It seem to me that there are a lot fewer hunt reports this year. Even more eye opening to me is that there are almost none from Tanzania.

Is this all the economy or do you think people have finally gotten fed up with the prices and lack of certainty in TZ?

The economy. People are going less and when they do they're looking for lower priced hunts.

Well Larry, I think it probably has to deal with both.

Despite what they say on the news...and whatever the DOW Jones decides to pull...the economy is still in the crapper. And there's quite a few people calling for another housing crash....so luxury hunting in Tanz will only be available for the ultra wealthy...who can float in the high tides of economic chaos.

I think there's been a lot less reports from all over...not just Tanz..

Agreed. In fact has there been even 1 report from Tanzania this year? Should be some good hunting the next few years as the blocks seem to be getting a good rest. A friend told me Arusha looked like a ghost town at the start of the hunting season.

Brett

I got a call today about a bargain in TZ. $1000 per day plus govt costs at cost. No markup on anything. That is an astounding price. I can't even imagine that price. They said there was little doubt the big 4 would be taken.

This got me thinking.

I would go but I just got back from Zim. Plus I am going desert big horn hunting on 11/15.

I hope those guys in the TZ government think long and hard before pulling those stunts again.

I was in Tanz last year and going again in 2011. I just don't write hunting reports.

Larry, you are right on the money. Not imagining, just reflecting reality.

Tanzanian operators, and African hunting operators in general, are hurting big time.

This recession is killing everyone.

quote:

Originally posted by larryshores:
I got a call today about a bargain in TZ. $1000 per day plus govt costs at cost. No markup on anything. That is an astounding price. I can't even imagine that price. They said there was little doubt the big 4 would be taken.

This got me thinking.

I would go but I just got back from Zim. Plus I am going desert big horn hunting on 11/15.

I hope those guys in the TZ government think long and hard before pulling those stunts again.

What outfitter was that? PM if you wish.

Brett

The bad eceonomy is the TZ (not only) hunting Industry hurting badly. Miombo Safaris is sold and some other smaller Outfits have also a new owner. Many PH in Arusha and Dar ( also the well known long time in the Business guys ) are searching for "hunting days"...

quote:

Originally posted by Michael Robinson:
Larry, you are right on the money. Not imagining, just reflecting reality.

Tanzanian operators, and African hunting operators in general, are hurting big time.

This recession is killing everyone.

Don't tell me and we have had to cut our throats just to pay overheads.

Still I suppose we make hay when the sun shines.

I only buy this to a certain extent. For example, Zambezi Hunters is totally sold out for 2011 if I understand correctly.

I really the the TZ government's BS has caught up with them this time. Of course with the African mentality, we can probably expect a price increase to make up for the shortfall.

Larry,

Just trying to make him feel better and I did not cut my throat. That was a big fib.

I don't want to bitch about price...there are certain things in life that I cannot afford, and thats just how life works.

But, when you have to spend 21K just on daily fees for a buff and small number of plainsgame for 10 days...because of licenses, gov, whatever...that shocks my mind. So just shooting your 2 buffs, and the other 6-7 animals on your 10 day license you will be over 30k. Plus I have heard those Tz phs get the big tips...

For 30k I know Ol Andy in Zam can do something up nicely!!!!

In fact that's going to be my selling point to my friends, gf, and possibly future wife (if I can find one to stick around, and makes tons of money!).

"If you think this hunt is expensive, check out Tanz...hell baby...this hunt in Zam is a bargain! It's practically 40% off...."

I have watch prices fall for over a year now. when I first started watching prices tz was expensive not not so much. I know outfitters and Ph's who are all hurting and cutting prices to the bone just to stay in business. The one I watched the most was prices for buffalo hunts. some have dropped as much a 10k for a hunt. there now down to what I payed for a 15 day hunt in Uganda.and also in IMHO a good PH is worth every dime he makes and the best tip you can afford to give him

quote:

Originally posted by larryshores:
It seem to me that there are a lot fewer hunt reports this year. Even more eye opening to me is that there are almost none from Tanzania.

Is this all the economy or do you think people have finally gotten fed up with the prices and lack of certainty in TZ?

From talking to my contacts...it is the world (esp. American) economy dring this trend.

