I'm already to plunk down the deposit on a plains hunt in Namibia and my wife has to start worrying about airline ticket cost and my son brings up trophy transport and Taxidermy costs. Now she's even more wound up about it. I wonder if I'll ever get over there? If I sell some guns I could go. I just hate to see it come to that.

GO!

You can straighten things back out when you get back.

I'm 72, living now on tight rations, and I have old injuries from a dust-up with a buffalo. I hunted Zimbabwe, SA, and Tanzania on limited funds.

It's obvious you need to go to Africa, so do it. Have the capes and horns shipped back and store them, having some mounted as you find the cash. The guns can always be replaced over time. Some of them won't be missed all that much, trust me. I've sold dozens to fund three safaris.

And...we expect pictures.

Agree with most of the above. I would suggest reevaluating the taxidermy angle. Maybe have some Euro-style mounts done if this part of the experience is important enough to you. The transportation and taxidermy costs could likely be as much as another safari. I took a ton of photos on my two hunts and I have no regrets on skipping the taxidermy. Plus, when you return, you will just need to close your eyes and you'll be transported back, reliving every moment.

I've been looking at booking for 2021 but maybe I should book for 2022? Does anybody book Africa two years in advance? I'm just thinking with two years to plan it may be an easier sell.

The cleaned skulls will be basically ready to put on the wall when they're shipped back--which will cost something but not nearly as much as shoulder mounts, whether you get them done over there or here. Take a bunch of photos and hang the skulls up.

Sell em if you need to n go when you can.

Are you not allowed to spend any money on yourself?

seriously...

Mike - book for '21 or '22 - whatever works. Two years out is not too far -will give you plenty of time to work thorough the details. Great advice already - no need for a huge taxidermy bill - take a bunch of photos and have the PH take a bunch with you and the game you take. I've been twice - full deal with trophies shipped back the first time and photos only the second. Both were great trips and I remember them both equally. If you have the desire to go - just go.

Don't listen to Ingwe..........I was lusting to go over several years ago, and AFTER listening to Ingwe, I think I've been there 5 times now. There are some awesome cull hunts to be had in Namibia on the cheap. I believe Kowas charges less than $4k for 10 plains game animals. You could throw in a trophy or two if you like. Africa is special, very special, and I vote to spend the money. You can always make more.

Yes. I am a bad influence....

never argue with your wife.....
just dicker

Sell guns if you have to, so long as they are not heirlooms.

You can always replace guns. You cannot get time/health back!

That's generally what I do. I blindside her with stuff then she gets fired up. When things cool down we discuss things reasonably and come up with a plan. I think she'll go along with this if I move it out another year. And I'm only 45 so time isn't getting away from me really. I appreciate all the advice on here. It makes it seem really doable.

Do what you need to do to make the trip. Sell guns, push the date back a year. As long as the trip does not cause true economic hardship, GO!,

You do not need to bring back all trophies and get them mounted. Photos work, as do skull mounts. Money to be saved in that area for sure.

But ultimately it is YOUR decision. If it is important to you, plan for it. Do not go and not bring trophies back IF it is important to you. You will regret that.

To join in with the throng: go, sell the guns if you need to. Brown bag it every day to work, drop your alcohol or smokes way down, whatever way gets it done to save the money.

In my humble opinion full on taxidermy is over rated. Skulls and horns with lots of pictures are great. Tan a hide or two with hair on for a rug or a chair throw. Tan some hides into leather use them for things at home: purses, briefcases, boots etc. You can fund the leather work years after you are back from the trip if needs be.

The key thing is to go. Planning ahead is never bad. June 2021 I’m hunting in the Caprivi with Kowas. Lots of time to sort gear refresh myself with shooting off the tall sticks and time to plan touring with my wife and I.

If you have the cash considering taking your wife and do some touring. Namibia is easy to tour in.

Key message go. Going younger is better you can hunt real hard and your knees and hips won’t bitch as much at 47 as they will at 57.

Go Mike, find a way, find the money. You will not regret it.

Just remember my opinion and 5 bucks buys you a coffee at Starbucks.

