African hunt question..how much does it really cost??

[gostovp]

So a buddy of mine won one of those donated African Safari hunts from Ducks Unlimited....he asked me go along as one of the hunters, and my wife to tag along as a guest. He seems to think this is going to be a great deal regarding the cost of the hunt, etc....I'm just trying to get an idea of what my total cost (if I choose to go) would really be...I know I would have to pay my portion of what they paid for the donated hunt, and that includes 3 donated animals and one 'management' animal . But I'm thinking that this is gonna cost way more than he thinks...

Obviously there has to be a bunch of other costs to consider...any extra game animals you buy, airfare (probably around $2K round trip), tips for guides and housekeeping, taxidermy (shipping it back, etc), any extra activities you may do (photo safari, day trip, etc), other incidentals...I'm sure I'm forgetting something....

And do these places that donate these hunts to DU kind of expect you to buy additional game animals on your trip? And if you don't, do you get the less desirable camps/locations?

(I know these South African hunts are all high fence, granted some of the areas they have are huge so it probably doesn't necessarily feel like it...but still...)
(Also, I've spent some time on the African Safari boards...it sounds like the outfitter he won the hunt from is legit and people generally have a good time

For guys that have done this, at the end of the day, what was your total cost for the trip..my wife is really wanting to get an idea of how much its going to be ... she isn't too keen on going to South Africa as a 'vacation' for her and I, and would likely much rather spend that money doing an Alaskan cruise or go to Hawaii, lol (she's cool with me heading out west each year for elk and deer and I love her for that!!)

 

[voltage]

As a general rule of thumb, the DU hunts leave a lot on the table. I can remember an Argentina dove hunt that did not include the following: airfare, food, drinks, transportation to/from airport, daily land lease fee, gun rental, guides, and bird cleaning. Honestly, I’m not sure what it covered.

 

[Justin Crossley]

I went last July with my wife. We did three days in Kruger and seven days hunting. Shot nine animals total.

These are rough numbers for some of your extra costs on top of the hunting package. Obviously you can spend more, or less on these things.

Travel Agent = $500
Flights = $5k per person (fly at least comfort plus direct from the US to Joberg)
Tips = $2k
Rifle permit liaison = about $150 (so worth it)
Taxidermy = $5k-$10k
Shipping trophies = $5k-$10k
Travel food and gifts = $1k-$2k

 

[gostovp]

Here is the hunt he won. Says everything that is included.

https://www.ducks.org/files/live/sites/ducksorg/files/events/roadshows/SEWE/auctionFlyers/southafricansafarikuchesign18x24_1172024110835am.pdf

 

[Samson7x]

I'd definitely look at AH forum for more detailed info. Many are not a fan of the DU style hunts. They offer the cheaper animals and expect that you will pay additional trophy fees at a higher than average rate. You would be better off forming your own list of animals you're interested in and contacted respected outfitters for a custom quote. You will pay much more than initially expected. Airfare continues to rise and so does taxidermy shipping and brokerage fees. It really depends on if you want taxi or not and what all you want done. I'm not a fan of shoulder mounts and stick to euros only. My most recent trip had a euro cape buff, euro gemsbok, and zebra rug in it and I paid around $1500 air freight, about $1000 for broker and customs clearing. Taxi itself was <$1000. Tips are another thing to consider. It's generally cheaper for PG hunts but there are many folks involved...your PH, drivers, skinners, trackers, housekeeping, the cook, etc.

Which outfitter is it with? Edit I see it's with Kuche. There are quite a few negative reviews with them so ask plenty of questions if you decide to go. They use their own taxidermy service which is notoriously slow with some guys waiting >2yrs. I personally have an acquaintance and their hunting party never received their trophies and only had excuses as to why. I was booked with them and bailed last minute due to bad vibes I was getting.

 

[gostovp]

I went last July with my wife. We did three days in Kruger and seven days hunting. Shot nine animals total.

These are rough numbers for some of your extra costs on top of the hunting package. Obviously you can spend more, or less on these things.

