I'm putting together a trip to bring my niece to South Africa and do not fully understand the general terrain features of the major hunting areas (Limpopo, Eastern Cape, etc.) of the country. I've been to Zambia and the Caprivi and I like the "bush" look in general, not the more open areas that remind me of Eastern Montana. I’ll do the research on outfitters, but what areas should I concentrate on to get this look and feel? Keep in mind she is not a hunter yet, so I’ll be looking for something that has the creature comforts a 19 year old would be used to. In other words, no areas too remote. Thanks.

Sounds like to me you are looking at the Limpopo Province since you like the bush.

You have picked two of the better areas for what you describe. Each concession varies in terrain so be careful and make sure the Safari Company has what you want. You might take a look at my website for ideas. Go to the South African section. www.thesafaridesk.com. There are a variety of options listed.
One thought though, the brushy areas can be frustrating to the inexperienced. They do not get to see and observe the numbers of game found in some of the more open areas. You may need to balance that against your own preferences. I am assuming her enjoying the experience is critical.
Butch Manasse
307-637-5495
www.worldwide-hunts.com.

Butch, yes, her experience is critical and thanks for the advice and I agree, I don't want too much brush to make viewing difficult. What I'm trying to give her is a bit of the feel of what most tourists think Africa is like and I don't believe they imagine those open plains where you can see a Wildebeest 2 miles away. I'm also hoping the bushier areas will hold some non-hunting species (for us) such as Giraffe for her to see.

Check out Kubusi Safaris in the Eastern Cape.
They have 2 areas that we stayed at. One - (Kubusi) was individual chalets and the other (XXL) was Safari Tents, both had insuite bathrooms.
While in each of these areas there are different species to be seen (because of the terrain difference).
While you are there they won't mix groups in the field. There may be other groups in the compound but while you are on your camera safari there won't be hunters in the same area. They do rifle and bow hunts and camera safari's.
They are located about 1 1/2 hours out of East London.
James has also initiated a breeding program for Cape Buffalo (not hunted) and White Rhino (also not hunted) that can be viewed while there.
While we were there we saw a baby giraffe with it's mother seperate from the herd. Our PH said it probably was only a couple of days old at the time, as they leave the herd to give birth and take the baby back to the herd after they are a few days old.

The Eastern Cape has it all, from bush to open plains to thick forests. Try Bowker Safaris or Blaauwkrantz Safaris.

I'd be honored to host you on our ranch in the Eastern Cape. Almost to a person our visitors exclaim it is the prettiest ranch they have visited in South Africa, including Jim Shockey who has hunted almost everywhere there is to hunt.
Some scenery shots are on our web site.
http://www.bombaziwilderness.com
Love to chat with you if you are interested.

Camshaft.

Limpopo, is the place to be one flight in to Joburg without needing another flight and the temperatures especially in mid winter are much more milder than the eastern Cape.

The bush is also more wild with leopards brown hyenas and even cheetahs. Even if you dont see them, there is a good chance of seeing their tracks. Jackal at night and then dont forget the fire at nights with bushveld wood.

And you never know what you will find around the next corner or bush ?
You will still be able to see loads of animals as well even if you are hunting or not.

If you need we have many references of wifes and non hunters that has been on their safaris with us.

Hope to hear from you.

There is no "typical" African bush. There are lots of versions of African bush. But I think, reading between the lines, that you want Acacia Bushveld, in which case you should avoid the E. Cape and the OFS which have their own specific biomes. Kwazulu Natal or the Limpopo Valley would be fine choices. Note, large areas of the Limpopo Valley are Mopane woodland which is rather monotonous.

There are no really remote areas in RSA. It's all a hop and a skip from a surfaced road with TV and telephones throughout. And 90% of the "game farms" have permanent lodges with hot & cold running water etc. There are degrees of luxury though.

Another consideration is activities for an observer. The same "game drive" every day can get old if you are not hunting. Kwazulu Natal is probably more diverse and interesting than the Limpopo Valley. You have the Indian Ocean, several National Parks, and even a World Heritage Site.

What about getting a copy of Peter Flack's documentary DVD on hunting South Africa? Shows all the different types of terrain and provinces as well as advice on gear,etc. You can then choose an outfitter from the area you prefer. Should be available from Rowland Ward Publications.

Hi, Check out the link to TG Safaris, they have great hunting and Tino´s wife has opened a day spa for the ladies! I´ll be going back to visit them in May, just can´t get enough of the place.
Have a good one!
Cewe
PM me for details if you like

I would think Zulu Nyala would be fine as it has many creature comforts and the terain is beautiful. They don't hunt thier own property but have access to many properties for hunting. Mark DeWet is in charge of their hunting operation and he posts here. They have 3 style of accomodations, the Lodge, the Hotel or tented sites. I am continuing my search for Suni in Zululand this fall and will be based out of Zulu Nyala.

I operate exactly in the middle of open (Free State) and bush areas (Limpopo) - The North West Province of South Africa.

Based on what you are saying, I'd go to the limpopo. Here is who we hunted with in 2008, and had a fantastic time.

www.cruisersafaris.com/

everything went perfect from beginning to end.

Mad Dog

Wow, thanks guys, this is exactly what I was looking for. And special thanks to JCHB for the suggestion of the DVD. I didn't even know that existed.

I would recommend the hoedspruit area because you can do good hunting you are close to the kruger and there is a lot of scenic place like gods window and pilgrims rest close by

pm me if you want more suggestions

this waterbuck comes from that area and concession
http://forums.accuratereloadin...481092611#9481092611

G.L.Krause, here is a link to my hunting report on Cruiser safaris.


http://forums.accuratereloadin...=304103498#304103498

Mad Dog

Hi Gordon,

Long time. Gone soft in your old age? What is wrong with remote and endless horizons. I now part own the Munyamadzi private hunting estate in Luangwa and if you ever want to return to old Africa then let me know.

Andrew Baldry

I would also recommend the Hoedspruit area and a specific outfitter/PH named Jan Dumon who also has Greater Kruger hunting areas. The "Greater Kruger" means properties bordering the Kruger National Park that have taken down their fences bordering the National Park. You do not hunt in the National Park, but, it is as close to free range as you can get in South Africa and rather than seeing just the animals the owner has stocked his land with, you have the possibility of having any of the animals in the Kruger being present, including Cape Buffalo if you want to add some dangerous game to your dance card. Jan generally has a good allotment of Leopard licenses every year and probably has one of the better leopard success rates in South Africa. When I hunted with him I only did plains game.

Jan's e-mail is mwshumba@mweb.co.za

The photo below is the view from the shower/head hut at his main camp. As you can see, it's not the Great Plains.



The main camp location does not border the Kruger, but it's a short drive. I hunted around his main camp and on a property bordering the Kruger.

I would vote for Limpopo. It has areas from sparse brush to heavy brush plus very hilly areas (mountains to us Texans). Just be sure your outfitter understands what you are looking for.

We enjoyed our photo safari and hunting with Pieter Kriel. Check out the price list page. I really like how he has a description of each animal with a photo of them with his clients.

Hunting in Africa

Andrew - PM left

Hi Gordon,

Did not receive it but sent you one. Let me know when you get it.

Andrew

Hey Gordon,

Dont forget to let your Niece help you decide on an outfitter, check out the websites, references etc. Thats half the fun right, planning your safari!

By the way, Got Charlie Krause from NJ bringing his 16 yr old nephew over the 31st July 2010 for a two week safari with us, You guys are'nt perhaps related are you, just wondering as you have the same Surname.

Good luck
Murray Crous
www.settlerssafaris.com

Sorry Murray, not related. Good advice on getting her involved though. Thanks.