I'm 41 years old (as of December this year) and the wife and I combined pull in about $90,000 a year. Luckily we have no kids, have steady jobs (I'm in medical), and don't live in a McMansion or have expensive tastes. I lucked out and got a wife who hates to shop and doesn't like jewelry!

But it just seems like with the cost of hunting in Africa, I can't imagine someone like me doing this more than once or twice in my lifetime at my income level.

This probably won't help much, but I've had clients that vary in age from 13 to 70 something and incomes that vary from ordinary blue collar workers who have to do their sums after every animal to see what else they can afford all the way through to guys who make many millions of dollars a year.

There's no such thing as an average client in any manner, shape or form...... They're all unique. (Thank God!)

People will probably be shy about giving specifics but I'll bet you'll get some great stories about amazing savings programs and tremendous sacrifics African hunters have made to realize their dreams.

Every story is different and there probably aren't too many of us that can just write a check to do a safari whenever we want.

From the standpoint of addiction and drive I will warn you that it's probably much more difficult to do JUST one safari than to do none at all.

Kyler

Hell, you cannot worry about other people's circumstances; just adjust your habits to allow you to do what you want. My old Dad used to say "make up your mind about what you want, then decide what you are willing to give up to attain those goals."

quote:

Hell, you cannot worry about other people's circumstances; just adjust your habits to allow you to do what you want. My old Dad used to say "make up your mind about what you want, then decide what you are willing to give up to attain those goals."

Exactly!

Wish I discovered Africa hunting earlier in life, however I'm not going to dwell on that.

I'll continue not to do certain things in life and liesure to better afford travel to fantastic hunting opportunities offered in Africa, South America and hopefully Europe some day...

Guess I have to put off retirement a bit longer! (God and the FAA Pilot Medical Examiner both willing )

I made my first trip to Africa in 1985,I was 31. My income was $30k a yr, and I saved for over 3 yrs
to make that trip. Next July will be my 6th return trip. I make more now than in 1985 but I still have to save up for each trip.

John,

It's all about priorities. If hunting Africa is more important than that $40,000 pickup truck that never hauls anything, then you can afford to hunt Africa.

George

Yep, priorities and sacrifice. We are in our early 40's, make considerably less than your income but went to Africa a few years ago and going again in May. Some people want a condo on the beach, season tickets to their favorite team or a fancy new BMW. Your choice, how bad do you want to go?

I am going to make an educated guess on this one..I think MOST clients start looking at Africa at about retirement age, usually the first or second year of retirement..That puts them in the 55 to 60 year old bracket..

I know that many go prior to that but I will say thats the average or norm...at least it has been in my company.

I probably don't come close to any "average" statistic, but in my case the only thing that stops me from going more often is that it is really an individual pleasure. Which means of course that it excludes having a gaggle of kids along. With vacation time being limited, and quality time with my children not being abundant, I fit Africa safari hunting in on an occasional basis at best. My next great pleasure will be to take one of my daughter's with me on my next hunt, because she wants to go!

Priorities, priorities.

John, In my 25 sqft home I have a single $125.00 tv, a single $100 stereo, and in the driveway is a 1990 Ford pickup. Last month I had a very successful Buffalo and Plains game safari in Zimbabwe and I am booked for Buffalo, Leopard, Sable, etc, in '09. I can't even come close to assuming any of the trappings of a well to do person, but I did have a heck of a good hunt.

I am almost 39, a small building contractor, largely un profitable never married, no kids.

My first trip was this May at 29, second will be next year at 30. My Africa money comes from doing some tax work in the winter (if you gotta work a lot of hours, may as well do it then).

I don't think I'm typical though - the ph's wife when meeting us at the airport looked right past us for someone older. When she was booking our tour following the hunt she couldn't believe that we altered her suggested itinerary of a desert jeep tour and opted for sand boarding and kayaking with fur seals. She said she understood better once she met us.

Anyway, the real key for me to go to Africa is to not have a boat or a 4 wheeler. A new one of those will set you back a modest PG hunt easy.

quote:

Originally posted by Scott King:

John, In my 25 sqft home...

Scott, even in NYC that's a small place! Do you live in a television crate under the highway?