GRF

X2

Also, taxidermy bill won't be due until 1-2 months after the trip. I've only had bleached skulls and 5 felt backed hides done (bushbuck, red lechwe, impala, blesbok and zebra). If you want to cut costs even more, don't have the hides felt backed or don't bring hides back at all. I don't allow the taxidermist to put the skulls on plaques, I bought Skull Hookers on sale (spreads the cost out over time). Use AHG Shipping to save on shipping costs. I just paid my bill and it seemed like a good rate. Use a good travel agent who knows how to book you the best routes and tickets, and (this is important if you take your rifle) knows how to book your rifle in with the airline. Think Travel with Guns or Travel Express. As I am Canadian, I've used Irina Davidovitch of Victor Travel in Toronto. She is great, I trust her implicitly.

Bottom line, go now!

You don't know what the future holds so go as soon as you can. I got euros done and they were inexpensive, although the shipping charges were not cheap. If it helps, just take pictures and forget the trophies.

Africa is a special place.

What were the shipping charges like? Because I'm thinking about skull mounts.

I hesitate to say because all my skins were done with felt back and edging. The skins added greatly to the cost and weight for shipping. I don't remember the breakdown of everything but I do know the euro mounts on plaques were only $140 dollars each. We're talking kudu, oryx, waterbuck. So not small mounts. Talking with an importer or a possible taxidermist in Namibia would get you some numbers. Or have them dipped in Africa and have your taxidermist back home do them over a period of time to spread out the cost.

Another hint. Take your wife. After two days in Africa my wife was already planning the next trip.

My wife wouldn't be left behind. As much as Africa scares her it fascinates her. She's already worried about Lions, Elephants, Hippos, and Crocs. I told her that is not what Namibia is about.

I forgot to add comments about taking your wife. If she is willing as stated above, GOFOR IT! I have friends whose wives will not go. That is too bad, as my wife accompanied on my second trip, it was an incredible experience. I cannot imagine going back without her.

My first trip was with 5 other guys, it was good. But after a couple days I was seriously wishing my wife was with to share the experience.

We have already discussed a Spanish, eastern bloc, Scottish, South America vacation/hunting trip for the future.

Your sales pitch just got easier, I am excited for you just thinking about it. Remember the planning is part of the total experience.

MM:

If it helps at all, remember the entire "cost" of the trip is not all in one big "lump sum". It's basically spread out over the course of a year or more.

The first "payment" is the deposit. Next will be the airfare 4-6 months before your trip, then the final payment when the hunt is over and if you decide to bring back trophies, the taxidermy and shipping bills will be due probably 8-12 months after your home from the hunt.

While this doesn't necessarily reduce the total cost, by it being spread out over a couple of years as in your case, it gives you time to make a financial plan and set a "fixed" amount of money aside every month - treat it like a car payment etc., but to yourselves. If your wife is on-board, it will make it a lot easier to save a $$$ here and there along the way.

As far a trophy taxidermy, seriously think about just doing European mounts and taking a little extra time to take some really, really good high quality photos and have the best ones printed on glass by a company called Fracture The last few trips we've taken we've done this and the photos are spectacular, take up much less wall/room space and with a few nice European mounts can make a much more elegant (according to my wife) display.

Beat me to it. The cost is spread out so you can budget for it. The others are right Go, Go Now! My wife has gone on our 2 safaris and also to Argentina twice. The first safari she had never hunted big game and decided to give it a try. Now she always has something on her want list when we go.
Shopping for a zebra rug.

Bought it!

The problem with that is the volatile politics of Africa. Things can change drastically in two years, and sometimes change means big increases in costs. Just look at the spike in costs in Tanzania in recent years.

Namibia is poised for changes. SWAPO is accelerating their plans for land redistribution, and China is moving everywhere into Africa. The country might be a little or a lot different by 2022. I'd go as soon as possible. That goes for anywhere in Africa.

I have been many times. Now, I take pictures and I no longer try to bring stuff back. I do like warthog tusks but not much else.

On the multiple rifle deal: I would guess 90%+ here have “hunting rifles” that never go hunting. Rifles never wear out to the point they need replacement and cartridges are much more similar than different. A couple of hunting rifles last a lifetime. Great memories last forever. Get good pictures, savor the moments, and get ready to go again.

I have done a fair amount of cull hunting and it is fundamentally the same experience as trophy hunting. If anything it is more relaxing and carefree. I think of it as a the big game version of bird hunting.

Oh, and yes, go sooner rather than later. A very experienced hunter once advised me that there will always be sheep hunting because of where they live whereas African hunting could come to an end in months. Witness Botswana.

