It's simply a competitive situation. I can spend my money diving the Great Barrier Reef and have a great time, or hunt in Africa, or do any of a number of things. But I can't do them all, so I have to be selective.

Well said, brother Faucett!

DC300
A friend in Houston

Saeed:

Thank you. That's the first thing I've read about travelling to Africa that I can relate to. My approach to Eurpoean travel is exactly what you described. I'd like to go to hunt in Africa, but I don't like dealing with travel problems or paying money to dictatorships that just want to take my money.

As long as you do your home wrok ahead of your trip, you will have little trouble. Show up w/o proper paperwork, illegal firearms, etc. then all bets are off. I just wish you could fly to africa for $1000 RT in 6hours?!

"Afica is undoubtedly a most fascination wild mistress. She gets a tenacious hold on most persons; bewitching, magnetic, that is almost irresistable, and once experienced, is NEVER lulled into forgetfulness."
May French Sheldon 1891

Most great things take a bit of forethought, planning, and guidance. If it were easy then where would you get a sense of accomplishment? Diving the Great Barrier takes preperation and an aquired skill level. So does hunting in Africa.

I personally think you should stay away. If you don't, you will never be the same. If you change it will take commitment and dedication to return again. Each time you return will hasten the need for another trip.
Go back, it's a trap!

Questor,
Africa is worth avoiding for all the reasons you have heard. However if you possess the desire to visit or hunt there obviously you make allowances in your mindset.
The same with any risky or unique choice you may hold attractive and thus exciting.
None of this should be too confusing.

Karl.

Questor



The only hunters whom seem to have hassles are those thast dont take advice from the experienced posters on these forums.



If you think you can do it ALL yourself then be prepared for possible if not inevitable hassles.



The key advice I can give you is as follows:



1) Before you depart make sure you talk to a local regional recognised Taxidermist with previous African Trophy experience and a track record of performance



2) Book with a tried and trusted Agent or Outfitter



3) Use a Travel Agent with an Africa Track record of satisfied customers



If you do those three things it is very unlikely you will have any major hassles at all.



NB: Dont try to be a total DIY and try to save a dime and waste a dollar.



Remember the old addage:



( the cheapest is not always the best ) and ( the best is not always the cheapest )



... and you wont go far wrong



Regards, Peter

Human nature...we spend way too much energy focusing on the few negative aspects of something, and not enough time on all good things. I have convinced myself that the "hassles" surrounding the travel to Africa are just part of the "adventure". It's all how you choose to look at things.

My buddy who posts here as 1115 read all the gripes about Africa. He was very hesitant to go, but took a deep breath and, with my gun somewhat to his head , took the plunge and put down a deposit. As happens shortly after Christmas every year, the internet began to blossom with tales of safari woe. 1115 hung in there, though. It was nip & tuck until the gear were in the well and he knew the plane wasn't stopping until it hit African dirt. In fact, two days before we left for Africa, at his birthday party, he was planning to announce that he had changed his mind until he openned his present from me (a safari shirt with complete with a JudgeG designed logo and his name upon it). Shame is a great motivator!

Upon reaching Africa and upon seeing the result of good preparation/planning, he began to relax. Seven days later, within 10 minutes of killing his first buffalo, he had booked for the next year. I think he even tried to give the P.H. a check in the middle of the bush. Poor guy was hooked. And I've got more than just a best friend... I've got a safari buddy.

It's that kind of place. Just use trustworthy booking agents and the experiences of those who have done it often. This is the very best place to get information, bar none. Don't try to go cheaply, you get what you pay for.. and finally...

Do it while you can. Come to Dallas Safari Club in January and meet a bunch of us. We addicts love company.

Just got back from Africa Last week, I had no hassles and one of the best times of my life...

If you are down on Africa at this stage in your question then it probably isn't for you.

Questor
Get a good travel agent[Gracy Travel], get a good Safari Company [HHK], get a couple of good rifles [one a big bore double rifle ] and you will not have any problems. I got bit by more mosquitoes in my back yard my first day back than I did in 21 days if hunting in ZIM. I had NOT ONE problem on my trip.....
Well OK there was one problem.... I had to come home....

After reading these posts it makes me want to avoid Africa. It just sounds like too much hassle. What's the attraction? And, no, I'm not joking. It's a sincere question.