George

I agree with those who say it is a matter of priorities. I made my second trip to Africa in September. I'm 47 and my wife and I pull down about $110,000. A lot, yes, but we have two boys headed for college in the not-too-distant future and a house that was more affordable when we built it than it is now. In other words, I can't really "afford" to hunt in Africa, not by any truly reasonable measure, but what it comes down to is this: by the time I really can "afford" it, I may not be physically able to enjoy it as much as I can now.
My dad was going with me for my first African hunt five years ago. Just before the deposits were made he died of a sudden and very unexpected heart attack. He was 61 and not yet retired. Three years ago a 57-year-old friend of mine died of a heart attack two weeks before he was due to hunt buff in Zimbabwe. Two years ago the husband of a co-worker died after a five year long illness that never was satisfactorily diagnosed. A guy my exact age. When I started thinking about hunting in Africa I saw all the "grip and grin" pictures in the magazines and almost all of the hunters looked pretty old. I decided that I didn't want to wait that long. When I saw all those relatively young people I knew suddenly die, that only confirmed me in my conviction that I didn't want to put off African hunting to some distant future that might not arrive anyway.

I am very fortunate that I have a wife who, if she doesn't really understand why it is important to me that I go, does understand that it is important. (I haven't yet been able to convince her to come along, but I think I'm making headway. The boys, on the other hand, are going to make the next trip much more expensive because I don't think they'll let me leave without them!)

I went for the first time last July. I am 55 and own my own company. Did 20 in public service prior to starting my company 15 ago. Have 7 employees. Could never have afforded it prior to now. Kids are grown and wife is cool. I spent the money because I was able to. Thanks, God.
Plains game hunt-- took 7 trophies in 10 days. It was a life changing experience. You can do it all for 15K if you shop. You won't regret it-ever.
Trophyman

quote:

Hell, you cannot worry about other people's circumstances; just adjust your habits to allow you to do what you want. My old Dad used to say "make up your mind about what you want, then decide what you are willing to give up to attain those goals."

This is the way it used to work for everything. This is the way I do things and teach my children to do things.

But in these days of "Immediate Consumtion and Gratification" not many people are willing to sacrifice anything nor do they understand goals.

I worked my *SS off to be able to go by the age of 41, and I'm gonna continue to work my *SS of so I can continue going back!

I took my first trip this year at age 56. I have wanted to go since I was a child, but I wouldn't have enjoyed it at an earlier age when it would have taken money needed for other priorities and the financial security of the family.

Now that I can afford it without sacrificing something important, I figure I can go back every other year until I'm 76. Ten trips should be sufficient to fulfill my lifelong yearnings. But the best part of waiting is that I was able to take my 32 year-old son with me -- and in a few years I'm looking forward to taking my grandson, too.

quote:

Originally posted by Scott King:

John, In my 25 sqft home...

Scott, even in NYC that's a small place! Do you live in a television crate under the highway?

George,
When the shoulder mount on the buffalo gets here I'll be hanging it on the wall and then leaving. Both of us will not be able to co habitate

Rather than reiterating what everyone has said, I'll just share my stats:

30 years old
$100K/year
Getting married in May

Just got back from a 10 day hunt in Botswana after saving for two years. I will return at least once every decade until I can afford to do so more often. Hopefully that will be sooner than later. I would say I will return every 3 years; however, my bride has other places she wants to see, as well.

I went to Zim this past september for a buff,croc and plainsgame hunt. I took 9 animals in 10 days. The only animal I did not get was a warthog. The total safari cost me roughly 20,000.00. I'm 36, married with a newborn. I manage my parents bodyshop and my wife is a drug rep. We bring in total 130,000.00. It took me 3 years to save for the trip and I made lots of sacrafices to go. I'm planning to go back in 3 years for leopard, sable and eland. It's true what they say about once you go to Africa, all you will do upon your return is try and figure out how and when you will go back. Best advice is to save, save and save.

How 'bout starting a poll so people can "vote" their income level and age anonymously, especially income level.

JPK

Thanks, guys. You are making me feel a lot more "edumacated" regarding these things. Honestly, when it all comes down to it, I suppose it really does come down to perspective.

I changed careers in a big way 2 years ago. I had been in sales (not very successfully) for 13 years, lots of job layoffs, roller-coaster income, never over $50k a year. At the age of 37 I went back to school and became an X-ray tech in 2005. Not making huge $$, but it is steady work that is guaranteed, which is more than I can say for any job I've had in a long time. I also get paid vacation, which is new to me.

