I just found out that I'm going to S Africa for work and will be able to hunt once I'm done. It looks like I'll be there (to hunt) from Sept 9 thru 18th, give or take a couple of days. This will be my first trip to Africa and I'm having a difficult time finding an outfitter. THERE ARE SO MANY! I'd prefer to hunt with a bow if at all possible, but this isn't set in stone. Can anyone recommend a few good outfitters? I'd pretty much open to most any animals although I am partial to the following:

Gemsbok
Greater Kudu
Impala
Nyala
Eland
Zebra
Warthog
Bushbuck

Has anyone hunted these animals with a bow? Are there any that really won't lend themselves to bowhunting?

Kwa Zulu Natal is the best place for Nyala but you might also consider Tuli Block Botswana. - it's close to RSA and the hunting has a lot more of a wild feeling about it.

FWIW - We have an area there that's all set up with permanent bowhunting blinds......

If you bring firerms into RSA you'll need to have a hunt pre-booked as if you don't you won't be allowed to import the firearms.

Ooops just altered this cos I've noticed your dates - we're booked sorry!

You can have fabulous archery hunting for those animals (exc gemsbok) in the Save Conservancy in ZIM. Expect at least 55" kudu. Also add waterbuck, wildebeest, giraffe. See cheetah, rhino, leopard, lion, ele while doing your archery hunt.

An outfitter in Save: http://www.rwsafaris.com

Just a word of advice.Alot of outfitters are booked a year in advance.You are getting there late in the season.I've seen everything in the Northern Province where I hunt except the Nyala.I wont even suggest my P.H. as he is booked solid.Best of luck to you.

Steve,
I have hunted with Claude Kleynhans in RSA. As fine a man and PH as you'd want to meet and hunt with.
Mafigeni Safaris

There are many, many good ones. But for price, quality and availability try Lieb DuRaan. His e-mail is ingwesafari@lantic.net. Best of luck to you on your first hunt!

Steve F.

Please check your PM's.

My PH Tino does a lot of bow hunting, last year one of his clients took a 61 inch kudu! He can accommmodate you on the species mentioned but you might need some time if you´re planning on bowhunting them all on one trip!

Try the link below, send Tino my regards (cewe=Curt West)

You could also contact a PH I know named Jan Dumon. He operates not far from Hoedspruit and has blinds for bow hunters. He has Kudu, Nyala, Wildebeest, Zebra, Impala, Waterbuck, Bushbuck,Bushpig, Warthog and even Leopard if you want to try that with a bow. His e-mail is mwshumba@mweb.co.za

Steve,
Welcome to the Board.

Give me a PM. I live in the District on Capitol Hill. I've worked in South Africa and Lesotho and now hunt every year in Namibia. We can talk either on the phone or over a drink. Regards, Tim

I went on my first trip with Tollie's African Safaris. He operates on his own 60,000 ac ranch near East Somerset. Had the greatest vacation of our lives. I highly recommend him. I have sent several people there and all say the same thing. His web address is

http://www.safari-in-africa.com

I can highly recommend Peter Harris in RSA. I hunted with a bow and took 8 animals my hunting partner used a bow and gun and took 22 animals.

If you ask about Peter Harris on this sight I can assure you, that you will find he is HIGHLY thought of. If you would like his web site just let me know.

Steve, I sent you a private message with info on bowhunting SA.
I hope to hear from you.

bo-n-aro - I see your message and I'm working my way to it as I write this.

Everyone, I greatly appriciate all of the responses to the topic and the overwhelming amount of PM's offering help and suggestions! It's great to see a forum where members are quick to help out the new guys.

Thanks!