Just won a 10 day trip Need Advice

[Brewster6514]

New question guys. And I am only asking on this post since I started it and I don't want this question to be turned into a big debate. I am just looking for clarification so I can make a better decision.

Can someone please explain the fencing, ranches, game farms and concessions? I am not so naïve to think that it is still wide open wild Africa that I love reading about so much, but the more research you do the more you learn. Good and bad. I have no issues with the big fenced in areas but I do not want to end up on a 500 acre ranch either. I have even learned through conversations some places are are changing out stock every few years to keep better animals which to me isn't a far jump from put and take. This does not seem like Africa to me. I am not an elitist nor am I questioning what one person likes vs another's. I just don't like surprises.

Been to south africa 3 times, and 2 of those with hercules safaris, and we are going again with him in 2027. Within an hour after arriving the first time we felt like old friends.
Every place in south africa has high fences, he has somewhere around 10,000 acres iirc, plus all the other concessions he goes to. You dont even notice the fences after a day or so and only see them once and a while as you drive around looking for your animals.
I dont know if its just for us or all of his hunters, but his prices have never been what he lists online, you need to talk to him and ask. We tell him what we want and he gives us a price, if we dont like it we dont hunt it.
I have used his rifles everytime we've been with him and think its so much easier than taking my own, plus all of his rifles have suppressors which makes it very nice.
I do know he always has animals that are off limits because they are breeders so he is growing them naturally on his farm.

My best advice is to just text him or call him and clear up any questions. I feel he's a stand up guy.

 

[Caretaker95]

Just this past weekend I won a 10 day 2 animal safari with Hercules Safaris. I am beyond excited. This was something I was planning on doing in the next 5 years but it looks likes my plans are moving forward faster than I expected. This is my first post on here but I have been reading for quite sometime. Now that the dream is starting to become reality I have so many questions and so much to learn quickly. I am still waiting on the information they are sending regarding dates and arrangements. I am hoping to get some feedback from you guys/gals on some of my first questions. Thank you for any help or suggestions.

Questions
1. Flight arrangements. Is it beneficial using a travel agent? If so who do you recommend?
2. 2 animals are included. What is a good number of animals to add to make for a good trip and make the outfitter happy? (money wise)
3. Reviews on Hercules Safaris. Even though I have won this trip I would like to know what to expect with this company from actual clients.

These are just a few questions that have popped into my head. I am sure I will have plenty more. Please bare with me. If there is anything anyone would care to add or suggest please do. I am a dry sponge at this point!

Thank you, Jim

Jim, I also just “won” a trip JUST LIKE THIS for the same outfitter and I got one animal or 1000$ towards animals per hunter and can take up to 6 people. What have you learned? Are you still doing this hunt or did something throw you off. I paid 300 bucks for mine! 10 day hunt as well

 

[Hyde Hunter]

Welcome to the forum. You'll find a lot of good advice hear. For the hunt itself, I know you won it but I'd compare the price of the additional animals from their price list to a similar package being offered here. It will help you confirm if the total outlay is a good deal or not.

For a rifle, as other have said, it's really easy to take one. You can use an agency like Henry @ riflepermits.com for like $100. It's not only more enjoyable but you'll be using the rifle you practiced with. I think that's important because it's harder than you think. Particularly animals like a Kudu. You may have 10 seconds to see him and get a shot off. They are the "grey ghost".

I always book my own travel but I've also traveled extensively for work and am used to it.

Last, look for posts about prepping for your first safari here. There's plenty to read. Then start asking questions. There a lot of activity on this forum.

Henry is now 150 as this last April when I went