The one thing that has really changed for me is that I'm seeing mortality a LOT now. I see people younger than me, older than me, and people my age die every day of various controllable and uncontrollable conditions and issues. This makes you think . . . a LOT. I am now trying to live my life, within reason, more for TODAY than the cloudy future.

Looks like I'll simply have to buckle down, set money aside, not buy expensive toys, and get into good shape. Practice my skills, and keep my eye on the ball.

On a side note - I just put some of my investment money into a Africa/Middle East emerging market mutual fund - LOL. Who knows, it might help pay my way!

I am now 58 and just returned from a buffalo hunt in Zambia, this was my second Africn hunt. My first hunt was in 2004 and I hunted Zimbabwe.

My kids are grown and out on their own. My wife and I operate our own businesses as well as having a little income from other investments.

Neither of us drive fancy cars. She is in a Yukon. I diver a 2001 Chevy 2500 with 160,000 plus miles. It is on it's second engine, the passenger side power door lock does not work and the drivers side door must be opened from the outside.

I have told my kids to expect no inheritance, I intend to leave them nice guns and dead animals. My idea of perfect final planning will be if the last check I write just before I die is to my taxidermist and for it to bounce.

quote:

Originally posted by Bryan Chick:
Hell, you cannot worry about other people's circumstances; just adjust your habits to allow you to do what you want. My old Dad used to say "make up your mind about what you want, then decide what you are willing to give up to attain those goals."

Spot on Bryan - Here is what worked for me. The very first time I have peeped into a DG menu on most of the outfitters price lists – I thought to myself – Yea right – someday - maybe. Later on I have chewed through things I have realized that the only hindrance there is, its just plain me – so I set myself a goal – I will go and do it – its all there with you, you just have to dig it out. The following may sound extremely childish and stupid – well try it and see - its free

Shrinks call it - “strategic visualizationâ€. The technique is so easy many can’t believe there isn’t more to it - surround yourself with Africa - hang on AR, get literature Africana ad some African screen savers on your PC and on your cell phone, add some posters of African wildlife in your trophy room…get some African game targets and go to the range etc… make up an "affirmation" card: a 3X5 card with a positive, present tense, first person statement on it. (Don’t skip over this part - all of the last sentence is critical to success.) An example would be: "I am hunting buffalo in Africa". (Of course, this should be a challenging but not ridiculous statement and one that represents a significant improvement.) Now every time you could, get comfortable and relaxed, take out your card(s) and then read this statement to yourself - once out loud and once silently. Then, close the eyes and visualize - IN AS MUCH DETAIL (color, sound, smells, etc.) as you can – hunting buffalo in Africa. See the savanna and hills in your mind with you roaming there. Visualize tracking, stalking, get ready for shot... Feel guys pat your back after shot, etc. Do this several times a day. Thats it. And, believe it or not, in a far shorter time than you might think possible, you will find yourself doing the things necessary to go and actually do it and then the day will come that your buffalo will be down and you’ll hardly even be surprised - after all that is YOU, so whats the big deal? Beware – you will act like junky - instead of turning on the TV, you’ll find yourself looking for loot, because that is what guys that WANT TO go to Africa DO. You’ll be sure you are ready for an adventure. All this will happen without conscious effort, just because you WANT TO! Very soon you will be finding reasons to GO rather than reasons NOT to go. The subconscious mind has received all those vivid pictures of the "new you", believes they are actual experiences and is making sure you conform to this new, improved self image. The more frequently you visualize, the quicker the change occurs.

I'm too damned old, don't make nearly as much money as I'd like and don't go on safari enough either.

I'd say I'm pretty typical!

quote:

My idea of perfect final planning will be if the last check I write just before I die is to my taxidermist and for it to bounce.

New policy, cash only for you old guys.

I know some guys that take a short term loan to afford the trip across the water and after it is paid off, maybe two to three years, they do it all over again. It's one way to do it. Works for them, might work for you.

