in any "situation". Sensational news notwithstanding, the world just isn't that dangerous now. When you think of all the diseases that are now preventable or treatable, the ready availability of safe drinking water, etc. we are way, way safer than our great grandparents. Hell, when I was a kid my dad's arm was my seatbelt and we played with lawn darts. Don't let the news convince you travel is dangerous.

If you don't want to be alone, make friends on the way. Its easy!

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that was my growing up as well. I still hate helmets on motorcycles, seatbelts and the nanny state. we turned out normal, managed to have kids without two heads, hold down a job and live the dream. the good old days are no longer in North America

This year will mark the 5th international safari alone for me. Although talking with an AH member or 2 about a 2x1 hunt with one of the sponsors here for 2018 or 2019!

I just got a call from my PH/owner/outfitter Iliwa Safaris and it looks like it is a go for a trip starting May12 until June this year. That is if I can put together all the plane tickets, gun forms, travel/accident insurance as well as get firearms and myself ready in time. It will be 10 days of hunting and then sightseeing. I thought it was postponed but it looks like a go now.
I do not see Lori(Travel Express) advertising here. Is she still one? I need to contact her tomorrow.

Anyone want to tag along on the hunt? It is a great outfitter/owner/PH with large properties.

My last two hunts have been solo. South Africa and NZ. My personal goals , determination and desire to hunt propelled me to go alone evn after inviting everone I know that might be interested. I was the sick guy on the jet to NZ on the last go around, but I wasn't 'staying home'! These hunt trips take many months of pre planning and preparation. Plus I have good doctor that sends with me any necessary Rx to combat illness. In both instances I know that my 'people' are waiting for me on the other end. Each trip is a risk, but for me 'not goin' is to be dead. However, RSA and NZ are fairly benign hunt venues. I wouldn't travel to areas like Mozambique where you must secure visas and special vaccinations alone.
International hunt travel takes courage and endless preparation, especially if your haulin guns. I hire 'travel with guns' for air booking, reputable intermediaries at airports for rifle transfer, and reputable layover accommodations. Part of the 'fun' for me is studying every detail of the trip during the twelve months before departure. I know everyone can't do this, but this has been my sucessfull formulae so far. In addition, always have an unassuming demeanor in JNB, have ALL paperwork in an attaché and be patient with a smile. Always maintain a 'buttoned up' and pleasant attitude. Don't ' wear out' outfitters with stupid questions and concerns. Study their pre planning tips on their website. Don't be a pain in arse and you will get their 'best'. They have tough jobs dealin with 'us'. My two cents.

The first time I went my wife and daughter came with me and they loved it.
Last year the dates I could go didn't coincide with school holidays other time my wife could get off so I went alone.
I still had a fantastic time, I didn't have to worry about anyone else enjoying themselves or keeping up.
I had no problems travelling with firearms or anything else.
There is no reason why anyone shouldn't travel or hunt alone.
Do it and enjoy it, make the most of time to yourself without any other the hassle and pressure of every day life doing something you enjoy.
I would and will definitely travel and hunt alone again but I will also do it again with my family.