What does it cost to hunt in South Africa?
For over three decades John X Safaris has been offering African safaris to hunters from around the world. Over time our hunts and experiences have changed as times have changed. As South Africa’s wildlife flourished through privatization and so too the size of the habitat dedicated to wildlife, we’ve been in a fortunate position to offer more than the average. Long gone are the days of the tape measure ruling the final say of a safari, today the quality of a hunters game is a given, but the experience going along with that hunt is the difference between a good and great safari, hence the difference in rates between outfitters. In saying that price matters and every hunter wants to know what he/she will be in for at the end of the day.
By doing very little research, one will find two main categories on offer in South Africa. The most common hunt on offer will be a package offering the hunter a fully inclusive hunt with day fees, service fees, game and taxes. It’s a good beginners hunt for the first timer to Africa, but it does come with some obvious risks. Some of these include simple economics and the law of average. As much as you’d like to believe you’re getting the very best on offer, unfortunately many have learnt the hard way over time. One will always get what you pay for and for that matter even more so in Africa.
The second option would be a day fee safari offering the hunter the choice of hunting quite literally “what he/she may stumble into.” Meaning the day and service fees + taxes are charged as a base cost, thereafter the hunter only pays for what he/she harvests targeting certain species that interests them. The hunter is not locked into certain species included in a package that he/she may not be interested in hunting and the guide is not pressurized into making a decision on an animal that may not quite be the correct one his hunter would like to take, but both want to meet their side of the bargain. The hunter wants to achieve success on the game included and the outfitter wants to ensure he keeps a happy client by ensuring success is achieved. It’s a fine balance and one of the biggest reasons we do not offer multiple specie packages. Hunting can never be a “list” as wildlife is so unpredictable. As an outfit we cannot guarantee the success of any specie as that would not constitute hunting, but we can guarantee a world-class experience in the right areas giving you the opportunity to take what Africa gives you.
Up to this point it would be safe to say your time is of value and a packaged multiple specie hunt is probably not for you. You’re not alone in feeling this way. There are many fellow hunters out there feeling exactly the same as you BUT what does it cost?
Let’s start with flights….
USA – Johannesburg – Port Elizabeth / Return : +- $2000 – $2500 (Economy Class) / +- $6000 – $8000 (Business Class)
Europe – Johannesburg – Port Elizabeth / Return : +- $800 – $1500 (Economy Class) / +- $3000 – $5000 (Business Class)
What will your choice hunt be? Here are a few options on offer at John X Safaris…
A Family Hunt
For Mark Anghilante and his boys, Dominic and Bobby, there could have been no better family hunt than what they experienced in the East Cape for their first African safari. Mark wanted to share a memorable week with the boys doing what they love, but doing it right. Soon the boys schedules would not allow the luxury of trips such as this. Mark took us up on our dedicated Youth Hunting Initiative walking away with more than a saving but with memories to cherish for a lifetime.
Total for 7 Days for 1 Hunter + 1 Jr Hunter + 1 Gratis Jr Hunter @ $5800 (Fully Inclusive of Day & Service Fees + Taxes / Exclusive of Game Rates )
Traditional Multi-Area Safari
Bobby Heintzelman had joined us on a previous safari enjoying it that much that he had to re-book the minute he got home. This time round Bobby pursued a few specialized species, like many of our 2nd / 3’rd timers do. Making use of the coastal regions, the Great Karoo and the mountains of the north on our Multi-Area Hunts . Bobby hunted hard and got rewarded for his efforts.
Total for 7 Days for 1 Hunter @ $3600 (Fully Inclusive of Day & Service Fees + Taxes / Exclusive of Game Rates )
Long-Range Trophy / Management Hunt Combo
For Al and Renee Quast it would be the hunt of a lifetime. The Quast’s planning was meticulous in every respect. From the time of booking to the final decision on equipment making all the difference for these two long-range junkies. Taking us up on one of our renowned Long Range Hunts this couple harvested both trophy and management game. Our limited management quota each year is becoming ever popular with many of our hunters wishing to make the most of trigger time while playing an important role in the management of our excess numbers. A trip to Addo Elephant Park as one of our Day Trips proved to be a certain highlight as they saw plenty of wildlife including good numbers of Elephant.
Total for 10 Days for 1 Hunter + 1 Hunting / Observing @ $8000 (Fully Inclusive of Day & Service Fees + Taxes / Exclusive of Game Rates)
Vita Dart Experience
Our old friends Sam and Tracy Cunningham have been hunting with us for a number of years now. Sam wanted to experience something unique and joined us for one of our Vita Dart Hunts . It’s something quite extraordinary to experience and witness if you’ve never enjoyed the privilege of spending time with these pre-historic animals. His wife Tracy has become quite the huntress over the years and joined Sam in hunting a select few Tiny 10 species and plains game they had not pursued on a previous hunt with us.
Total for 7 Days for 1 Hunter + 1 Hunting / Observing @ $5800 (Fully Inclusive of Day & Service Fees + Taxes / Exclusive of Game Rates )
Cape Buffalo Package
Yes you guessed it! We do offer a package, but it’s a single specie package with a minimum of 7 days dedicated to the pursuit of one goal and that’s an old Cape Buffalo hunted the real way. On foot without compromise in some of the most magnificent terrain imaginable. George Hill together with his boys, Kevin and Jason, enjoyed a memorable week in pursuit of Cape Buffalo in the thickets of Woodlands Safari Estate. Our Cape Buffalo Hunts are not for the faint of heart with numerous fantastic encounters making up the essence of a Buffalo experience like no other in the East Cape. If it’s adrenaline you’re after then this one won’t disappoint.
Total for 7 / 10 Days for 1 Hunter @ $16000 (Fully Inclusive of Day & Service Fees + Taxes + 1 Trophy Cape Buffalo)
The extra’s we need to talk about…
So your travel went well and all your luggage made it safely. Your hunt was a roaring success and the people whom you greeted as strangers at the start of your safari have become friends. The camp staff, your tracker and your PH are a close knit unit operating like a team. You want to give thanks to those who went above and beyond. You want to show your appreciation via a gratuity. It’s the most asked question I get during the course of a season, the only reason I’m sharing it here.
Here’s an average our teams achieved this season as to give you an idea of where you’re at. At all times remember a tip is not a mandatory requirement, it’s a bonus earned which is most certainly appreciated.
Camp: $30 – $50 / Guest / Per Night
Tracker: $200 – $500 / Per Safari (Plains Game / Big 5 Dependent)
Skinning Shed Staff & Game Recovery Crew: $50 – $100 / Per Safari
Professional Hunter: $80 – $250 / Per Day (Plains Game / Big 5 Dependent)
Specialized Hunts / Day Trips / Excursions: $50 – $100
Lastly there’s the all important taxidermy to consider and work into the budget. While we commit to deliver your hunted trophies within three weeks of your departure that doesn’t mean you’re expected to start forking out money towards it right away. As a hunter you may have your preferred taxidermist of choice and we whole heatedly support you in working with them. If you do not have a preferred taxidermist then we recommended Splitting Image Taxidermy to handle all your taxidermy needs from dipping and shipping to mounting and installation. They’re the team we’ve trusted with your trophies for more than a decade and they’re the team we trust in delivering your prized memories.
Contact us today for more information on our hunts and feel free to mail Carl directly on hunting@johnxsafaris.co.za with your specific safari requests or quotes. We look forward to hearing from you and sharing a campfire in Africa.
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