Africa...it does not have to be expensive!

[Joseph]

I hope things work out for you    Joseph

[Bow n' errors]

My wife and I opened a special savings account about six months ago after deciding that we wanted to do this in our lifetimes.  We're hoping to build up funds for a 2012 safari and we're on track to make it happen.  Jon is right, create a realistic plan and work to make it happen.  I wish I didn't have to wait that long, but it's what's realistic for us.  
In the meantime, I love reading the threads of others and pondering the who, what, where and when.  Thanks to Jon and all of those who take the time to post their stories and pics, you're an inspiration.

[jonsimoneau]

Curt, you've got the right idea man!  It took me 7 years to save up for my first trip.  Surprisingly, I went back the following year, and it hurt financially, but was worth every penny!  I'm hoping to get back next year.  Save the money, and stay as long as you can.  10 days of hunting is great, but 14 is even better.  I'm just a union laborer.  I make decent money, but it's just average at best.  It's all about priorities.  I'll tell you this...everyone you talk to will want to hear about it whether they are hunters or not.  Everyone loves to hear about African adventures.  Good stuff.

[chrisg]

Curt have to say Jon is perfectly correct, the airfare may seem steep but once you are here the longer you stay the cheaper the flight will be $/day. I grew up travelling lots then with life kids and work trips became harder and harder to do until I made a decision. I found myself in Botswana & Namibia twice river rafting  and on wildlife safaris, also Cape Town and even to Canada twice in the space of three years. All with my kids. Not hunting though! I worked harder than ever and got the rewards cause I was working for a goal.
Good luck and read plenty! I have my eyes on a book called 'The Hunting Blackbeards of Botswana'- Three generations of professional hunters. Editor is Brian Marsh, one of the last of the old PH hunters from East Africa, Rhodesia and Bots. It's a Rowland Ward book, you might get it on order.
chrisg

[Bert Frelink]

Truer words were never spoken, all you guys are right. I worked hard all my life, ever since I started hunting 35 years ago my goal was to get to AK, on my 50th birthday I went, I didn't quite have all the money but had the house paid for so I took out a small mortgage that I paid off after the fact.
Never regretted it for one second as a matter of fact I have saved almost enough money to do it again.            
If you really want to go, there is a way to do it.
Thank you all for the extra inspiration.
Bert.

[elktalker]

Trophy fees? anybody have a list of animal prices, or even a web site of a good inexpencive guide.

[BUFF]

Trophy Pricelist

Baboon $ 100
Blesbuck $ 350
Blesbuck white $ 750
Blue Duiker $ 950
Bontebok $ 2560
Buffalo Cape $ POR
Bushbuck $ 950
Bushpig $ 350
Common Reedbuck $ 950
Eland $ 2250
Fallow Deer $ 850
Gemsbuck $ 1200
Grey Duiker $ 350
Giraffe $ 3000
Impala $ 350
Jackal $ 100
Klipspringer $ 1250
Kudu up to 55' $ 1950
Kudu 55' and over $ POR
Lechwe $ 3000
Leopard $ POR
Nyala $ 2800
Oribi $ 900
Ostrich $ 700
Redbuck Common $ 950
Sable $ POR
Springbuck common $ 350
Springbuck black $ 950
Springbuck white $ 1350
Steenbuck $ 350
Suni $ 3000
Red Hartebeest $ 1000
Warthog $ 350
Waterbuck $ 1800
Wildebeest Blue $ 900
Wildebeest Black $ 900
Zebra Burchells $ 1250

[2wfstlhunting]

I have said it all over the place, but will repeat it here, particularly after seeing the trophy fees above:  Check out Makalaan ranch in Namibia.  You will be pleased at what you see.

Steve

[jonsimoneau]

Also, to those of you looking into hunting in Africa, I implore you to look at Namibia.  I have been to South Africa twice and Namibia once.  South Africa has a wider variety of species but is much more civilized.  If you want to hunt "way out there" in truely remote country consider Namibia.  The next time I go to Africa, it will be with Allan Cilliars.  However, if you want to go to South Africa, You cannot go wrong with Driess Visser safaries.  They are top notch.

[Cmalone1]

ONe day i hope to head to africa!! but for now i'll stay in the cont. US...maybe to alaska soon!!

[CB]

I agree.  I went there with my dad on an auction hunt and came home with 4 animals and the whole thing was around $9k.

One bit of advice is that when hunting with the stickbow your opportunities may be limited.  For example, if you have your heart set on a Kudu and you don't get one then when you get home you'll be wishing you had shot that big waterbuck or other animal that you passed up.

Bottom line, be flexible...

[meangene1969]

Im saving as we speak, I really want to go to Africa

[razorsharptokill]

Now I AM going! This August 2017.

Money is just something you have traded your limited time on this earth for.

The only way you really see any return on it is to go spend it on spending time doing what you love.

[razorsharptokill]

It's finally here!

[Saltydog]

I totally agree that if you want something bad enough, you'll figure out a way to do it. My only comment would be don't wait too long, if possible.
The recent political developements in SA might affect your ability to hunt there.

I regret not booking another hunt with Jack Hume to hunt caribou when I had the chance 2 years ago, and now, because of politics, I'll never be able to.

[acolobowhunter]

I going in Aug. 2018.  Can hardly wait.  Every few days I am going over my packing list and purchasing a few items.
I did get the electrical plug for Africa and also the inverter.  I didn't think just the plug was enough as they are on 220 V, so think the inverter is necessary.  Hope I was right.  
We are going to Namibia with Makalaan Outfitters.  Everything I have heard is they are very good and bow hunting only.