I thought Namibia was stable?

It is as stable as any African country could possibly be...be that as it may, "stable" in Africa is a relative term...


As others have said, things change fast, go as soon as possible.


Worst case scenario..nothing changes in the next couple years...and you can go back!

Ok I gotcha. Any African country is subject to change at a moment's notice.

From Johannesburg to Calgary AB, $1,258.35 USD (paid this week to AHG Shipping) for felt backed red lechwe and bushbuck skins, bleached skulls of red lechwe, bushbuck, eland, waterbuck, nyala, impala and fallow deer.

Not just Africa. Look at the changes in your country in the last 10 years. Who would have thunk that? Socialism on the cusp of acceptability? Partisan impeachment over an imagined offence?

Blexit?

The whole world is rapidly changing. Africa just happens to be more volatile than North America. Black rule has failed and nations that wanted out from under the thumb of the whites are now actively selling out to the Chinese.

MM:

Namibia and Botswana are probably the most stable and safe countries in sub-Sahara Africa. My wife and I have spent several weeks a year for the past 15 years renting a car and self touring all over Namibia either before or after hunting there. I've taken a lot of people over hunting and sight seeing as well. With just a little common sense, we've never felt unsafe or threatened in any way at anytime. The locals have all been very friendly and helpful and respectful. Now, if you go out looking for trouble, you can find it but generally it doesn't come looking for you there. All told, I've spent just under 3 years in Namibia. A military acquaintance of mine, spent the better part of 20-years as a U.S. Military FAO/DATT working in multiple sub-Sahara countries and claimed Namibia was the absolute best kept secret on the planet. With all the time I've spent there I have to agree.

Regarding the SWAPO changes - I agree. NOTHING stays the same in Africa. Yes, there are a couple of political agitators trying to generate support for land/business grabs like occurred in ZIM and is occurring to some degree in RSA but, at this point it is NOT getting any traction. Mostly because the people saw what happened to ZIM, is happening in RSA and so far don't seem to be willing to climb aboard the wagon. Could that change? Sure, do I see it within the next 5-years? Doubtful. But TIA (This Is Africa) after all and all things do change in time, but so far things are pretty much limited to a couple of political agitators.

Botswana is another low vis gem. You've probably already read about my trips there last year and the upcoming trips this year. My wife and I intend to start exploring it this year as well. We're renting a vehicle and intend to do a 10-day self drive after we hunt with Gerhard in the Tuli Block. Just to give you an example. When Gerhard picked Bob and I up on our first trip there last June, Gerhard had the SUV loaded with all our luggage and rifle cases in the back. He had to make a stop at their version of Home Depot in Gaborone to get some "stuff". We got out and I offered to stay with the SUV while he and Bob went in, which was the "norm" in Namibia. Gerhard asked "why" and I said to make sure nothing gets stolen. He just smiled and chuckeled and said, "No, no my friend, this is Botswana. I could leave it here all day and all night and come back and NOTHING would be touched"!

Again, all things change, some for the better, some for the worse. I have seen Namibia change a LOT in the past 15 years. Tremendous housing and industrial development and roads all over. Cell phone service just about everywhere if you are within 20 miles of a charted road. Down side has been a HUGE influx of Chinese people, Chinese shops, businesses, money and influence. Even that might have a bit of a "stabilizing" effect on the govt grabbing land and foreign owned business.

Anyway....the Reader's Digest version of all that above is, go and go now or as soon as you can. Take your wife, you'll be with a local PH the entire time who knows "the ropes" and will make sure you both are very safe and well taken care of.

Some go to collect
Some go for the experience
The costs are a lot different
Plan accordingly

I'm very surprised to learn of the Chinese influx. I hadn't heard about that before.

Lufthansa is under 1,500.00 round trip from Philadelphia to Windhoek. Any reason not to fly with them?

Started in 2009. The Chinese entered into an agreement with the Nam govt to build a cement factory north of Windhoek. The Chinese would build the factory for Namibia in exchange for Nam to allow them to bring in 25K Chinese workers to build and initially operate the factory. Then over a period of time, the Chinese would train the "locals" to run and operate it. Didn't work out that way.

They brought in the Chinese workers to build the factory but, the never went back. Then they brought in the Chinese workers to operate the factory and they never trained the locals to fully run it and the Chinese operators didn't go back. Then the Chinese govt offered to spend big $$ renovating the Presidential Palace/Residence and even more Chinese came in. Then they started opening businesses to provide food and services for the ones already in the country and even more came in. Then they started buying local owned businesses and and they just kept rolling in.

