How to Choose a Hunting Safari Outfitter 

Choosing the right hunting safari outfitter can be an essential part of planning a successful hunt. In many cases, it can be the difference between having a great safari and an unpleasant one. Here are some tips to help you choose the best hunting safari outfitter for your needs: 

First and foremost, it is important to consider your own motivations for hunting Africa. Do you want to hunt specific species? Do you have a budget that you need to adhere to? Do you need to do it quickly? Do you have a limited amount of time to spend on a safari? 

Then you need to decide what country you want to hunt in and how much time and money you can afford. Next, you need to determine whether you should use a hunting agent or go directly to an outfitter. 

When selecting an African safari outfitter, you need to consider the size of their hunting area, how often they hunt their core areas, and who owns or leases it. Ideally, the outfitter you choose should be able to offer you access to adjacent and surrounding areas that can increase your chances of achieving your trophy wish list. 

Another important aspect of choosing an African hunting outfitter is their staff. They should have experienced hunters on their team. They should have a strong commitment to providing the best possible hunting experience for their clients. 

Also, they should have good references from previous clients who hunted with them in the past. You should be able to speak directly with these former clients in order to get their opinion of the outfitter and whether or not they would recommend them for your hunt. 

In addition, you should consider whether the outfitter is a member of a Professional Hunters Association in Africa. These associations are self-policing and have a code of ethics that they require their members to abide by. 

They are also a great place to start when researching an outfitter because they usually have a lot of resources about the region and its wildlife. These sources may include books, magazines, websites, and forums. 

Check out the outfitter’s Code of Ethics before you sign anything. This document should provide you with important information about what is and is not acceptable behavior during the hunt. It should also include details about how to contact the outfitter if something should go wrong. 

It is also important to read through their hunting terms and conditions. This document will cover things like day fees, trophy and conservation levies, and any other costs that might be incurred during the safari. It should also include details about the animal species and what they are able to take. 

Finally, it is also important to look at the size of their home property. This is the core hunting area where they hunt and it should be at least 20,000 acres. 

Generally, a larger core area is preferable to a smaller one because it can support more hunters.