Africa is one place I would definately like to hunt, though it may never happen I often think about it. The wild country around there is wonderful, and the game species quite variable.

I should like to have a good single shot rifle of sufficient size and of course a nice large bore side by side along as well.

maybe in 30 years when I retire....

Carignan,
Depending on what you want to hunt and where you want to hunt, Africa can be surprisingly affordable. There are a lot of outfits in RSA and Namibia offering 7 day hunts with a 7 animal bag for around $4,000 or a bit less.

While that does seem like quite a bit, compare to a single species hunt here in Alaska for Brown bear or Dall Sheep, its quite a bargin.

These packages do not include any dangerous game, but do include Kudu, Gemsbok, steenbok, springbuck, and others.

Still not cheap, but if you budget earnestly it could be doable.

Another option is to go to a SCI show and bid on one of the hunts offered up at auction. Typically these auctions sell for a substantial savings, especially for the plainsgame hunts.

thanks 338.

Yes that's not as expensive as you would imagine. I have heard of this before from a guy I know on another forum-he went several years ago.

It, unfortunately, is still too much for me in the forseeable future. But I have some good wild country around here to keep me busy in the meantime.

All I have to do is get one of those Bison draws one year and that will be almost as good as an Africa trip!!!

I'm hoping to get drawn for one of the Bison hunts here in Alaska. Seems like every year I make a $75 contribution to ADF&G without getting drawn for anything. Oh well, someday maybe.

While we were in college, a friend of mine and I made a pact to go to Africa for a hunt. We've squirreled away pennies for a long time and will be booking our hunt for 2005 at the January SCI show in Reno.

Hi, Carignan:
Time flies. I almost went to Africa during a momentary period of prosperity, and I've been kicking myself for not going ever since. If you get a chance, go sooner rather than later. As I see it, there's three problems with waiting until you retire. First, how healthy will you be then? A bad back, heart or eyes can keep you at home. Second, African politics are unstable and it may get worse before it gets better. Third, Africa is getting paved and plowed just like North America, and the good hunting will get rationed.

That reminds me of a cheap Dall Sheep hunt out of Norman Wells, NWT I passed on in 1970. I didn't have the money that year, but I could walk 20 miles in rough country then.

It's later than you think.


Bye
Jack

good points.

If I am anything like my Grandfather was I will be able to make that trip after retirement, but who is to say about me? Maybe it could be possible in a few years....

You guys!
I have been to Africia twice. I want to go there now. Forget about if you can or if my rifle is good enough. There are so many outfitters bidding for customers, it's a buyers market. And the fact is: it is not that hard of a hunt. If you hunt a "plains" game setup, you got it made. Namiba is the best cost hands down. It is a long plane ride, that's for sure. But once your there, tell them you have come a long way and you wont settle for anything less than a record book trophy. They will work for it.

Hey guys
If you could jump on a plane right now, it would definitely be the time to get out to South Africa.

Most of the main game areas are in the grip of a bad bad drought, with the guys fast running out of water and food. The result is that many ranches are offering game for sale at much reduced rates, as they feel it is better to have it hunted than for it to die of starvation or thirst. Also, reducing numbers will improve the survival chances of the remaining game.

Obviously, the game that needs to be culled are the older (i.e. trophy) animals that are nearing the end of their reproductive life. While the game is obviosly not in good condition, this does not affect trophy quality, just venison quality.

The downside of this is obviously that, in a year or so's time when the situation normalizes, there are not going to be as many animals up for sale, as populations will be re-building, so prices will rocket for a while till they stabilise out again.

Thought I would give you guys a little, on the spot reporting.

By the way, also on the downside is that our currency is the strongest it has been for a long time, so you get less for your dollar at the moment. Many people over here are bleating about how their export and tourism businesses are taking a pounding due to reduced trade because of the stronger rand. I just reckon they probably over extended their credit based on the expectation that the rand would stay weak.

For the man in the street (like yours truly) Christmas has come early, as imported shooting, fishing, photographic and computer supplies have all come down in price. Also, the &*@# local companies who have been ignoring the needs and rights of the local consumer in favour of export markets are getting their come uppance - they do say what goes around, comes around.

The $4000 dollar package you spoke of, does that include airfare? What is an estimate of airfare from there to here? Just trying to get an idea of just how good value the deal is.

If I could splash out on a non dangerous game South African Adventure on a fairly tight budget, I think the following game would be on my list

Kudu - majestic animals that signify Africa to me
Eland - Almost as impressive as a Kudu, Huge
Impala - handsome animals that you will encounter just about everywhere
Springbok - Our National symbol, beautiful and a challenging hunt
Blesbuck - the plains game equivalent of the Impala, just not so handsome
Warthog - Ugly as sin, but also typically African
Nyala - beautiful, really challenging
Bushbuck - little couzin of the Nyala, heart like a lion, beware of rushing up to your trophy too quickly, these have many over eager hunters to their credit


If you completed this list then you have sampled some of the best that Africa has to offer, without blowing too much bucks.

