What is the future of American hunters in SA

[Letzhunt]

Without getting into the politics of it, if possible to do so, what will become of hunters from the US going to South Africa on safari? Should we suspect that travel may soon change given the riff of the two nations?
I certainly hope not, but I am concerned as I have a hunt planned in the Eastern Cape in April of 26'. My wife is coming as well which makes it more concerning for me. Additionally, we planned on a few days in Cape Town after..... should I be reconsidering that portion now?

 

[wesheltonj]

Zero problem. They are not going to give up the Dollars.

 

[Delloro]

Zero problem. They are not going to give up the Dollars.

Agreed. I would not either.

 

[375Fox]

Maybe at worst there will be an online visa fee in future, but they want the money and tourism to continue.

 

[txtrout75218]

No issues. They depend on Americans and specifically American hunters to help fuel their economy. Not that European travel isn't also important.

 

[Tgood1]

Relax, enjoy the adventure, you'll be fine

 

[Letzhunt]

I just wonder if it may change the travel advisory from the Department of State.

 

[jomw10]

Travel advisories are at the whim of the president, unfortunately they don’t necessarily represent reality.

 

[375Fox]

I just wonder if it may change the travel advisory from the Department of State.

Unless something on the ground changes does it really matter?

 

[Hogpatrol]

Ninety percent of the time, State Department advisories and a couple bucks will get you a cup of joe at the quickie mart. One can only imagine what those advisories would be if they covered the United States.

 

[crackerman]

Like most travel, don't go stupid places with stupid places to do stupid things. Outside of major cities it seemed to me that everyone knew who the tourists are and really just left us alone.

While you can't fully rely on it, my philosophy is even the baddest of bad guys have legit businesses that they don't want disrupted and keep bad things against tourist to a minimum.

The politicians will bluster and say stupid things but at an individual level nothing much is going to change unless we go to active war to each other.

 

[Philip Glass]

Without getting into the politics of it, if possible to do so, what will become of hunters from the US going to South Africa on safari? Should we suspect that travel may soon change given the riff of the two nations?
I certainly hope not, but I am concerned as I have a hunt planned in the Eastern Cape in April of 26'. My wife is coming as well which makes it more concerning for me. Additionally, we planned on a few days in Cape Town after..... should I be reconsidering that portion now?

Respectfully, it is an absurd thought. Americans travel to far more dangerous places than RSA. I understand we all stay glued to the 24/7 news cycle but don't let that affect your travel plans. Turn off the tv and go to the range and dream of Africa!

 

[uplander01]

I sure hope travel to Africa does not go completely sideways. It's probably good overall that attention is being brought to some of the issues over there, it could be such a wonderful part of the world if the indigenous would just evolve, maybe they just aren't capable. All I know is if the world devolves into anarchism and chaos I'd much rather be here in the USA for obvious reasons,....but if I get caught over there, I hope I have enough ammo and am with a good crew, and I hope Global rescue is prepared for such an event.

 

[Letzhunt]

Respectfully, it is an absurd thought. Americans travel to far more dangerous places than RSA. I understand we all stay glued to the 24/7 news cycle but don't let that affect your travel plans. Turn off the tv and go to the range and dream of Africa!

"Absurd thought" Well I don't think it is absurd at all to ask a question. One of the main complaints in general about SA is that SAPS and other agencies like immigration authorities are corrupt. The locals are very much aware of how corrupt their police and Government are. It was a substantial step to go into an area controlled by US Officials and demand information on refugees. And to think that there is not a possibility that this gets a reaction and things get much worse is naive.
I'm not saying I won't go I was just looking for educated opinions on what people think. People saying "oh just go" is fine but to say that a person is basically stupid for posing the question of concern and then say "go have fun...nothing to worry about!" Well that is not an educated view as things do happen. Sure they happen all over the US also. But those situations are much easier to deal with as our system has well known measures to reduce risk and to get help. Much like in Mexico if something happens in some parts of the world you don't get to just call the police ...unless you want it to get worse!

 

[uplander01]

Could be referred to as Africa Blinders, I'm guilty of it. It's going to have to get pretty bad before I stop going, and I'm willing to risk more than my wife, and she loves it over there too. From everything I've read from Phillip, I don't think he meant any ill will, but he is just like most on this site, life is about risk when it comes to many things, and a lot on this site will have African Safari be one of the last things given up as long as a guy can afford to go....

Don't mean to speak for you Phillip.

 

[uplander01]

I would only add, I'm not a big fan of SA, I'm already exploring a work around and flying through the middle east to get to Zim, Moz, Namibia,...I can't really afford to hunt in any of the other countries.

 

[Green Chile]

We understand your concerns and this question comes up every season. When you've seen the ebbs and flows of safari tourism for decades, you learn what to pay attention to. If your PH is concerned, they will share it with you. The thing you don't know yet is that these outfitters and pros are very good at creating good experiences in spite of Africa issues. If you pick a quality operator, you can relax and have a good time with them. If that wasn't true, this website wouldn't be so big and busy.

 

[PARA45]

"Absurd thought" Well I don't think it is absurd at all to ask a question. One of the main complaints in general about SA is that SAPS and other agencies like immigration authorities are corrupt. The locals are very much aware of how corrupt their police and Government are. It was a substantial step to go into an area controlled by US Officials and demand information on refugees. And to think that there is not a possibility that this gets a reaction and things get much worse is naive.
I'm not saying I won't go I was just looking for educated opinions on what people think. People saying "oh just go" is fine but to say that a person is basically stupid for posing the question of concern and then say "go have fun...nothing to worry about!" Well that is not an educated view as things do happen. Sure they happen all over the US also. But those situations are much easier to deal with as our system has well known measures to reduce risk and to get help. Much like in Mexico if something happens in some parts of the world you don't get to just call the police ...unless you want it to get worse!

Corruption is everywhere, and yes there is a lot of corruption in SA. However, if you use the services like the ones provided by Africa Sky (VIP services, passport clearance, SAPS clearance, etc), you'll be fine. The best $$ you've ever spent. I've done SAPS and everything else by myself (no issues) and used the services from Africa Sky. I'll continue to use the services from Africa Sky, worth it all the time, no hassle and zero stress.

Focus and practice, practice shooting from the sticks. Get ready physically and get ready to have a blast. Africa is addictive.

 

[Bill Thom]

Without getting into the politics of it, if possible to do so, what will become of hunters from the US going to South Africa on safari? Should we suspect that travel may soon change given the riff of the two nations?
I certainly hope not, but I am concerned as I have a hunt planned in the Eastern Cape in April of 26'. My wife is coming as well which makes it more concerning for me. Additionally, we planned on a few days in Cape Town after..... should I be reconsidering that portion now?

Greetings all- I just got back from a 10 day trip to SA- capped off with a few VERY comfortable days in wine area near Stellenbosch - Smiles all around. I did not notice any changes

 

[LIMPOPO NORTH SAFARIS]

As I read through the comments and other posts @Letzhunt has a good question but even more so are all the answers bottom line is South Africa and its Economy is very reliant on the hunting industry and the revenue it brings into our country it plays a big role in multiple sectors and provides employment to thousands of people, I strongly doubt that there will be any major changes if any, Cape Town is a tourist hub and if you work with the right outfit you have absolutely nothing to worry about.