Here's where I am in my planning stage, I need to: 1) pick the country and ecosystem to hunt 2) determine if using flyer miles is an option for airfair to Africa 3) narrow my choice of outfitters down and visit them at the DSC and Houston Safari Club conventions next January 4) spend a lot of time right here!
Again, just excited to find this resource.
Hi, Andy Spencer, welcome to the forum!
I am African hunting begginer with experience of one hunt done, and one booked for this year.
But I passed the initial phases on research (books, this forum, other hunters) to some depth, including some of your questions and I will try to make some of my input from almost same perspective as yours.
1) country / ecosystem?
There are only two countries to consider when planning first safari. These two countries cover 80-85% of all hunters feedback reports on this forum.
South Africa, biggest number of species, hunters friendly place. Drawback (in my view) is that most hunting is done in fence.
Namibia, slightly less number of species, hunters friendly place. There are some fences, but most is free range hunting.
Both countries are only countries covering the hunt of big 5 species,
Both countries have very good economical prices for PG hunts, for average middle class hunter.
All other countries after RSA and NAM are, as I am certain, are great countries to hunt with some of their own local specialities. Other countries are less developed, so in most cases - it will mean hunting in true wilderness, true free range, free roaming game, but generally will be more costly for average hunter. (and I mean really more costly). To get to hunting areas very frequently you will need to hire local charter plane to access remote hunting area. Sometimes minimum number of hunting days will be requried for some species, etc .. This all brings the costs up. I am speaking of this not on experience, but on the information provided on this forum and various books and other sources.
Speaking other countries (after RSA and NAM), personally I have continous look for offers in Zimbabwe - looking for cheaper buffalo hunts (my wish for some of the future hunts), and Tanzania, for some of the PG species available to hunt only there (Grant and Tommy gazzele, etc).
Looking up North, for hunting in rain forests, countries like Camoeroun or CAR,. there are very exotic species two hunt, like Bongo, or giant Eland, but not many hunters go there. Generally is expensive. For rain forest hunt, in my view a hunter must develop motivation, and financial plan, strong will and be ready for hardships of hunting for weeks in the rain, low visiblity, etc ... thus not a hunt for begginer.
The bottom line is, for start go to South Africa or Namibia, get experience, and develop your own taste or priorities for future hunts. Once, with some experience from the local ground, you will get your bearings straight, and will know better where to go next.
You will see that many members of the forum keep returning to same countries (rsa, nam) year after year...
2) frequent flyer miles?
Yes, i used it. i got discount. If it is feasable, do it: meaning, that the miles are made on the airline company that has some connection to Africa.
3) outfitters of choice, DSC, SCI, etc?
Not my question. But somebody else may answer.
I am alien on this forum, I live in EU, whilst on the forum are mostly American hunters, but I dont complain!
4) spending time on forum? yes, by all means.
But, get some books as well.
I find all Africana books by Col. Craig Boddington very helpfull. They are most fresh with most updated information.
"African Experience", "Safari Rifles II", "Tracks acros africa", "Where lion roars"... etc...
Get subscription on some safari magazine: two that comes in mind are "Man-magnum", and "African hunting gazzete".
Do the homework, you will get better picture.