To expand on what larryshores said not every safari comapny is in trouble and offering huge discounts as some would believe. Major quota species are selling well and sold out in many cases. Other outfits have bumped up their prices for 2011. Two of the major companies I represent John Du Plooy's Muchinga Adventures and Mokore Safaris are perfect examples. John's leopards are sold out through 2012 with lions 90% spoken for and Mokore Safaris has raised their prices across the board. I recently made a proposal to another well known outfit for a client concerning a major safari. They wouldn't even come off the observer fee. So you can see that the best outfits are not finding it necessary to offer some incredible deals or any deals at all.

What I'm finding is that the best outfits are selling their quotas but not as quickly as they might have a coupler of years ago.

There are some real discounts available out there but remember if you buy cheap you may still get cheap so be careful.

Mark

quote:

Originally posted by larryshores:
I only buy this to a certain extent. For example, Zambezi Hunters is totally sold out for 2011 if I understand correctly.

I really the the TZ government's BS has caught up with them this time. Of course with the African mentality, we can probably expect a price increase to make up for the shortfall.

People are banking on the future!

Look at the number of cancellations in 2010 & 2009.

There will also be a bunch in 2011 if things don't change in the U.S.

quote:

Originally posted by Oryxhunter1983:
I don't want to bitch about price...there are certain things in life that I cannot afford, and thats just how life works.

But, when you have to spend 21K just on daily fees for a buff and small number of plainsgame for 10 days...because of licenses, gov, whatever...that shocks my mind. So just shooting your 2 buffs, and the other 6-7 animals on your 10 day license you will be over 30k. Plus I have heard those Tz phs get the big tips...

For 30k I know Ol Andy in Zam can do something up nicely!!!!

In fact that's going to be my selling point to my friends, gf, and possibly future wife (if I can find one to stick around, and makes tons of money!).

"If you think this hunt is expensive, check out Tanz...hell baby...this hunt in Zam is a bargain! It's practically 40% off...."

Oryxhunter,

I have only been involved in Munyamadzi for two seasons and previously hunted as a free lancer. I am finding it difficult to breach the market. Hence hopefully the pricing will be attractive incentive for some to review the hunting and the location.

I disagree with Mark to a certain degree regarding 'cheap' hunts and these are discounted as such.

My plan next year is to advertise the Kafue Flats venture for 4 hunters and this also will be 'cheap' as safaris go. The way I look at it there are those who cannot afford Africa and if I can I will make it happen for them. To share the hunt costs is one way to do this.

I have many cost saving ideas and one that I really want to try is a group safari for teenagers. Bit like an African summer camp.

Andrew should be an honorary Aggie...as he too is all around good folks!

As a regular working fella, making less than 6 figures a year, it is hard for me to fathom someone paying $15,000 - $30,000 to hunt anywhere!! Especically in this economy. I suppose there are quit a few folks who have a lot of extra money to spend just laying around.

I'll keep saving my pennies, keep writing stories, keep taking photos, and keep dreaming of Africa! Albeit on a smaller scale for plains game.

quote:

Originally posted by ledvm:
Andrew should be an honorary Aggie...as he too is all around good folks!

Nice ring to it. Andrew 'the Aggie' Baldry.

Andy,

I in no way wanted to insinuate you were Discount operation. Just wanted to compare what a good buff hunt in zambia might run vs tanz.

It's bang for buck evaluation, granted every location has certain species not found in others...but if one outfitter claims I can get You a 40" buff in zam and the same for tanz...it poses the value question on the block.

I'm an aggie Andrew be careful who you choose to associate with!!!

quote:

Originally posted by Oryxhunter1983:
I'm an aggie Andrew be careful who you choose to associate with!!!

Andrew 'the cat' Baldry would look better on my CV but sod it and I am now an Aggie.

Is there an Aggie club where all us dogooders get together and do good?

quote:

Is there an Aggie club where all us dogooders get together and do good?

Yep...it is called "the world"!

quote:

Originally posted by fairgame:

quote:

Originally posted by Oryxhunter1983:
I'm an aggie Andrew be careful who you choose to associate with!!!

Andrew 'the cat' Baldry would look better on my CV but sod it and I am now an Aggie.

