Going it alone.....

[JimmyJack54]

In my opinion, the only mistake would be to overthink it and not end up going at all.

Each trip is unique and comes with its own set of memories. I’ve enjoyed all of my trips and wouldn’t change the company if I had the chance to do it differently. Only once, for one night and with one solo hunter, have I had to share camp with others outside of my hunting party.

My wife and I went with another couple on our first trip. I’ve been with my brother (his first trip). My wife and I went by ourselves for our 20th wedding anniversary. My last trip I went solo.

Best of luck scheduling your trip, and finding a traveling companion if that is the route you so choose.

 

[meigsbucks]

My first hunt, was going to be my “only” safari. My non hunting wife went with me. She went out in the truck with us the first day. Otherwise she’d stay in camp in the AM and go out with us in the PM. The PH would ask her: “Would Madam like to go for a drive?” She’d take pictures and do game viewing. I did take a couple of animals on the PM drives. Our hut overlooked the sand river and she’d watch the baboons playing and other game. In fact we were looking for a kudu and she showed us the camera and said: “Like this one?” Just by shear luck, I shot that one about a mile away the next day.
My brother is an avid photographer and I had invited him to go with my wife and I, but he declined. I think after he saw my pictures, when I asked him if he want to go to Namibia with me, he jumped on it. He had a great time. He shoots but doesn’t hunt. They asked him if he wanted to take a cull animal and he said he’d try. He took a cow eland. Probably the only animal he’ll ever shoot. He is always asking me when I’m going back.
Other than my brother, I have a nephew and a friend from the range that have expressed some interest in going to Africa that I wouldn’t mind going with. That said, they would still be 1x1 hunts. Meet up when or if we’d want and still share stories around the fire at night.

 

[crackerman]

Traveling alone is fine with me. I have done it my entire career all over the world, including to Africa. Some people may not feel comfortable negotiating all the logistics by themselves which is understandable.

I think this is one of the biggest mental hurdles have for this type of adventure. Those of us who have solo traveled to this extent are not unique but certainly a rare bred compared to most travelers.
It’s a skill set most people don’t develop without work money for travel and if you have your own you probabaly have a team to take care of problems.

 

[Brod]

I think this is one of the biggest mental hurdles have for this type of adventure. Those of us who have solo traveled to this extent are not unique but certainly a rare bred compared to most travelers.
It’s a skill set most people don’t develop without work money for travel and if you have your own you probabaly have a team to take care of problems.

That's a really good point.
I've traveled globally on business for years and never give it a second thought on where I'm sent next. Conversely, I struggle to understand why so many of my relatives get so stressed out on a domestic flight if it involves a connection or delay.

 

[Red Leg]

I think this is one of the biggest mental hurdles have for this type of adventure. Those of us who have solo traveled to this extent are not unique but certainly a rare bred compared to most travelers.
It’s a skill set most people don’t develop without work money for travel and if you have your own you probabaly have a team to take care of problems.

On the contrary, I simply don’t much like taking care of problems for others - or acting as tour guide. Simply hire the right travel agent and go hunting.

 

[Hank2211]

My first hunt was with a friend. Of the next more than 15 (!), one was a friend, one with my son and one with my wife. The rest have been alone. I’ve often had my booking agent/outfitter with me who is Zimbabwean and lives there, to video my hunts. I trust him to get me where I need to be with the right people and he’s never let me down.

I do enjoy hunting with others, but I don’t like to plan around others or worry about others’ changes of plans. I do what I want to do, and if someone wants to come along, that’s fine, but nothing hinges on it. The hunting comes first.

 

[SGW]

The peace that comes with being alone sometimes is priceless. Make sure you have a great outfitter and don’t look back!

 

[Sheldor]

Went by myself. All my friends could not go because (insert reason here). Made friends there and had an amazing time. YOLO

What's YOLO?

 

[Ryan]

What's YOLO?

You Only Live Once