"The only man I envy is the one who has not yet been to Africa...." - I Disagree

Sabre · Mar 24, 2025

The quote goes, "The only man I envy is the one who has not yet been to Africa, for he has so much to look forward to." Said by Rich Mullins, and often quoted about hunting Africa, also frequently quoted here.

I get the sentiment. But I never find myself envious of people I know that haven't been to Africa.

However, despite having been there, I am always a little bit envious of anyone who is there at this moment or just returning. Because they are likely currently having an awesome experience, or basking in all the good feelings from having just had that awesome experience.

For me a more accurate quote would read something along the lines of, "The only man I envy is the one who is currently exploring and hunting in Africa."

375Fox · Mar 24, 2025

I think I disagree also. I think envy is the wrong word too. I’m really happy for anyone who has a quality trip booked or is currently there, but doesn’t make me jealous that I’m not on my next hunt yet.

HookMeUpII · Mar 25, 2025

The quote is interesting. There's a lot of places I go back to in my mind when I need comfort. I've fished most my life so I will typically go back to a flat calm day, on the Atlantic, offshore, with my father, brother, and good friends. Boat full of tuna, everyone having fun.

After hunting Africa, that is another place I go to in my mind.

I can't say I envy the hunter who has never been. I think I feel bad, if anything, for them. There are far more avid hunters than myself who have never been. That's a shame.

Many people told me the same thing, though. Once you go, all you can think about is going back.

3chunter · Mar 25, 2025

I have friends that hunt a lot here in the US and they want no part of hunting Africa. They are fools. I try to tell them it’s an awesome experience but I must not be convincing.
Oh well. More kudu and stuff for me I guess. Haha.

HookMeUpII · Mar 25, 2025

3chunter said:
I have friends that hunt a lot here in the US and they want no part of hunting Africa. They are fools. I try to tell them it’s an awesome experience but I must not be convincing.
Oh well. More kudu and stuff for me I guess. Haha.

I was one of those people, funny enough. In my mind, hunting Africa was shooting the big 5/DG, and I couldn't bring myself (at the time) to shoot an elephant, hippo, lion, rhino (almost impossible), etc. However, I always wanted to hunt cape buffalo. Plains game? Why would anyone want to shoot a glorified whitetail? On top of it all, I thought you needed something like $50,000-$60,000 to even consider a safari.

I was obviously wrong, on all that. Really, the only way you can convince a non-interested party to go is really by what we do. Telling our experiences and how enjoyable it is. Also, it's important to share the conservation side. YouTube and forums like this help greatly as well. I learned probably 50% of what I know from here and the other 50% from actually going.

I was also one of those people who thought duck hunting was "stupid" and "how hard could it be to shoot poor ducks." $15,000 duck boat rig and about $10,000-$15,000 more worth of gear later...

Sabre · Mar 25, 2025

375Fox said:
I think I disagree also. I think envy is the wrong word too. I’m really happy for anyone who has a quality trip booked or is currently there, but doesn’t make me jealous that I’m not on my next hunt yet.

Yes, I agree that envy feels like the wrong word. Because I want others to go over and do well and have great experiences. I don't covet their animals or their experience. But I would say it does make me itch to go an another adventure myself. But I am constantly thinking about that anyway.

HookMeUpII said:
I can't say I envy the hunter who has never been. I think I feel bad, if anything, for them. There are far more avid hunters than myself who have never been. That's a shame.

Many people told me the same thing, though. Once you go, all you can think about is going back.

That is how I feel as well. I feel bad that they haven't gotten to experience it. And as you (@HookMeUpII ) and @3chunter have both said, a lot of people aren't open to it. I think that's unfortunate. I have friends that are amazed by Africa, but still come up with reasons they can't go. I won't push anyone into it. Because, while it can be much cheaper than many people think, it isn't cheap when you add up everything, and everyone has to make that decision for themselves.

"The only man I envy is the one who has not yet been to Africa...." - I Disagree

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