I have left out some of the big money stuff, like Sable, Gemsbuck, etc but still this list should see you right (and if the farmer can't give you a duiker on the house then don't recommend him to any of your friends - in some areas you will jump one about every 500 metres).

If you want a physically challenging hunt, then sign up for Mountain Reedbuck, or Vaal Rhebuck in the Drakensberg - thin air and steep rugged terrain soon separates the men from the not so fit men.

Sorry, this has been a bit of a rambling epistle, but I am really enthusiatic about our little old country, and I would love to have you guys over here to experince a little bit of it.

Final word, shop around and make sure you get the best deal, but with a reputable firm. We have our share of shady operators, as does any industry.

Rodders,
No, the $4K didn't include airfare, just Daily Rate and Trophy Fees. There would still be dip, pack, shipping charges, Tips, airfare, etc...

A few years ago, I figured out that Alaska Airlines was a partner with many airlines that fly worldwide. Any mileage accumulated on Alaska Airlines or their partners can be applied on trips with any of them. I began using my mileage plan card for nearly every purchase I made. Our grocery stores and some of our utility companies also have mileage plan benefits when you sign up for their services or shop in their stores. We've used our mileage for several trips around the U.S. and now have accumulated enough for a trip to Africa. Amazing how things like that can add up. A word of caution though, when using a credit card, remember to pay it off every time you get the bill. Credit card debt is something that is terribly hard to overcome after you dig yourself a hole with it.

The last time I checked regular airfare, it was about $1,800 USD from Anchorage, AK to Johannesburg, RSA.

[QUOTE=alyeska338]Rodders,
No, the $4K didn't include airfare, just Daily Rate and Trophy Fees. There would still be dip, pack, shipping charges, Tips, airfare, etc...

What does the package deal include species wise?

Cheers

I haven't checked with some of the RSA outfitters that have offered similar deals, but a few in Namibia are offering Kudu, Gemsbok, Springbuck, Warthog, Blesbuck, Steenbok, and Impala for $3,950. I've noticed several in RSA are offering similar packages.

Alyeska338, here are some links for you to check out and compare:

www.africanhuntingadventures.com
www.huntinambia.com/index.htm
www.wilks-hunting-adv.com

The last one "wilks" is a guy I met at a show. He is new, but he has the cheapest prices for Nambia. Also I have a list of african outfitters from "Hunting Reports" If you have an outfitter already in mind, maybe I can check out their reputation. What kind of trophy mounts are you planning. The cheapest are the "European" type mounts. Just the horns, no heads. From the list you gave, I would guess about $1500 USD to have them done that way. Shoulder mounts will be alot more. It will take about a year for you to get them. FYI.

Thanks for the contacts, Density. Funny, John LaSala's outfit is one that we are really considering in both Namibia and RSA. Along with Otajandaue, we are considering Vaughn Fulton's outfit in Namibia.

We've come down to two areas and two different outfitters for the Namibia portion. I was planning on stopping by and talking to those guys at the SCI show next month and making the decision then. For the Nyala and RSA week, I think we have decided on Deon Cilliers, but would like to see what else is offered from other outfits that aren't as visible on the internet.

The list I provided above is the type of "package" my friend is looking at. My list is a bit different and will just do a daily rate + trophy fee type hunt, instead of having it included in a package.

I've pretty much decided to do a combination of shoulder, pedestal, and European mounts if successful on the species I'm after. I've spoken with a few well known taxi's in the lower 48 about having them done. It is expensive, but for this trip, I feel it is worth it. Its a personal preference thing, I guess, my friend is looking for all European mounts.

Africa is one place I would definately like to hunt, though it may never happen I often think about it. The wild country around there is wonderful, and the game species quite variable.

I should like to have a good single shot rifle of sufficient size and of course a nice large bore side by side along as well.

maybe in 30 years when I retire....

577!.........If Africa is a real priority of yours, then you will get to hunt the Dark Continent. We are the masters of our own Destiny!

An old football coach of mine once stated back in the 60's....."You dance with who brought ya" Something I never forgot, his simple way with words, that was a great monument to his wisdom.

It just doesn't cost that much to hunt Africa these days for plains game.

You can always borrow money, but you can not borrow time. Bite the bullet and as the Nike ads say, "JUST DO IT"

Hello Carignan,
I, as well as others have felt the same way. I have not let a little thing like money stand in my way. Of the replys, they were on the money. But I want to add some things that you might find interesting.

www.prohuntingconsultants.com - they have an off season hunt that can not be beat.
www.bethavensafaris.com - if you're into testing your reloads, how about 25 animals for $3500.00
www.lastminutehunt.com - a deal is a deal, you never know what is available

www.tonydacosta.com - personal recommendation, I totally trust this guy. He sent me up two trips ago and I had a wonderful time.
www.frontiersafaris.com - I hunted with these guys. I can only say that I want and will go back with them. Only next time I will bring my wife.

I've been to Africa a number of times and I'm planning two trips ahead. Once you go, you got to go back.