I was chatting with some friends today that are planning a safari. It will be in the Selous and elephants are a possibility. They’ve been told October is a better time for such a hunt as compared to September, which was in their initial plans. Is it that much drier a month later to make the hunt potentially better? What other factors could have caused the recommendation?

Spring,

It will be drier and water becomes scarce and animals gravitate to the life giving water..

I may also add eles are big movers and they may be following certain food sources..
Mike

Vic,

I think it depends on the area. Several years ago I had some conversations with Luke Samarus and he felt if you booked as late as possible in his areas you would have the best chance. On the other hand Adam has hunted areas where he considered September to be very good for elephant.

Mark

Good rule of thumb for elephant in the Selous is the drier the better, hence October is optimum in most blocks. If you stray into November you run the risk of hitting the short rains which disperse the elephant again.

In my experience, which is not terribly extensive, it depends on the blocks in question.

I have seen hundreds of elephant in August in some blocks. But I would have to think that, as a general rule, later is better.

I will be hunting the Rufiji area of Selous in late August 2007 for Lion, Buffalo, etc. with opp. for elephant. Anyone have experience there or at that time of year? Lion is really goal, elephant would be a nice bonus.

Thanks

BigBBear,
How likely are they suggesting a lion and an elephant will be on the same hunt?

BigBear,

Don't know for sure but an AR poster shot a lion and bull ele near the Rufiji River this past August with PVT
Ivory was nice and thick is posted in the hunt report forum..
Is this the area you are looking at??

Mike

Do not know if are where PVT was hunting but I am certainly not hunting with him. PH who I have hunted with feels very good chance for Lion and has seen several Ele that he feels are legal or borderline. Have to be 1.7m of course. Owner of concession is guy named Shinni if I understand it corrctly. Just curious if any out there had experience in this area and or time.
Retreever, can you help me find the thread on the hunt report you mentioned?

Thanks

Bigbear sent you a PM

Mike