Tag Archive for 'hunting'

Should You Go On A Hunting Safari In Africa

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on September 8, 2008
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Some people go on safaris in order to enjoy the sights of nature, others to enjoy the outdoors in exotic locations. Still, others like to combine the two with their love of hunting. Traditionally, hunting safaris in Africa was the main draw and the source for the traditional look you’d expect from these, with khaki clothes, pith helmets, and all. For those who are looking for a new experience while hunting, a safari in Africa may be just what you need, though there are many things to consider.

The Animals

Years ago, you might go on a hunting safari in Africa expecting to bag a lion, or perhaps an elephant with some huge tusks. But due to the endangered status of many African animals, those sorts of safaris are merely a thing of the past. Still, you can expect to hunt exotic creatures like the kudu and the impala while on a hunting safari in Africa. And while you won’t be allowed to shoot at any lions, for those looking to hunt tougher game, you can shoot a cheetah or leopard for your trophy.

The Guides

Most packages for hunting safaris in Africa include a personal guide, which can be a valuable asset for hunters. African game animals have plenty of natural predators to watch out for, so an experienced hunter can make the difference between a trophy and a miss when you’re going after one of these highly-aware animals. Many companies that offer hunting safaris in Africa also give a guarantee that you’ll get a trophy, since they’re so confident in their guides. And best of all, even if you don’t bag any game while out hunting, you’ll still basically have your own personal guide; most hunting safaris in Africa consist of one or two guides and one or two customers.

The Cost

One thing that you do need to keep in mind while planning a hunting safari in Africa is that they do cost a lot of money. In order to prepare for such a trip, you would need to get a passport, immunize yourself against local diseases in some cases, and ship appropriate clothing and equipment to your destination country. And then, once you’ve bagged an animal, you often have to pay trophy fees; most hunting packages include a few in the cost, but only for specific animals. If you bag a leopard, for instance, you’ll have to pay a hefty fee on top of what you’ve already spent. This can rapidly add to the cost of your trip. However, if you’re willing to pay the cost, then a hunting safari in Africa might provide the unique hunting experience that you’ve been looking for.

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Ernest Hemingway and African Safaris

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on May 23, 2008
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In one way or another, we have all had contact with the work or read about the life of the famous American writer Ernest Hemingway. We don't usually associate Hemingway with hunting expeditions or wilderness. Those who know a bit about the man have read of swashbuckling tales of drinking, bull fighting and hard living. We knew him as an avid sportsman who even penned one of his great books, The Sun Also Rises, around the annual running of the bulls in Spain. However, what the average person might not know is that Hemingway travelled to Africa to hunt twice in his lifetime and wrote several short stories and novels about the experience. Hemingway is even credited by some with bringing the Swahili word "safari" into common usage in the English language. Although he was not considered one of the greatest hunters, his love of the experience led him to a close understanding of the Kenyan people, which was uncommon in his time.

His first visit to the African continent was in 1933 with his second wife, Pauline. Together they visited both Kenya and Tanzania. During this time, and even before he went on his first African hunt, Hemingway became sick with dysentery. For several weeks, he was laid up in a hospital in Nairobi, where he met other adventure-seeking men from America and Europe. After mending and continuing with the safari, Hemingway returned home to write The Green Hills of Africa. The book's poor sales depressed him, but the two shorter works he penned on the trip, The Short Happy Life of Francis Macomber and The Snows of Kilimanjaro, are considered classics about African hunters.

In 1954, the great writer set out on another African safari with his fourth wife, Mary. By this time, Hemingway was drinking far too much, but his love of the safari called him to travel once again. It was a dangerous time, as Kenya's Mau Mau was rebelling against British colonists. Still, it was not the violent rebellion that almost cost the Hemingways their lives. The Hemingways were involved in two serious plane crashes that almost killed them and the injuries Hemingway suffered plagued him for the rest of his life. He wrote about this second safari and his relationship with a young African girl in True at First Light, a book that is written as fiction but generally considered autobiographical.

Many modern companies have sought to emulate the Hemingway safaris. Various packages are available for African and especially Kenyan tours, mostly for the enjoyment of taking pictures or observing the wildlife. Many of these modern tours involve high quality lodges rather than the camping experience of Pappa's day. While expensive, many of these modern safaris boast fine lodges and private guides to take tourists through the African jungles and plains. Most of these new wildlife safaris have private itineraries that can be changed at a moment's notice and private trail cars and guides. While they're still connected to the beauty of the African landscape, they offer controlled environments that often tour through preserves and national parks. Some of the more famous of these tours bring back memories of Hemingway's more famous works, but most are not cheap. One company offers a 14-day experience called the Kilimanjaro tour that costs over three thousand dollars. Others offer excursions to places like Uganda to view gorillas.

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The Animals On Safaris In South Africa

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on May 14, 2008
in African Lions, African Safari and African Wildlife
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A safari in South Africa can be one of the most interesting travel destinations, providing a glimpse at carefully preserved lands, diverse wild animals, and a sense of adventure that is perhaps unmatched. There are some great places for safaris in South Africa, since there are multiple game reserves that provide a place to preserve the diversity of Africa’s animal species. If you aren’t convinced that you can see some truly interesting species while on safari in South Africa, here are a few of the rare and exotic species you’ll see.

Lions

One of the big cat species and on that is in decline, on safari in South Africa is a great place to see these felines. In prehistoric times, these predators ranged as far as Europe, but that is no longer the case. However, areas such as Kruger National Park in South Africa boasts a population of about 2,000 lions, which is a sizable chunk of the remaining world population.

Elephants

Elephants are another popular species that makes its home on the grasslands of South Africa. Here, they tend to thrive more than in other areas, with some areas actually experiencing overpopulation problems, resulting in attempts to control the species through birth control, though success has been limited. However, for those going on safari in South Africa, this means you’re likely to get a good look at these giant land mammals.

Black Rhinos

The black rhino shares distinction with the lions and elephants as one of the Big Five game animals, which were originally referred to five large species that were considered particularly desirable to hunt for. This species is nearly extinct due to hunting, though, as they are often targeted by poachers for their horns. The total world population of black rhinos is less than 4,000, and in some parts of Africa, these large creatures have disappeared completely. With as many as 250 black rhinos on some game reserves in South Africa, a safari in this country might be one of your only chances to see these outside of a zoo.

Antelope

One species that you’ll see plenty of while on safari in South Africa is antelope. Home to several distinct species, these herd animals are still thriving and exist in great herds. From the common eland with their thin, straight horns to the impala with their lyre-shaped set of horns, these creatures are agile, numerous, and provide a source of food for the predators of the grasslands. While these animals may be more common than some of the larger species, their exotic looks add to the feel of being in someplace different while on a safari in South Africa. So, from common and exotic to rare species, head to South Africa so you can enjoy the sights of these wild animals in their natural environment.

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