I am currently booking my first safari in RSA in the above areas (impala, blesbok, zebra, Blue Wildebeest and Kudu).
In your opinion, what would be the best dates:
Last two weeks of May (2007)?
Last two weeks of June (2007)?

Other options would be the fall of 2007.

Considerations:
Vegetation, ability to see game, temperature, rain (?), tracking ability.

I'd select June. Probably a bit cooler and less vegetation than May. I don't think there will be a big difference between the two dates. But the guys who live in RSA can give you a better idea.

Regards,

Terry

One thing to consider, currently SAA has different air fare costs based on the season. You might check with a travel agent and see if there is a difference in travel costs based on your two alternate dates. It might be cheaper to fly in May than in June.

Regards,

Terry

Last two weeks of June are best.

Yes,

June will be the best month to hunt in Limpopo and Mpumalanga.

I have just been to Ellisras area and with all the rain the vegetation is still very thick.

Enjoy the hunt.

Gerhard

ScottW,
During fall the vegetation is stiil very thick but the animals are rather tame. As it gets more into winter the leaves starts falling and the grass stats lying down. In fall you work harder to see the animals, but it is just as dificult for them to see you. There are less leaves on the ground, so you can walk softer. The animals are also not so skittish because the hunting season just started. Late in July it is the oposite, you can see the animals better, but they see you better as well. More noise while walking due to all the leaves. Because we are well in the hunting season by then, the animals are more skittish.

Temprature wise it was reasonably hot till mid May. Tempratures will be in the low 20's C in july with the nights below 10. It also depends wher you are going. Elisras where I hunt is very moderate. The more you come south the colder it becomes.

A lot depends on the rain that we get next year. This year we had very good rain. In most areas the bush is thick and the grass very tall.

Send me a pm, maybe I can assist you.

As I read the post, my first urge was to respond "NOW!!!" I tend to agree with Jaco. I prefer hunting earlier. May is fine. The weather has cooled down, there's still plenty of vegetation (to provide cover for you as well as your quarry). In other words, the action, when it comes, is thick and fast. Later in the winter has its advantages (somewhat more open vegetation), but I guess it boils down to personal preference. Enjoy it either way!

quote:

Originally posted by ScottW:
I am currently booking my first safari in RSA in the above areas (impala, blesbok, zebra, Blue Wildebeest and Kudu).
In your opinion, what would be the best dates:
Last two weeks of May (2007)?
Last two weeks of June (2007)?

Other options would be the fall of 2007.

Considerations:
Vegetation, ability to see game, temperature, rain (?), tracking ability.

ScottW,

The last 2 weeks of June this year, I will be on my first safari in Limpopo/Mpumalanga RSA with Mafigeni Safaris. I will post when I get back and we can all compare notes.

I have been to that area in March, April, May, June, July, and Sept. I like Sept the best. Sure the animals are a little more alert, but since you can see so much better, I find that locating trophy class animals is much easier. Some of those big guys never come out of the thick stuff.

Go in June....Don't forget your Doxy.

urdubob