When the topic of Africa comes up around me, and it often does, people often ask, “How’d you start doing this, anyway?” I especially get this question from clients going on their first African safari, in which, I can’t really answer without referencing my personal first African safari.
My close friend, well ‘brother of choice, really, “CT” went on a safari in the early 1990’s and very nearly didn’t come back. Don’t worry, he wasn’t gored by a rhino or anything – but he loved South Africa so much after the first safari he very nearly moved there lock, stock and barrel.
CT returned to Africa for a 2nd safari the following year and I joined him and immediately developed the same deep affection for the place and its people that he had. Since then, we have been on dozens of safaris with friends and clients and have developed very deep relationships with our many friends there.
My first safari was an economical “all inclusive” Africa-on-a-budget package hunt that included lodging, meals, our Professional Hunter (PH), trophy fees for several species, and was conducted on a large ranch. Our PH and his wife lived on the ranch and when not hunting they would farm and raise domestic animals. The hunting provided some needed extra income and kept the local populations of antelope in control.
This type of all inclusive package is very popular with 1st time hunters to Africa. The key benefit is knowing exactly what you will hunt and what will be the expected charges. These packages normally include specified trophies, all meals, lodging, PH, trackers, preparation of trophies (skinning in the field and then salted to make ready for taxidermy), laundry service and pick up from the local airport. This means the only other expenses are air travel, staff gratuities, and after the hunt is over the taxidermy of his trophies.
Additionally, a package hunt simplifies the trophy selection. Africa has such great diversity of game that selecting species to hunt can be quite daunting; a good package solves this issue.
Lastly, packages are usually very competitively priced, and hunters can get excellent value for money. Many South African package hunts include an attractive selection of the most highly sought species such as Greater Kudu, Impala, Warthog, Springbuck and Wildebeeste.
If you are ready to go on Safari for the first time and start your own story about, “How’d this start, anyway?” Then it’s time to investigate a package hunt for yourself, call us at 706-502-2898 or complete our questionnaire for a free quote. Are you ready to “Step up your game,” with JD African Safaris?
