Africa...when will you be priced out??

[Rickmt]

I try to take my son every 2 or three years to Africa. Next year it is Botswana.
What gets to me is not the price of the hunt , it is the other costs added to hunt costs.
Flights
Overnight in joberg
Hunt
Hunt tips- +/- 10%
Dip/pack
Air freight to seattle
Seattle Coppersmith import fees and ship to tannery in Michigan
Taxidermy
ALL OF THE ABOVE IS INCREASING WELL BEYOND INFLATION .
I predict demand will fall as baby boomers in USA age out of hunting ….

 

[Ridge Runner]

Think of it like this. At some point even with sustained management and sustainable heards.......

At the number of hunters going to Africa to hunt it will either become more costly to hunt a big trophy animal vs a eh yeah he's nice but I have a bigger one on my wall from 10-20 years ago.

Those medals and record books animals are going to be in short supply. By not going as soon as one can, as often as one can. Prices could potentially become pay by the inch over X inches.

Like being able to a 60+ pound ele decades ago, let alone being able to get a shot on one today Remembering what it was like shooting 24+ inch impala today and only thinking of being able to see or get a shot at one 10-20 years from now.

 

[Forage&Hunt]

Try being an average joe on the ground. I grew up in Zimbabwe, and have lived here my whole life. I remember going hunting growing up every year, sometimes multiple times a year, to the Zambezi, the Save, matetsi and other awesome places. We never shot anything big, a buff hunt is still my gold standard, but it was affordable and I remember saving up for and hunting my fist eland.

Now, as a local, I have an almost zero chance of hunting any of the areas I did growing up. It’s hard enough just trying to survive in general, there’s no ways I can afford to hunt.

My hunting comes down to hopefully having a friend or relative who can afford it and asks me to tag along, maybe I get to shoot the impala for the pot

Same in SA. Save for months and even years for a small forage hunt

 

[MS 9x56]

Oh the horror! How can you even ask such a question?

 

[dgr416]

My taxidermist went to Africa free 32 times .He would book 3 people and the 4th went for free .I was going to Alaska during this time and had to chooss one over the other

 

[MS 9x56]

I try to take my son every 2 or three years to Africa. Next year it is Botswana.
What gets to me is not the price of the hunt , it is the other costs added to hunt costs.
Flights
Overnight in joberg
Hunt
Hunt tips- +/- 10%
Dip/pack
Air freight to seattle
Seattle Coppersmith import fees and ship to tannery in Michigan
Taxidermy
ALL OF THE ABOVE IS INCREASING WELL BEYOND INFLATION .
I predict demand will fall as baby boomers in USA age out of hunting ….

I am afraid your assessment is spot on correct.

 

[kpoynter]

I try to take my son every 2 or three years to Africa. Next year it is Botswana.
What gets to me is not the price of the hunt , it is the other costs added to hunt costs.
Flights
Overnight in joberg
Hunt
Hunt tips- +/- 10%
Dip/pack
Air freight to seattle
Seattle Coppersmith import fees and ship to tannery in Michigan
Taxidermy
ALL OF THE ABOVE IS INCREASING WELL BEYOND INFLATION .
I predict demand will fall as baby boomers in USA age out of hunting ….

I honestly feel like the actual Hunt costs (common African hunts… not things like Lion etc) and Flights have NOT gone up nearly was much
The Joberg flight 20 years ago was $1,600-$1,700 or so in Coach. It has still been like $2,200 or so
Plains game hunts have probably gotten cheaper against Inflation in real dollars or certainly the same. Buffalo Hunts are the same and I’d argue lower end Elephant hunts. The only hunts that have skyrocketed are super high end and specialty (LDE/Bongo/Masaii)
What’s gotten stupid is Shipping and other “incidental” stuff related to trophies
I think my first safari crate in 2004 was like $500 to ship (via sea) and I’m sure I paid like $400 or something to clear it and another $250 inland freight to the taxidermist
That has tripled/quadrupled at least now overall.

 

[Safari Dave]

I feel the same as you.

With inflation, African hunts are still a very good deal compared to western hunts in the US.


The price to hunt only one animal in Alaska has gotten ridiculous.

Africa is a bargain compared to Alaska.


(some Canadian hunts are still offered at a decent price)



The level of professionalism, doesn't even compare. (sorry, but Africa always wins)



Probably because PH's have to go to school and pass exams, but also because they (and the companies they work for) are used to working with clients from all over the world.

 

[Ridge Runner]

I feel the same as you.

With inflation, African hunts are still a very good deal compared to western hunts in the US.

+1, Most hunts are only for 1 expensive animal with at best a 50 - 50 chace of success on a really nice animal. With no chance of substituting one animal for another.

Hunting Africa a person can discuss and change out animals if the primary animal isn't cooperating to be hunted. And other animals can most always be added on to the hunt and the whole African experience can still end up being near +/- equal to the one big game anima guidedl hunt here in the US.

