Why hunt Africa?
By Kevin Thomas©

General:
There are a number of reasons why I’d recommend sport hunters consider Africa a good hunting venue. It goes without saying; the sheer variety of plains game available (and dangerous game) can become truly confusing to the first-timer (and even to ‘old’ Africa hands). Not everyone understands that Africa is made up of sovereign nations, and is not a ‘United States’ like the US.
However, and as is the case in some US states, each African nation has its own unique habitat and terrain, which in turn allows a variety of different species to survive and proliferate – thus for the dedicated trophy hunter, it might mean a number of visits over time to different African nations to secure all the trophies sought.
Africa has a lot to offer other than just hunting, although this too will vary from nation to nation. South Africa and Namibia in particular afford a host of interest activities in a developed world environment. There are superb National Parks, wonderful modern shopping malls, fantastic scenery and places of interest to visit, art galleries, and excellent beaches with great shoreline fishing by way of rock & surf and challenging deep-sea fishing.
Hunting wise, these two countries more than any other in Africa have an organized highly developed and well-managed game ranch driven safari industry. South Africa has a wider selection of huntable plains game (antelope) than any other African nation. South Africa and Namibia are the ideal venues for a first time hunter visiting Africa, it is the perfect way to ‘grow’ into, and become ‘tuned’ to hunting in Africa (a case of learning to walk before you can run). What’s more, both destinations are the ideal for young hunters and for family groups because wives and non-hunting observers will never become bored.
From certain sectors of the international sport hunting fraternity, there has been, and still is an element of negativity towards the concept of ‘game ranch hunting’ or as it is more often referred to in the US, ‘hunting behind wire’. This is both unreasonable and unfortunate, because no matter how we look at it, the future of Africa’s wildlife and now more than ever before, lies in the ‘Game Ranch’ or larger landmass ‘Wildlife Conservancy’ concept. Poaching is now rampant in much of Africa, governance in many places is grossly corrupt, and unaccountable – more like criminal syndicates than governments – and human encroachment, habitat destruction through development, logging, and mining is also having a truly negative effect on our remaining wildlife reservoirs outside of conservancies and game ranches.
China’s footprint in Africa is growing by the day, and is definitely, despite denials, a new form of colonialism creeping subtly, yet determinedly across the face of Africa. With it has come a huge demand for illegal ivory and rhino horn, two days before I sat down to write this, 41 elephant were found dead in Zimbabwe’s renowned Hwange National Park, with their tusks chopped out – they’d died as a result of their waterholes having been poisoned with cyanide by local tribesmen.
Granted, arrests were made, yet this is merely the tip of the iceberg, more than a 100 elephant will now also possibly die, not to mention the many other species, including birds, including scavengers and other opportunistic predators feeding on the carcasses. South Africa this year alone has also lost more than 600 rhino to poachers (mainly in the Kruger National Park); it is rapidly reaching a tipping point if the poaching continues at this rate.
Readers might wonder what the poaching aspect has to do with a question asking why hunt Africa. I’m merely using these figures and incidents to reinforce the undeniable fact that Africa has reached a stage whereby wildlife available to paying sport hunters is ultimately going to be doomed outside of conservancies and game ranches – it is a truism and cannot be denied.
There is no stigma to hunting behind game fences, and it can be just as ‘fair chase’ as hunting an unfenced game block in a concession – the criteria though is size. How big is the game ranch? To my mind and experience anything of 8,000 acres plus, offers ample opportunity for a fair chase hunt, and also affords a physically demanding hunting experience. Prospective clientele, however, must thoroughly research the area they are going to hunt, look at the species they are going to hunt, and all else linked to what the safari operator or his agent are offering.
True plains dwellers like springbok, gemsbok, hartebeest, black wildebeest, zebra etc need space and plenty of it. Savannah and woodland dwellers like eland, kudu, blue wildebeest, warthog, and impala also need space; however, and unlike their more northern cousins the southern greater kudu, here in South Africa’s Eastern Cape, the kudu dwell in valley bushveld thickets and along densely wooded kloofs (cliffs), as does the challenging bushbuck, therefore a hunter may not traverse as vast an area as he might for the true plains dwellers. If he is seeking southern mountain reedbuck and the grey rhebuck, he is in for a physical challenge in rugged mountainous terrain, and needs to be fit.
Our diminutive blue duiker lives in the coastal dune forests and can be effectively hunted in these smaller island type thickets. Nocturnal bushpig are shot from a blind over bait at night, or bayed with hounds during the day (one needs to be fit for a hound hunt, be it bushpig or caracal (lynx). The list goes on and visiting hunters must ensure they get all of the answers they require before going on safari.
Types of Safari:
Africa basically offers two types of safari hunting experiences viz. the conservancy/game ranch experience (behind game fences), and the true ‘classical safari’ experience (vast open concessions or hunting blocks) in the more remote unfenced hunting areas. Classical safari isn’t available in its true sense in South Africa, because the country is well developed. Zimbabwe, Zambia, Mozambique, Botswana and Tanzania are the main classical African safari venues. These classical safaris use as their main attractants, the hunting of dangerous game such as elephant, buffalo, lion, leopard, hippo, crocodile etc plus antelope, warthog and other sundry species like hyena.
South Africa does offer buffalo, elephant, leopard and lion (some on excellent landmasses) – however one must research thoroughly, how and where these hunts are to take place because the ‘put & shoot’ system (buying game at wildlife auctions and releasing it prior to the client’s arrival) is not an ethical hunting practice at all, but it does happen, and more particularly so with buffalo and certain of the larger plains game species.
If a hunter isn’t afforded the opportunity to see at least a few herds of healthy looking buffalo on his hunting venue, and numerous solitary bulls or bachelor groups, all may not be well. Shooting the first and only buffalo seen for the entire hunt duration, isn’t exactly a ‘safari’ experience. The shooting of captive bred lion too, is also controversial; however, it has not been legislated against in South Africa, and therefore is legal, so a hunter who is not comfortable with this form of lion shooting must ensure he isn’t sold a hunt of this nature prior to arrival.
African classical safari is always a lot more expensive than game ranch hunts by way of daily rates and related costs, this is because of the logistical problems involved with stocking, supplying, building camps & roads (seasonally) and accessing by charter flights the remote areas in Africa, where a classical safari normally takes place, also because of game department license fees, hunting block conservation fees (an anti-poaching levy) trophy fees etc.
South Africa and Namibia (and Zimbabwe to a slightly lesser extent) afford inbound hunters easy collection and drop-off, which is normally done by vehicle due to the hunting venues proximity to the point of arrival, which also offers a saving on costs. South Africa and Namibia also have first class private hospitals and medical facilities within easy reach.
I’d also venture that the most expensive part of coming to Africa on a plains game hunt only, is the airfare/return from the US or anywhere else for that matter. The variety of plains game and the cost thereof to shoot say 10 trophy animals here in southern Africa on a 10/day hunt still costs less than some hunts in the US for one animal.
In closure, I’d say hunting Africa is a good safari venue choice, a lifetime experience, and it invariably leads to one being bitten by the Africa ‘hunting bug’ – which means you’ll return (often)! Good luck & Good Hunting.

