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

[jonsimoneau]

Since I went to Africa last summer, I have had a million people ask me how much money it costs to go there.  I've even had people accuse me of having my father pay for it!  How offensive!  I saved for Africa for 7 years, and I'm a construction worker.  In short, I work hard for my money, just like most of you.  
Here is the thing about Africa.  Airfare will cost around $2,000.  Daily rates for a 10 day hunt will cost around $3,000.  But after that....it will be up to you as to how much money you spend.  You don't HAVE to shoot every animal that gives you a shot.  I went there with a specific list of animals I wanted to take, and I stuck to it.  I ended up shooting bringing home only 3 animals, and it did not cost that much.  Set limits and abide by them.  One guy over there shot like $20,000 worth of animals.  I can't do that...but I still had an awesome hunt.  Sure there were a few animals I passed on that I now wish I had shot, but you can always go back.  Just being there is worth the money.  

In the mean time, I have had a number of guys tell me "Oh, it must be nice to be able to afford that.  I could never afford to do something like that."  BULL!  It is a matter of priorities.  The same guys that tell me this are driving around in $45,000 trucks, while I continue to drive my piece of junk with no heat, air, power windows etc.  If you really want to do it...you will find a way.  And if you are thinking about doing it, I suggest you take the plunge.  

Then there is the issue of taxidermy.  Sure, that could be expensive.  But you don't absolutely HAVE to have your animals mounted as soon as they come home.  Do the ones you can afford and store the others in a freezer.  You can wait awhile before you have them mounted, and you will have pictures and memories to tide you over until then.  Not only that, but what is wrong with a skull mount?  

I guess my point is that anyone can make an african hunt a reality if they put their mind to it.  If you want to do it...stop making excuses and make it happen.  You only get one chance at life!

[John3]

You are correct Jon that we only go around once in life. I've always wanted to go "off" and bowhunt. Meaning I day dreamed about going and never went. The summer before 911 I decided that I didn't care about the money anymore and I would go somewhere. I started working a second "fun" job which helps and I save my pennies. I went black bear hunting in Arkansas 3 straight years, to North Carolina after bear once and to Kansas after big deer. These trips really were not that much money. The memories are priceless!!  I did find that once I became serious about saving for my trips; they seemed to fall into place. I leave for British Columbia in May after black bears and then to Kuduland in July. Sure I could invest the money for when I get old, but why get old if I have nothing to remember? Plan your work and work your plan. People have to do what I did... Make these trips happen.  

John III

[Joseph]

I agree wholeheartedly.  I worked 48-60 hours a week and saved money for 4 years to go to Africa in 2005 and then Australia in 2006.  I am a registered nurse and while I make good money for Montana I am far from rich.  One thing my job has shown me and the point has been driven home hundreds of times since I became a nurse is that you shouldn't wait to do something you want to.  I have heard the same thing from hundreds of people who were on there death beds,  "I wish (insert whoever is appropriate here, I, we,) had done (whatever) when we first thought of it instead of waiting. That is my only regret."  Or we were going to do this when we retired and then (spouse) ended up in here with a stroke, heart attack, etc.  I am getting married in September and we are already planning trips to Australia, Ireland, and Africa.  It can be done if you are willing to do without a few simple things.  Like Jon said, do you really need that new vehicle?  There is life without cell phones.  We just got Cable TV again after 2 months without it because of moving and I am already starting to wonder why I am paying for it considering what has been on it so far and how little of it we have watched.  There are a lot of things that cost money that you don't even think about anymore because you have been getting them for so long but that you can do quite well without.      Joseph

[Jaz]

Amen, guys! I've never been to Africa, although I plan to some day.  I just booked a black bar hunt for Alberta for 2008, so I'm starting to do instead of just dream.
The guys at work couldn't understand why I drove a beat up little Nissan pickup. Because I don't want or need a $400 dollar truck payment! I did just buy a used truck with low miles for half of what I'd pay for a new one.
I guess my point is that it is frustrating when people say "I can't afford to go there..."
Give up the chew or cigarettes, slow down on the beer guzzling.  It's within most everyone's reach if they prioritize like Jon said.
I hope you guys who are going after your dreams have great experiences. I'm happy for you!
Jaz

[hogdancer]

I agree, don't know if I would go so far as to slow down on the beer though, that's going a little too far.