Just a thought, my first trip over was at 35 while waiting to clear our firearms I had an older gentleman approach me and said he was envious. I looked at him curiously and asked why he said that financially he could now afford to do anything that he wanted but that his body would no longer allow him to do the things he wanted. We are not getting any younger and it is not getting cheaper. Many outfitters and angents will help in your planning and if you break the payments out over a year or so it becomes managible... Modern Lay Away... Save for tips and extra animals... Also keep your eyes out for plainsgame specials as they can be cheaper than many US hunts. Good Luck

Went on my first safari using savings after my wife died in 1997. I was 64. Continued to work and started to draw Soc Sec and used the Soc Sec monies to make my next 7 safaris. After I retired at 68 I used the Soc Sec money I had saved till it ran out . Last safari was a couple of years ago. I'm now 74 and probably will never get to go back as the cost of living continues to rise but my rather meagre pension and Soc Sec don't make it possible. It could be done on a shoestring and I think still can be for plains game. The problem with going the first time it infects you with some insidious disease that makes you want MORE. Incidentally that first safari was a package deal and included several plains game animals and a Leopard for the grand total of $5200. It was successful also.

I bought my home Jan 2002 and had a starting mortgage of $ 375k. The housing market went sky high and interest rates went lower and I ended up with a mortgage of $ 540K. Guess where that money went?



You can borrow money (and I did), but you can't borrow time. Go now.

My first trip was in 1996, when I was 55. I was then an attorney with the state, and my wife a nursing professor at a state university. Our children were pretty much grown and on the own (the first time around).

My first trip was with my brother and was 10 days for $7200 and included 8 animals. Air fare with SAA was about $1800 for the two of us. My last trip was this year, my 10th trip since '96, and was a SCI raffle trip for darted rhino that was about $5000 for 10 days, with a requirement to take about five animals with their trophy fees. I took my sister-in-law for her first trip, and she shot all the "animals" and our total costs were probably about $10,000 plus air fare which was about $2000.

The difference between Africa and other places, particularly the US or Canada (from what people tell me), is the costs are all up front for the most part in Africa, the food and accommodations are included and generally excellent, and you generally have several animals on the menu for the hunt.

Let's say there are six animals on tap, and the cost is $12,000. The costs of a elk hunt, non-trophy-representative animal, is $5000, plus travel, plus food, plus room for one elk. An antelope + deer hunt out west would be about $4000 plus travel, plus food, plus room, for two animals. You begin to see why Africa is such a great "bargain" in relative terms.

Africa is a good deal, but sometimes you must save for your trip. You can use your 30-06, 308, or 7mmRM for any African plains game up to eland. You can use your regular hunting clothes and gear. A good pair of binoculars is nice and good still and video camera are a necessity. But please save time and money for about 5-7 days to take an African tour.

If you rent a car and take yourself, figure a $100 per day for car; $100 per day for room; and $120 per day for food for up to four people to see Kruger Park like we did this year. Or see Cape Town, or one of the many attractions in RSA or Zimbabwe or Tanzania on the way home.

Food and accommodations are relatively inexpensive in Africa and always very nice. It adds greatly to the overall experience. Those of us who have been there are willing to help "newbies" with planning and share contacts. But you have to start a "Christmas Club Plan" for you adventure and make a commitment. Be advised (please notice the 10 trip reference above), it is addictive! Kudude

I went when on my first safari at age 38. We saved all of my bonuses for 2.5 years and created a side ebay business to pay for it. We make over $100k yearly, but we are having to care for an elderly parent which eats into the amount plus college savings.

Our safari cost about $23,000 for everything including side trips which totaled 7 days plus hunting for 10 days. This includes shipping, taxidermy, airfare, everything....
Airfare $3800
Taxidermy $3500
Shipping $1600
SideTrips $1600

Rest was the safari and daily fees. I cannot wait to plan another trip - it was an incredible experience.

Well, I am 27 now and have been able to hunt Africa twice. I have a good job, but I'm not getting rich. I have a vehicle that is 11yrs. old and paid for years ago. I live in a one bedroom apartment and I am not married. I sacrafice quite a bit but I love to hunt.