Let me summarize this -
1. It is fun.
2. It is as safe as walking around most US cities.
3. It is cheaper than a guided hunt in Canada, Alaska and most of the US.

The climate and the dangerous game.
Also the richness of the land.Hunting some place that you yourself feel at home or one with nature instead of someplace that your body and mind tells you there is something just not right here.

Poltically incorrect answer:

Discretionary income to spend between - 1/5 for a basic south african plains game hunt to many times for a tanzania full safaris of average and even median us household income.

Hunting africa is a very expensive vacation and is pure discretionary spending.

Mike

#1 reason for me to hunt Africa:
I'm happier there than anywhere else with my clothes on.

I have booked my first African safari for next September.

I have hunted in India in the 70s & early 80s. I have spent many many days in the Indian jungles walking and watching wildlife.

For me Africa is a mystical, mythical land of wilderness and wildlife. Until 5 years ago I had not seen many videos or even that many photos of the varied species and habitat.

I expect Africa to stimulate my senses - the dust, the heat, the fog & chilly morning, the sound of strange birds, insects and the rustling of the grass, leaves and the wind. The smells.

The atmosphere in the Indian wilderness is so different to what I experienced in New Zealand or North America.

I expect Africa to be different and yet it seems to bring back memories of India.

Africa changes you.......no other place I have hunted in the world has evoked the same feeling in me. When you look out over the jess, it just looks and feels old....like it has not changed for thousands of years. The smells of a mopane fire at night, the Southern Cross and millions of other stars, the hyenas howling at sunset, the lions roaring as you hit the bunk, the "camp leopard" padding softly around your tent and on to the skinning shed to see if the boys have left him anything...that is the Africa I know, and there is just no other place like it. I can't wait to go back.

quote:

Originally posted by subsailor74:
Africa changes you.......no other place I have hunted in the world has evoked the same feeling in me. When you look out over the jess, it just looks and feels old....like it has not changed for thousands of years. The smells of a mopane fire at night, the Southern Cross and millions of other stars, the hyenas howling at sunset, the lions roaring as you hit the bunk, the "camp leopard" padding softly around your tent and on to the skinning shed to see if the boys have left him anything...that is the Africa I know, and there is just no other place like it. I can't wait to go back.

This...
BTW, Great "Fitrep" writeup sir

Less you experience it, you cannot understand Africa.
It may be discretionary expense, but still very affordable to average guy in US( that is ready to go ) compare to anywhere else.
Let's face it 3/4 ton pick up $ 50,000.00
So if you buy 10 year old pick up for 10 grand, you can go couple of times in 3-5 years or at least one elephant hunt.
Same goes for house cost.
I see too many people buying big big houses and then complain about their mortgage and so forth.
Buy less and have more fun. Of course it depends who you are and what you desire from life.
I did go to Africa few times and I'm just an average guy with two kids ( small mortgage and old cars and pick up).
If we want something, we can always accomplish it.
Didn't our parents and teachers always tell us " you can do it , if you put your mind to it? "

Because....

