I have had the priviledge to hunt Africa several times including 3 of the Big 5. It has been my dream to hunt bull elephants in the 50-70lb range. Given the considerable experience on this Forum I would be grateful for any recommendation as to country, region and outfitter. Thinking about the 2010 season.

Shika,

Good decision - ele hunting is the greatest show on earth. Be careful though, many who have seen the elephant instantly develop into junkies, I know I did!

There are 5 countries in southern africa where americans can export ivory. RSA, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Tanzania. You cannot import ivory from Mozambique, and I am not too sure about Zambia.

RSA is to be avoided out of General Principles. You might find a decent bull bordering Kruger, but do not know of any consistent 50+ areas.

Namibia is probably the best choice for size and value. 2 areas to consider - the Caprivi and eastern Namibia bordering Khaudum National Park. Kai Uwe Denker hunts this area, and has taken the largest ivory I know of in the past 10 years, a 115 pounder. Alternately, the caprivi produces 60 pound ivory every year. You may want to talk with Vaughn Fulton.

Bots is the destination for thick, heavy ivory. Top areas with the best operators are spendy - 45k plus, although that might change due to the current economic conditions.

Zim is hands down the most affordable country. However, there are only 2 areas that can consistently produce 50+. Hunters intercepting bulls on the border of Hwange park as well as Gona Re Zhou shoot exceptional ivory every year. This is where my next hunt will be. However, it is a seasonal hunt, very dependent on local conditions. The north of zim has some great operators, with 45 pounds being a very good bull. Of course, there is always the exception.

Tanzania ivory is very long and slender, making a mature bull an impressive trophy. They are taken on the classic safari, a dream come true for most African hunters. If money were no object, I would be in Tanzania on a 21 day classic every year, twice if they would let me.

Moz takes absolute giants every year, but they are non exportable to the USA. I would rather prefer to have my ivory at home, thanks.

Anyway, I could be wrong on a few points. Do your research, talk to the references, and then go out and have the time of your life!

Hi, and Karibu (welcome) to AR! Once you hunt Tembo, I think you will really love it!! As a Tanzania Professional Hunter for many years; the best elephant area I personally have seen is a large concession called Kilwa-Mbwemkuru (just southeast of the Selous GR). It is controlled by Federico Gellini Tanzania Safaris. I do some hunts in that beautiful block, and I really love hunting there!

There's several good blocks in Tanzania for elephant, but in my honest opinion, if I was to hunt personally for my own trophy elephant....that's where I'd hunt.

Several elephants in the 76 to 83 pound range were taken in Mr. Gellini's block in the last 5 years. Many of Gellini's clients are seasoned elephant hunters (many from Europe), and each year tembo in the 40 to 50 lbs class are passed up by them. The area is full of elephants (example: last Sept one of my clients counted over 70 on the first day). As a general rule, East african ivory tends to be somewhat thinner, but much longer than elephants from the south. Depends what you want.

There's many cashew & mango trees in nearby small villages; also many Borassus & Doum palms, all of which they elephants love when the fruit is ripe. There's plenty hard bossed buffalo, leopards, lions and good plains game. It is also the very best place I've PH'd in for leopard & Roosevelt sable.

BTW: His camps, staff, food (and free bar) is the best I've seen in Tanzania! I think all Gellini's clients have had an opportunity to take a legal elephant or bigger.

Hope this helps. I'm certain more advice will be posted by others for you. Cheers.

www.kambakosafaris.com who have two concessions in northern Mozambique which is home to a good population of heavy tusked Elephant.
Obviously Ivory import is an issue for US hunters at this stage.

You might find areas which produce bulls with heavier ivory, however, we hunt with gordon duncan, who has a concession in the Doma area. He and Glenn Stockhill, Shaangan hunters, also hunt in the Save Conservancy. I don't know how large their elephants get, but, my two were 30-35lbs and I would not trade for them.

If it's 50 pounds or bust , better get the checkbook out and book Bot's. The Zambezi Valley is affordable , and 50 pounders are there, but they take both hard work and luck. We have taken one 60 pounder this season, and another mid 50's.
Both are great places, and there are others as well. My advice is to not get stuck on weight, look for pretty ivory and enjoy the hunt.
Best Of Luck

We have a permit for the concession North of Kaudum National Park, and West of the Caprivi strip in Namibia. This area averages 60 lbs.
Day fees:$850/day, minimum 14 days (total $11, 900)
Trophy fees: Elephant $16,000
This hunt will be out of a temporary tented camp, and includes all day fees, road transport from Windhoek to the hunting area (roughly 7hrs), transport of trophies back to Windhoek after the required 21 days quarantine. A 50% of dayfees deposit secures hunt. Contact me for free dates, preferably after 15 September. This hunt is with Karl Stumpfe. Although scheduled for 2009, it gives you an idea of the quality ivory available in the area.
Good hunting,
David

quote:

