Safari and a Mission Trip

[Petey J]

Has anybody ever combined a hunting safari with a mission trip?

This one has been on my mind for a while. Our church supports a couple missionaries in Africa. Actually had 2 ladies planning to travel to one mission very soon, but postponed due to COVID-19. But has anybody here ever combined their hunting trip with a week or two of mission work?

If so, what country(s)?
How did you handle firearms during the mission portion?
Are there any outfitters that have options for something like this?
Was it successful?
Would you do it again (or have you done it multiple times)?
What sort of work were you able to do?

 

[CAustin]

It’s an interesting thought!

 

[BWH]

Man.... I thought about it. Our church was going some light construction & we’ll work in Cameroon. I wanted to stay later & hunt. However, really the only thing was on menu was Lord Derby. [emoji383] [emoji383] [emoji383]..... otherwise I totally would have.

 

[K-man]

Yes! Have helped drill water wells in Niger then went to Zim for a hunt. The logistics of taking/storing a firearm then transporting across multiple countries and regulations make that almost impossible, just use the P.H. rifle. Always a bit harder than just flying to your destination and having the P.H. pick you up. I wouldn't recommend it for your first trip but if you are an experienced Africa traveler and can make arrangements, this can work. The reason I was able to consider it was I had a friend who had done it before.

 

[mark-hunter]

Its not a church mission, but I checked if my wife could volunteer in local community school, while I am at hunting safari.
Answer - YES.
There is another member on this forum, who does volunteering in animal protection, veterinary assistance, darting, animal centers, etc and then goes to hunt as well.
In my opinion, it is possible. I dont see why not.

Bringing rifles will complicate the thing. My suggestion would be to plan to hunt with rental rifles.
Depending from country to country, sometimes I see that renting rifle is recommended by local outfitters because importing it is difficult.

 

[Philip Glass]

Has anybody ever combined a hunting safari with a mission trip?

This one has been on my mind for a while. Our church supports a couple missionaries in Africa. Actually had 2 ladies planning to travel to one mission very soon, but postponed due to COVID-19. But has anybody here ever combined their hunting trip with a week or two of mission work?

If so, what country(s)?
How did you handle firearms during the mission portion?
Are there any outfitters that have options for something like this?
Was it successful?
Would you do it again (or have you done it multiple times)?
What sort of work were you able to do?

It has been a thought of mine as well. If I was going to combine the two trips I would likely use the outfitters guns for convenience. The possibilities are endless.
Philip

 

[JGRaider]

The outfitter I've hunted with in Namibia is very active in giving. We spent a couple of days delivering food to local schools, villages, etc and it was a very, very gratifying and blessed experience.

 

[Petey J]

The outfitter I've hunted with in Namibia is very active in giving. We spent a couple of days delivering food to local schools, villages, etc and it was a very, very gratifying and blessed experience.

Even being able to do this would be nice.

 

[BWH]

Typically, you’re talking about two different trips..... yes both can potentially overlap. Safari dude have a local school he gives to, etc.... however, if you are y’all talking about building churches, drilling wells, teaching, etc..... not handing out lollipops [emoji517]. 2 different trips.

 

[tarbe]

I like to think every trip is a mission trip.

We are supposed to be always ready to give a reason for the hope that resides within us.

The most important mission we have is to share the Gospel. Doing it while glassing for Kudu or checking a water hole for tracks is pretty special!

 

[flatwater bill]

“There are an estimated 10000 distinct religions worldwide”.....Wiki
Makes for a challenge in Africa, I expect.
FWB