As a present and future African hunting newbie--

The quality of the hunt with a DG outfit come first as well as your relationship with them re DG hunting. Research/referals should reveal several quality outfits. Initially I would think this more important than a lower negotiated fee. That established, then on subsequent hunts I would try to negotiate the agent fee out of the hunt as discussed above.

Of course if one gets a flood of personal accolades about an outfit and the price is great----- sign up before the price goes up!!