Is there an Aggie club where all us dogooders get together and do good?

In reality...there actually are many Aggie Clubs!

Andrew,

Not to worry. I would not be offering your hunts on the Luangwa if I thought they were "CHEAP" in quality regardless of price. In fact your recent ad is about the least expensive way a guy could ever get a roan without booking a 14-21 day safari.

Mark

Seriously thinking about shooting it myself.

Cheers Mark.

Oryxhunter,

You have to compare aplles to apples. Yes the government fees in Tanzania are pretty stiff but a Masailand buffalo hunt is not the same experience you'll get anywhere else. If you want to see Masailand, shoot some animals not found anywhere else and hunt where there is a real chance of killing a buffalo of a lifetime you have to pay for it. Your $30,000 that you mentioned will go much further in southern Africa but it won't be a Masailand hunt. Hey! I wish it was less expensive too. I'd love to go back just to be there. Masailand is really that unique.

Mark

Redirect: have I mentioned yet that my Boise State University Broncos are ranked Number Two on the AP and Coaches Poll, and Number Three in the BCS standings?

Rich
Go Broncos

quote:

You have to compare aplles to apples. Yes the government fees in Tanzania are pretty stiff but a Masailand buffalo hunt is not the same experience you'll get anywhere else.

Mark,

Looks like Neil cost you and Adam about of about $30,000.

Overall there seems to be plenty of good quality discounted hunts this year, even for lion.

quote:

What I'm finding is that the best outfits are selling their quotas but not as quickly as they might have a coupler of years ago.

There are some real discounts available out there but remember if you buy cheap you may still get cheap so be careful.

Thats absolute true IMO

Mike,

We'll get your money one way or the other so don't plan on saving anything just because you are the luckiest buffalo hunter in Africa for 2010.

We do need to talk about a cat hunt for the future. There will be a "special" price just for you.

Mark

Idaho, the advertisers will luv it when my Frogs go up against Boise in the BCS bowl.

Frog 'em!

Mark,

Luck,and I thought it was due to paying for a premium hunt with a quality outfitter, hunting hard, and booking enough days to make it all happen.

Next time I will just carry my lucky rabbit foot.

Mike,

I always recommend a good luck charm. It's far more important than the things you listed. We have a variety of good Juju items for sale on the website. It might take some careful searching but they are there at exorbitant prices of course.

Mark

For an armchair Bwana who is still dreaming of Africa, I find this thread very educational and interesting.

I can compare Safari costs to buying a car. If I was able to afford it I could buy a new Ferrari, Lamborghini etc. for a million bucks just like I could do a Tz Big 4 safari for 30 days or more. I could buy a top end Mercedes or BMW for half that cost - like a Big 4 safari in Zambia. I could buy a top end Volvo or Lexus and compare it to a Big 4 safari in Zim. ....get the picture

Now I could just as easily go to Singapore & import a nice pre-owned 4 year old BMW, Merc, Volvo or Lexus for 10% of new retail & have it shipped to NZ. That would be like taking up Fairgames amazing deal!! Except that this deal is absolutely brand spanking new & not "pre-owned" !!!!!

Need to book a hunt? Just tell an SCI competitor that you have found an animal, any animal better than his competition...
BTW, I am a member, but I only compete with animals...not other members.

quote:

Originally posted by Nakihunter:
For an armchair Bwana who is still dreaming of Africa, I find this thread very educational and interesting.

I can compare Safari costs to buying a car. If I was able to afford it I could buy a new Ferrari, Lamborghini etc. for a million bucks just like I could do a Tz Big 4 safari for 30 days or more. I could buy a top end Mercedes or BMW for half that cost - like a Big 4 safari in Zambia. I could buy a top end Volvo or Lexus and compare it to a Big 4 safari in Zim. ....get the picture

Now I could just as easily go to Singapore & import a nice pre-owned 4 year old BMW, Merc, Volvo or Lexus for 10% of new retail & have it shipped to NZ. That would be like taking up Fairgames amazing deal!! Except that this deal is absolutely brand spanking new & not "pre-owned" !!!!!

Find a mate to join you and you will have the bargain of a life time. Bring two and I can make it really interesting.

My advise is to buy a Fiat and go hunting.

Cheers

Andrew