Couldn't quite figure out what to title this thread, but here's the scoop... Imagine my surprise when I did a little math and found I could swing that first African safari (father/son plains game) as soon as July 2008.

The issue is this. My job, though it interferes surprisingly little with my hunting plans, has the potential to booger up a long-scheduled trip...and has done so once already (postponed a self-guided AK hunt). I looked into trip insurance and am not sure any contracts will cover me -- I'm most likely to cancel/rescedule due to deployment or duty at home station. I'll know more when I move to my next job in Tampa this July.

Here's what I'm thinking...and I could use a vector check.
- Try and get trip insurance coverage
- Book a hunt that requires minimal deposit (1/2 daily fees) and pray hard
- Contact NAPHA, PHASA, and the AR'ers a few months ahead of time and see what cancellations or openings are available

Your thoughts?

For plains game, you can always find someone who can fit you in.

For DG there are always cancellations and leftovers, but you may need to wait until September or Oct and leave on short notice to take advantage of a good deal.

For the odd stuff like Mountain Nyala or Bongo, better book ahead.

Matt: Take it from personal experience, as long as you have that uniform on, DG hunts are a gamble unless you have a near 100% probabilty you won't be going to the sand on short notice.

Your best bet is a last minute cancellation if you are here in the States. Otherwise DG hunts by and large are booked 18 months to two years ahead of time. Like 500gr says, PG hunts are easier, but be carefu and consider if you are in a critical MOS before plunking down your money. jorge

Check with your Safari Company and tell them your problem. If you have to cancel they may accomadate you by rescheduling your hunt for a later date. can't hurt to ask.

465H&H

if you wait untill later in the year and do a last minute booking with a reputable outfitter , you will be surprised at what you can sometimes get .... set your dates in your mind , start doing some research as to whom you would liuke to book with and ask them iof they can take a last minute booking ...if you can get set to go in a few weeks , you will be able to wait for an opening with them and head on over ! if its plains game you will have no worries at all , even with buffalo there is a very good chance at getting what you want if you start looking after september ...its hoty in southern africa then but the hunting is great

Matt,

In almost all cases we can move a client to another date so he does not loose his deposit. Cacellations do come up although not as often as I think some folks think. Right now we have a bongo available 1-15 June in Cameroon at a 11,000 Euro discount.

Plains game can often be arranged on short notice but as in all safaris you aren't likely to get the best dates.

Mark