Travel Agent = $500
Flights = $5k per person (fly at least comfort plus direct from the US to Joberg)
Tips = $2k
Rifle permit liaison = about $150 (so worth it)
Taxidermy = $5k-$10k
Shipping trophies = $5k-$10k
Travel food and gifts = $1k-$2k

I take it you had the taxidermy done there and ship back. I think you can ship your stuff back here and have the taxidermy done in the US as well, but who knows if anyone around me can even do African animals???… plus honestly other than maybe some euro skulls I have no interest in African taxidermy in my house lol

 

[gostovp]

I'd definitely look at AH forum for more detailed info. Many are not a fan of the DU style hunts. They offer the cheaper animals and expect that you will pay additional trophy fees at a higher than average rate. You would be better off forming your own list of animals you're interested in and contacted respected outfitters for a custom quote. You will pay much more than initially expected. Airfare continues to rise and so does taxidermy shipping and brokerage fees. It really depends on if you want taxi or not and what all you want done. I'm not a fan of shoulder mounts and stick to euros only. My most recent trip had a euro cape buff, euro gemsbok, and zebra rug in it and I paid around $1500 air freight, about $1000 for broker and customs clearing. Taxi itself was <$1000. Tips are another thing to consider. It's generally cheaper for PG hunts but there are many folks involved...your PH, drivers, skinners, trackers, housekeeping, the cook, etc.

Which outfitter is it with?

https://www.ducks.org/files/live/sites/ducksorg/files/events/roadshows/SEWE/auctionFlyers/southafricansafarikuchesign18x24_1172024110835am.pdf

 

[Samson7x]

https://www.ducks.org/files/live/sites/ducksorg/files/events/roadshows/SEWE/auctionFlyers/southafricansafarikuchesign18x24_1172024110835am.pdf

Saw this after I posted. See my above edit.

 

[Samson7x]

I take it you had the taxidermy done there and ship back. I think you can ship your stuff back here and have the taxidermy done in the US as well, but who knows if anyone around me can even do African animals???… plus honestly other than maybe some euro skulls I have no interest in African taxidermy in my house lol

Yes, had it done there since it was just euros. Dip and pack would be cheaper on the shipping but more expensive work over here. If you have it done there, the work is cheaper but shipping is more. Honestly, if you don't care much about it, just take good pictures and be done with it.

 

[gostovp]

Saw this after I posted. See my above edit.

Thanks. Yeah I’ve seen mixed reviews like you said… some guys say no problem and then some bad things

 

[gostovp]

Plus South Africa ain’t the most stable right now I’ve heard….not sure if it’s something to be concerned about or not…

South Africa Travel Advisory | Travel.State.gov

Prepare for your trip to South Africa by reviewing the State Department Travel Advisory, entry and exit requirements, local laws, and U.S. embassy tips.

travel.state.gov

 

[Samson7x]

Plus South Africa ain’t the most stable right now I’ve heard….not sure if it’s something to be concerned about or not…

South Africa Travel Advisory | Travel.State.gov

Prepare for your trip to South Africa by reviewing the State Department Travel Advisory, entry and exit requirements, local laws, and U.S. embassy tips.

travel.state.gov

SA is probably always at a level 2. Once you get outside JNB, things seem chill. I don't know the stats, but Chicago is probably worse than JNB. It's funny talking to South Africans, they all say they would never travel to Chicago because it's too dangerous.

 

[COSA]

Their trophy fees for extra animals are very high, and also cater to large groups of hunters at the lodge, you'll still likely be 2x1 with your PH. I had a friend go to Kuche, and he had a good time. Also, never felt unsafe in South Africa, except maybe for driving on the highways. I wouldn't hang out in the bad parts of Jburg (same with most urban cities in US)

 

[wildwilderness]

How much it actually costs depends on you-

Yes you have to get airfare but dont need first class- I’ve done economy lots of time to JoBerg.

You don’t have to shoot extra animals (but you probably should add 1 or 2 to make the trip worth it)

Tips are up to you..

Definitely cut back on taxidermy- big expense that imo has diminished value (unless it’s a world record class) so just dip and pack if you must bring stuff back, and decided later if you get it mounted or just display as a euro.

Don’t need a travel agent to JoBerg it’s so easy. The Rifle Permits assistance is also helpful to save time but not needed, and can always use the PH rifle. (I bring a bow and it’s easy peasy)

Some people spend lots on food, alcohol, travel comforts, and souvenirs (I think that’s a waste)

So one persons trip could be $5k+ more than the next persons just off of personal preference.

Everyone manages money differently

But I do think Africa is worth it at least once to see and experience all the different animals.

You should go!

 

[Justin Crossley]

I take it you had the taxidermy done there and ship back. I think you can ship your stuff back here and have the taxidermy done in the US as well, but who knows if anyone around me can even do African animals???… plus honestly other than maybe some euro skulls I have no interest in African taxidermy in my house lol

We are having 4 shoulder mounts (Gemsbok, impala, wildebeest, and blesbok), two pedestal mounts (kudu, and nyala), and three euro mounts (kudu, wildebeest, and warthog).

I have a really good taxidermist here I would have used, but having the mounts done there was my choice for accountability sake. If there are any hide issues, my outfitter will replace them.