The Accurate Reloading Forums THE ACCURATE RELOADING.COM FORUMS Hunting African Big Game Hunting Planning first hunting trip, need advice and suggestionsGo | New | Find | Notify | Tools | Reply | |
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OK, well I am getting ready to take the leap. want to start seriously researching hunting option in central/southern africa. I am mostly interested in Buffalo first. Due to my stagnant career and other factors (I should have been there years ago)I want the most hunt for the best deal. I am a fairly "hardcore" traditional hunter in North America. I am mobile, in shape and don't need any safari "fluff" ie extensive creature comforts. I am happy in a tent etc. I would rather forgo some creature comforts and have a more traditional african hunting experience. I fly for basically free so I am looking at the best "rate" and trophy fee's etc. for Buff. I am looking at Zimbabwe which seems to have the best deals so far. I like the Buff/ cow elephant hunts available there as well. I am looking mainly for adventure, so please post up advice. I know this is the right place for that! Looking at bringing a non-hunter and possibly the boy as well. If not now certainly in the future. Ideally I would like 14-21 days, but that is dependant on the daily rates, which can be quite pricey IMO. What are the options for a capable hunter, mobile and ready to hunt hard everyday and have a major adventure? I plan on hopefully making the trek a regular basis, but I need to get headed in the right direction at first. Thanks in advance! White Mountains Arizona | ||
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Interestingly, quite often the most "fluffy" of safari camps are "tented". For instance, in much of Tanzania, permanent structures are not allowed so each year, operators truck in a whole camp infrastructure including flush toilets, showers, stove, ice-makers, generators, concrete for tent/bath floors, tables, chairs, beds, mirrors, dining tables, clothes dressers.... you name it. Then, they build a dining area, kitchen (withing where a real chef does wonders), skinning facilities, something like a lanai or outside den... it's quite impressive and posh. It is worth every penny and really old Africa. If you can afford the Selous, do it! As to "flying about anywhere" for free??, remember that charters are another ballgame. If chartering is necessary, it can add thousands to a safari. What would I do? Well, I've been on lots of safaris. For value and game, it's hard to beat Zimbabwe. With Victoria Falls as your p.o.e. to Zim, there are a dozen legal and ethical operators who will pick you up there at the airport and get you to the hunting area (3 hours max?) and you'll be smelling buff poop by noon the first day. My 2011 safari is number 20-somethingth. I've been to RSA, Burkina Faso, Botswana, Zimbabwe and Tanzania, so my decisions are from experience. What's up for this trip (and budget is an issue next year for sure)? I'm taking my daughter to Matetsi. Lots of game, good accomodations, a reasonable price and it's next to the niceities of Vic Falls (The Boma, Ultimate Lodge, Gorges Lodge, Vic Falls Hotel, etc), white water and fishing in the Zambezi and it is the safe enough for me to take a 20 year-old lady with reasonalbe precautions. JMHO. JudgeG ... just counting time 'til I am again finding balm in Gilead chilled out somewhere in the Selous. | |||
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Now that is making a point! Seriously what Ernest has said is true. Jumping out of Vic falls you can do Matetsi or fly up into the Valley. The charter will be a bit more from Vic falls vs Harare if going to the lower valley. This fall we did the Dande north which is just across from Zambia and next to the Moz border. Elephant, Hippo, Crocs, Buffalo, Lions and some plains game i e Chobe Bushbuck, Kudu Zebra etc. The camp was a perm. tented camp. Great fishing if you want. | |||
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don't do it  you will catch an incurable disease,  instead send me the money you were going to spend and i will go in your place, since i already have the disease  | |||
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+1. Matetsi has the unique distinction of a DG/Plainsgame destination within a few hours of an international airport. Vic Falls is one of the most spectacular destinations in all of Africa, win/win for sure. "You only gotta do one thing well to make it in this world" - J Joplin | |||
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With Victoria Falls as your p.o.e. to Zim, there are a dozen legal and ethical operators who will pick you up there at the airport and get you to the hunting area (3 hours max?) and you'll be smelling buff poop by noon the first day. Any recomendations for operators? | |||
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Thanks for the replies. I second any recommendations from the above post. Vic falls idea sounds pretty good...... White Mountains Arizona | |||
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P.M. sent. Among others, I like C&M safaris, whatever Ivan Carter is doing, HHK and "my" P.H. there, Lou Hallamore (HHK has Matetsi 3), Ron Oliver sells good and honest deals (Matetsi 5?), the same for David Keith or Mark Young. Going to the Caprivi Strip through Vic Falls is also an idea. Karl Stumpe does that very, very well. I know I've left folks out and I'll buy them a drink in Dallas???? Then there is Deka and Deka Tail. I think Riverside is up and running well???? AR is interesting in that if a P.H. or booking agent offers something that is questionable, the members will call them on it, often asking questions that clear up issues or show that the deal is not what it is what it is claimed to be. Read the hunt reports, search the forum with Matetsi, Lemco, Chufudzi, etc in the engine. You'll figure it out. An, I'll bet that really good folks who are respected here will contact you to cater to your needs.
