Hi to all participating in the discussion on TZ and cost...I see a lot of valid comments here and also a lot of misinterpretation of details and facts about hunting in Tanzania.
For 17 years I have hunted/operated/guided/outfitted/booked/PH'd (or a combination of those things!) in Mozambique, RSA, Tanzania, Botswana and Zimbabwe.
I understand Africa very well, it is all that I do for a living.
I am an American so I get how hunters can be confused in the operation of each country and the reason for the discussion, it is a valid topic. It is not easy for a client to decide 'what is what' when booking a hunt in Africa. I see many people chasing price or perception and end up with the wrong hunt...
I stated the above to add some credibility to what I am going to say below!
I would like to be able to discuss all of these comments/ideas in detail but there are too many topics thrown about (if anyone would like to get down to specific details or look into what will fit their Safari wishes or experience or budget then I am happy to help and talk about case by case issues, contact me directly please).
So here is the basics on Tanzania:
1. There is no better hunt in Africa... experience, trophy, stability or otherwise in 'Wild Africa' than what you can do in Tanzania. I have done many safaris in a lot of places and this rule of thumb holds true.
2. Tanzania will cost you a little more (a lot more with some) - but what you will receive is well worth it according to most all clients that have done it (so that says a lot about the hunting there). My hunts are in great areas and properly done without going overboard (my wine glasses are glass not crystal, my trucks are good but not brand new etc.). My safaris are priced on purpose to compete with the best of the best in other countries, then we let Tanzania overdeliver as it frequently does.
3. There is no way to compare a game farm operation to a Wilderness Safari Concession operated in conjunction with the government, so its best not to try. It is two separate world each with their own upsides, pit falls and costs; thus different approach and marketing program.
4. displaying of the safari cost or the decision not to can be for many reasons.
Here are my reasons:
These are not cookie cutter hunts and I like to discuss details, then quote exactly what the customer requests. More efficient use of my time in everyway.
The regulations change year to year, the prices change and we are booking in advance so each safari is truly unique.
There is something to be said for privacy of my clients, myself, and the hunting community.
I like the chance to explain the system, the cost, and exactly how it works in TZ, no spread sheet that I can make could do this. I have seen the companies try to do this and the price sheet is 5 pages with charts and graphs...my job is to make this simple for my customers not give them math homework!
5. you may find TZ to be the best 'bargain' under many circumstances. TZ might not be for everyone...well I take that back, I cant remember hearing a client say they did NOT want a Hemmingway or Roosevelt type adventure while on Safari, so maybe TZ is for everyone!
Example: a first or second time hunter that wants to hunt the a few of the big five is far better to start this adventure with me in TZ. He will save money with better hunting results. On my "expensive TZ Leopard hunt" he will take his leopard (most important and in daylight hours), a buffalo or 2, many other Plains Game, then his choice of Sable or Roan / Croc and hippo. The success rate is unmatched so no repeat hunts under pressure due to poor success on animals. He can get all this in the same country, same area on the same trip. The trophy quality is great, the experience is great, in the long run he will save on flight, shipping and time away from home as this will be done in one good hunt instead of 2 or 3 separate safaris.
6. your money is well placed is well placed in Tanzania - it goes towards the protection of vast amounts of habitat that needs your support. No system in Africa is without its problems but I feel TZ is a very good use of your dollars as a hunting conservationist; it is stable and they are trying to do the right thing by the land and they support hunting on the international front. We are doing good things over there and your support is appreciated.
Check my Instagram for an extensive post on the amount of land protected by hunters in TZ - very interesting stuff.
The best will never be the cheapest. I know what the going rate in each country is, I know what the hunting is like; and I know if you are looking for a big game hunt in the wild and you get with the right outfit, then Tanzania is really a good if not the best choice.