[jonsimoneau]

Thomas, I for sure would not go that far!  Taking a second mortgage out on your house is one thing, but cutting back on the sauce......that's getting a little out there!

[Jaz]

You guys are too much!

[jonsimoneau]

Just messing with you Jaz, and I agree with your post.

[Joseph]

Like I always used to say "If I had half of the money I've spent on booze and women I'd be a rich man"     :D     Probably would have had a boring life but heh, it's all about the trade off's.        The thing about Africa is it gets in your soul.  I have watched my Dries Visser DVD's so much I think I am wearing them out.  Australia is the same way!  Joseph

[Al Kidner]

Cool thread.

  I'm off to New Zealand in 1 day and a wake up for a ten day hunt to the south Island after Red Deer (all wild free range to, no wire for me!). This will be my first hunt "Over water" and I'm as keen as. What all above said is true. Give up all the "wants" in life run with the needs and you'll make it happen.

 In Oz, and looking forward to see Jo Jo and his new bride some day soon.

 alan

[razorsharptokill]

Great post! I guess I'm one of those that keeps putting it off. We have so many things going on. So many expenses. I'm "that" guy I guess.

I haven't ruled it out yet. I really want to go!

[Joseph]

If y7ou really want to go then make it happen.  The social climate of Africa is in constant flux and you never know when you might not be able to hunt there anymore.  There is no time like the present.  Joseph

[paleFace]

Jon, good thoughts.  like you and everyone else here i don't make a ton of money. enough to pay the bills and a little extra to stash away for doing the things i want.  i saved for 2 years to make my trip. putting $5's, $10's and sometimes $20's in a jar as well as setting aside a little from each paycheck for my hunt fund. i you want something bad enough you will sacrafice to make it happen. just for an example if you put just $95. a week away for 2 years you would be able to go on a $10,000. hunt. i would venture to say that most of us spends that on eating out, beer, women or things we really don't need.  you can go to africa for less than $10,000. easily.  think of it this way.  if you would spend $4500. to kill a big whitetail why can't you go to africa and just kill 1-3 animals and be happy.  i had a budget of $3500. for animals and i stayed under that.

no excuses excepted, if you want to do it, make the sacrafices and live your dream.

[Bosveld]

Listening to you guys make me feel sad as well as thankfull. I'm born and bred a South African. I spend my of weekends roaming the bush, shooting warthog, busbig & gamebirds free of charge. And some days I get upset when things doesn't go as planned....And here are a few fellow trad's that have to work their ???"s of to save a few pennys to come and hunt here. I lower my head and ask forgivness for taking all this for granted.
........Yes Gys, It is definetly worthwile to see and experience Africa firsthand.

I salute you.

May your arrows fly straight

[paleFace]

Bosveld, you could always have us over as your guest to hunt with you.  we could repay the favor by having you here in the U.S. to hunt some of the fine critters we have here.

[hogdancer]

Let me get this strait, first ya'll suggest giving up beer and then Rob says giving up women as well, I really don't know about that. I'm starting to worry about you guys!

[paleFace]

Hogdancer, i don't mean to give up the women just don't blow all your hunting funds wine'n & dine'n them. if they love you they should be happy to just spend qt time with you.  besides, hunting is much more important.

[Bosveld]

PaleFace.. my friend.

I always thought I was the only being in the universe who placed hunting on top of the list. I think me and you, we can sit around the same fire...

[hogdancer]

I understand, my wife says that if I am going to Africa she has to go too, so we are going in July, would'nt have it any other way. She wants to shoot a zebra.

[sparrow]

You are all on the right track. If you want it, do it. I am heading to South Africa in June for the first time and am pumped. I figure people fall into three groups- those that say they'd like to do it and do (10%)- Those that say they'd like to do it and don't (80%)- and those that never even try(10%).I will always be in the top 10%. I work a part time job just to finance hunting. After a great DIY caribou hunt a friend said he'd love to do that. When I suggested he get a weekend job and in less than a year he could afford it, he said no way that's too much work. Sad.