Hey Ravensview,Am just wondering how everyone selected their first safari, did you pick the animals that you wanted to hunt and then look in those areas where they are available, did you pick the outfitter or PH that you wanted to hunt with and select from that, did you pick the country that you wanted to hunt first then determine from that what was available …
Something like that.I dont expect theat many will go my route. But, I always wanted to hunt africa, since my kindergarten age. My grandfather was hunter, and african exotic animals boosted my dreams and imagination,
Then, I did not know how, or even if this was possible at all!. As a kid I thought that african safari was a thing of the past, gone with the winds of history, or even if this was possible, then it would be too expensive for me.
My first step in the direction was maybe 5 years before my first safary, when on internet I found out that some people from my country are actually hunting Africa, and bring home the trophies.
I came to conclusion safari is possible, practically and ecconomically. That was my true reveliation!
My next step was, again by accident, finding this forum on internet. and that was maybe 3 years before my first safary. First I was just lurking here, then I decided to join this forum, and started with stupid newbie questions.
Then I started the reasearch, a bit deeper.
My reasearch was online plus books. In three years, before my first safari I have collected and read dozens of books: African safari history, african animals, hunting rifles for africa, and modern safari authors.
Online search was reading this forum,random google search, and contacting outfitters for options.
After three years, I got my sights aimed to South Africa and Namibia. In those three years I got the rough picture of African continent from hunters perspective. Where is economic to hunt, and where is expensive. What questions to ask?
In which countries hunting is allowed and where it is banned.
Where are the wilderness and where are the farms lands. Where are security risks, and political instability, and where is safe for tourists.
A window of opporunity for my first safari was when a friend of mine, reccomended an outfitter based on his experience.
Before contacting this outfitter I knew what I wanted, I already knew what animals I wanted to hunt. I made a list of most iconic plains game species and when signing the contract, I had a price list of each animal, and made my own package.
Then I went for safari.
.
It’s under Africa hunting report. With pictures of my son and I. We had the best hunting trip ever. Blue wildebeest for me and zebra for my son were the best. Hope you enjoyOff topic : can we expect a report
What do you think your priorities will be when you select your first safari?Thank you for all of the replies,
I’m thinking which usually gets me into trouble, type of experience, some type of tented camp (I do like a shower, either bucket or sponge at least and a crapper is nice, even if it’s an outhouse,)What do you think your priorities will be when you select your first safari?
Best advice I can give would be to not over think it. Decide on an area, some primary species, and a price range and then go. Most everyone enjoys their first safari even if they realize later it could have been improved. Just go and use that safari to learn what you want on the next, don’t delay a first safari for everything to be perfect. Africa changes every year as the population grows.I’m thinking which usually gets me into trouble, type of experience, some type of tented camp (I do like a shower, either bucket or sponge at least and a crapper is nice, even if it’s an outhouse,)
location away from amenities I’d prefer to not see power lines, fencing, human habitation, distant lights etc.., more enjoyment than trophy size, I am sure this will change and morph as more pieces of the pie come together, then as costs are added in, I am in no rush when things and conditions are right, they will be right if that makes sense, there are a lot of rabbit holes to chase down.
Thanks for the info and guidance Jaegger, I like your statement ”daydream with a deadline”, yep over the years I have come to appreciate a warm trickle of water to clean up with, that being said even a cold water dunk is appreciated on a winter hunt or a proper Sauna just seems to be a luxury that I have come to enjoy. Last time I traveled to Germany was late 70’s early 80’s,@ Jonathan: best of luck on your return to Namibia! I’ve enjoyed each of my trips & Namibia is a place where time of year really changes the bushveld condition & affects game patterns. I hunted early Oct = warm, dry, dusty, & one in the group had severe allergy issues. End of dry season w/ minimal tree/bush edibles & grass left so that drives game concentrations.
*FYI: Germany is allowing entry of vaccinated US citizens & there are good connections to Namibia - popular destination for Germans.
@ Ravensview: 375Fox hit on key points: don’t over think it, budget, and just pull the trigger & do-it. You can find a proper 6 or 7-day, 4-trophy pkg for < = $3,000. P.S. Early & Late season provides ‘specials’.
I like your direction of a soft-side camp (tents) however that may limit your Operators, raw remote Topo, & focus - hunt experience. Trophies: majority of PH’s work hard for a proper/best trophies the Region can produce. I’ve enjoy 2/soft-side camps each remote & both had proper toilet/wash facilities. Hot water: propane & the other a wood burning Donkey Boiler.
On AH: Search, Advanced Search, type: “Tented Camps” & I keep search dates relevant: 1-year back. Good options right here to start your adventure & remember, when you sign your 1st African Hunt Contract “it’s a Daydream w/ a Deadline!” Happy Trails.
Thanks for the info and guidance Jaegger, I like your statement ”daydream with a deadline”, yep over the years I have come to appreciate a warm trickle of water to clean up with, that being said even a cold water dunk is appreciated on a winter hunt or a proper Sauna just seems to be a luxury that I have come to enjoy. Last time I traveled to Germany was late 70’s early 80’s,