Just this past weekend I won a 10 day 2 animal safari with Hercules Safaris. I am beyond excited. This was something I was planning on doing in the next 5 years but it looks likes my plans are moving forward faster than I expected. This is my first post on here but I have been reading for quite sometime. Now that the dream is starting to become reality I have so many questions and so much to learn quickly. I am still waiting on the information they are sending regarding dates and arrangements. I am hoping to get some feedback from you guys/gals on some of my first questions. Thank you for any help or suggestions.
Questions
1. Flight arrangements. Is it beneficial using a travel agent? If so who do you recommend?
2. 2 animals are included. What is a good number of animals to add to make for a good trip and make the outfitter happy? (money wise)
3. Reviews on Hercules Safaris. Even though I have won this trip I would like to know what to expect with this company from actual clients.
These are just a few questions that have popped into my head. I am sure I will have plenty more. Please bare with me. If there is anything anyone would care to add or suggest please do. I am a dry sponge at this point!
Thank you, Jim
Welcome! Not sure of exact search parameters but there has been a lot of discussion around auction or donated hunts.
I will give you a quick example of what to look out for. Not saying it is right to shoot only the included animals but did it say in the fine print you need to add critters?
Example. I had just done my first 3 trips to Africa. One PG to RSA. An elephant and Buffalo on Zimbabwe. And a Buffalo, lion, PG hunt near Kruger in RSA. Shot 2 kudu, one on the first hunt in the East Cape and one on the 3rd hunt. Proces were $1200 to $1500.
Met a guy at a local Man Mall in the reloading section. He was very excited as he was in the same shoes as you. He wanted to add a kudu and on the price list it was $4500. He had contacted the Outfitter who offered to add the kudu for $3500 to which the "winner" was elated. Until I burst his balloon and gave him the address to this web site and showed him kudu priced from $1000 to $2500 on the very high end.
1. Travel Express will do great for you.
2. You should find a good compromise and negotiate. However looking at his web site... NO WAY would i send him a dime for a deposit or pay any trophy fees up front. It clearly states he will NOT refund any fees for animals not taken. This alone would have me and many others on AH scrolling past him and looking at other outfits.
My suggestion would be to negotiate a percentage discount off his trophy fee price list. And also ask if he has certain animals he cannot discount or that might prevent him from giving you a better discount on other's. And likewise does he have animals he can discount much heavier.
Then go on the hunt for the two included animals and be well armed with the knowledge of what others will cost you. Take opportunities as you find them. This is assuming he will be reasonable. If he is not you are justified in shooting the included animals only.
A typical good plauns game hunting area in South Africa will afford you the opportunity to take 1 to 2 animals per day. 1.5 is a good planning number. If Buffalo plan about 5 days but realize it may be done in a morning.
The 10 day safari needs clarification. Another response was that 10 days equal 8 hunting or assuming the arrival and departure days are included in the 10. Perhaps that was that members experience but it is not mine.. Maybe if a new operation taking advantage of American and Canadian ideas or what is standard in North America.
The traditional African hunt would include a full 10 days hunting. With an arrival day prior included as well as departure after the hunt. So 11 nights. If you for example arrive late day on a flight... expect to overnight at a hotel connected to the Airport or a guest house such as Afton House. You should be picked up by your Outfitter early morning like right after breakfast. Or put on a domestic flight by Afton (or Africa Sky) or make your own way if at the hotel.
For example if takes 4 hours to get to camp. Arriving mid day they should have a light lunch prepared. Move your bags to your room. Give you 30 minutes to an hour and then take you to check sight in on your rifles. Even more important if using a camp gun. No guarantee it is accurate so check it and familiarize yourself with it. Then if enough time they should take you hunting! This is historically day 0. Likewise when you leave. If your flight departs late in the day you may have time to go out one last morning. This would be day 11.
At this point if it hasn't been identified, take what you get. Might be a true African 8 day hunt. But you need to know to plan.
Practice shooting off sticks before you go!!! Be very familiar with this so it is almost second nature.
3. Never heard of the outfit before. Sounds like a newer operation. Every young White South African heir to the family farm wants to get a rifle and pickup truck and be an Outfitter
Not saying that is the case but it's how I read his intro on his web site.
If you do end up staying at Afron or even if you don't... they have some interesting options on shipping and taxidermy. However my best advice is don't do taxidermy unless you get something truly memorable or Roland Ward record book class. Nice photos will be way cheaper and easier to transport as well as find room for.
to AH
