Planning a hunting safari, whether you’re a beginner or seasoned master, can be a trying time, especially if you’re planning it from a foreign country. This is where booking Africa hunting packages can help relieve your stress levels!
By booking a package for your hunting safari in Africa, you can be assured that many of the details will be taken care of without you having to contact lists of people or services. Make use of our game hunting package services to make your next (or first) hunting safari in Africa one to remember.
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Types of Popular Packages for African Hunts
Standard Packages
This type of hunting safari usually comes as a set package and is seen as beginner-friendly. These can include multiple stipulated species or they can be specie specific. When it comes to Africa hunting packages, this option is typically the most clear-cut package, as everything is predetermined and calculated. Some outfitters may allow you to add species onto the listed package, but this needs to be arranged when planning your hunting safari, as it will impact the permits and licenses required. It may also require you to add an extra hunting day.
Your fees for this type of hunting safari in Africa are usually more inclusive of costs like daily rates, trophy fees, permits, etc. This in turn makes it easier to calculate your budget and plan accordingly. A downside is that you may end up with an animal in your package that you either aren’t planning to hunt or have hunted before, in most cases the outfitter may be willing to make accommodations, but as always they need to be made ahead of time.
Tailor-made Packages
These African hunts can be designed around the species you want to target and the number of days needed for the hunt. Given the flexibility of this type of package, a hunter can choose to add or remove species and alter the duration of the hunt as needed, provided that the minimum period is met. This is a great option for hunters who want to check off a specific species or to target those that they haven’t before.
This type of game hunting package can be complicated when it comes to cost. The price of a tailor-made hunting package will be affected by the species chosen, duration, trophy fees, permits, and daily rates. Sometimes these prices can also exclude certain taxes or trophy fees that would be included in other packages, this can be tricky when compiling your budget, so be sure to be in contact with your outfitter to ensure no hidden price shocks.
Dangerous Game Hunting Packages
These African hunting packages involve game hunting targets like the Big 5, crocodile, hippo, and some antelope species. Many of the animals included in dangerous game packages come with their own specific requirements related to permits and duration so these need to be accounted for accordingly. For example, a Cape buffalo hunt may need a 7–10-day permit, but a lion or leopard hunt requires a 21-day permit.
Remember, hunting dangerous game can be, as the name suggests: dangerous. Ensure that you are ready for this challenging endeavor, with a well-versed PH and professional team by your side. It is best to start with the Cape buffalo and continue from there onwards with the remainder of the Dangerous 7.
Plains Game Hunting Packages
In terms of hunting safari, African plains game hunts involve antelope, gazelle, and any animal not considered dangerous game. These hunts are typically 7–14 days in length and can include set species, the option of adding on or being allowed to pick your own targets.
Some plains game packages offer multiple antelope targets only, while others offer antelope as well as animals like warthog and zebra. In all a plains game hunting safari can have you hunting species weighing from 25 pounds to over 2000 pounds, now that sounds like a good variety options.
Beginners' Packages
Africa hunting packages for beginners are typically one-on-one and involve only African plains game. These hunting safaris are also usually on the shorter side, lasting 5–7 days but usually not longer than 10 days. They offer the same as other hunting packages in terms of services and assistance but as mentioned before, tend to be one-on-one with African plains game being the target.
Cancelation Packages
These Africa hunting packages become available when a hunter, for whatever reason, has canceled their hunt. The prices of these game hunting adventures are usually much lower than others, due to the retained deposits which can be anywhere from 10-50%.
The only downside is that you cannot negotiate the dates and duration and will also need to accept the animals that will be targeted.
Special or Short Packages
This type of game hunting safari only comes around at short notice, hence the name. These African hunts can become available if dates are changed or if an outfitter needs to do population control of a particular species. Available at short notice and requiring the hunter to be accepting of pre-determined dates adds a level of spontaneity to an activity that is usually very carefully thought out!
Budget Packages
Budget hunting safari in Africa doesn’t mean a downgrade on quality or service. These packages simply exclude costs that would be included in other packages. For example, while breakfast may be a part of the package, your lunch, drinks, and supper will be for your own expense or catering. You’ll still have the same game hunting-related services provided, as well as have fees relating to trophies or permits covered if stipulated in the package.
Luxury Packages
Like with the budget package, a luxury package gets its name from the non–hunting–specific services or amenities involved. These packages typically involve 5-star accommodation in shared lodges or private bungalows. These places may also offer more luxury amenities like swimming pools, spas, gyms, and entertainment options. Luxury packages for a hunting safari in Africa can also include more activities for the non–hunters like game walks or drives, visits to other game reserves, and even the chance for local curio shopping.
