And I have a few questions. Actually I have a lot of questions (probably most of them dumb), but I’ll try to limit it to a couple for now.

I want to hunt buffalo (#1 priority), and kudu (#2 priority), as well as some other plains game. Zebra, hyena, warthog, impala, would be great, but I’m willing to play it loose on the plains game, and take what comes.

How did you choose your location, and PH?
I’ve read good things about Vaughan Fulton in Namibia, I was thinking about doing the seven day “Caprivi Strip†buffalo hunt and either followed or preceded by a seven day plains game hunt at his Northwest Namibia location. My understanding is the daily rate is lower at the northwest location, and this would also allow me an opportunity to see more of the country and possibly a wider variety of game. I’m planning on taking my kids (their 14 and 15 now – probably be 16 and 17 by the time I’ve saved up to go), they probably won’t be hunting, but I’d like them to see as much as possible while we’re there.

Is the hunting better or worse at certain times of the year?

Thanks

The whole industry is full of promises they either can't or don't intend to keep. Stay on your toes and ask lots of questions from as many sources as you can find. I'm learning these things as I type this, don't take anything for granted and assume nothing.

Greg...
I'm not going to be able to provide much in the way of current info. as it's been a while since my last trip. In general terms...I would recommend May-June for the weather in Southern Africa. Beyond that...I will tell you to savor the preparations. For one's first trip...they are a big part of the "total experience". Don't try to cram too much into the first one. Keep your ground plans realistic, through discussion with your P.H. Do your part to make sure you are physically and mentally in the best shape possible and be honest with your P.H. about your capabilities. A good P.H. can best provide the memorable experience you desire only if he knows up front and honestly what he can expect from you. It goes without saying that during this preparation time, you will make certain that your equipment works like it is supposed to EVERY TIME, and that YOU have a back-up plan for when it fails.
Hope this helps....
Cheers,
Don

Greg,

I hunted with Vaughan's outfit last year on my first hunting trip to Africa and had a great time. I can't speak for the Caprivi, but I hunted in the Northwest from late May to early June and had a great hunt. During that time the kudu rut was at its peak and I saw lots of game.

Vaughan posts on this site occasionally; his booking agent, Wendell Reich, posts here regularly, but is currently on a hunt in Botswanna.

Here is a link to my hunting report: Namibia Hunting Report

Greg,

Caprivi tends to be very, very expensive for buffalo. Though the hunting there is good, there are a lot of places where there is a lot more bang for the buck.

My favorite choice for the hunt you describe is in the Save Conservancy in Zimbabwe. The Save has very good populations of buffalo and leopard, and some of the best plains game hunting in all of Zim -- not to mention great accomodations and outfitters operating there.

At some point in the future, I plan to hunt with Shangaan Hunters (Senuko Ranch) in the Save. Their web site is www.shangaanhunters.com

Their reputation is impeccable. Do a search in the Hunt Report section to see what I mean.

My wife and I went with vaughan in 2004 and my buddy and I are going back with him this year. that says it all I believe -we had a great hunt and will again-PM me for more info!

Do a search on Zimbabwe outfitters and book with one of them.

Post edited to remove negative comments.

There are a ton of good outfitters on here. Any one of them can do you right in just about any country you want. Good luck and don't be afraid to post those questions. There are numerous (experienced) posters here who will be more than willing to help you out and answer your questions.
Brian

You should not have to relocate in the middle of a hunt to get a buff/pg combo. We can do that in Zim for you without relocation.

I recommend going on a PG hunt first year esp if it's a "social" hunt with family. Buffalo hunts tend to be more arduous, from more remote camps, and are less "observer friendly". You will need to dedicate yourself to the pursuit of buffalo if you want a good one. In other words, I advocate doing your buffalo hunt as your second hunt.

Ask yourself just exactly what you want from the safari experience and which animal turns your crank for the hunting focus. We wanted a nice buffalo with a Hemmingway feel to the experience. So, we went to Tanzania with the Maasai, Mt. Kilimanjaro ,and the more open miombo. Price is definitely a factor unless you're rich. We had a great deal of fun just planning the trip 1 yr and 3 months out. We weren't disappointed in the least. Victoiria Falls is a must see, and the red dunes of the Namib desert or the Etosha wildlife.
Carp diem!!!

Thanks for all the responses everyone, I appreciate it. You’ve given me quite a bit to think about.

And by all means, keep the feedback coming.