In the next 3 years I would like to go hunting mostly for plains game but would consider any. What are opinions on the best and safest places in Africa for an American to go? I reakize this can change depending on the political climate. What is a typical price range?

Mitch,

A very nice 10 day plains game hunt can be had in South Africa or Namibia for less than $10,000 to cover everything. If you buy a "Package" hunt particularly a 7 day affair you can hunt for much less than that.

Contact me if you'd like to discuss some options.

Regards,

Mark

check out the thread in Africa Hunting Report about Sebra Hunting Adventures, Namibia good way to get your feet wet and travel,hunt ,trophy fees,dip& pack will cost you ALOT less than 10K

IMHO the best place to go in Africa is the Okavango Delta in Botswana. The place is simply spectacular. Unfortunately the Botswana government is gradually reducing quota in the Delta. In 5 to 7 years I would bet that there are no hunting concessions in the Delta, save for Elephant hunting. If you can afford it, and it is expensive, go now. The Delta is quite simply a garden of eden.
I've been there 3 times and plan on going again before it is closed.

TerryR

I would suggest either Namibia or South Africa for a first time hunter. You'll need to decide what game species really interest you and hunt the proper areas for them.

Pricing is as mentioned already but that would be for hunts booked now. Expect a difference in three years. Unfortunately pricing has changed significantly in some areas in reletively short time.

When you are ready drop me a line, I've got some very nice properties and excellent PH's. Families are also welcome.

Namibia and RSA have been mentioned for the first time hunter, but don't forget Zimbabwe. Although the politics suck for the locals, there are no safety issues IMO for foreign hunters that are visiting. And the PHs/outfitters that are holding out there, despite Mugabe and his cronies, really need every client they can get.

No matter where you end up going, I would highly reccomend spending some extra days seeing some sights, and visiting a national park to take pictures. Especially if your wife and/or kids are joining you. But even without them, it is still worth the extra time and money.

mitchell,
I too was in your position 6 years ago when preparing for my first safari so I have the benefit hindsight.....

If I was to do it all over again, I would book a hunt to Zimbabwe for a combo hunt of buffalo and plains game. there are actually some pretty good package deals out there that will allow you to hunt buffalo and then add on some plainsgame.

Hunting RSA is great and I loved every minute of it. With that said, I think for not too much more money I could have been hunting the animal that all african hunters eventually lusting after...buffalo....and I could have done it the first go around.

I would also highly suggest the use of a good agent. These guys are free to you and the value of their knowledge is indispenable.

is it ok to go hunt plains game foryour first safari, Absolutely, but why not sweetin the pot and go hunt buff too.

Good Luck

If you are one of those hunters that dreams of buffalo, yes by all means follow your dreams. Buffalo can be easily combined with plains game hunting. But don't let anyone suggest that a hunt without one of the big 5 is not a "real safari".

I would suggest avoiding cat hunting on your first safari just because it can be extremely time consuming and take away from all the other species available.

Do your research. Decide what animals are your priorities and book accordingly. Soak up the experience. Spend as many days hunting as you can. Add on some days for sightseeing in a National Park (Etosha in Namibia, Kruger in SA, or Hwange in Zim) or seeing Vic Falls. You will never have another first safari.

Zimbabwe is a great value for buffalo/plains game. The Zambezi Valley is still a real wild African experience. Some private properties (like those in the Save Valley Conservancy) offer buffalo/plains game or just great plains game hunting. And if you lust after sable, its still "reasonably" priced. There is some political uncertainty that you must recognize.

Namibia offers fantastic plains game hunting for great prices. See http://www.natron.net for an idea of what's available. I just returned from 21 days in Namibia. Had a great time with Royston Wright of Okatjeru Game Farm.
Downside is a smaller selection of available game. Other than leopard, dangerous game is nonexistant over most of the country.

South Africa has an overwhelming number of options. Prices tend to be higher than Namibia, but the selection of game available is huge. Dangerous game and premium antelope such as sable cam be very expensive. Also offers some species that are available nowhere else. If you have a phobia of hunting fenced property- avoid RSA.

All are great first safari destinations. Its just a matter of what you desire.

Don't wait too long- go hunting.

Highly recommend Namibia. I am by no means an expert but went here in May.

Fantastic.

http://www.zingelasafaris.com/

You can do some really good plains game hunting in Cameroon. Check out the report I posted on the hunting pages. Lots of big Roan, Hartebeest, Bohor Reedbuck etc... You can also add a lion for a couple grand if you come across one. It is a very overlooked country for plains game hunting. Most people that go there concentrate on Lord Derby Eland or Bongo and skip the regular game. I did a 12 day plains game hunt for $8K plus trophy fees.

Cheers

Mac

My first safari was in Namibia, my second in RSA. They were so different it's hard to compare. They were both excellent hunts though, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend either destination to the first-timer. I'd be happy to comment on my outfitters/PHs via private messaging if you wish.

I would highly recommend Namibia. When I was planning for my trip, I really wanted to experience as much of a true African safari as possible, ie: tent camp, large wild concession, etc., yet keep expense reasonable for a quality plains game hunt. I ended up choosing Vaughan Fulton's Classic Safaris and would highly recommend Vaughan.

Here is a link to my hunt report Namibian Hunt Report

Sent me a PM if you would like more information.

George

Mitch,
I second George's recommendation. I hunted with
Vaughan in May and had a great time. Vaughan is very knowledgeable, has access to a hugh concession and other farms and a fantastic staff. You can't go wrong with Vaughan. I hope to go back in 2007 to hunt his Caprivi concession. Good luck!
John