Going on my first safari in 2007 and I have two potential time options. 10 days in early May or 10 days in mid July. Because of work contracts these are my only options. Factor in weather, foliage, ruts etc. Large plains game mostly to include Zebra, Hartebeest and Kudu. Thanks.

July

I have not hunted Namibia in May, but I have in July and October. I would recommend July definately. I will be there with my family from July 3 throught the 21st in 2007.

I hunted there last year during late june/early july. I had a blast and the weather was great. The hunting was far better than I expected. I would pick july if it were me.

Take the May dates as there will have been less hunting pressure then and you may hit the kudu rut. Also the furhter you get into their winter the more wind you get.

Mark

Thanks for the replies! Being a newbie to this African hunting I had a few concerns, one being amount of vegatation (ability to find game), weather (didn't want much rain) and how much effect previous hunters would have on animals. This concession is huge and not fenced. Also this ranch takes on comparatively little hunters compared to other ranches of the same size. Any further elaboration on why you pick either time frame would be greatly appreciated. I need to make a decision soon Thank you.

I've hunted in Namibia every month from March to October. Mid-July is the coldest it gets in Namibia from just below freezing late at night to 60s-70 during the day. Might be a little nippy at the lapa outdoors for dinner/drinks. Minimal vegetation, but that's not a problem in general except for a few locations in Namibia depending on the December-February rains. May weather is delightful and, yes, fewer hunters/tourists are in the country.
Regards

Think in terms of "November" and "January" to compare months in the Northern Hemisphere. Think in terms of the U.S. Desert Southwest and adjacent Mexico to compare climates.

May will be a little warmer and there may be some greenness and a little moisture lingering from the normal summer rains. July will be cooler, with very little moisture remaining. May has the advantage of being fairly early in the usual hunting season. In July you are more likley to find game congregated around watering holes.

You might find a tad cheaper airfares in May as opposed to the high season months of June through August.

I might pick May over July by a slight margin, but either should be fine. As for me, my window next year occurs in June, so I'm splitting the difference by necessity.

Our trip this past July was great. Mornings are cool, but the rest of the day very good hunting weather.
bobga

I hunted Namibia lase week of April, first week of May 2001 and did very well.

I've hunted both times in Namibia in the north and south. I would have to agree with Mark. I think your hunting success will be better in May. Especially if you are after a big KUDU.

Would the July timeframe still be best if one was trying for Leopard? If not, what are some of your thoughts on best month for Leopard in Namibia? Thanks.

Larry Sellers

quote:

Originally posted by Larry Sellers:
Would the July timeframe still be best if one was trying for Leopard? If not, what are some of your thoughts on best month for Leopard in Namibia? Thanks.

Larry Sellers

With or without dogs? If with, I am not sure how much difference it will make. If without, my PH said later is better (I was there in June so I was early). Just my two cents as I am not a guru on this.

I hunted south of Gobabis this past April and it was cold enough for me. The vegetation was thick, but, we could see game. I shot a good kudu, zebra, oryx, springbok and jackal. We are returning to the same place Kalahari Getaway Safari April 2007

I hunted in May and it was great. As some said, you'll hit the kudu rut then. I was there the end of May and left June 3rd.