The Accurate Reloading Forums THE ACCURATE RELOADING.COM FORUMS Hunting African Big Game Hunting Where to go for a "big" safariGo | New | Find | Notify | Tools | Reply | |
| Where to go for a "big" safari | Login/Join |
| One of Us |
I am planning my first safari and doing all the requisite research, reading, and talking to friends who have experience. It seems that most people go for one to two weeks, and hunt one or two DG and the rest plains game. If you were to go old school and go for 21-28 days and try to get all the DG but rhino AND the various desirable PG ie Kudu, Sable, etc. where would you go? | ||
|
| One of Us |
Mark, what's your budget? Tanzania has many interesting species, including Gerenuk, Thompson"s and Grant's Gazells, Hippo, Croc, Buff, and Elephant. If you don't require the oddities of the expensive antelope species, I'd probably do Zimbabwe...better Elephant and much less expensive. Mozambique would also be great, but Elephant is non-exportable to the USA from there. You could also do back-to-back safaris, which I like to do, and do maybe a good Elephant hunt, followed by a hunt in another area for game not available, or in better numbers, in another concession. Welcome to AR! Others will chime in, I'm sure, including outfitters. | |||
|
| One of Us |
I was leaning toward Zim, but I've always heard such wonderful things about Selous, I am willing to pay the Tanzania premium if you experts feel its worth it. | |||
|
| One of Us |
If you have the time, take a look at a 28 day split hunt which involves both the Selous and a Masailand concession. By taking this option you will have the possibility of taking both southern and northern species in one outing; unique to TZ and nowhere else in Africa would you experience a similar situation. Run a check on the listed species available and if you will be at the convention, pay the TZ outfitters (the reputable ones) a visit. Be forewarned that charter costs are not a joke. | |||
|
| One of Us |
Well I've hunted both Zim and Tanz. There is no question I believe, that if you have the coin and the willingness then Tanzania is the better Safari. Also, if you do go to Tanzania you really ought to hunt and see Maasailand, not only for the unique species, but for the absolutely unique terrain. The Selous in all it's glory looks like Niassa or most places in Zambia and Zimbawe not to mention other places. Yet Maasailand does not. It's absolutely different just like the rainforest is absolutely different. If you just want a cost effective high body count and a complete checklist, look at South Africa or the former farm/ranch country of Zim. It all depends on what you factor in as important. | |||
|
| One of Us |
Thank you for your replies. I do have an outfitter that has camps in both Selous and Masailand. It's not cheap, but at least now I know my savings goal. I am planning for next year. Thanks again. | |||
|
| One of Us |
if you are planning on next year,think strongly about booking now in order to lock in the best time slot | |||
|
| One of Us |
next year = 2015 | |||
|
One of Us |
Who's the outfitter? Brett DRSS Life Member SCI Life Member NRA Life Member WSF Rhyme of the Sheep Hunter May fordings never be too deep, And alders not too thick; May rock slides never be too steep And ridges not too slick. And may your bullets shoot as swell As Fred Bear's arrow's flew; And may your nose work just as well As Jack O'Connor's too. May winds be never at your tail When stalking down the steep; May bears be never on your trail When packing out your sheep. May the hundred pounds upon you Not make you break or trip; And may the plane in which you flew Await you at the strip. -Seth Peterson | |||
|
| One of Us |
 Damn I wish I had a rich Uncle.....or a rich anything for that matter..... | |||
|
| one of us |
I have hunted Masailand and the Selous, as well as Kigosi. I prefer the latter two. I know a lot of people love Masailand, but too many people for me. | |||
|
| One of Us |
If Elephant is important your chances of getting one are very slim in the Selous. Also, Lion is going to be difficult as well. My son and I hunted the Selous this past summer for 21 days and had a wonderful safari, leopard, buff, croc, hippo and a bunch of plains game. It was a great experience with the buff and leopard hunting simply great and I will do it again. This year we both want to get a bull ele so we will be hunting Zim with CMS for 24 days. Lion is also on our list and I think our chances with CMS are much better for lion than in the Selous. | |||