I have to....

quote:

Originally posted by KTSafaris:
Why hunt Africa?

Because it's there!

It costs money? Oh yeah, I keep sending wire transfers. I guess I should care about that.

Allow me to add that it is the land that made double rifles famous!
Cal

Not really Cal. India did historically or at at least in the golden age - the average hunter in Africa was too rational, practical and grounded to subsidize the english gunmakers. Never stopped indian princes to buy high end doubles as their subjects suffered.

Again sounding even more politically incorrect - may get me stoned to death - doubles are the most discretionary purchase. Costs 5 figures to on the best of days shoot 2 bullets within 2 inches at 50 yards.

Only 2 percent of double owners really need then and they are professionals - making sure the average hedge fund guy or dentist does not get killed on safari.

Now don't take me as some troublemaker or troller. I hunt Africa, I buy a double i don't really hunt with and look eagerly forward to my next african hunt.


But I have to admit I have a problem and i acknowledge i have a problem. I have just done nothing about the problem than keep it as a fixed percentage of my disposable income and net worth.

Mike

after 15 years of hunting Canada( 5 provinces) Alaska, and all over the western US, i discovered Africa.never hunted anywhere else. more bang for the buck in ALL aspects. price a quality elk, moose, big bear hunt(hell, even a good whitetail hunt in Texas) and the bargain nature is glaringly obvious. for what an elk hunt in Montana costs with non-res license and tag fee( i would have to fly or take a day and a half to drive), i can go to Africa and shoot 3-4 species.. no brainer. and i doubt i would hear lions and hyenas at night sitting around a camp fire.

Jdollar

You are right on the money. On a relative basis africa is a bargain. May says something how screwed up everything else is.

Once to africa nothing else really attracts me.

i like hunting in shorts, hot showers, relatively cool weather with no snow, someone else skinning the animals ect.

I just need to keep africa under control cause regardless of how much we like it - it is purely discretionary.

Mike

unless you're a professional hunter, or gun writer, any hunting is purely discretionary, as an expense. But so is buying a Corvette or some such thing, when you don't really "need" one.

I hunt here on a daily basis ,and of course hunting in the swamps and in LOS ANDES MOUNTAINS is great ,but I LOVE AFRICA ,and hunting anything there is a great experience.

Ashok,

you will find Africa very similar to India, more game and more DG but everything else is pretty similar, even the flowers etc.

Arjun

quote:

Originally posted by Nakihunter:
I have booked my first African safari for next September.

I have hunted in India in the 70s & early 80s. I have spent many many days in the Indian jungles walking and watching wildlife.

For me Africa is a mystical, mythical land of wilderness and wildlife. Until 5 years ago I had not seen many videos or even that many photos of the varied species and habitat.

I expect Africa to stimulate my senses - the dust, the heat, the fog & chilly morning, the sound of strange birds, insects and the rustling of the grass, leaves and the wind. The smells.

The atmosphere in the Indian wilderness is so different to what I experienced in New Zealand or North America.

I expect Africa to be different and yet it seems to bring back memories of India.

Arjun

I would go one step further. Africa is much much better than India.

The game density in Africa blows India away. African game density blows away any place on earth.

In 6 hours in a place like the Save Conservancy or Kanana in Botswana one will see many multiples of game than in a week in a India wildlife sanctuary.

Mike

If I didn't hunt Africa, I'd have to play golf.
Shudder......
Cal

Why hunt Africa--

because its the only place I can go, wake up in the morning and ask myself--"What will I kill today?"

Its the hunt, not the trophy- the wandering what you will find.

SSR

quote:

Originally posted by cal pappas:
If I didn't hunt Africa, I'd have to play golf.
Shudder......
Cal

I can just imagine you Cal on the golf course.

All those over-size drivers would look like little dinky toys to the drivers you would bring to the golf course!

Hunting Africa has no comparison anywhere on earth.

I have had holidays all over the world, and the ones that always stick in my mind are those I spent in Africa.

quote:

Originally posted by Sean Russell:
Its the hunt, not the trophy- the wondering what you will find.

+1

I hunt Africa because I love the smell of mopane smoke while sipping on a cold Taffel beer and puffing on a good Cuban cigar. There is something addictive about this combination. The sound of cooing doves or the howling of a pack of hyenas adds to the effect. Lastly the talk around the campfire with an articulate and passionate PH caps it all off.

Simply the greatest variety of game in the world.

As Capstick said, "Hunting Africa is the last adventure that money can buy". I can't say it is the only adventure left in the world, but it sure has to be in the top 10! I have never, ever, regretted a dollar that I have spent to hunt in Africa. Hunting in Africa is the only time in my life that I have missed a place before I left.