JudgeG ... just counting time 'til I am again finding balm in Gilead chilled out somewhere in the Selous. | |||
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Guys, let us not forget the Save Valley Conservancy. That would be tough to beat for what gunslinger is after. Mark MARK H. YOUNG MARK'S EXCLUSIVE ADVENTURES 7094 Oakleigh Dr. Las Vegas, NV 89110 Office 702-848-1693 Cell, Whats App, Signal 307-250-1156 PREFERRED E-mail markttc@msn.com Website: myexclusiveadventures.com Skype: markhyhunter Check us out on https://www.facebook.com/pages...ures/627027353990716 | |||
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My thoughts exactly!  | |||
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gunslinger, 14 or more days would give you quality time to pursue Buffalo and tuskless Elephant. Timing will be important, so you want to pick your timeframe when your chances of both being available are best. Don't forget, Zim offers some excellent plains game as well. Be wary of offers too good to be true and positively use a registered Zim PH. You don't need those problems I assure you. I highly recommend you use Andy Hunter to do any dip & pack concerns. You'll need to secure his services up front. If your planning on 2011, I'd be looking at dates ASAP. By the time the major shows are over, most of the good outfits will be booked. Cheers, David Gray Ghost Hunting Safaris http://grayghostsafaris.com Phone: 615-860-4333 Email: hunts@grayghostsafaris.com NRA Benefactor DSC Professional Member SCI Member RMEF Life Member NWTF Guardian Life Sponsor NAHC Life Member Rowland Ward - SCI Scorer Took the wife the Eastern Cape for her first hunt: http://forums.accuratereloadin...6321043/m/6881000262 Hunting in the Stormberg, Winterberg and Hankey Mountains of the Eastern Cape 2018 http://forums.accuratereloadin...6321043/m/4801073142 Hunting the Eastern Cape, RSA May 22nd - June 15th 2007 http://forums.accuratereloadin...=810104007#810104007 16 Days in Zimbabwe: Leopard, plains game, fowl and more: http://forums.accuratereloadin...=212108409#212108409 Natal: Rhino, Croc, Nyala, Bushbuck and more http://forums.accuratereloadin...6321043/m/6341092311 Recent hunt in the Eastern Cape, August 2010: Pics added http://forums.accuratereloadin...261039941#9261039941 10 days in the Stormberg Mountains http://forums.accuratereloadin...6321043/m/7781081322 Back in the Stormberg Mountains with friends: May-June 2017 http://forums.accuratereloadin...6321043/m/6001078232 "Peace is that brief glorious moment in history when everybody stands around reloading" - Thomas Jefferson Every morning the Zebra wakes up knowing it must outrun the fastest Lion if it wants to stay alive. Every morning the Lion wakes up knowing it must outrun the slowest Zebra or it will starve. It makes no difference if you are a Zebra or a Lion; when the Sun comes up in Africa, you must wake up running...... "If you're being chased by a Lion, you don't have to be faster than the Lion, you just have to be faster than the person next to you." | |||
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I'd offer another suggestion, Gunslinger. If you haven't already, read some great books about African history and safari. Safari by Bartle Boyd is great. I love the White Nile or any of the good Livingstone and Stanley books. I just finished The Eye of the Leopard about post-colonial Zambia. Capstick's books are fun but a bit sensationsational. Hunter by J.A. Hunter is a classic. Perhaps others have suggestions? Such reading will really give you some great anticipation (which is 1/3 the fun.... with doing it 1/3 and the memories the remainder). Another suggestion is to fly to Dallas or Reno this year and get your feet wet at the conventions. At the AR gatherings there will be those with 1000's of safaris amongst them. No one minds telling you of their experiences, good and bad. In fact, take a shovel or at least wear high boots!  JudgeG ... just counting time 'til I am again finding balm in Gilead chilled out somewhere in the Selous. | |||
