Well the deposit is paid but

[Spooksar]

I grew up on a small farm with no electricity or indoor plumbing. Started working at 14 to earn money for school. Managed to get a apprenticeship and a trade. Worked 60-70 hours a week for 35 years. Invested money and finally was financially set, the first trip to Africa was a hard decision, now I’ve been back every year since 2012. At 65 I have some health issue but I’ll keep going. Go or you will regret it.

 

[Scott Slough]

Your willingness to share such a personal question and the positive responses by the AH community are why this is the best hunting site on the planet!

You are the only one who knows if you can afford...it you feel comfortable about the amount...you are going to be hard pressed to find anyone who has been who regrets anything except not having enough money to go back or stay longer.

 

[Rick Cox]

without getting too personal I’ll tell you a little back ground. I grew up poor, like poverty poor, six of us in a trailer. Not a nice big double wide either but 12x60 foot trailer with wheels. In fact I never lived in a house without wheels until I was late 20s. I work hard now, one kid through college paid for and the other on a full ride baseball scholarship. Me and the wife have traveled around some but nothing in the cost of a safari. I don’t have bills really, drive a 30 year old Toyota Landcruiser that I maintain and own a house with a minimal payment. I know I should be excited that we (the wife and I) are going on safari.

Nothing huge a few animals and some river fishing for tiger fish but my trailer park brain can’t get over spending that much money. We have it, but growing up there was no “extra” money, every dollar went to something that was needed. This traveling and vacation lifestyle is new to me and I’m still having a hard time thinking that I don’t need to pay some one or pay for something. Don’t get me wrong we are going and we will have a great time and experience things we’ve never seen but it’s gonna take some getting used to for me.

Anybody else ever have these feelings?

My background is similar. I worked hard for what I have. I'm not sure what the future holds, but I would consider my life wasted if I had not travelled and had some adventure.
You are doing the right thing.

 

[Nyati]

@cmc Like you, I also think, is this right, should I spend all this money ?

If you can afford it, do it, as a hunter these memories are going to be with you forever.

On the other hand, you are doing it for the experience, which means you don´t have to target the most expensive animals.

Choose within your budget and enjoy.

 

[BenKK]

I grew-up dirt poor, but was lucky to live on a struggling farm, albeit always one step away from eviction.

I’ve been twice to Africa now, humble plainsgame hunts that to me were amazing, life-changing experiences.

 

[cmc]

I’m really happy to hear some of these replies. I read about hunts, I see guys trophy rooms, and I think money just comes easy to some I guess or maybe their family had money. Not that I’m glad anybody grew up poor but it’s good to see people succeed coming from that life. Mostly I’m glad to see my feelings seem to be pretty normal. Thanks for the responses. Can’t wait for July.

 

[MS Hitman]

As a wise man once said, you can borrow money, but you can't borrow time. Now is the time to go and do these things before you become too old or incapacitated. I have a friend that wanted to go to Africa and hunt, now he's too crippled with arthritis to go. You will enjoy yourself and wonder why you waited so long to go. Wishing you a wonderful experience.

 

[Hogpatrol]

I tell my Africa hunt wannabees, "Keep saving money. Your heirs will appreciate it".

 

[Scott Slough]

As a wise man once said, you can borrow money, but you can't borrow time. Now is the time to go and do these things before you become too old or incapacitated. I have a friend that wanted to go to Africa and hunt, now he's too crippled with arthritis to go. You will enjoy yourself and wonder why you waited so long to go. Wishing you a wonderful experience.

I think a MUCH wiser man said..."neither a borrower or lender be"...I have only borrowed money for a house, car, and education. I would NEVER advocate borrowing money to hunt.

The OP doesn't need to borrow...he needs to give himself permission to enjoy to enjoy the fruits of his labor.

 

[K-man]

Thanks for the heartfelt post. We make money decisions every day, such as to go out to eat, buy hamburger or a steak, new clothes, car, etc. Most are small but really add up to big amounts when you look back. I decide what is necessary and what is optional, then decide what gives me pleasure and memories. I won't remember the steak dinner much beyond today, but a trip becomes a life memory. A little doubt and contemplation is normal. In my case my wife does that for me!!!!!