Dallas Safari Show, 1988, I was 32 years old and had $5500 in my pocket and looking to book a Dall sheep hunt. I'd saved the money for 6 or 8 years doing taxidermy on the side which I taught myself. Not excited about what I found, I walked by Allistar McFarlane of Vira Safaris who simply said "You need to go". For $5500 I booked a 10 day buffalo/sable/kudu plus 5 more animals to Botswana.(You old timers might remember those days and rates). Six safaris later with a 7th next year, I have not yet made the dall sheep hunt and have no desire.
After tasting Africa, you will save every nickel and every dime to go back. I quit golf and spent the weekends doing taxidermy. I have a pot that $ goes in and no excuses to take out except for Africa. I will never own the boat I always wanted, don't own a 4 wheeler and don't care because Africa changes a person and with it your priorities.
I know guys that make twice the money I do and belly ache about how I can afford to go to Africa and they can't. Yet these same guys spend $3-5K a year deer hunting, drive $40K pickups and play golf every weekend. It's all about priorities and once you've heard the lions roar and been charged by an elephant, nothing else compares. I'll tip my hat to you guys that have sacrificed to spend a few precious days of your life on safari!
Why sleep while your on safari and risk missing something, there's plenty time to sleep when you die!

by the time you fly from Tampa to some where out west, pay for a 7 day elk hunt plus tag, license, overnight charges,airfare, etc along the way( and don't forget to factor in an 80% success rate unless you shell out the REALLY big bucks), you will have spent $5500-7000. for the exact same amount(or LESS),you can go to RSA/Namibia and shoot 4 animals with basically 100% success and have the hunt others dream about. do the math- consider the experience. i use to hunt Canada, Alaska, and the Rockies every year. Since i discovered how much bang for the buck you get in Africa, i could care less about North America. when 2-3 day pronghorn hunts are $3000-4500, it just doesn't make sense to hunt in the US unless you are a resident of the state with access to private land

I flew Africa on contracts for several years, beginning in the Ethiopian/Eritrean war of 1987. All I saw for years was death, starvation, and misery.

Then, I saw a wathog on my gunsmith's wall and that started a conversation which led me to hunt Limpopo for ten days in '05. I returned last year for Cape buff to the Selous for 7 days and had a perfect hunt.

I'm now 65, turned 64 the week after I returned home last year. Trained hard for three months on a friends 500 acres of wild country outside of my little Florida town and spent many hours at the reloading bench and at the range. It all paid off.

I have outlived dozens of friends through my life, most of whom were younger than me when they went west. All I can say is, go. Don't put it off. Life holds many surprises and as a couple of you have stated, you also have friends who will never see a Kilombero River sunset, or hear the river music of the hippos grunting in the darkness, or see the horns of a buffalo appear from behind a bush while you are staring down your sights. If you are young, don't procrastinate. If you're as old as me or older and have your health, go. Next year may never arrive for any of us.

Like everything else, there's a high end and a low end deal. In Africa, specifically Namibia, the low end 5 species plains game hunt is priced the same as a trophy whitetail hunt. You can get kudu, oryx, warthog, springbok, and impala for $5,000; all inclusive with PH, trackers, vehicles, board and lodging, trophy prep. and permits, etc.

Of course, the variables are air travel costs and hotel stopovers.

Domestic hunting is not inexpensive when trophy animals are sought. Thank goodness, Namibian PH's usually do not charge trophy fees based on size.

Geoff

I've resigned myself to admitting that I won't go to Africa on my first safari until I retire in about 13 years which will make me about 70.

Most people would say that I make enough money and that I should go now while my health is still good and while the political climate in Africa is still safe enough to hunt.

Here's my take on it. I'm immensely healthy <knocking on wood> and work out 3 days a week in the gym and ride my mountain bike 2 days a week. I come from a long line of long lived people and expect to live to 95 or so.

I haven't hunted everywhere I want in the US yet and due to the nature of my real estate business can't make long term plans very well.

I'm gonna wait. It may very well be the wrong decision but there you have it.

Don't get me wrong. African hunting is my life's dream and I don't see myself going on only one hunt either.

I just can't afford the time and can't be out of the country when big real estate deals happen.

I don't think I could devote my whole attention to the hunt or keep myself from feeling guilty that I was missing work that would make me wealthy enough to do it better later.

There's my rationale and although it may not be a good one... It's all mine...

$bob$

I might be the odd man out, but I came from modest means with the dream of hunting Africa.(Growing up in the bush with no running water modest)I looked around at an early age, and decided that the oilfield was my best chance of pulling it off. Its been a long haul, but by the time I got to Africa the first time at 41, I was making $250,000 a year, plus whatever my wife makes as a school teacher.

My first trip was this summer with my 18 year old, the trip cost me about $30k. I saved the money over two years. My wife and I both do quite well, family income similar to Dogleg. It will be a while before I go back though, sons started University, daughter in High School, most importantly, make sure several fancy nive vacations with wife before I plan again.