PH Journals Podcast

In this solo episode of PH Journals, I dive into a conversation that often comes up in hunting circles: has hunting in Africa become too easy?

When you compare modern-day safaris to the early days of professional hunting, the differences are undeniable. Today a PH can reach farmers and landowners at the push of a button. WhatsApp groups, location pins, and instant communication make it possible to source species quickly. Decades ago, PHs relied on wired telephone lines, word of mouth, and days of preparation just to locate the right property for a hunt.

At the same time, the landscape has changed dramatically. Farmers and game breeders have invested heavily in wildlife, leading to healthier populations and a wider variety of species available to hunt. Travel has also become easier than ever, with international flights, regional airports, and private charters allowing hunters to reach remote areas of Africa in a fraction of the time it once took.

Even trophy care has evolved. In the past, PHs and camp staff often handled much of the cape and skin preparation themselves in the field. Today the taxidermy industry has grown significantly, with specialized facilities handling everything from salting to export, improving efficiency but also changing some of the traditional bushcraft elements that were once part of the safari experience.

So yes — in many ways modern professional hunters have tools and systems that make the logistical side of hunting easier than ever before. But rather than diminishing the hunt, this evolution reflects something important: growth.

As hunting faces increasing scrutiny around the world, these developments show how the industry has adapted to survive. Wildlife now holds real economic value for landowners, conservation has become financially sustainable, and hunting remains one of the most powerful tools for protecting wild landscapes across Africa.

This episode explores the balance between tradition, progress, and the future of hunting.

If you enjoy the conversation, make sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share the episode with a fellow hunter.

#PHJournals #AfricanHunting #ProfessionalHunter #SafariHunting #Conservation

Every hunter remembers certain animals. Not always the biggest trophies or the easiest hunts, but the animals that leave behind lessons you carry for the rest of your career.

In this solo episode of PH Journals, I reflect on a few animals that shaped the way I approach hunting today. From an eland hunt with Cody that showed how small the margin for error can be, to the chaos of black wildebeest where adrenaline can easily get the better of you.

I also talk about the unpredictable nature of bushbuck in the coastal bush, the respect and planning required to hunt kudu successfully, and the humbling reality of Cape buffalo—how a herd can disappear in seconds and remind you how little control you really have in the African bush.

These animals didn’t just provide hunts… they provided lessons.

Lessons about patience, discipline, planning, and respect for the craft of hunting.

Every hunter remembers certain animals. Not always the biggest trophies or the easiest hunts, but the animals that leave behind lessons you carry for the rest of your career.

In this solo episode of PH Journals, I reflect on a few animals that shaped the way I approach hunting today. From an eland hunt with Cody that showed how small the margin for error can be, to the chaos of black wildebeest where adrenaline can easily get the better of you.

I also talk about the unpredictable nature of bushbuck in the coastal bush, the respect and planning required to hunt kudu successfully, and the humbling reality of Cape buffalo—how a herd can disappear in seconds and remind you how little control you really have in the African bush.

These animals didn’t just provide hunts… they provided lessons.

Lessons about patience, discipline, planning, and respect for the craft of hunting.

This episode breaks down why the first 48 hours of a safari determine everything that follows.

From airport pickup to the first morning in the bush, I unpack the psychology, leadership, and subtle decisions that shape a hunter’s experience.

Whether you're a client preparing for Africa or a PH looking to refine your approach, this conversation will give you practical insight into what really makes a safari unforgettable.

Because it’s never just about the first animal — it’s about the foundation you build before the first shot.

This episode breaks down why the first 48 hours of a safari determine everything that follows. From airport pickup to the first morning in the bush, I unpack the psychology, leadership, and subtle decisions that shape a hunter’s experience. Whether you're a client preparing for Africa or a PH looking to refine your approach, this conversation will give you practical insight into what really makes a safari unforgettable. Because it’s never just about the first animal — it’s about the foundation you build before the first shot.

Everyone sees the hero shots.

The handshakes.

The trophy photos.

Very few see the quiet mornings, the pressure, the responsibility, and the loneliness that can come with being a Professional Hunter.

In this solo episode, I share personal reflections from my years in the industry — from managing expectations and carrying responsibility, to balancing family life and identity beyond hunting.

Being a PH is an honour. But it’s also a weight.

Everyone sees the hero shots.

Very few see the quiet mornings, the pressure, the responsibility, and the loneliness that can come with being a Professional Hunter.

In this solo episode, I share personal reflections from my years in the industry — from managing expectations and carrying responsibility, to balancing family life and identity beyond hunting.

Being a PH is an honour. But it’s also a weight.

Tipping after a hunting safari in Africa is one of the most misunderstood parts of the experience — especially for international hunters visiting South Africa for the first time.

In this solo episode, I break down safari tipping and gratuities in a clear, practical way. We cover who should be tipped, how much is considered fair, when tips are usually given, and why tipping plays such an important role in the African hunting and game industry.

This episode includes real-world guidance on:

Tipping a Professional Hunter (PH)

Gratuities for trackers, skinners, and camp staff

Common tipping mistakes hunters make

Why gratuities directly impact conservation, livelihoods, and service quality

How to plan and budget for tips before your safari

Whether you’re planning your first African hunt or returning for another safari, this episode will help you feel confident, prepared, and respectful when it comes to tipping in South Africa and across Africa.

This is an honest, experience-based conversation aimed at improving understanding within the hunting industry and helping hunters navigate safari culture with clarity.

For many American hunters, an African safari is a lifelong dream — and also one of the most confusing hunts to book. With different countries, provinces, hunting styles, pricing structures, and promises, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed before you even ask the right questions.

In this solo episode of PH Journals, professional hunter Anri Steyn breaks down a practical first-time safari checklist specifically for US hunters looking to book Africa. This episode covers what most outfitters don’t explain upfront: how daily rates and trophy fees really work, why choosing the right professional hunter matters more than choosing species, how to spot red flags in marketing, and what questions you should ask before sending a deposit.

This is not a sales pitch — it’s an honest guide to help first-time African safari clients slow down, understand the process, and book a hunt that matches their expectations, ethics, and experience level.

Whether Africa is your first international hunt or the start of many more, this episode will help you book it right the first time.

Booking your first African safari can feel overwhelming — especially for American hunters navigating different countries, pricing structures, and hunting styles. In this solo episode of PH Journals, professional hunter Anri Steyn shares a practical first-timer checklist covering what to ask, what to avoid, and how to book Africa the right way.