 

[slam8031]

One minute off the Bakki (or less) you will be thankful that you pulled the trigger to go! There are many wise comments of men with similar experiences, and I fit a similar life story. Three trips later, saving to go again...have a great time, take loads of pictures, seize every moment!

 

[BenKK]

Hey, what are you hunting, anyway? Even impala and warthogs are super exciting to me!

 

[Philip Glass]

I have had the same thoughts as you. Most recently and maybe in a different circumstance with the lion hunt. Talk about thinking about what else I could have done with the money!
Philip

 

[cmc]

Hey, what are you hunting, anyway? Even impala and warthogs are super exciting to me!

Zebra has been on my mind since I could remember. I’ve always been amazed by them so that’s priority one then impala and wildebeest but I’m really excited about the tiger fishing. Two full days fishing and 5-6 hunting and a couple for travel. I would love more time but the wife is going and this is a trip we could handle money wise so I’m happy with it.

 

[cmc]

I have had the same thoughts as you. Most recently and maybe in a different circumstance with the lion hunt. Talk about thinking about what else I could have done with the money!
Philip

I can only imagine.

 

[CAustin]

You have earned some enjoyment sir! Have a great hunt.

 

[Hogpatrol]

@cmc, Don't be surprised if being in Africa doesn't sink in for a while or until you get to your hunting camp. On our first trip, my hunting buddy and I arrived in Joburg on Sunday evening and stayed overnight. Next day was a short flight and a 2 & 1/2 hour road trip arriving late afternoon totally burned out and suffering from jet lag. It wasn't until the next morning when we loaded the rifles on the trucks and the PH said we were going to hunt black wildebeest, that we shouted out " Holy shit man, we are hunting in AFRICA"!!!! It was like an out of body experience. I don't think I was on the ground all day. That was six years ago and I can still remember it like it was yesterday. Those feelings pretty much carried on through the entire hunt.
I'd bet you experience the same feelings and many times say to yourself "Man am I glad I did this".

Edit: When you get a strike on the tiger fish, set the hook HARD!

 

[petrusg]

Why work hard if you can't enjoy yourself.... Enjoy the hunting and fishing

 

[Kowas Adventure Safaris]

Dear cmc
You have only one life, live it.
Do not allow your mind to play games with you. You know yourself. You do not throw money away left, right and centre, never has, never will be - why would you do it now? It is not money throwing away.
It is an investment in yourself and your relationship with your bride. It is all about how you perceive the safari - and YOU are in control of your perception.
Take a decision that you will not feel guilty about it. You follow your dream; you worked for it. What matters is that you do not owe anyone else anything: but yourself and your relationship with your wife.
Go for it. Enjoy it. Have fun - and keep your thoughts under control. Be aware of the "guilty game" and put an end to it before it spiral out of control so much so that you do not enjoy Africa.
Know what cost / expenses to expect in advance.
Plan accordingly.
Stick to your plan.
Enjoy everything...
And cherish your memories - YOU are in control of it.
Have fun; happy hunting and straight shooting.
Namibian greetings from Africa.

 

[Beretta391]

11 years ago my wife and I had a wake up call. Very good friend of ours was 42 and had a stroke. He was a black belt in karate and in great shape. He made a full recovery but it woke us up!! No one knows there expiration date. We took a walk and decided to start doing our bucket list trips. (I'm also very lucky that my wife loves to hunt and fish. She also fell in love with Namibia!!)We lived on a budget and saved all we could for retirement and another account for trips. We are now on our 2nd passport. Been to Namibia 3 times, going back in 2019. Argentina dove shooting, Brazil peacock bass fishing, Canada salmon fishing, Canada pike and lake trout fishing. This year going to St. Louis cardinals spring training and flats fishing in Florida and back to Canada pike fishing. We just retired last year. Every time we book a trip I call my son and tell him we're spending your inheritance!! He laughs and says go have fun!!! The memories are awesome!! We talk about them everyday!! Go and have a blast! You will not regret it!!