There's plenty hard bossed buffalo

You are sure in KILWA

Seloushunter

Shikaribabu,

The link below is the key to fulfilling your big tusker dreams

http://www.zambezihunters.com/


David

quote:

Originally posted by mboga biga bwana:

quote:

There's plenty hard bossed buffalo

You are sure in KILWA

Seloushunter

Yep! I am sure! Good buffalo there (that is,if the client can walk). Example: The last safari I did there (husband & wife 2x1), shot three 40" hard bossed bulls, (on 3 different days). Total hunting / walking time invested in these three bulls?: about 2 hours (I've previously posted the photos on AR). Sounds like pretty darn good buffalo hunting too me? (although the buffalo will be mounted, we shot these mainly for lion baits....buffalo was not on their priority list). All my clients have got their buffalo in Kilwa, however there has been times where we walked much more!

BTW: This block/outfitter is mainly noted for trophy elephant, but leopard hunting is also quite good there (that is, if done correctly). this same client shot her 7' male chui (in daylight), after sitting a total of 1 1/2 hour in the blind on the safari (about 20 mins for this leopard). This was sept-Oct 2008. The husband also got his lion. They shot, (or had opportunity) ever animal on their want list. Some species they took doubles: 2 hippo, 2 sable, etc. We passed on a 50+ tembo, and shot a 43 pounder near the end of the hunt.

FWIW: My client before them also took his Dugga Bull buffalo, elephant, lion, leopard & some plains game in 21 days.

FG runs two large camps in his block.

Have you hunted Kilwa?? if so, with which company?

If you are going on a trophy bull elephant of a lifetime hunt, I'd hunt with Johan Calitz in Botswana. I am pretty sure he has the heaviest average ivory of any African PH. Good camps and top trackers. MMP

Have you seen the Buzz Charlton Elephant hunting video? They got some big ones last year in northern Zimbabwe. Check out www.cmsafaris.com for a full look. MJines here got eight Elephants last June on a management hunt with them. He can give you the story better than I. There are a million Elephants in their concession. I think I saw half of them last December while hunting Cape Buffalo.

I have no stake in this except giving you a good option. I will be going back to hunt again with them. That is the best recommendation I can offer.

Rich
Buff Killer

Thank you all for all the phenomenal feedback and PM's. As a elephant hunting newbie let me take this opportunity and ask some more related questions:

1. What level of physical fitness do you require?
2. Should elephant hunting be the sole objective of the safari or does combining it with buffalo, plains game make sense? Want to make sure that these do not detract from the main objective
3. I am a 458 Lott fan and have a custom Dakota 76. I have hunted dangerous game before with 500 grain Woodleighs. Would this suffice for elephant?
Look forward to your insights.

quote:

Originally posted by Shikaribabu:
Thank you all for all the phenomenal feedback and PM's. As a elephant hunting newbie let me take this opportunity and ask some more related questions:

1. What level of physical fitness do you require?
2. Should elephant hunting be the sole objective of the safari or does combining it with buffalo, plains game make sense? Want to make sure that these do not detract from the main objective
3. I am a 458 Lott fan and have a custom Dakota 76. I have hunted dangerous game before with 500 grain Woodleighs. Would this suffice for elephant?
Look forward to your insights.

1) No such thing as TOO fit.

2) It should be the top priority.

3) Yes.

quote:

Originally posted by Jefffive:


1) No such thing as TOO fit.

2) It should be the top priority.

3) Yes.

What he said. In my limited experience.

quote:

Originally posted by mufasa:
If you are going on a trophy bull elephant of a lifetime hunt, I'd hunt with Johan Calitz in Botswana. I am pretty sure he has the heaviest average ivory of any African PH. Good camps and top trackers. MMP

I would have thought that Kai Uwe Denker would have the best average. I am often wrong.

It is an advantage to be fit but if your not, the PH will make a plan.
Its a good idea to do a walk every day after work for at least an hour, and ideally on broken ground like a beach.
If you score early, I'm sure most outfits would allow a Ele hunter to try for game like Buff, Eland and most plains game.
A 458Lott with 500 or 550grn Woodleigh FMJs would be great. Most PHs would be happy for you to use this set.

Mufasa,

I'd have to second J Brown on Kai-Uwe Denker having the best average on ivory taken in the last 10 years.

By the way his first Elephant for this year was weighed last week at 81lbs.