AFRICA ON A DARE: A Hunting Trip to South Africa at Age 70

In 2012 my wife and I planned an exciting and unanticipated “bucket list” hunting adventure to South Africa, which was basically inspired on an impulsive whim as the result of a fund-raising auction. Prior to the adventure there were several months of planning, culminating in our immersion into an unknown and mystical arena of challenge, patience, learning, and frustration, punctuated by achievement and joy.

Our encounters with nature and with ourselves, and the internal development of our human character, were gifts to be appreciated, and experiences to be forever remembered. The inspiring beauty of wild Africa, its colorful landscapes, energetic animals, and electrifying primal environment, is something that every curious person should endeavor to experience. An African hunting trip is truly a bucket-list item, and this author is grateful to all the people and circumstances that made it possible.

The history of African safaris goes back to the mid-1800’s, when European explorers dedicated years of planning before embarking on these complex excursions. These almost lawless expeditions were not just about the thrill of the hunt; they were about new-world scientific and academic research about previously unknown land, plants, wildlife, dangers and diseases.

In my opinion, every person should consider adding to their bucket list a hunting trip to wild, natural South Africa. My wife and I embarked on such a trip without even knowing or realizing how gratifying it would be.