Wanted: Advice

[Selous]

@StephenJD

Forgive me, I am unable recall the exact details (I have tried to wipe them from my mind).

The first quote was in the order of £1,500 - that was to 'dip and pack' in Mozambique.

I sensed (from some previous bitter experience) that this was only the start of the bill.

I asked the Mozambique end what the 'projected' costs were at each stage.

My in-box was then rammed with 'quotes' from the various parties that would be involved in getting the damn things home.

Transportation, vets, licences, export/import, community charges, flights (more expensive than my ticket), the list is endless.

I did a quick totting up and it came in around £7,500.

Couple of additional things to think about.

Kudu horns.

Massive Kudu horns.

I do not live in a castle...

View attachment 378851


Where on earth did I think I was going to put them?


Also, and thinking back to 2012, when I went through this with a fairly large crate (shared with another Hunter) - that process went on for over two years. We would regularly get 'updates' about where our crate was, and what we now owed the lasted lucky recipient. This went on for over two years.

We finally got an email from Heathrow to say our crate had landed there, and we had to pay £500 in taxes before they would release it. Just a final kick in the wallet.

Honestly, it is brutal.

As a result of my 'naivety' from early Safaris, I have one or two pieces in my 'Man Cave' - I enjoy the memories they bring, but it still makes me feel sick when I think of the cost of getting them home.

View attachment 378852

In the style of Viz….
I have always believed that the answer to long Kudu/Oryx horns is to mount them downstairs and cut small holes through the ceiling for each of the horns. That way you benefit from the trophy both upstairs and downstairs

 

[old 30-06]

It is ridiculously expensive to bring a trophy home. Therefore, if you do not intend to bring it home, it does not need to be a trophy. That is two very large lots of money saved.

 

[Stalker1962]

... cut small holes through the ceiling for each of the horns.

Not the first to think of that...

 

[StephenJD]

@Selous


We are 'penciled in' for a return to Africa, in 2026.

I am already looking for a new Peli case for my rifle.

I hate myself...

View attachment 378807

@Stalker1962 - Veering off topic here but worth having a look at Nanuk cases as well. I’ve just bought a 995 and have been impressed so far. Integrated TSA-compliant locking catches swung it for me over a Peli 1720.

Nanuk 995 Case with Wheels

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[wytonpjs]

@Stalker1962 - Veering off topic here but worth having a look at Nanuk cases as well. I’ve just bought a 995 and have been impressed so far. Integrated TSA-compliant locking catches swung it for me over a Peli 1720.

Nanuk 995 Case with Wheels

Buy Nanuk 995 Case with Wheels Online Now From Waterproof Cases – Best UK Prices On Nanuk 995 Case with Wheels Includes Fast Free Next Day Delivery

www.waterproof-cases.co.uk

And, if you are going to that expense, it'll be good to get these guys to do a custom cut-out. Their work on a recent Blaser case was a work of beauty

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facebook.com or https://www.facebook.com/share/r/s8UY9DJqq6DSpkR8/?mibextid=WC7FNe

 

[Bushwack]

Thinking of going to Africa but on a limited budget £8k looked at huntershill any advice appreciated want to take my own rifle thanks.

You have a PM

 

[PAULT]

Can I pack clothes in rifle carry box ?

 

[sh1kar]

Sure

 

[Colonel]

I have just got back from my 3rd trip to South Africa, unfortunately it’s been every 5 years apart, I love it, it’s very addictive. First thing, take your own rifle if you can. It cost me about £5000 all in, tips ect., as I went by myself and had 1 to 1 with a PH that I know. I shot 12 cull animals, 1 was a black wilder beast, out to 307m. I have only been with Settlers Safari each time and enjoyed the experience. The whole experience was first class from booking to shooting.
,

 

[camodog]

Firstly, what 'Stalker 1962' says re rifle and taking not yours but using the 'Camp rifles' is sound advice ! Others disagree, however, on balance not worth the hassle, perceived, potential, actual or otherwise. This being your first trip you can minimise the potential for 'taking the shine' of it by having issues taking your own rifle.

I took my own rifle only once, on my first safari. Back then it was much less of 'a fiddle', but 'a fiddle' nonetheless, one I could well do without. I have never had any problems with a 'camp rifle' having used 'theirs' from .22 thru' 500NE. Any good reputable Outfitter ought to have perfectly reliable and serviceable rifles for your use. After all it is in their interest to have such.


My first safari was in the late eighties and have been frequently up until the Covid 'scare'. That year I 'escaped' Jo'berg on one of the last flights out before everything shut down.

In the matter of trophies and the eye-watering costs entailed I feel fortunate to have benefited from when it was 'easier'. Back thent those spaniels at M'cr & H'row weren't all that they were cracked-up to be !

Do your research and due diligence, and as all before have said, whatever you do ....just do it, go and enjoy, you will never regret it !