Well, in the last 8 months, I've had some job setbacks. However, in the next 3-4 wks., there may be some light at the end of the tunnel. Been talking to my boy, and we want to go back to Africa, bad. While we had an awesome hunt, in 2008, in RSA, we both want to go to "wilder" Africa. At this time, a DG hunt is out, just too much money. However, I think there are some plains game animals, that we didn't get on the 1st trip, that we both would like to add.

So this brings me to my question. Any of you boys hunted plains game in Botswana? Specifically, I have so far looked at Tholo Safaris, but I'm also open to something in the Tuli Block, if it has big enough acreage.

I'm thinking for me, eland, red hartebeast, maybe waterbuck, and wouldn't mind a repeat on warthog[yeah], and blue wildebeast. I know my son would love to catch up with a good gemsbok, and a chance at a black wildebeast. Are there other good outfits besides Tholo? Any and all info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks! I'm just in the very beginning of planning this hunt.

Mad Dog

MD, You might want to consider Mozambique. It is truly "Old Africa" and there's lots of great PG there...Sable, Nyala, Suni, Red Duiker, Blue Duiker, Eland.

Tholo is a fantastic plains game destination, and if I ever get back to Africa with my wife and/or granddaughter I would definitely go back there again. I know that either or both of my ladies would love it.

But...if I go alone again, or with a hunting buddy (as you are doing), I couldn't imagine making it just a plains game trip. I keep seeing good deals coming up on buffalo and even non-trophy elephants, sometimes for prices approaching a PG-only hunt. Admittedly, my experience here is very limited, but I'd hate to miss out on the hunt of a lifetime simply for lack of checking into it thoroughly, instead of merely assuming that it can't be done.

Save Valley in Zim is wild Africa. You won't get the hartebeast or gemsbock, but you will get a great eland, wildebeast and warthog. There is a good assortment of PG plus you may be able to pick up a tuskless or a buff on the cheap. You will not be disappointed.

quote:

eland, red hartebeast, maybe waterbuck, and wouldn't mind a repeat on warthog[yeah], and blue wildebeast.

gemsbok, and a chance at a black wildebeast
Waterbuck don't naturally overlap with the arid land species you have mentioned. You can find them on a stocked farm (yes, you can also find an axis deer there), but given that you want to hunt an unfenced area, you are going to have to forget the waterbuck.

The remainder of your species will be found in their natural habitat in both Namibia and Botswana (the Kalahari). In both these places, most (but not all) of the PG hunting is on fenced game farms.

You can hunt NW Namibia or the Ghanzi/Maun area of Botswana though. There are some low fenced or unfenced properties but game counts are typically very low on unfenced (and unwatered) concessions. I can put you on the next best thing, eg a 60,000 acre property in Botswana. Gemsbok, BWB, RHB are going to be cheap here, and there are lots of BIG eland and BIG kudu as well. You will hear lion and see leopard and cheetah tracks.

If waterbuck is the top of your list, I can send you to a very large conservancy in Zim where you will take a very good waterbuck. Here you can also do warthog, baboon, bushbuck, BWB, Zebra, Eland (not easy), klipspringer, impala, giraffe, and kudu. You will bump into elephant, rhino, and see leopard tracks.

Either one will be a super hunt, a bit spicier than what you experienced in RSA, but not a full-on concession hunt. Frankly, concession hunts are not a good idea if you are after PG, as you will pay more money and see a lot less game.

If your real priority is wild Africa, then I suggest you forget PG and book a buffalo hunt in Zim. You will have a good hunt, get your buff, but you won't shoot much PG if any.

Tholo safaris is a fantastic option, massive hunting area with abundant plains game! The trophy quality is none to beat with everything being 5* from vehicles to camp to ph's. PM me if you need more info.

Mad Dog

I think Tholo if your iterested in the Kalahari species would be an excellent choice. They offer undoubtedly the best kudu and eland hunting I've expereinced. The waterbuck are not indigenous to the area but they have done very well there and you should get a nice one. Accommodations and service are on par with anything you'll find in RSA. Tholo has access to 300,000 acres in addition to the main area of 100,000 acres so if your not finding your big kudu or whatever in one area you have lots of other country to check out.

If your wanting a hunt where you will encounter the Big 5 while doing your plains game hunt it would be difficult to beat the Save Valley Conservancy in Zimbabwe. The Conservancy can offer a "Classic" safari experience at plainsgame rates and very comfy accommodations. Here you won't find the desert animals but all the indigenous animals of Zimbabwe are present in good numbers with excellent trophy quality.

Either of these hunts would be my fist choices for plainsgame dependent on what animals you are interested in. Total price in the end is about the same for either hunt.

Let me know if I can provide anything further.

Mrk