At CT Safaris we believe that the successful conclusion of your safari is about much more than dropping you off at the airport on your last day in Africa and saying our goodbyes. Our view is that your safari is not complete until your trophies are hanging on your wall back home.
For you to be proud of the trophies that ultimately end up adorning the walls of your trophy room, it is essential that you choose a reputable, experienced and capable taxidermist to take care of your trophies after the hunt. CT Safaris is proud to be associated with Something Africa Taxidermy, owned and operated by Jan and Debbie Vermaak. As a brand new initiative between CT Safaris and Something Africa Taxidermy, we can now give you a comprehensive quote for all your taxidermy needs at the click of a button.
But before we get there – let’s first explain the process…
Skinning and Salting:
Our expert skinners will take care of the raw preparation of your trophies to the highest standards. This includes skinning your animals according to your specifications and then salting the hides and horns (we only use fresh A-grade salt) to preserve your trophy parts. Once trophies have been allowed to cure for an adequate period of time, they are removed from the salt and hung out to dry. (These services are included in our rates and not charged for separately.)
From this point on you have the option of having your trophies dipped, packed and shipped to the Taxidermist or destination of your choice or having a South African taxidermist mount your trophies. There are benefits to both options and ultimately it is your choice which route to follow. For ease of reference we’ve listed some of the key benefits associated to each option below. (Please note that the costs of these services are not included in our rates and are to be paid to the relevant service providers directly.)
Dipping, Packing and Shipping of your Trophies:
- This is the most affordable and quickest way of getting your trophies back to your Country of origin but not necessarily the most affordable option for the finished product.
- The process involves disinfecting your trophy parts in accordance with international standards, then having the raw trophies dried and packed and shipped to the destination you’ve provided us with.
- Shipping companies charge by volumetric weight of the crate that your trophies are packed in and because only the skulls and folded hides will be packed in your crate, it will be smaller and lighter than when completed mounted trophies are packed. This means lower shipping charges.
- One of the key benefits to this option is that you will have more control over the finished product. Should you have any issue with your Taxidermist’s work, you can have it fixed to your standards / liking before taking delivery of it.
Having an African Taxidermist mount your trophies:
- African Taxidermists are generally more affordable than those from other countries but bear in mind that mounted trophies takes up space and adds weight to the crate your trophies will get shipped in so your shipping costs will be higher if you chose this option.
- Also bear in mind that the mounting process takes more time than what dipping/packing does so it will take longer for the finished product to be shipped to you. The relevant timeframe varies from taxidermist-to-taxidermist but make yourself ready for a 12 – 24 month wait depending on the nature of the work that needs to be done and the number of trophies you need mounted.
- Some folks are concerned that, when their trophies arrive at their homes and there’s something they don’t like about the finished product, they will have no to little recourse.
- This is something clients of CT Safaris do not need to be concerned about as we work with Something Africa Taxidermy – based in Lephalale South Africa who will constantly keep you updated on progress that is made and send you photographs of your trophies as work progresses. Debbie, Jan and team will not have any trophy leave their premises until they’ve been given the go-ahead by you.