I am looking to plan a buffalo/plains game hunt for summer 2008 with my wife as an observer. I had an excellent RSA hunt in 2003 where I took the "standard" first-timer bag of kudu, impala, etc. This time, a good buffalo is my primary goal though it looks like I will be joined by 2 couples who are first-timers and would like to take more of a general bag. Despite my best efforts to put their concerns to rest, they are pretty nervous about traveling to/hunting in Zimbabwe.

My budget is $15-20k including airfare and I'm looking at 10-12 hunting days. I've spoken to the agent that booked my last trip (who I was/am very pleased with) and he suggested a couple of scenarios.

1. We all fly to Jo'burg, the rest of the party heads to a large operation in RSA and begins their hunt. I continue to Charara concession located on the southern banks of Lake Kariba in Northern Zimbabwe to hunt buff and then join the party in RSA when my hunt is over. I would hunt plains game with the rest of the party as time allows.

2. The whole party travels to a concession in Southern Zim for the entire trip and I travel north to hunt buff and, as above, meet the rest of the crew when my buff hunt concludes. (my preference due to simpler logistics)

I am open to entirely new ideas/locations but would like to maximize the time that the group spends together- I realize that by accomodating my friends' wishes I am limiting my options but I'm ok with that...it's important to me that we all enjoy ourselves.

Any ideas or suggestions? Has anyone here hunted buff recently the Lake Kariba area? We (the men) are all experienced hunters who are willing to hunt hard.

quote:

2. The whole party travels to a concession in Southern Zim for the entire trip and I travel north to hunt buff and, as above, meet the rest of the crew when my buff hunt concludes. (my preference due to simpler logistics)

This sounds like a plan to me. You could all stay and hunt together including your Buff hunt. If quality accomodations, scenery, food, game and overall hunting experience (with the women in mind as well) are very important, give me a call or email and I'll tell you what I can offer. Good hunting, David