What To Consider When Booking A Game Hunting Package
When planning your hunting safari in Africa there are many things to be considered and questions to be asked. To find the Africa hunting packages that best suit you look at the following:
- What species do you want to hunt
- What area or country are you wanting to hunt in
- What is your budget
- What is your skill level, are you a beginner, novice, or veteran of game hunting
- How many hunters will be a part of the package, are you hunting alone or in a group
- Will other people be traveling with you, like family or friends who are non-hunters
- Do you want to stick to specific dates or would you be willing to accept a spontaneous hunt
- Are you bringing your own firearms and ammunition or will you be hiring from the outfitter
- Will you be importing your trophy back to your home country
What Can Be Included In Africa Hunting Packages?
Game hunting packages typically cover costs directly relating to the hunt and certain trophy costs, while others will be up to your own expense. In the case of budget packages, you should know upfront what is and what isn’t covered in the package price.
Costs typically Included in Africa Hunting Packages:
- Transfers to and from the closest airport to the game hunting destination
- Accommodation (with wifi if available)
- Meals
- Drinks
- Laundry services at the facility
- Services of a professional hunter
- Hunting vehicle (4×4)
- Services of a tracker
- Hunting licenses
- Skinning of trophies
- Professional hunter
Costs usually Excluded for the Expense of the Hunter on African Hunts:
- Flights
- Pre- or post-hunt accommodation
- Any extra species added onto the game hunt
- Taxidermy and shipping costs
- Items of a personal nature ie, tips, gratuities, etc
- Cost of firearm import
- Medical and travel insurance
- Clothing
- Any extra taxi or private transport fees
What’s The Daily Routine For A Hunting Safari In Africa?
Day Hunts
Game hunting in the daytime typically starts with a light breakfast with coffee, tea, or juice. This light meal is usually continental style with toast, pastries, preserves, cheese, or jam (jelly). From here you will head out to the vehicles which will have been packed unless this is done between you and the rest of the hunting party.
From here it’s off to the bush to begin your tracking and spotting. A lunch break can be had out in the bush with a packed lunch or you can return to your accommodation for a sit-down affair. Afterwards, it’s back to hunting safari business until sundown. Once back at the lodge, you’ll either enjoy sundowners and dinner or a straight dinner and refreshments as you like.
Night Hunts
Hunting after dark is only allowed in certain destinations and oftentimes requires special permission, furthermore, the use of artificial light isn’t always allowed either. These Africa hunting packages usually involve the use of trail cameras and tracking that’s done during the day following previous footage. These hunts are also sometimes a bit pricier compared to day hunts.
Why You should use a Hunting Safari Broker and Outfitter on African Hunts
When planning a hunting safari in Africa you’ll probably see the terms “hunting broker” and “outfitter” and if you don’t know what they are or what the difference between them is, read on.
A hunting broker is a middleman; they are the ones running the communicating with the outfitter, essentially on your behalf. A hunting broker can help you get better deals and ensure that you better understand the process of booking your African hunts.
A hunting outfitter is the actual game hunting business or provider that will be taking you on the hunt. They are the ones with knowledge of the area and animals, as well as the ones who market and advertise specific hunts that are available.
So why should you make use of these two (essential) services?
Hunting Broker
- One of the primary reasons for using a broker when looking at Africa hunting packages, is that the broker will have extensive knowledge and experience in the game hunting industry. This is vital for beginners and first–timers. They can also provide information on the best hunting times, areas, targets, and outfitters.
- By using an experienced broker, you may have access to certain advantages like having access to hunting safari opportunities that may not be known by the general public.
- Using a hunting broker also gives you the advantage of saving on time and cost. These brokers know the industry and how to go about organizing accommodation, permits, access, and the like; they may also be able to access private discounts or negotiate lower fees, saving you both time and money.
- As mentioned previously, certain Africa hunting packages can be customized, and your broker can help you do just that. Whether you want to target specific species or use a specific hunting method, talk to your broker, they’ll be able to see if it can happen.
- As a foreigner, your broker can also assist with ensuring the safest and most reputable (and licensed) outfitters are at your disposal. African hunts are also notorious for permits and licenses, and a broker can ensure that your hunt is both legal and ethical.
- Lastly, and most simply, a hunting broker can offer you invaluable support and guidance when booking Africa hunting packages. There are numerous benefits to making use of a broker, but simply having a knowledgeable figure in your corner to give you peace of mind is probably the most underrated.
Hunting Outfitter
As discussed above, an outfitter is the actual licensed and registered business that will be providing the hunting safari. A hunting outfitter will be chosen depending on:
- The country, region, or area you’re choosing to hunt in.
- The type of game hunting species you wish to target.
- Your level of experience; some outfitters have packages better suited to beginners, while others focus on dangerous game and experienced hunters.
By ensuring that the planning process is as smooth as possible, we hope to make your hunting trip a little less stressful, giving you more time and energy to focus on the game hunting opportunity that comes with your next hunting safari in Africa.
Read more about Hunting Safari Costs or discover the different types of Camps and Hunting Lodges in Africa.
But whatever you do, don’t miss out on booking a game hunting experience and making some wonderful memories under African skies.
Author: A.Baker