Do’s and Don’t of Planning and Booking an Africa Hunting Safari
Do’s
If you use a booking agent in your country always ask him for references of previous clients and contact them to make sure the agent did perform to their expectations. A full-time booking agent with a good track record will know the outfitter and most of the times hunted with him before. Ask them about the outfitter the hunt will be booked with, as the agents usually book with more then one outfitter depending on which animals you are looking to hunt. Any good outfitter will have at least a website with general information about packages, prices,accommodation a photo gallery etc. Also ask him for references in your country and contact them to get an impression about the trophy quality, service and any information that you are unsure about. The outfitter must assist you and the agent to plan the hunt to the last detail. Make sure you get all the information correct and sign a Safari Confirmation Contract with prices, payment terms, dates of arrival/departure, trophies you plan on taking, food and accommodation preferences before paying a deposit.
Don’ts
You must never just book with the first agent you meet and be lured by cheap hunting packages. There are so many clients that book with agents and travel all the way to Africa and are disappointed with the “Special Deal.” The outfitter must be involved in the booking process to confirm that the dates and species you are looking for are available. When you buy any product there are price tags to it and the same goes for hunting. All the Hunting farms/ranches in South Africa are privately owned and it cost a lot of money to maintain and manage for the foreign trophy hunting client. Never book any hunt before making sure the outfitter and professional hunter are known in the local market. Make sure the outfitter is operating within the laws and contact PHASA (Professional Hunters Association of South Africa) or the local Nature Conservation Department in the Province you plan on hunting. They will confirm that the Professional Hunter and Outfitter are registered and in “good standing” with them.
Get the paperwork signed and sorted before leaving on your Hunting Safari, don’t leave it until you arrive in a foreign country. Make sure that outfitter did receive a signed copy of the Safari Confirmation Contract and flight details. Always contact him well in advance to discuss any details about your hunt and travel arrangement. Any good outfitter will get the paperwork in order before you arrive and just discuss the details of the hunt with you upon arrival at the Hunting Lodge.
If you follow these few basic tips you will have a great African Hunting Safari and will want to return again for more!!