To give you some idea, the total Nam population is about 2M. There are now over nearly 300K Chinese nationals in the country. It's hard to now swing a dead cat without hitting a Chinese restaurant or shop just about anywhere in the country. The really big $$ came a few years ago. The Chinese govt agreed to improve/expand the commercial port in Walvis Bay to the tune of nearly $1B USD. In exchange, the Nam govt agreed to let them add an military extension on the south side for the exclusive use of the Chinese Navy. Now, they keep a frigate docked there nearly continuously.

The Chinese also in the last year or so, purchased the Rossing Uranium mine near Swakopmund.

Add to that, about 7-8 years ago, the North Koreans built the new National Museum in Windhoek on the hill above the Hilton Hotel.

Wow!

Lufthansa to Windhoek question.

Going through Frankfurt with firearms is now easy as pie. I wasn't aware they started direct service from Frankfurt direct into Windhoek. Be very careful as the last time we routed via Frankfurt to Windhoek on them, the flight actually went into J'berg and had to transfer to either SAA or Air Namibia. If that is the case, AVOID AIR NAMIBIA LIKE THE PLAGUE! They are in serious financial trouble like SAA and have a nasty habit of canceling flights with no notice. Happened to us last Aug on our Air Nam flt from Gaborone back to Windhoek. If the connection is with SAA or SA Air Link or SA Express from J'berg to Windhoek and if your layover in J'berg is more than 6 hours, you MAY have to claim your luggage and rifle case, do a SAPS 520 Firearm Temp/Transit permit and recheck with the either Air Nam or the SAA variant. Oh, and expect to pay an extra fee with both to take your rifle cases each way.

On the other hand, if Lufthansa is now flying DIRECT from Frankfurt to Windhoek, easy, easy, easy. Even if you have a long layover in Frankfurt and have to claim luggage and firearms, no transit permits required. If it's a really long layover, you can book a "day room" at an off terminal property and take all your stuff with you and just recheck for the next leg. I think the only requirement for taking firearms on Lufthansa is you call them a couple of week before your flt and let them know you'll be traveling with firearms.

Also, since you mentioned it might not be until 2021 or 2022 before you make your trip all the current airline info and routes and firearm transport requirements could very well be completely different.

So much to think about. I'm glad I didn't put any money down . I can see there's a lot more homework I need to do.

Remember, you can always use the camp rifles if you don't want the bother of traveling with your rifle.

Fly Qatar, reasonable cost and direct to Windhoek. Emirates to JNB or Zimbabwe.

KLM now fly to Windhoek without going through RSA.

Use a good travel agent!

KLM does now offer flights to Windhoek but it is not direct as they stop in Angola. There is also the Dutch firearms permit process you must go through for the connection in Amsterdam. Certainly not the worst thing but adds another consideration. Getting there and back are the least enjoyable parts of the safari and I would prefer to avoid the paperwork in the Netherlands, RSA, etc. The Germans have made things very simple these days with regards to traveling with guns/ammunition.

Moosemike,
It sounds complicated but it's not.
Contact a booking agent (or several), their fees are paid by the safari co so are no cost to you. They can handle a lot of your questions and concerns. Then use a travel agent who does airlines for hunters like Travel with Guns (there are several others). They will know all of the current ins and outs of travel and can help out if you get stuck somewhere. It can seem pretty overwhelming your first time but there are services that handle first timers (and repeat offenders) all the time and make it relatively easy.
There are also other forums that are "Africa-centric" that have lots of info like accuratereloading.com plus magazines like African Hunting Gazette that will entertain as well as inform.

Best advice so far!

Take your first top number for the hunt cost and double it, if you're taking Wife, tips and taxidermy, extra nice animals that may show up on the hunt not in the original lineup, will all be well covered nicely that way.

Go.

You will not get any younger.

the price will not get any lower.

My younger brother and myself leave for Botswana in four months. We still are trying to figure out what the exact cost will be to get the animals back home. It will mostly be rugs and euros shipped back. As I find out more info I will be glad to share it with you. The only one I’m planning on mounting is the Kudu unless I get an outstanding Eland. They just take up so much wall space. Good luck with the planning on your first safari.