|
| One of Us |
I understand the elephant situation but would have thought lion might be better in Selous. Was it a lack of lions or just finding one 6 yrs + the issue? Thanks | |||
|
| One of Us |
Had one, didn't leave me a nickel. In all honesty, I never expected or wanted him to. LORD, let my bullets go where my crosshairs show. Not all who wander are lost. NEVER TRUST A FART!!! Cecil Leonard | |||
|
| One of Us |
I think it is a combination of both. We did see lions a couple of times and saw a few additional tracks. We did not concentrate on Lion as the PH thought it would be a long shot and since this was our first time in the Selous we were fine with that given everything else it has to offer. I had read that certain Selous blocks are better than others for lion so if Lion is a high priority I would make sure that you hunt a "good lion block". I think Saeed has come to the same conclusion regarding Lion a Ele in the Selous. | |||
|
| One of Us |
Pierre Von Tonder | |||
|
| One of Us |
| |||
|
| One of Us |
The split hunt South/North (in that order) offers a second chance on both Elephant and Lion in the event these lucked out in the Selous. I wouldn't hold out much for Elephant in the SGR as they have and still are taking a hammering. There are quite a few northern concessions that produce some very respectable Elephant and convincing Lion that meet the required criteria. Don't quote me but I heard murmurings on the sidewalk that someone banged a 90 pounder this last season, though I have yet to verify the story. | |||
|
| Administrator |
For a no expenses spared safari, what fujotupu has suggested is the only way to go. 28 split between the Selous and Masailand cannot be equaled. I have hunted both areas, and both are great. | |||
|
| One of Us |
Agree with what Fujo and Saeed have said. If expense was no object, I'd do a split safari in Tanzania, but I might try masailand and substitute western Tanzania for the Selous. The Selous is great, but for cats, I think western Tanzania is incredible. I hunted last October with Michel Mantheakis in Lukwati, western Tanzania, and the cat potential is uncompared. I'm going back in 2015. He has a concession in Natron that I want to hunt with my wife in 2016. Unfortunately, I can't be away from the office for over a month or I'd split those two areas. | |||
|
| One of Us |
Well, if its unlimited money- I would do 28 days in Tanzania, split between Selous and Masailand and then jaunt north to Ethiopia and do the Mt Nyala and the desert species there. If you really want a Lion, the western Tanz blocks are good for that also. That would probably more or less replicate the old time big Kenya hunts with substituting Mountain Nyala for Mountain Bongo. Of course you'd need about 60 days and about a half million bucks... More seriously, I would suggest that you pick someone who has both Masailand and Selous concessions, pick the one that interests you the most, start there and then when you have gotten all that you want there, move to the other concession. You probably won't get everything you want but you will get most of it... Its my understanding that Elephant in Masailand are pretty good, but they are tough tags to get. Selous, there are some problems due to poaching. | |||
|
One of Us |
If you can go for the 28 day split between Selous and Massailand that is the way to go. I did a 21 day in Selous first safari and then did the 28 day safari and those extra 7 days really allow you more options. The pics of the Elephant and Lesser Kudu in my sig line are from the 28 Day trip with Pierre. And if you get done what your after early you could always take a trip to the Serengeti or head on over to Zanzibar. If you have that much to fight for, then you should be fighting. The sentiment that modern day ordinary Canadians do not need firearms for protection is pleasant but unrealistic. To discourage responsible deserving Canadians from possessing firearms for lawful self-defence and other legitimate purposes is to risk sacrificing them at the altar of political correctness." - Alberta Provincial Court Judge Demetrick    | |||
|
| One of Us |
Between the elephant carcasses to feed on and the protection of the 6 year rule..one would think the lion popualtion would be booming in the SGR?? | |||
|
| One of Us |
For a Tanz hunt, what would be the cost without the charters? Not far from Dar to Selous and also the Masai. Having flown around a bit there the plane costs do add up! Cheers, Chris DRSS | |||
