Where you consider the best place to go for 1st time African Safari for hunting plains game?

Either Namibia or South Africa.

I just returned about a month ago from my first African safari. I hunted in KwaZulu-Natal,South Africa. Of course after this hunt, I have other species I would like to hunt in Namibia; therefore, I don't think either place would be a bad choice.

This might be your first but I bet it isn't your last!

graybird

Personally, Namibia. Big hunting areas, reasonable fees. Good value.

I just returned from my third, and do have some good suggestions for you on a first, but since they involve names, which might be construed as advertising, please PM me if interested and I will gladly give you one persons suggestions.

Have to agree with Wendell. Did my first plainsgame hunt in Namibia this year and had an absolute blast!

I chime in with Namibia also.Be happy to give references if you like.Been twice and loved it both times....eyedoc

You might also like to consider Botswana.....esp Tuli Block.

Smknbarrel,

It seems that the stars are aligned now for Namibia for a first plains game hunt, unless you are bound and determined to hunt some animal that is not found there.

jim dodd

"I don't do these things to other people and I require the same of them." John Books

I think you need an answer that is more specific than "SOUTH AFRICA" or "NAMIBIA". Both are diverse countries and there are hundreds of outfitters to choose from in those countries.

You should also consider the following factors:
1. Will you be traveling alone or with a spouse/child?
2. Do you prefer to hunt mostly on foot, or are you unable to exert yourself for medical or other reasons?
3. Are there any specific species you are interested in?
4. Will you be hunting with a rifle, bow or handgun?
5. How much time do you have?
6. Do you plan to bring back trophies? (ie are you looking for good heads or just a good hunt?)

For some preliminary answers and options, do a little reading under the SAFARIS tab on our site.

Be wary of the following:

1. Tarmac safaris (where you drive around to various locations for specific animals).
2. Cheapo deals. Usually that means sub quality trophies, ie young animals or few animals.
3. Small properties. Depending on the terrain, minimum would be 1000 ha in Zululand, 2500 ha in Limpopo area, 5,000 ha in Namibia or Botswana Kalahari.
4. Sausage Machines. You want to hunt with the owner, not an employee of a large Safari Company.

Hope this helps.

You should also look very hard at what is included and what is not in your offer, the bottom line can alter dramatically if you add it all up. Also make sure you see a proper safari contract which stipulates exactly where you will be hunting and exactly what you get for your money, and don't part with a cent until you get the contract agreed to your satisfaction and signed by both parties. Also avoid any deals that look too good to be true.....because they probably are.

Because you spend a lot of time traveling from one small parcel to another on a tarred highway, not my idea of a Safari. The "tarmac safari" and the "canned hunt" are often found together!

I had to make this choice a while back. I chose Namibia, for several reasons. First, I liked the wide open spaces that you get with larger properties. We did most of our hunting on 440,000 acres of relatively untouched high desert. Second, there is good value to be had in Namibia, and our PH really worked with us to see that our money went as far as it could. Third, the country is relatively peaceful right now while many other parts of Africa are not.



Check out my recent post in the Hunting Reports section of this forum for some pictures and accounts of my recent hunt in Namibia.



See also the PM I sent you.