What to do when a Safari goes wrong?

[Saul]

I used to pick up Marlboro's at duty free, until someone told me they aren't that popular, at least not with the trackers/skinners. In Zimbabwe and Namibia the local cigarettes are very cheap and seem to be very popular. A bit more expensive in South Africa, but local brands are far cheaper even than duty free American brands and I think are preferred.

And never seen anyone smoke (real) unfiltered cigarettes. The trackers roll their own so they have no filter, but they seem very happy to get the filtered kind.

Im a little surprised to hear that the American brands are unpopular. I thought that something like a carton of Camel Wides or unfiltered would be a real treat.

 

[Hank2211]

I'm sure they would be to some, but I finally asked because I wasn't getting the reaction I expected when I gave out the American brands. Since then, I've asked what was the most popular, and always get the local brands. I even push the American, on the grounds that they might be polite and try to save me money, but they insist, and based on reactions, I'd say they're right. Probably just what people are used to in terms of taste.

 

[siml]

@Saul , I have to have a good laugh at my trackers, whenever they given cigars, they crush them up and roll their cigarettes with them.

 

[Petrus Geldenhuys]

Erny, Sorry to hear about your experience.
In my opinion you should complain about your PH. Contact the Outfitting company and tell them what you experienced. If it was my PH i would appreciate the feedback as an Outfitter.

 

[Royal27]

Probably just what people are used to in terms of taste.

I agree - I've heard the same thing with the local children and candy - that they prepare the local stuff over what we bring in typically. It made sense once I thought about it.

 

[Vinootz]

I am currently in route back from a Safari in Namibia. I grass I have to vent more that anything, so here goes....
I purchased a safari at auction last year with a large and reputable company in Namibia. Two weeks ago we started the safari. Everything went great except for our PH. hewas incredibly rude, condeinsening and constantly sarcastic. Not just to us to other hunters in camp, camp staff and especially to the other PHs. He would constant tell us how bored he was because he does this all the time and lives in Africa. Anytime we had cell reception he would pull the cruiser over and talk "business". I understand enough africaan that he was not talking business just girls, drinking etc.

My wife and I discussed it and we just decided to call our safafri short a couple of days just to get away from this PH. Everything else on the safari was fanatic and really enjoyed everyone's company except this one individual. Unfortunate this is te person I had to spend all my time with.

I did not complain since the hunt was a very generous donation from the safari company. I guess my question is should I have complained or just kept my mouth shut and just ended the safari?

We did give him a ridiculy low tip in our opinion, but the tracker Got a very large one, just to prove a point.

PH’s behavior indicates he may not like what he does. His lack of professional courtesy had the proper message sent by you. The PH is apparently quite immature as well.

 

[gordon kings langley]

Sorry to hear about the PH.
So why give him a tip, you are just rewarding him. Strange!

 

[Vinootz]

Sorry to hear about the PH.
So why give him a tip, you are just rewarding him. Strange!

Because Erny and his wife strive to be courteous and have class. Why stoop to someone else’s level that is beneath you? Not that your suggestion is wrong. It’s a somewhat tougher response and is just as appropriate. Erny and his wife chose their manner to send their message and I strive to have respect for how folks choose go about their lives. One would have to “walk a mile in someone’s shoes” to attempt to critique others reasonably. And even then I feel it’s not other’s place to do so if it does not affect them directly. Besides, “to each his own”.

 

[BeeMaa]

Just so everyone is aware, this thread is 7 years old. @Erny has probably moved on from this bad experience, but there is still a lesson to be learned.

Tolerating poor behavior from people does not make you better than them. There are ways to get your point across to someone (or the outfitter) and not be rude yourself.

 

[Vinootz]

Dang ! I got to remember to check those dates. Lol.The thing of it is, is that tapping the lightning bolt(or electric charge) entitles threads as latest posts.I’ll have to pay closer attention.

 

[mark-hunter]

How was the food?
How was the lodging?
Pick up and drop off from airport?
How were the guns, if using theirs?
Did you test the rifles before actual hunt?
How long did you travel from camp to hunting area? Was it close to camp or yiu had to waste time driving around?
Was there plenty of animals?
Did you hunt all animals as per plan?
Was there wounded animals, found by trackers later?
Was there enough drinks in car? Water, soft drinks beer?
Field prep of trophies was satisfactory, or not?
Did you get any extra unplanned expenses from that outfitter?

If you are happy with above, then it is just personal relationship with PH.
Should be spoken loud at the beggining. Outfitter could have replaced PH, as necessary.

I have hunted 3 times, same place, but frequently changing ph, or trackers.
And was happy with all, because my focus is to get close to animal, in shooting position.
If that is done, then small talk will depend if ph is talkative or not, but i consider that as minor issue in bigger picture of entire safari.

 

[KWALATA SAFARIS]

PH’s behavior indicates he may not like what he does. His lack of professional courtesy had the proper message sent by you. The PH is apparently quite immature as well.

I would definitely take it up with the outfitter. Remember issues can not be sorted out or corrected if an outfitter does not know they exists.

my best, Jaco

 

[Erny]

Hey Guys, I posted this thread 7 years ago. The outfitter sent a letter apologizing and offered me a free safari. I never took him up on the free safari, but we are good. Shortly after, the PH that was the problem no longer works for the safari company. I don't hold anything against the outfitter and would hunt with them again, as they tried to rectify the situation.

 

[steve white]

Namibia is a different hunting culture in some ways--for example, all meat shot actually belongs to the farm...which is disconcerting if you have paid for leopard baiting, haven't gotten it in advance though are paying for it, and STILL CAN'T GET IT AFTER YOU SHOOT A FEW TROPHIES! You would think that at some point, some kind of meat would get hung, and not just a few empty bones, or a few mumified dassies still hung up from the LAST hunter's go at it. Maddening. I refused to pay for the pre-baiting, which did not happen--and he admitted it from my arrival---nor did I end up giving a tip. Had to settle for a few plains game...should have gotten a refund and back on the plane for another destination after being told pre-baiting did not happen, maybe. This was a paid hunt, too.
I had a great donor hunt in Tanzania OTOH

 

[Vinootz]

Hey Guys, I posted this thread 7 years ago. The outfitter sent a letter apologizing and offered me a free safari. I never took him up on the free safari, but we are good. Shortly after, the PH that was the problem no longer works for the safari company. I don't hold anything against the outfitter and would hunt with them again, as they tried to rectify the situation.

Yeah we were reminded about the necroposts. I got to remember to check dates-lol. Good it worked out so well for you.

 

[Mopani]

To become a PH in RSA is easier than passing your driving test.

BS