Sorry,....Not Sorry,......LMAO....
They are only good deals until your PH starts OOH that's a nice _________, you want to hunt it? Then it's bye bye good deal. You planned on only hunting 5 animals in 7 days, and now you are on number 6, 7, 8, and still have a day or 3 of hunting left.

The price to hunt only one animal in Alaska has gotten ridiculous.

Africa is a bargain compared to Alaska.


(some Canadian hunts are still offered at a decent price)

The level of professionalism, doesn't even compare. (sorry, but Africa always wins)

I can sort of agree and disagree.

I can agree because reputable African Outfitters and PHs have a better opportunity to have repeat clients than reputable US Outfitters and Guides.

Also as American hunters and American guides and outfitters we can understand body/ facial language vs American hunters and African PH and Outfitter body, facial and sometimes vocal language when the PH and/or outfitter and/or tracker(s) are having a conversation in Afrikaan.

I can disagree because PHs will have conversations with their trackers and outfitters in Afrkkan with the client present and clients' have little to no clue they (the client) are being discussed, in good, bad, or both ways.

Probably because PH's have to go to school and pass exams,

but also because they (and the companies they work for) are used to working with clients from all over the world.

JMO....I think this statement makes PHs and outfitters more tolerable and retain their professionalism toward clients than US outfitters and guides.

 

[bwanamrm]

I don't think I am being priced out per se, but just getting tired and annoyed at the layers of added costs that have been heaped upon the traveling sportsman, especially in wild Africa. As others have pointed out, Americans are increasingly seen as walking ATMs by operators and governments, shelling out money for every conceivable expense real or imagined.

Dip and pack, crating, shipping, VAT (just look at the new 15% Zim tax), semi-mandated tips, anti-poaching, in-country travel, charters... and the list goes on often adding up to 50% of the original safari. I understand inflation and world conflict have increased costs for all of us and few safari operators are getting rich, but after 36 safaris and no real "have to obtain" trophies it does have me reconsidering where I travel to and spend my $$ to enjoy our sport. There are a few classic safari concessions I would still like to see and experience but at what cost?

South Africa is affordable and fun, if not somewhat tame in relation to other areas of Africa. Europe and South America are relative bargains. Asia is still the Wild West (or maybe wild east!). I am past the days of measuring my successes by body count so considering Africa cheap when you look at a "per head" cost doesn't apply to me. Will I return? Of course... I do believe that we will see the impact of world events start to hit operators in the form of cancellations and one can pick and choose what one finds interesting. And let me say this, the operators and PH's are all great people whom I truly enjoy spending time with. I wish them nothing but success...

And to point to my hypocrisy, I leave next Wednesday for the Kalahari in Botswana to chase big kudu during the rut!

Just a rant and my $.02 worth...

 

[Green Chile]

I don't think I am being priced out per se, but just getting tired and annoyed at the layers of added costs that have been heaped upon the traveling sportsman, especially in wild Africa. As others have pointed out, Americans are increasingly seen as walking ATMs by operators and governments, shelling out money for every conceivable expense real or imagined.

Dip and pack, crating, shipping, VAT (just look at the new 15% Zim tax), semi-mandated tips, anti-poaching, in-country travel, charters... and the list goes on often adding up to 50% of the original safari. I understand inflation and world conflict have increased costs for all of us and few safari operators are getting rich, but after 36 safaris and no real "have to obtain" trophies it does have me reconsidering where I travel to and spend my $$ to enjoy our sport. There are a few classic safari concessions I would still like to see and experience but at what cost?

South Africa is affordable and fun, if not somewhat tame in relation to other areas of Africa. Europe and South America are relative bargains. Asia is still the Wild West (or maybe wild east!). I am past the days of measuring my successes by body count so considering Africa cheap when you look at a "per head" cost doesn't apply to me. Will I return? Of course... I do believe that we will see the impact of world events start to hit operators in the form of cancellations and one can pick and choose what one finds interesting. And let me say this, the operators and PH's are all great people whom I truly enjoy spending time with. I wish them nothing but success...

And to point to my hypocrisy, I leave next Wednesday for the Kalahari in Botswana to chase big kudu during the rut!

Just a rant and my $.02 worth...

This is an informative reply from an experienced hunter who travels a lot more than the average client. Worth far more than $.02 I would say!

 

[Hogpatrol]

I don't think I am being priced out per se, but just getting tired and annoyed at the layers of added costs that have been heaped upon the traveling sportsman, especially in wild Africa. As others have pointed out, Americans are increasingly seen as walking ATMs by operators and governments, shelling out money for every conceivable expense real or imagined.

Walking ATM machine? With some women in the United States, not much different than Africa.

 

[coreydb]

Price hikes are a reality unfortunately, we now have to live with. I had to reconsider many hunts and those I choose, I now have to project out my funds to two to three years. A lot of game animals are now off my list.

 

[coreydb]

One thought; the higher the prices, the fewer the hunters. The law of supply and demand has to kick in at some point. Even with those who can afford the price raises, the volume of hunters goes down.

 

[Safari Dave]

IMO, American guided hunts will continue to go up indefinitely.

