My wife finally gave me the go ahead to start planning my first safari. It probably would not be happening if it wasnt for the extra pay I will be getting for an upcoming deployment, but either way I can finally start pulling it together. I would like to throw a buffalo in there but that is going to be out of my budget. I have several species I would like to take but I realise that I probably wont be able to find them all in the same place. I would like to experience all Africa has to offer but I wouldnt mind having running water in camp either.

My budget isnt going to be huge so I do need to keep costs down where possible. If anyone could give me suggestions of where I should be looking I would appreciate it. If you can share any contacts such as who to hunt with that would also be helpful.

Here is a list of what I would like to hunt:
Kudu
Eland
Gemsbok
Impala
Zebra
Blue Wildebeast
Red Hartebeest
Waterbuck
Warthog
one of the various Gazzelles

The maybe list:
Springbok
Blesbok
Bushbuck


I will definately be taking my 375 H&H and either my Kimber 308 or my 7x57.

Any thoughts, ideas, or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Bill,

I've got a lovely concession in the Limpopo with all of them but springbok. We have huge kudu and eland there. The largest kudu to come out of there was 65 inches. I've seen some 24 inch impala there as well. I took a real nice red hartebeest when I was there. Small stuff like baboons are plenty too. I saw a couple waterbuck I am sure were pushing 30" or more. One animal you might also consider is nyala, nice ones also at this property (28"and up).

The accommodations are very nice and if your wife goes along she will like them. THey consist of private chalets built into live ironwood trees. They are very unique with large branches inside the chalets. There are some off site things she can do besides sit in camp while you hunt. Of course she is also welcomed to hunt should she so please.

The game quality is very good on the property. Food done by a trained chef. Excellent traking, excellent PH. No detail forgotten.

An alternate destination would be Namibia but perhaps fewer of your desired species available. I have great outfits there as well.

Last summer i had occasion to go hunting withh an excellent out fit out of Namibia, Jan Oelofse Safairs. They have all of that except maybe not the gazells? PH trackers and camp staff are all top notch and the food is incredible. here is there web address: http://www.janoelofsesafaris.com

7mm. guy

Based on your list I'd suggest that you explore Namibia. Many of the species that you want are found in the Kalahari. I've never been to Namibia but it is reported to be very reasonable. Do a search, there are numerous reports on hunting trips there on this site.
I'm excluding Buffalo which, I understand is only available in the Caprivi Strip.

While in Namibia in Aug, I saw all of the species on your list except gazelles and bushbuck.

Tanker
I cannot stress this enough. For your first safari, contact hhksafaris.com
They hunt Zimbabwe. Be sure and hunt a buff bull and a cow elephant.
You are going all the way over there, you MUST shoot a buff, and after you hunt cow elephants, well everything else is just plinking by comparasion.

This guy found a reasonably priced hunt

Robert Johnson in Namibia

I believe at least one of our members has since hunted with this outfitter and filed a report.

Here is a link to theHunt Report

Regards,

Terry

M1:

I would definitely go with Namibia. I hunted there for my first trip and it remains one of the best ever. Tons of kudu, tons of gemsbok, no fences, red hartebeeste are the best of the hartebeeste, etc. etc.

Just do it.

And thanks for serving.

M1,
I am certainly no authority with hunting Africa. I have just booked my first Safari with Lochi Locher of African Varmint Safaris. Drop him a line at http://www.affordableafricanhunting.com That being said it looks like you are active duty ( just call me captain obvious ). May I suggest that before you lay any money down you check with the Army to find out if any countries are restricted for travel. I'm active duty Coast Guard and about half of Africa is on the " no non-business travel " list. For example Zim is off limits for me and even for me to travel to South Africa I had to get the expressed permission from my C.O. ( beyond what is normally required for me to take leave ) along with providing a personal protection plan. Just something to look into.
Thanks,

M1: i'm active duty also (still, but not for long!) and I had no issues with Zim and I've been twice and I know there are no issues with Namibia. Like AZ says, JUST DO IT. jorge

I hope I did not come across as discouraging anyone from going to Africa. It's better to look into it and find that it's a non issue than booking a hunt only to be denied the experience, like a friend of mine ( also Coast Guard ). Each service has it's own rules and reg's ( once again stating the obvious )
Thanks,
Leroy

I vote Namibia.
Been there once, going back. I think most of the animals on your list are available there.
We hunted with Hentie Van Heerden and had a great time. Shot 4 animals which made Rowland Ward.
His daily rate and trophy fees are very close to any other outfit.
He doesn't have to use an Outfitter. One man operation, stays busy. No internet site, email only.

Bill, that's great that you get to start planning. I too would recommed Namibia at this point. However, I had a great time with Andrew McLaren in SA as well. Contact him to see what he can arrange with your list.

Given the political situations in these two countries though, I think I'd wait to send money until you know for sure when/where you're going and what things are going to be like then. A lot can happen in 2 1/2 years - just look at Zim. Don't let that discourage you though. The time to plan is now! You'll have a great time, that I can assure you. Feel free to PM me or give me a call at the house (you still have my number, yes?) and I'll happily share details of both my hunts.

Have fun! Anticipation is a great part of the hunt.

I'll also vote for Namibia, and I'll second the recommendation for Jan Oelofse Safaris.

I hear that Oelofse is booked well in advance, so I would get in contact with them right away for a 2008 safari. If you do book a safari with Jan, ask for Steve Tors as your PH. He does an absolutely fantastic job, and he's a man you can trust..........

AD

Thank you everyone for your comments and input. Your suggestions have been very helpful.

Even though I still have 2 1/2 years until I can go to Africa, just knowing that my safari is going to be a reality makes the time seem very short.

Everything on your list is available and doable with Brad Rolston. I promise you that you will not be disappointed with the prices and with the quality of animals. Brad works in conjunction with Lieb DuRaan, and together they cover every aspect of hunting African game. Send Brad an e-mail at rolston585ae@iafrica.com

I recommend Namibia for a plains game first safari. Great people, good trophy quality and reasonable prices. Suggest you take a look at all the safari operations at http://www.natron.net to get a good idea of game selection and hunt pricing.

I recently hunted with Royston Wright of Okatjeru Safaris. I couldn't have picked a better outfit for my son's first safari. His package prices may look too good to be true. I thought so too. But I did my homework, checked references, etc. I booked one of his packages, upgraded to a 15 day hunt and added some other animals.