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Man....I'm jealous.....remember the FIRST one? All the choices, anticipation, etc. Great place to be GS....and good advice given by all. Gary DRSS NRA Lifer SCI.....hmmmm DSC | |||
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What GarBy said +2 GS, you didn't mention what year you might book for. I ask because my first Safari was booked almost 18 months out and I was at your information gathering state two years before the hunt. That's not to say you can't call an agent or talk to one at SCI or DSC and book on their advice alone but, like GarBy pointed out, the planning and information gathering is actually fun as well. My hunt evolved from RSA to Namibia to Namibia & Zambia before I knew it. I would have changed some things knowing what I know now first hand but I wouldn't have known those things without experiencing them and as always your mileage may vary.  ______________________ DRSS ______________________ Hunt Reports 2015 His & Her Leopards with Derek Littleton of Luwire Safaris - http://forums.accuratereloadin...6321043/m/2971090112 2015 Trophy Bull Elephant with CMS http://forums.accuratereloadin...6321043/m/1651069012 DIY Brooks Range Sheep Hunt 2013 - http://forums.accuratereloadin...901038191#9901038191 Zambia June/July 2012 with Andrew Baldry - Royal Kafue http://forums.accuratereloadin...6321043/m/7971064771 Zambia Sept 2010- Muchinga Safaris http://forums.accuratereloadin...6321043/m/4211096141 Namibia Sept 2010 - ARUB Safaris http://forums.accuratereloadin...6321043/m/6781076141 | |||
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I'm probably in the minority here, but since you mention the "best" rate and TF's, I'll talk about that. I think some folks get into trouble by saying: (1) I want to hunt a buffalo (or any other animal for that matter) and (2) I am looking for the best deal (translation: cheapest) out there for that animal/hunt. Remember, you are not buying groceries or socks here. Do you want the cheapest doctor? Dentist? Lawyer? Pilot? I think not. MOST of the time, the same holds true in the safari business. MOST times you do not want the cheapest PH and safari company. I think the more prudent path is to determine what you can realistically spend, then start shopping for a hunt in that price range if such a hunt exists. For example, if you have $7500 to spend, I'd say you need to save another year or two. If you have $12000, $15000 or $20000 to drop, then you can go to any number of middle to top buffalo destinations. You mention bringing as many as two observers. This, alone, could swing the price as much as $500 per day. That's $5000 on a ten day hunt. I think observer rates are ridiculous, but you need to know that cost and factor it into your planning. All of that said, the really really good news is that you've found AR. I made eight international hunts and better than a dozen US hunts before I discovered this wonderful site. If I'd only know then what I know now. Best advice, set a budget, read the old hunt reports on this site, send some PMs, make some calls, read the old discounted hunts to see what kinds of deals have been out there the past few seasons, start discussions on AR about areas and operators, get it all in writing, and ask plenty of questions. My $.02. Good luck. Disclaimer: I'm not against saving money or looking for good deals. I'm fine with comparing apples to apples. The kind of "good deals" I warn against are the almost too good to be true deals. Will J. Parks, III | |||
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It sounds like you work in the airline industry or fly a lot to accumulate miles. Nevertheless, book your flights with an agent, one experienced in Africa and specializing in hunters. If you have any doubt about this, just query experienced Africa hunters here. Custom Travel is one, Kathi who posts here is another. There are two or three more. If you have questions, feel free to PM me. I generally advise first timers to do a plains game (PG) hunt first to get their feet wet, but there are exceptions. I agree heartily that you indulge yourself in some books. Here is a work that covers the anthropology, geology, political