"And so if you meet a hunter who has been to Africa, and he tells you what he has seen and done, watch his eyes as he talks. For they will not see you. They will see sunrises and sunsets such as you cannot imagine, and a land and a way of life that is fast vanishing. And always he will will tell you how he plans to go back." author: David Petzer





http://www.songofafrica.net/

Questor,

Welcome to the forum.

I go to Africa to hunt every year, and cannot honestly say I have come across any more hassle than one would have to go through while travelling between countries.

In fact, I would fly to Africa any day compared to flying within Europe.

When we fly to Africa, we fly first class on the plane, book with a first class outfit, and as sure as I am sitting here, we DO get first class service from the time we leave home to the time we get back. A service that shames ANY 5-star hotel I have ever stayed in.

Flying through Europe on the other hand.

We fly first class, and we do get first class treatment until we land in Europe.

From then onwards, you are in the middle of the real rat race. The airlines charge you a premium price for travelling Business class, and the only difference you get is a choice of two pre-packed meals. You still have the very same tiny seats found in economy, with the same clueless cabin crew.

You get to a 5-star hotel, to whom you pay more than the daily rate on a buffalo hunt. You don't get any food, let alone decent food, and the service is little short of being atrocious.

I have stopped staying in hotels. I book a room in a private place - paying about 20% of what I would have to pay the hotel.


I would go to Africa any time I get the chance, with all its puported hassles.

Any negative reports you might have come across about Africa are probably due to lack of pre-trip planning.

If you book through one of the many reputable outfitters on this forum, and don't always go with the cheapest price, I can assure you will get an enjoyable trip, with as little hassle as can be encountered on international travel.

Thank you! This has been very helpful.

I booked my second hunt on the last day of my "once-in-a-lifetime" first hunt to Africa. I drive an old pick-up and forego snowmobiles, casinos, and the latest/greatest wonder caliber rifle so that I can go on my next hunt to Africa, (and hopefully the next one and the next one).

Previously I've encountered "hassles" in Wyoming, British Columbia, Texas, and Australia while hunting. So "hassles" is part of being a modern day hunter. So be it, I will continue to hunt.

But the truth is some are not cut out to go to Africa.

Questor:
I was very sure that my first trip to Africa would be a big disapointment -my expectations were that high.

But the reality of it was that Africa was much bigger than my expectations.

And it just keeps growing.

Some hassles grow on you!

Dear Questor

Africa is great! Do your pre-trip planning, do your homework and book with reliable operators and make friends in the community. Every type of activity has its good people and its bottom feeders. I know of scuba operators who neglect their rental gear and abuse their reefs, just like i know of professional hunters who provide little of what they claim in their websites.

Look for the best, AR forums will steer you right. Personally i can't wait to go back. Thank the Lord this is part of my profession.

cheers, tm.

First time was sheer adventure...

Second time was a confirmation of a true addiction...

Planning the third and know I am doomed to this viscious cycle for the remainder of my mortal life...

Turn back and save yourself! Nothing can compare to the powerful draw of the African bush...

I went on my first African hunt in the Eastern Cape of South Africa this past August. It was the best hunting expierence I have ever had. I learned so much, saw so much and had a great time. I can't wait to go back!

Questor,

Yes, there are little hassles, as their is everyday in life. The hassles I see are, not being anywhere an time, flat tires, some bugs, but the first sunrise or sunset will put all of those little hassles out of your mind. If you want the amenities of the USA, you will be dissapointed. But when we travel that is part of the aura of a place.

If it is something you truely want to do, then deal with the little things, because IMO, the big positives outweigh the little negatives.

BigBullet

My son and I made a pact on arriving in Africa and looking over our first african menu. We would eat nothing that we could eat at home at a fast food or other chain restraunt. We would at least try to eat what ever was put before us and try as many different things as we could. We were not going to africa to do what we could do at home, we were going to africa to experience africa. If we wanted to do what we could do at home we would have stayed at the house. That pact on our first night in africa seemed to spread out to all our experiences. Enjoy the differences from where you are from. We were warned by a travel agent that we talked to somewhere that, " when you get on the plane to go home you will be plotting how and when you can go back to africa." My son and I will be there again and again. Questor there is still time. Turn back and don't go. You will have to spend your children's inheritance for plane fare and trophy fees. Take up golf or tennis. If you decide foolishly and go to africa anyway, good hunting. "D"