With so much light (Meateater, mainly) being projected onto western hunting now, points creeps will probably give me only 1 more opportunity for elk, pronghorn and mule deer in Wyoming.

In the "good ole' days," - 20 years ago, as a non-resident , I never had a problem with getting drawn for almost anything for which I applied.

The State of Wyoming sent me an e-mail a couple of years ago, telling me I was wasting my money buying preference points or trying to get drawn for a moose.


IMO - African hunting will continue to be a bargain, compared to American hunts, for many, many years.

 

[wesheltonj]

I hope I age out before I am priced out. RSA is a bargain for plains game for what you get. It's after the hunt where the pricing out starts to be a problem. My next Africa hunt I am trying to cram two different hunts into one trip and make it hopefully my last to Africa. At 65, not much time left to hang taxidermy on the wall and enjoy it.

I really liked hunting Eastern and Central Europe and that's where I will make most of my international hunting trips. It was hard to beat sitting lake side in Bled having a drink enjoying the scenery (both kinds) while hunting and the flight was a lot shorter.

Unfortunately, USA hunt are just too expensive, except DIY. And the odds of DIY success for a nice trophy are very low. As examples a Blackbuck was going for around 2K before the big freeze, now 4-6k. Axis has had a similar price jump, although there are still some meat hunts advertised that are reasonable. Aoudad from free to 6k minimum. Axis and Aoudad were both considered pest at one time, but not any more. Hogs are still pests, but too much money involved to wipe them out.

 

[Safari Dave]

I hope I age out before I am priced out. RSA is a bargain for plains game for what you get. It's after the hunt where the pricing out starts to be a problem. My next Africa hunt I am trying to cram two different hunts into one trip and make it hopefully my last to Africa. At 65, not much time left to hang taxidermy on the wall and enjoy it.

I really liked hunting Eastern and Central Europe and that's where I will make most of my international hunting trips. It was hard to beat sitting lake side in Bled having a drink enjoying the scenery (both kinds) while hunting and the flight was a lot shorter.

Unfortunately, USA hunt are just too expensive, except DIY. And the odds of DIY success for a nice trophy are very low. As examples a Blackbuck was going for around 2K before the big freeze, now 4-6k. Axis has had a similar price jump, although there are still some meat hunts advertised that are reasonable. Aoudad from free to 6k minimum. Axis and Aoudad were both considered pest at one time, but not any more. Hogs are still pests, but too much money involved to wipe them out.

DYI hunts are getting much harder.

In 2023, my son and I tried twice in WY and never got a shot at a bull elk on public land. Cost was about $5K for nothing.


DYI hunts in the US, can be much better in GA, SC, NC, TN.

It's Black Bears, Whitetails, and feral hogs, but, at least, it won't cost you a mortgage payment.

 

[Scott CWO]

Here's how to get your US hunting for free (slight risk involved)...

https://magazine.atavist.com/2026/san-luis-valley-wildlife-poaching

I remember this raid. It was all over the news for months in Colorado.

 

[Philip Glass]

Interesting thread. PG hunting in SA and Namibia is still the best value in the world, literally.

I too wonder about the pricing of guided hunting here in North America as it steadily increases to outrageous levels and it is not a day rate + trophy fee model, its money out the door and hope you find it.

I think it will be interesting to see what happens in the hunting market with supply/demand as it's no doubt that a large portion of international hunters are aging out. Just look around at a DSC show or the like. In 10 years, and certainly 20 years, it will have changed dramatically. I just dont see the current level of demand in the future due to there being less hunters, simple. Hopefully this will bring some pricing down.

One thing I keep in mind is that if we weren't spending this kind of money on safaris we might just be spending it on something else anyway. My wife wouldn't hesitate if I said, "hey, lets go tour Europe (or anywhere) for 3 weeks". Many of the kind of people that go on safari have to do something interesting!

All this just motivates me to go make more money and cut corners financially on other stuff (e.g. cars) as I dont see not hunting as a realistic option if you are still physically capable. Cheers

A full RSA Safari all in package deal at $9500. Versus...
Normal House: $400,000+ in most of America
New truck: $100,000
Dinner for 4: $150 on low end
Big bag of fast food: $20
I long for the good ole days of the $.59, .79, .99 Taco Bell jingle!

Sure everything is going up safaris included yet RSA still the best value in hunting.

 

[Badjer]

One thought; the higher the prices, the fewer the hunters. The law of supply and demand has to kick in at some point. Even with those who can afford the price raises, the volume of hunters goes down.

Earlier someone posted As an outfitter, Why take 20 hunters a year at 5 to $6k vs 10 at 10 to $15k or 5 at $20k etc.
Those that can afford the higher cost may prefer this to happen. Statistics would suggest more and better quality animals for the remaining hunters.
In addition, I ask... As the number of hunters goes down, will the number of outfitters, ranches, and areas open to hunting go down too?
Maybe some of our Canadian members can give us feedback regarding what happened to the number of outfitters in Canada during and after covid... I heard many went out of business.
Just some thoughts for this morning...