How well seasoned are you?

[Northern Shooter]

I’ve noticed through reading several of these threads that many here are older that I had initially presumed, many north of 60.

That makes sense given the nature of African Hunting and the financial position required to support this interest.

Just curious what the demographic breakdown is here. I’m in my 30’s for reference.

I’d also be interested to know at what age you started to pursue this interest?

 

[Velo Dog]

First time to Africa was for myself, age 51 years.

My 7th time to Africa was April of this year.

In a few days I will be 72 years old.

 

[Wyatt Smith]

Age 27, hope to get to Africa in my 30s, but there seem to be more important things. I do have an Africa account however.

 

[Hogpatrol]

Financial position, partially, more like a factor of time off from work. Are you going to take your two week vacation and hunt Africa while the wife and kids go down to the carnival at the firehouse? Probably not.

 

[Flipper Dude]

First trip 2006 at 45. 11th trip earlier this year at 63. Have always been self employed, so taking the time was doable. ( Didn’t say easy, said possible). Would be hard for younger guys with limited time off.

 

[JES Adventures]

Made my first Safari in 1986 at 22

 

[BnC 04]

If i remember correctly we were 35 for our first trip. Now knocking at 50 and just finished our 7th trip.

 

[Fatback]

Was 36 first time I went on safari. Just finished my 6th in September of this year. Have deposits paid for numbers 7&8 in 2025 and 2027.

 

[Andrew62]

First trip was 1988, I was 26 years old, I'm now 62. Took my 20th safari this fall, safaris 21 and 22 are booked for Zimbabwe next year.

 

[Hunter-Habib]

I turned 74 this 8th August.

First safari was in Kenya, 1974.

Most recent safari was in Tanzania, 2023.

Hopefully, I will be in Zambia for wild lion in 2025.

 

[Ontario Hunter]

First of four safaris was at age 67. I just turned 72. As a young teenager I was quite interested in African hunting. In '71 the govt draft lottery gave a #6 so I enlisted for three years in the Army with a very unique guarantee: MP to Korea for thirteen months then I could pick my post anywhere in the world. At that time there was a US Army post in Ethiopia. That's where I wanted to go. Sadly, while I was serving in Korea Emperor Hale Selasi lost his grip on Ethiopia and the Marxist terrorists who took over kicked the US out. Real life took over after I finished my enlistment: getting my first degree, getting a job, getting married, etc. Then in 2019 I met a vendor at the local gun show who had just been to South Africa. I was under the mistaken belief that safari hunting was about sitting next to a waterhole. He set me straight, I looked into it, and booked a trip for that August. I was a bit apprehensive having spent all my life solo hunting. Unsure if I would be able to adjust to hunting with a guide and tracker or staying in a lodge with a bunch of other folks. I lucked out. My PH was/is like the son I would have liked to call my own. The lodge owners are a great couple and the only guests were the former engineer at my Montana home town sawmill and his son (+wives). The first two safaris I also stayed part of the time with property owners at their farms. That really made some memorable times. Next two safaris were during the pandemic and no guests at the lodge. Last safari two years ago only two guests at the lodge: a Danish veterinarian and his lovely young niece. Nice people. Unfortunately, my "son" PH had moved on. The guy I had last time was a bit disappointing but not a deal breaker. I will try to return. Africa is an addiction.

 

[BJH65]

First Safari to Africa was 1997 age 32, first to SA then another separate Safari to Mozambique. Last or 3rd Safari was 2024 Limpopo age 59. Have another booked for Limpopo/Greater Kruger 2026, I’ll be 61 then. We have some pretty fit older guys on AH!

 

[mark-hunter]

Just curious what the demographic breakdown is here. I’m in my 30’s for reference.

My local hunting club, about 140 members of local people, none of them ever hunted Africa. Thier average age is 57.4.
I dont remember when I last saw a hunter younger then 35, not only in my club, but also when participating in various driven hunt as guest

My theory:
When you reach adolescent age, you need everything to set up living: house, mortgage, car, job, then comes family, wife, children. By the time average young man sets up everything he is at least 40.

Hunting costs. By the time you get to buy first rifle with scope, and other gear, you are over 40.
That is typical urban and suburban situation.

In rural parts, is different and people in general start early with their fathers. So demographic in rural parts is different.

Then comes The Africa.
Small numbers go there. In my hunting club of 140 members, I am only one going to Africa.
If judging by that source, less then 1% of hunters go to Africa, and of those few that I know, most of them is one time - enough - of - Africa - for - me, type.

I asked my hunting agent, 99% of his clients is African one timers.

 

[Newboomer]

First of four safaris was at age 67. I just turned 72. As a young teenager I was quite interested in African hunting. In '71 the govt draft lottery gave a #6 so I enlisted for three years in the Army with a very unique guarantee: MP to Korea for thirteen months then I could pick my post anywhere in the world. At that time there was a US Army post in Ethiopia. That's where I wanted to go. Sadly, while I was serving in Korea Emperor Hale Selasi lost his grip on Ethiopia and the Marxist terrorists who took over kicked the US out. Real life took over after I finished my enlistment: getting my first degree, getting a job, getting married, etc. Then in 2019 I met a vendor at the local gun show who had just been to South Africa. I was under the mistaken belief that safari hunting was about sitting next to a waterhole. He set me straight, I looked into it, and booked a trip for that August. I was a bit apprehensive having spent all my life solo hunting. Unsure if I would be able to adjust to hunting with a guide and tracker or staying in a lodge with a bunch of other folks. I lucked out. My PH was/is like the son I would have liked to call my own. The lodge owners are a great couple and the only guests were the former engineer at my Montana home town sawmill and his son (+wives). The first two safaris I also stayed part of the time with property owners at their farms. That really made some memorable times. Next two safaris were during the pandemic and no guests at the lodge. Last safari two years ago only two guests at the lodge: a Danish veterinarian and his lovely young niece. Nice people. Unfortunately, my "son" PH had moved on. The guy I had last time was a bit disappointing but not a deal breaker. I will try to return. Africa is an addiction.

My first was 2017 at age 77. 2 more at 78 and 79. I had one planned for 2021 but covid quashed that one. I'm 84 now and still contemplate going back again.