Seems like it is getting tougher and tougher to find a place to do a safari outside of the game ranches in South Africa and Namibia.

Zimbabwe has the political issues that result in uncertainty for some hunters, Botswana closes lion hunting, Tanzania seems to be headed in the direction of major price increases . . .

I am not a doom and gloom sort of fellow, but it is hard to ignore everything going on that impacts the industry. The message to me is, do not wait around for "someday", "when I retire", to go on safari, do it now while you can, while your health permits, while opportunities still exist -- never know what tomorrow may bring.

That's the "excuse" I keep using to convince the wife I need to go back next year. Of course, the DG fields of even Zim are a bit out of my reach, but I'll hit those fun places in Namibia and SA for plains game and be pretty darn content.

There is still Zambia and Mozambique as well.

Mike, as I read your words I was remembering that Jack Atcheson, Sr. has been saying that for many years...kind of interesting.

Boys: don't wait! I am 66 and have been talking, dreaming and thinking about africa since I was 10. I allowed government service, family, etc. to keep me from this until about 3 years ago. I am lucky that I am active and healthy enough to hunt although, I cannot keep up the pace like I could 30 years ago: old wounds, too much smoking, too much scotch, too many years have taken their toll to some degree. Also reading about conditions during the 50's and 60's make me realize how much of Africa I missed.

you know i've never heard of anybody laying on the deathbed saying I'm sure sorry that i went there and did that. last thing my dad told me before he died was - it took me 30 years to take a vacation and learn the place could run without me for awhile, don't let it take you that long. I listened

When I took my Sons to Botswana in 2001 I told them that I did so because true African hunting might be over by the time that they could afford to go on their own nickel. This is one time I'd prefer to hear them say "Boy were you wrong Dad".

Zambia is getting pretty messed up now also. I keep hoping Kenya would breakout, however it seems in reality of Botswana lion, Tanzan fees and Zim instability that we are being comfronted with the "Perfect Storm" of nastiness that could destroy safari hunting. UGH!!!!

Jeff

Bwana Bunduki,

Look! Have you had too many Halloween cocktails? Zambia raised the prices like you would expect every so often. The hunting is very stable there and very good. Nobody really expected Kenya to come back on line and where would hunters hunt? Bots lions are closed again but nobody expected Bots to continue forever and how many people can pay $135,000 for a lion? Tanz fees may go but an increase was bound to happen eventually. Unlike you I expect to be hunting Africa until my money runs out or I'm physically unable.

Mark

quote:

Originally posted by TerryR:
When I took my Sons to Botswana in 2001 I told them that I did so because true African hunting might be over by the time that they could afford to go on their own nickel. This is one time I'd prefer to hear them say "Boy were you wrong Dad".

So, So TRUE!!!!!!!!!!

quote:

Originally posted by MJines:
The message to me is, do not wait around for "someday", "when I retire", to go on safari, do it now while you can, while your health permits, while opportunities still exist -- never know what tomorrow may bring.

That is a wise philosophy that applies to most of life.

quote:

Originally posted by DesertRam:
That's the "excuse" I keep using to convince the wife I need to go back next year. Of course, the DG fields of even Zim are a bit out of my reach, but I'll hit those fun places in Namibia and SA for plains game and be pretty darn content.

.

A mate and I are planning to complete our collection of the Tiny Ten; he wants a Sable and Giraffe as well. I would love a Lord Derby Eland and a Roan. There is some hunting there!

And I would be happy hunting Kudu and Bushbuck for the rest of my life