Long-time "sponge" to AR, sporadic poster. Over the next 2-3 years I have a window in July to take my boys to Africa. Due to their schedules with school and sport, July is virtually the only possible time slot to get to Africa at this stage in our lives. My question: Ruling out South Africa as well as the Big 5, what specific areas offer good conditions for specific species-mainly plains game? Looking for opportunity, not as much trophies. Warthog, kudu, impala, zebra, eland top the list. Last pre-req: looking for wild Africa. Oh yea, and on a budget.
Is my answer somewhere in Namibia? Somehwere in Bots? Somewhere in Texas? I know "budget" and Africa dont necessarily go together but that's why Im putting it out there.
Thx guys. Love reading about all your trips, tips and experience.
Blixen

Most, if not all species should be available in July. Not sure what budget means ! Hope you get a good deal, enjoy !

Save or BVC in Zim. Good pg hunting plus get to see all of the big 5.

I've been to Namibia twice, so it gets my vote. Beautiful country and great people.

In my very limited experience, I really like the Kalahari in Botswana, preferably with Kanana if they re-open, but I know that nearby Tholo would be awesome, too.

Somebody mentioned Zim. I would really like to know more about Zim as a potential destination for budget-minded folks like myself. Can any of the ranches in Zim compete favourably with Namibia or Bots or RSA? Or do they all have really high day rates? Keen to learn more.

Outside of airfare, there certainly is no better deal than Africa and the best "bang for your buck" would surely be RSA or Namibia. The U.S. Dollar is very strong right now and should continue to be for some time.
There are many "Father/Son" type pricing hunts to be had depending on your goals.
Places like Westfalen ( and certainly Tholo in Botswana) have great deals and very palatable trophy fees. Also, I wouldn't rule out things like the management hunts or animals that can give plenty of shooting opportunities for a very reduced price.

Northeastern Namibia in June or July is nice. I'm trying to remember whether June or July was the coldest. One was cold, the other wasn't but had a lot of bugs, which was kind of interesting in it's own right, especially if you have young boys. I think it was July that was so cold.

Zim plains game is not nearly as expensive as the DG hunts.

If you want wild, expect that your chances will be less. The conservancies in Zim would likely be more wild than the fenced properties in Botswana or Namibia, and the animals there will be what is generally naturally occurring there. (Ie no gemsbok or springbok)

Last I looked the Zim PG daily rates were like $400/day.

So Zim would be doable, but I don't know if it would be optimal for you.

Talk to some Zim operators and get a quote or two, it can't hurt...

Why are you ruling out South Africa?

The Eastern Cape would have some great deals.....

Who many boys do you have and what is your budget for daily rates & trophy fees?

South Africa may be the best bet as the species you mentioned would be free ranging.

Wild and remote Africa is pricey and there are transfers to consider.

If you have texas on the list yet I would say south Africa would be better then a hunt there. There are place in SA that are big enough to do a great hunt. Get some prices and info from a few people in each country and see which will work best for your family. Good luck and I hope you find a place everyone should hunt Africa at least once.

quote:

Originally posted by Blair 338RUM:
Why are you ruling out South Africa?

The Eastern Cape would have some great deals.....

Thank you for the vote Blair

I have hunted both Namibia and South Africa in July, and I confirm that it will be quite cold at night and early morning in most areas. However, during the day I was fine. I have also hunted Tanzania in July and it's only a little chilly in the early morning while riding in an open vehicle (but maybe that's just me).

I have not hunted many areas in South Africa, but those who can offer "Greater Kruger" hunts (properties with unfenced boundaries to the Kruger National Park) do offer a wild africa feel to the hunt. July is a prime month for them, so reserve early.

I have hunted "wild" Africa in Burkina Faso and Tanzania, and it is better for me. But put it in perspective, any hunt in Africa will be great fun, a huge adventure, there aren't many bad ones.

I highly recommend the Bubye Valley Conservancy. PG is abundant and you will be hunting among the big 5. Lions are seen and heard almost every day and you have a good chance of seeing a black rhino. Daily rate is $550/d 2x1. It is high fenced but with 900,000 acres with no internal fences, that's free range to me. You can't go wrong with any of the 4 or 5 PHs that are allowed to there.