history, economics, etc. of Africa. It's thick, in paper back, and one you can dip into on occasion: "Africa, A Biography of the Continent", John Reader. You'll find it in most college bookstores or on the net. To get a feel of what Zimbabwe is like for Africans: "When A Crocodile Eats the Sun", Peter Godwin. Please do not head for Africa without acquiring and consuming: "The Perfect Shot", by Kevin Robertson. Safari Press. Kevin is veterinarian, PH, African farmer, raconteur, gentleman, veteran of the Zim revolution, vitim of the War Vets, artist, ballistician, and a fine writer. He will likely be at Reno, in the Safari Press booth. If you can book a buff hunt with him, you could do no better. To have some understanding of Euro-African history: "King Leopold's Ghost", Adam Hochschild The more you put into your safari, the more you will get out of it. Investing in some research will aid in your appreciation and understanding, and you will quickly discover that your PH and the folks you associate with there will have a greater respect for you. Ten safaris under my berlt, more to come. good luck, Brice | |||
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Zim would certainly give you all of what you are looking for . I agree with Mark Young that the Save Conservancy is an area that would suit your needs and give you good bang for your buck. I dont disagree at all with the Judge about Vic Falls as that will also give you a great opportunity. I would recomend that you take time out to visit Reno or Dallas and chat to some of the Zim operators , as well as some of the AR members who I am sure will happily answer any questions. Dont be fooled by the cheapest Hunts, by wording Like PAC or Management animals or by fancy pics. Any good operator will have good refs and will answer your questions honestly ...not just say what he thinks you want to hear. | |||
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I agree that the cheapest is not the best. I am more interested in a quality hunt, and could forgo having my laundry ironed. I am quite used to backcountry wild hunts after elk and such, and actually enjoy more rugged type hunts. I want to know if there is a way to do this and save any money or if it is all set up with luxury tents and meals etc. As for the observers, yeah it is somewhat rediculous but my family wants to go and I don't want to "sightsee". I want to hunt. And I am not very interested in plains game at this point. Go big or stay home. I see on many operators that under 10 is free...And if my wife wants to come I see that as a plus. After the 1st she may not be as interested, or may want to start shooting, we will see. I do work in the airline industry, and I wish I was more finacially secure, but I am sure there are people here that know what is going on there for the last decade. In any case, looking for best bang for buck. $20K for a hunt is alot of dough, and I am prepared for that if necessary, but that certainly limits the average joe as far as heading to Africa every year. The self guided cameroon hunts would be interesting for a well seasoned adventurer, but that is not me in Africa yet. I have industry contacts as well and will be exploring those options, and yeah need to make it to the shows and do some face time with operators. And yes this sight is a great resource. Thanks for the input!
White Mountains Arizona | |||
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I think that is some good advice. There are much worse ways to pick a safari than to read a bunch of good books and see if they lead to a common daydream thread. Then get as close as reality allows to that dream. Looking for the right trip really spreads out the fun  . Good luck.Dean ...I say that hunters go into Paradise when they die, and live in this world more joyfully than any other men. -Edward, Duke of York | |||
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The Accurate Reloading Forums THE ACCURATE RELOADING.COM FORUMS Hunting African Big Game Hunting Planning first hunting trip, need advice and suggestions
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