Elephant in the Caprivi

26 January 2023, 05:50

Bwana338

Hi John,

I have been chatting with Emile about a croc and hippo hunt. I cannot take in the hunt this year, i have had some medical set backs. He also has other areas to hunt. As we were chatting about some bird hunting and other game that is available.

Probably the same area we both are looking at.

I see you live up the valley. Enjoy the cool weather.

Maybe we could meet for coffee and a snacks.

26 January 2023, 07:35

Toomany Tools

quote:
Originally posted by jdollar:
That’s sort of like asking how much a new car costs. Depends on the exact area/concession, outfitter, etc.

Ok. So what’s the rough order of magnitude for such a hunt? High to low?

26 January 2023, 08:01

jdollar

$55 k downward. Unless you’re hell bent on bringing tusks home( and spending another $10k in total fees) SERIOUSLY consider a non exportable bull hunt. Done that 3 times. Same bull hunt, less than 1/3 the cost….

26 January 2023, 15:59

Karl S

quote:
Originally posted by Toomany Tools:
quote:
Originally posted by jdollar:
That’s sort of like asking how much a new car costs. Depends on the exact area/concession, outfitter, etc.

Ok. So what’s the rough order of magnitude for such a hunt? High to low?

Good day sir

Elephant trophy hunts in the Caprivi can run as high as around USD 85 000 in one of the Park areas (expect a bull from 50 to 60 lbs, with a chance at a bigger bill in the 70 to 85 lbs class)

In the middle would be from 45k to around 50k in one of the better conservancies, where you should expect a bull between 40 and 50 lbs, with an outside chance of something around 60 lbs.

Low would be some of the conservancies that you should expect a 25 to 30 lbs bull, which sell hunts at around 33 to 36k

It so happens we do have a cancellation available at USD 39 500 (15% below our normal price of USD 46 500), in one of the better conservancies (Sobbe early season or Balyerwa later season).

To add a buffalo, would be an extra 7 500 to 15 000 or more depending on the extra days and area booked.

Emile is a great PH and you will enjoy your hunt with him.

26 January 2023, 18:55

Toomany Tools

Thanks, Karl. Exactly the perspective I’m looking for. I have two personal references for Emile and I’ve heard wonderful things about your operations as well. Thank you very much.

26 January 2023, 20:40

fairgame

Alternatively, hunt the Luangwa Valley and for one price you take what comes

26 January 2023, 21:04

MJines

Be careful with the park boundary hunts in the Caprivi John. Some are simply driving the boundary waiting for a bull to wander across from the park. Not anything close to a traditional elephant hunt. If you are going to do an elephant hunt, do it right.

26 January 2023, 21:21

bcolyer

PAY ATTENTION TO WHAT MIKE JUST WROTE!!!

26 January 2023, 22:16

clayman216

Yes, a proper tracking hunt is the ultimate elephant hunt. That’s just my opinion but it is both challenging and rewarding in many ways and I have great memories of mine, incredible memories for sure.

26 January 2023, 23:04

jdollar

quote:
Originally posted by MJines:
Be careful with the park boundary hunts in the Caprivi John. Some are simply driving the boundary waiting for a bull to wander across from the park. Not anything close to a traditional elephant hunt. If you are going to do an elephant hunt, do it right.

I’m curious which parks in the Caprivi you are referring to.

26 January 2023, 23:15

MJines

Chobe.

27 January 2023, 01:30

jdollar

Chobe NP is not in the Caprivi. It’s in another country across the flood plain from the Caprivi. There is not a boundary road to drive along, although there are 2 tracks that wander along the Chobe river bank on the Namibia side.

27 January 2023, 02:11

MJines

Chobe National Park is in Botswana and borders the Caprivi Strip. There is a large vlei area on the Namibia side. The Chobe River separates Botswana from Namibia. And there is definitely hunting in the large vlei area on the Namibian side based on game moving out of the park in Botswana and into Namibia.

27 January 2023, 04:23

Toomany Tools

quote:
Originally posted by MJines:
Be careful with the park boundary hunts in the Caprivi John. Some are simply driving the boundary waiting for a bull to wander across from the park. Not anything close to a traditional elephant hunt. If you are going to do an elephant hunt, do it right.

Exactly why I’m asking questions here and elsewhere. I’m not interested in a cheap hunt; just one that’s fairly priced with a honest reputable outfit.

27 January 2023, 04:26

Toomany Tools

I’m also considering a Buffalo hunt on the Waterberg plateau, then followed by a hunt in the Caprivi. Nothing settled yet.

27 January 2023, 07:52

jdollar

quote:
Originally posted by MJines:
Chobe National Park is in Botswana and borders the Caprivi Strip. There is a large vlei area on the Namibia side. The Chobe River separates Botswana from Namibia. And there is definitely hunting in the large vlei area on the Namibian side based on game moving out of the park in Botswana and into Namibia.

Salambala is the first concession across the Chobe River when crossing the border from Botswana. I’ve hunted elephant there and there are no roads following the river bank. Elephants move back and forth between Botswana and Namibia because the Chobe River is shallow and easily traversed.

