[Editor's Note: This story originally ran late last week but was moved due to the release of the CDC's study on blood lead levels in humans. We are running the story again for those readers who may have missed it.]
Africa. The Dark Continent. The place of hunter’s dreams. Whether it is a heavy-bossed dagga boy in the jess, the spiral-horn grace of a kudu in the highveld, or a full-maned lion in the Selous, the hunter’s African dream can take many forms. Unfortunately, few hunters will take the opportunity to explore turning these dreams into reality. Many would-be safari hunters will never know the beauty and mystery of Africa due to simple misconceptions: a perceived lack of time, finances, personal security issues, and more. And while some impediments are real, many others are simply erroneous. Knowing the facts, the how-to of African safari, can be the difference between living your safari dream or living vicariously through an author or television host.
Many will tell you hunting in Africa is too expensive, too time consuming, or too dangerous. These are a few of the more common misconceptions about safari hunting. Misinformation and half-truths cloud reality and detract from the decision-making process. But knowledge is power, so let’s address the most common concerns by dispelling safari hunting misconceptions with facts.
Africa Is Too Expensive
The cost of a hunt is always a major consideration, be it Africa or elsewhere. And in tough economic times, sportsmen and women must be even more careful with their buying decisions. South Africa and Namibia offer several options for cost-conscious hunters, as both countries have competitive safari markets, so prices tend to be lower. Today’s hunter/consumer is looking for value, and an African safari could be one of the best values in hunting today. Skeptical? Let’s look at the numbers.
Pricing two African operators I have hunted with recently, both offer ten-day plains game packages, with five species on quota for $5500. These offerings, like the typical African hunt package, provide airport transfers, accommodations, meals, license, services of guide, tracker, and skinner, field and trophy prep, and daily laundry service. As mentioned before, these services are usually provided, but you should check to be certain of what your hunt package includes.
One item that is not part of your hunt contract is international airfare. This is a significant expense of the African hunt, but it can vary based on time of year, class of service, city of departure, etc. However, a good average cost to calculate for service from the U.S. to Johannesburg is $2000. Now we do the math:
Hunt Package w/5 animals $5500
Airfare $2000
Total $7500
Compare that with the cost of a quality domestic hunt. Elk, mule deer, caribou, even value hunts, i.e., semi-guided or do-it-yourself, will run at minimum $3000. Add license and travel, and we are in the $5000 range. Pronghorn, black bear, and whitetail can be done on the cheap, but most of the time with whitetail, your chances of scoring on a quality trophy are low, unless you hunt in a premium area where success rates are high, but so is the price.
The numbers reveal you can spend less in North America, while having a quality hunt. But remember, I said Africa was the best value in hunting, not the cheapest hunt.
Most people agree $5000 is a reasonable cost for a chance at a decent bull elk. But our African deal is for more than one trophy; it includes five antelope: two large, elk-sized antelope; two medium; and one small. On a per-trophy basis, the cost of each species is $1250. Compare that with just about any hunt in the world, and you see the African plains game safari is a great hunting value.
Obviously, this is not an apples-to-apples comparison. With an African hunt, you get the experience of lots of hunts over a 7-10 day period. It is like having a gallon of ice cream on a hot summer day; you wish you could spread the fun out over time, but you have to “consume” it in one sitting. But having the opportunity to travel and visit a remote land, with different people, cultures, habitats, and such a wide variety of animals, is an additional benefit that should more than offset the accelerated schedule.
Safari Takes Too Much Time
What is “too much time?”
With limited and slow transportation options, the first European and American hunters in Africa spent months, sometimes years, in the bush. Today, you can leave your home in the states and be sighting-in your rifle in the African veld in less than 24 hours. There are plains game packages available with as few as five hunting days, so including travel, you could conceivably take a week, do Africa, and be back at work on Monday morning, although I would not recommend it. Changing six or more time zones is hard, and it usually takes a few days to reset your internal clock. Better options are 7, 10, and 14-day hunts that allow you to take more time to hunt and enjoy the surroundings. Better still, you can customize a hunt package or hunt and sightseeing tour plan to suit your time constraints, whatever they may be.
Africa Is Too Dangerous
Disease; crime; dangerous animals; civil unrest--legitimate concerns when traveling abroad, and they are legitimate concerns when traveling to parts of Africa. However, the same can be said of North America and Europe. Concerns over personal safety are often exaggerated well out of proportion due to lack of information. Before my first African safari, not knowing any better, I ran five miles a day and did sprint training as well, as I did not want to be the straggler of the group if we were chased by man-eating lions. Looking back, I understand why my professional hunter gave me an odd look and chuckle when I told him of my interval training, but I simply did not know the facts.
While there are always places you should avoid and precautions you should take, many areas of southern Africa are as safe and developed as anywhere in the first world. Once again, Namibia and South Africa come to mind. Most of Namibia and a good portion of South Africa do not require inoculations for tropical diseases; not even malaria pills are necessary. There are criminal elements in every large city in the world, but when you are hunting in the bush, crime is seldom a concern. Remember, hunting is an important source of foreign exchange for local economies, so visiting hunters are generally treated with the utmost of care. And while it is true there are more fauna dangers on the African continent than here at home, it is rare that a dangerous game hunter is injured by an animal, much less one in search of plains game.
Pristine and ancient lands, diverse cultures, and the greatest assortment of wildlife, Africa offers hunters more opportunity than any destination. When armed with the proper research and information, your African safari will be safe, economical, and fit your schedule. If you have ever thought of hunting in Africa, you owe it to yourself to explore the opportunity. But be warned. Once you hunt the Dark Continent, do not think it is a one-time proposition. When Africa gets in your blood, it will require you to return again and again.
Steve Scott is the host of America’s first all-African television series, Safari Hunter’s Journal, as well as Steve Scott’s Outdoor Guide. Both can be seen on Sunday mornings on the Versus Network.
