I used to pride myself on how much I researched and kept up with all the current outfitters and operations in both South Africa and Namibia. That was a time when I was younger and life wasn't as busy for me. Now, I don't have the time to spend countless hours online researching hundreds of operations like I used to. I am now engaged, and in the middle of planning a wedding. Spare time isn't as common as it once was....haha.

Basically, I'm wondering what the best "bang for the buck" hunting operations are in either RSA or Namibia these days. It's certainly not an emergency, but I am hoping to go within the next 3 years.

I would like to hunt for 10-14 days with the priority being to take quality animals of the species that are either not obtainable on private ranches here in Texas, or are very expensive to take here. These would mainly consist of Kudu, Hartebeest, Nyala, Black Wildebeest, Duiker, Steenbok, Impala, Blesbok, Springbok, Warthog, Klipspringer, Bushbuck, and Reedbuck. I know all of these typically don't occur in the same areas, but I don't have to get all of them in the same trip.

The Eastern Cape seems to be a very good option (although I would prefer to shoot larger Kudu than are found there). I recently looked at John X Safaris' pricing and they seem very competitive. I am wanting suggestions for the best priced operations (without sacrificing the quality of the experience).

Any thoughts?

All those species occur in the Eastern cape of South Africa. Roughly 1-2 hrs around an about the lodge and you'll find all of them and mostly free range on low fence cattle ranches
Best regards

Botswana for massive Kudu and some of the rest. Big game country.



Got a mate there who could probably offer you some great hunting for $400 a day. PM me and I will send you his details.

You'll find all those species in the Eastern Cape at very affordable rates. There are many first class outfitters in the Eastern Cape offering good hunting and hospitality.Our lodge is situated 90 minutes from Port Elizabeth, feel free to contact me for a quote.

Victor Watson

My group price with Tholo is $7660 (including tax) for 9 nights, 8 hunt days with trophy fees for eland, kudu, gemsbok, zebra, blue wildebeest, impala and jackal included. Great camp, 250,000 acres and incredible game numbers and quality. This is a 2x1 price and no one had any problems getting their animals on 2x1 last year. 1x1 is about $900 more.

PM Sent,

Les Howell

quote:

Originally posted by Tim Herald:
My group price with Tholo is $7660 (including tax) for 9 nights, 8 hunt days with trophy fees for eland, kudu, gemsbok, zebra, blue wildebeest, impala and jackal included. Great camp, 250,000 acres and incredible game numbers and quality. This is a 2x1 price and no one had any problems getting their animals on 2x1 last year. 1x1 is about $900 more.

Tim,

I have seriously considered Tholo or Kanana. What are the logistical differences of getting to/from Botswana compared to RSA? Also, what about the difference in price for the additional travel?

It was one added 1.5 hour flight to Maun from Joburg and then a 3 hour drive to camp. SO not a big deal at all. Kanana is no longer doing hunts and Jason is at Tholo. That flight is about $400. Feel free to give me a call if you want to discuss...would be happy to have you go with us sometime...

quote:

Originally posted by Victor Watson:
You'll find all those species in the Eastern Cape at very affordable rates. There are many first class outfitters in the Eastern Cape offering good hunting and hospitality.Our lodge is situated 90 minutes from Port Elizabeth, feel free to contact me for a quote.

Victor Watson

Victor,

Your prices are among the best I've seen recently. We will be in touch at some point I'm sure.

Check out

http://www.spiralhorn.co.za

He is putting together something pretty special.

Ed

Check out Settlers Safaris, located near Grahamstown S.A. About an hour and a half drive out of Port Elizabeth. They have quality facilities, staff and the animals that you are after.

http://www.westfalenhuntnamibia.com/

100%, no doubt, go here. Our own Greg Brownlee books for them. Huge unfenced area, great game populations, and wonderful people running the whole outfit.

Tholo with Jason Bridger.

Mike

Tholo. The extra cost of the flight compared with the quality of the operation and hunting is insignificant.

Our hunt last May:
http://forums.accuratereloadin...6321043/m/5591093112

Awesome pic RAC. I"m gonna do that Tholo deal some day.

PM sent.

Hey Wade.

Eastern Cape is one of the best places to look at.
Hope you find what your looking for and enjoy your hunt.