27 January 2023, 09:10

KMG Hunting Safaris

quote:
Originally posted by Toomany Tools:
quote:
Originally posted by MJines:
Be careful with the park boundary hunts in the Caprivi John. Some are simply driving the boundary waiting for a bull to wander across from the park. Not anything close to a traditional elephant hunt. If you are going to do an elephant hunt, do it right.

Exactly why I’m asking questions here and elsewhere. I’m not interested in a cheap hunt; just one that’s fairly priced with a honest reputable outfit.

Why don't you speak to Karl regarding his hunt? Karl is as reputable as they come. Many here has hunted with him.

27 January 2023, 09:13

MJines

quote:
Originally posted by jdollar:
quote:
Originally posted by MJines:
Chobe National Park is in Botswana and borders the Caprivi Strip. There is a large vlei area on the Namibia side. The Chobe River separates Botswana from Namibia. And there is definitely hunting in the large vlei area on the Namibian side based on game moving out of the park in Botswana and into Namibia.

Salambala is the first concession across the Chobe River when crossing the border from Botswana. I’ve hunted elephant there and there are no roads following the river bank. Elephants move back and forth between Botswana and Namibia because the Chobe River is shallow and easily traversed.

. . . you do not need a road to drive along the vlei . . . speaking from personal experience.

27 January 2023, 10:39

Karl S

Most of the Eastern Caprivi, (east of the tar road between Ngoma and Katima) is a huge flood plain. I think what MJines is saying that hunting these areas is much of a spot and stalk affair. You can and will see buffalo and elephant that has crossed the Chobe from the Botsswana side, into Namibia. I also do not like these hunts, but for someone liking an easier hunt, they may be enjoyable. The elephants sometimes move deeper into Namibia (North) and the end up in areas like Sikunga and Lusese. Sikunga used to be a good area, but would be tricky for elephants now. Same with Lusese. Salambala has a big floodplain section, but a lot of bush, so you should be OK in getting a tracking hunt there, just dont expect a monster. Further east, Nakabolerwa, Kabulabula, Kasika and Impalila are all about floodplains only, and the type of hunt I think MJines is talking about. (Although west from the mentioned tar road, Bamunu is also in this class.)

The better concessions if you want a tracking hunt, are all West and North of Bamunu.

27 January 2023, 20:33

fairgame

quote:
Originally posted by KMG Hunting Safaris:
quote:
Originally posted by Toomany Tools:
quote:
Originally posted by MJines:
Be careful with the park boundary hunts in the Caprivi John. Some are simply driving the boundary waiting for a bull to wander across from the park. Not anything close to a traditional elephant hunt. If you are going to do an elephant hunt, do it right.

Second that and also do the buffalo there

Exactly why I’m asking questions here and elsewhere. I’m not interested in a cheap hunt; just one that’s fairly priced with a honest reputable outfit.

Why don't you speak to Karl regarding his hunt? Karl is as reputable as they come. Many here has hunted with him.

30 January 2023, 23:28

Michael Robinson

quote:
Originally posted by Karl S:
Most of the Eastern Caprivi, (east of the tar road between Ngoma and Katima) is a huge flood plain. I think what MJines is saying that hunting these areas is much of a spot and stalk affair. You can and will see buffalo and elephant that has crossed the Chobe from the Botsswana side, into Namibia. I also do not like these hunts, but for someone liking an easier hunt, they may be enjoyable. The elephants sometimes move deeper into Namibia (North) and the end up in areas like Sikunga and Lusese. Sikunga used to be a good area, but would be tricky for elephants now. Same with Lusese. Salambala has a big floodplain section, but a lot of bush, so you should be OK in getting a tracking hunt there, just dont expect a monster. Further east, Nakabolerwa, Kabulabula, Kasika and Impalila are all about floodplains only, and the type of hunt I think MJines is talking about. (Although west from the mentioned tar road, Bamunu is also in this class.)

The better concessions if you want a tracking hunt, are all West and North of Bamunu.

What Karl describes exactly mirrors my experiences hunting elephant by tracking them in Salambala, and by spotting them, including from a boat in the river, and stalking them in Kasika and Impalila.

Both kinds of hunting are challenging, fun and exciting.

16 February 2023, 17:41

Toomany Tools

It is now settled. I’ve booked a hunt with Karl for my son and I for this coming June. Thanks to all who’ve helped me navigate this adventure planning.

16 February 2023, 17:46

Saeed

quote:
Originally posted by Toomany Tools:
It is now settled. I’ve booked a hunt with Karl for my son and I for this coming June. Thanks to all who’ve helped me navigate this adventure planning.

Best of luck.

I hope you both have a great hunt.

16 February 2023, 19:56

bwanamrm

quote:
It is now settled. I’ve booked a hunt with Karl for my son and I for this coming June. Thanks to all who’ve helped me navigate this adventure planning.

John Farner

Congratulations John. Karl is as good as they come. A buddy and I are hunting with Karl for nontrophy bulls in 2024 and are very much looking forward to experiencing the Caprivi! Keen to hear your report on the hunt when you get back.

On the plains of hesitation lie the bleached bones of ten thousand, who on the dawn of victory lay down their weary heads resting, and there resting, died.

If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,
Or walk with Kings - nor lose the common touch...
Yours is the Earth and everything that's in it,
And - which is more - you'll be a Man, my son!
- Rudyard Kipling

Life grows grim without senseless indulgence.