im intrested in cape buffalo hunting in 2010 or so. not sure where to go but i think Zimbabwe sounds good. i was wanting to know of good people/ph's to look at and when to book the hunt(how far ahead). its my first time and i could use the help
thanks

Strongly believe that you need to smarten yourself up about the political situation in Zimbabwe before you consider booking a hunt out as far as 2010. The two aspects that bear are what is going to happen to Zimbabwe leader Rob't Mugabe, and what sanctions, including financial, the U.S. might put on Zimbabwe.

Plenty of opinion will be forthcoming on this forum, but you need to check it out and then make a decision.

On another subject, trust you've made contact with the Biesen family on LH actions and rifles. Google them (as well as Zimbabwe) if you haven't already.

Regards

i have not talked to the biesens but this comming week i will.

2010 is a very long ways off...not for you necessarily but for putting deposits down in Africa. You are wise to start researching in advance though.

I don't know what kind of research you have done or your hunting experience but there are some great resources out there...buffalo books and videos by Boddington for example are worthwhile investments. You can also learn a lot by coming to these forums and doing searches on different topics and looking at the hunt report section which is probably the most valuable forum on AR. Also, the Hunt Report online is a great source of info.

If you can make it to an SCI show like Reno or Dallas that would be ideal for meeting operators in person and many of the good operators will be at both of those shows as often as they can.

As to Zim PHs...whew, there are a lot of good ones for buff. You will hear about a lot of them here and some of the operators that keep coming up in no particular order are Chifuti, Charlton McCallum, HHK, Duckworth, John Sharp, Ivan Carter, Roger Whittall and I could go on...someone will dink me for not naming someone but that's just a quick but good list.

Any of those operators routinely take nice buff and all of them are very respected. I would be happy to hunt with any of them but you should do the research and find out which ones might be more compatible with your own personality, goals and interests. Personally, I like Charlton McCallum and Ivan Carter but that's because I'm the same age as them and we have a lot in common. Your mileage may vary.

2010 is a long way off but watch the politics. you could not go any better than to book with Roger Whittall he has great PH's and Humani is the best plce on the continent and the Buffs are fantastic.

There is no shortage of buffalo in most of Africa other than perhaps Namibia and RSA. Plenty plenty in Zim, Bots, Moz, Tanz, Zambia. So there's no hurry to book. Heck, you can book in Sept and go hunting two weeks later, in many places. You will save quite a bit of $$$ doing it that way as well.

Same with elephant.

The increase in airfares and the coming recession is going to thin out the ranks of the hunters a bit.

Now if you want to hunt lion that's another story. You need to make that booking two to three years in advance, to get into a good area.

I would recommend going on an inexpensive PG safari before your buffalo safari. Like eating a starter before the main meal. You are more likely to succeed that way, and you will almost die of anticipation between the two hunts. Plus you can get to know your PH without committing a lot of money.

As has been said, a lot can happen in Africa between now and 2010 - Governments can change and people can lose and gain areas. To say nothing of laws that can change which may make hunting easier ir harder for the hunter. I'd also advise you to do your research - and I mean all aspects of the research, everything from political to financial etc etc and then wait and see. - Regarding flights, 2010 is the soccer world cup and if you can make flight reservations without paying for them as we can over here, you might like to make a range of them as an ace in the hole. I appreciate that the US isn't a great soccer playing nation and probably won't have a hell of a lot of supporters flying from the US to Africa, but remember that many flights from the US to Africa, go via the UK & Europe...... and those countries ARE great soccer nations, so there's no doubt those flights will sell out early, which will put additional pressure on the remaining flights.

Regarding species, assuming you're an experienced hunter and have done your fair share of hunting your American species etc, I'd recommend you consider a combined DG & PH hunt together. - Probably Buff or Elephant. - It's a shit of a journey between the US and here and flights are expensive, so why not make the most of it once you're here...... obviously if money and time allow.

Yukon Delta has given you some very good names for Zimbabwe and I'd add to those with that of Andy Hunter as well......

I forgot about the World Cup in 2010. We're just going to have to deal with that monster when it comes. That's really going to muck it up I think.

If research is not your strong point (I love it but many people hate it) then I would highly suggest getting familiar with a booking agent and we have several here. Be sure it's someone who can offer personal service unlike an agency like the one at Cabela's that routinely gets service complaints. If you don't know who the agents here are just ask for help and watch the PM's and emails flow in. As always, be sure to check references.

What is the dates for the world cup it should be in summer about september

I believe it's June 11-July 11...right in prime season.

That is a bad time you have frost on the highveld at that time so the staduims will look dull and it will be cold so no chicks will flash for us on tv ha ha

i think flights will be very expensive that time so i will hunt in may or aug in 2010

I don't think it'll affect the price of hunting as I can't see many football supporters wanting to hunt...... the mentality of the two groups are poles apart, but I'm sure the hotel and airline prices etc will skyrocket during that time.

One option is to contact a company like Hunters & Guides Africa (www.huntersandguides.co.za) who have concessions in a number of countries and as long as there is hunting available they will be able to offer you a good hunt. Closer to the time they will obviously need to make a call as to which country will be best but at least if there are problems in Zim they can put you in TZ or Zambia or Bots if you have a big budget. John Oosthuisen is a director of the company and a passionate buffalo hunter ( he features in African Hunter 2) and i am sure he will give you some sound advice.

2010 soccer World Cup,

If you are going to be in SA in and around that time make sure you start booking your other accommodation that is not on the hunting properties quite soon. To find a place to sleep over in the Gauteng area would be a nightmare.

I know of quest houses who is already almost booked up for the world cup in Pretoria for 2010.