New Member - Won Auction for Van Wijk Safaris

[npaden]

Well, I have been thinking about doing an African hunt for several years now and just did a spur of the moment auction purchase of a hunt with Van Wijk Safaris. It would be my first trip to Africa and I would be bringing my 15 year old son and my wife.

I've been trying to do some research on Van Wijk and they have a facebook page with good reviews but not finding much else about them. We would just be doing plains game and maybe an add on tour of Kruger National Park at the end of the hunt.

I didn't pay that much for it so if it turns out to be a mistake I can just chalk it up to a donation to conservation since 100% of the proceeds go to the charity.

In the process of checking out flights and dates and making plans. If anyone knows anything about Van Wijk good or bad I would love to know and in the meantime I'll work on logistics. Looking at their pricelist for additional animals (base hunt is only for an impala or blesbuck) they seem a little high but since the price I'm paying for the auction is good I think it should even out pretty well as long as we don't both shoot a kudu and a sable.

Anyway, main reason for posting is to find out if anyone has anything to say about Van Wijk either good or bad. On the search function there is only one post from 2010 from someone trying to resell one of these auction hunts but nothing else.

Thanks, Nathan

 

[Nyati]

 

[thriller]

Welcome to AH!

 

[IvW]

I never understand spur of the moment auction bids from first timers......

 

[shotgungibbs]

Good for you! Just enjoy the whole experience! I'm sure it will be wonderful!

 

[npaden]

I never understand spur of the moment auction bids from first timers......

I think it is because it is so hard to decide on a first time hunt. I've spent 5 or 6 years thinking about a hunt and read a ton of different choices and options and places and it gets overwhelming. It was kind of a relief to just bid on something and not have to make those decisions.

I did some quick research on them before I bid and didn't see anything negative at least...

I'm feeling pretty good about them, just need to get my dates locked in and get some flights booked before airfare skyrockets along with everything else.

 

[IvW]

I hope it meets your expectations good luck enjoy

 

[nztimb]

giday Nathan. Welcome to the A H forums

 

[MontanaPat]

Don’t know anything about them myself but understand the confusion that ensues when trying to decide who to go with and where the first time. It took me quite a while of researching my first hunt before I pulled the trigger. I’m sure you are going to thoroughly enjoy the trip and the outfitter. Make a firm plan on what you can afford on top of the hunt cost you already paid and what animals you would really like to pursue and stick to them. Also think about what you want experience you would like to get from the hunt and be clear with your PH how you would like to hunt. I’m sure they will work their butt off to see that you have a good time and are successful. You’ll catch the Africa bug like we all do, it is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful and pleasurable trips you will ever take.

 

[JimP]

I think it is because it is so hard to decide on a first time hunt. I've spent 5 or 6 years thinking about a hunt and read a ton of different choices and options and places and it gets overwhelming. It was kind of a relief to just bid on something and not have to make those decisions.

I did some quick research on them before I bid and didn't see anything negative at least...

I'm feeling pretty good about them, just need to get my dates locked in and get some flights booked before airfare skyrockets along with everything else.

Don't even try to book your flights by yourself. Get in touch with a good travel agent such as a couple that we have on here. Travel Express and Travel With Guns will do things right for you and take the worry out of trying to figure out flights especially if you plan on taking your own rifle.

 

[Andrew Short]

Welcome to AH! Good luck with your hunt planning!

 

[CJW]

Welcome. Hope your trip turns out great.

 

[Philip Glass]

Well, I have been thinking about doing an African hunt for several years now and just did a spur of the moment auction purchase of a hunt with Van Wijk Safaris. It would be my first trip to Africa and I would be bringing my 15 year old son and my wife.

I've been trying to do some research on Van Wijk and they have a facebook page with good reviews but not finding much else about them. We would just be doing plains game and maybe an add on tour of Kruger National Park at the end of the hunt.

I didn't pay that much for it so if it turns out to be a mistake I can just chalk it up to a donation to conservation since 100% of the proceeds go to the charity.

In the process of checking out flights and dates and making plans. If anyone knows anything about Van Wijk good or bad I would love to know and in the meantime I'll work on logistics. Looking at their pricelist for additional animals (base hunt is only for an impala or blesbuck) they seem a little high but since the price I'm paying for the auction is good I think it should even out pretty well as long as we don't both shoot a kudu and a sable.

Anyway, main reason for posting is to find out if anyone has anything to say about Van Wijk either good or bad. On the search function there is only one post from 2010 from someone trying to resell one of these auction hunts but nothing else.

Thanks, Nathan

Africa get us all excited whether or not we’ve been there. A word of caution on your purchase Is needed here. You can’t find anything about the outfitter except FB and that is a red flag. I am guessing you are getting 5 days and one animal and that is not much of a donation. I just want you to proceed with caution. There are quality package hunts right now for $5-6000 that are from outstanding outfitters. Think it over and study AH before you make further plans. Your dream of Africa will happen just work to do it right.
Philip

 

[Philip Glass]

I never understand spur of the moment auction bids from first timers......

It worries me badly.

 

[sierraone]

Welcome to our forum and good luck with your first African hunt.

 

[sierraone]

Their U.S. address is in Berlin, Maryland.

 

[Hogpatrol]

Welcome aboard Nathan. Found this: Their trophy prices are on the high side. Take note on the price list, an $800 pick up and drop off charge for donated hunts.

HOME | Van Wijk Safaris

www.vanwijksafaris.com

 

[Tundra Tiger]

I typed them into Google. They have a decent website, and sound like they've been around a while. The lodge looks nice. I didn't do a search of their price list, and I could not find mention of the size of their properties - I would want to know that.

I guess I'd say you have time to amass facts to help you decide. A couple things: First, @JimP is spot on - use a travel service. I used @TRAVEL EXPRESS - could not recommend enough. Also, nail down ALL the details beforehand, to include all costs and don't take anything less than a concrete number for an answer. There have been posts on here about a lack of specifics causing anguish later. Don't be that guy.

I find your attitude refreshing, about money to a good cause and having an open mind. Best of wishes sir.

 

[AfricaHunting.com]

Welcome to AH Nathan!

 

[cpr0312]

Hello and welcome