|
One of Us |
The Selous has been magical for me. Mike    | |||
|
| One of Us |
With all the choice game available old Leo has a far more delicate palate than to dine on elephant meat - you would do quite well on Hyena though.  | |||
|
| One of Us |
Great Elephant , I see that was 2006, I spent some time in the Selous in last 3 years never saw a Bull I would pull the Trigger on, But did shoot 2 in Masaai land first 68lb second 80lb I agree with every one that Masaai land must be part of the Safari especially if you have the days, but I would rather hunt western Tanzania than the Selous reg JK | |||
|
| one of us |
To me a combo of the Kilombero area, Rungwa and Natron would make a Hell of a 24-28 day safari as they would cover basically all the species available in Tanzania. With careful selection of specific areas trophy quality should be excellent also. My understand from on the ground folks is that elephant are in big trouble throughout Tanzania. I also think a guy has to be prepared to go home without a lion also but if he kills one it could be a dandy. If a guy can live without the unique Masailand species he can do an awful lot in Zim on a 21-28 day safari. Elephant should not be a problem and the right areas can produce a monster lion, big leopard, good buffalo, croc, hippo and all the Zim PG at a far lower price than Tanzania. Personally I think even a long safari should target either elephant or lion as the main species and be split into two good safaris. Mark MARK H. YOUNG MARK'S EXCLUSIVE ADVENTURES 7094 Oakleigh Dr. Las Vegas, NV 89110 Office 702-848-1693 Cell, Whats App, Signal 307-250-1156 PREFERRED E-mail markttc@msn.com Website: myexclusiveadventures.com Skype: markhyhunter Check us out on https://www.facebook.com/pages...ures/627027353990716 | |||
|
One of Us |
Good advice to think about. 21 or 28 days in the same location will feel far different in "perceived length of time" than two hunts of the same total duration split between two areas. ______________________ DRSS ______________________ Hunt Reports 2015 His & Her Leopards with Derek Littleton of Luwire Safaris - http://forums.accuratereloadin...6321043/m/2971090112 2015 Trophy Bull Elephant with CMS http://forums.accuratereloadin...6321043/m/1651069012 DIY Brooks Range Sheep Hunt 2013 - http://forums.accuratereloadin...901038191#9901038191 Zambia June/July 2012 with Andrew Baldry - Royal Kafue http://forums.accuratereloadin...6321043/m/7971064771 Zambia Sept 2010- Muchinga Safaris http://forums.accuratereloadin...6321043/m/4211096141 Namibia Sept 2010 - ARUB Safaris http://forums.accuratereloadin...6321043/m/6781076141 | |||
|
One of Us |
The greatest diversity and perhaps the greatest overall safari experience likely lies in Tanzania. It will also carry the greatest cost. That said, if you really want a lion and an elephant (which are going to be two of your tough animals in TZ), you could spend a bit less and do a hunt in Zimbabwe. As a caveat, I've not been to TZ yet. I have had great success hunting the Big Four in Zim. My ele came on day 2 of 21 and my lion on day 7 of 21. 4-4 on leopards spread over ten sits in blinds and a brace of buffalo as well. If money was not an object, however, I likely would have been hunting in TZ for the reasons stated in the prior responses. My $.02. Will J. Parks, III | |||
|
One of Us |
Ele in the Selous with the RAMPANT poaching going on there may be iffy. Not a great lion destination anymore either. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ J. Lane Easter, DVM A born Texan has instilled in his system a mind-set of no retreat or no surrender. I wish everyone the world over had the dominating spirit that motivates Texans.– Billy Clayton, Speaker of the Texas House No state commands such fierce pride and loyalty. Lesser mortals are pitied for their misfortune in not being born in Texas.— Queen Elizabeth II on her visit to Texas in May, 1991. | |||
|
| One of Us |
Unfortunately...correct. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ J. Lane Easter, DVM A born Texan has instilled in his system a mind-set of no retreat or no surrender. I wish everyone the world over had the dominating spirit that motivates Texans.– Billy Clayton, Speaker of the Texas House No state commands such fierce pride and loyalty. Lesser mortals are pitied for their misfortune in not being born in Texas.— Queen Elizabeth II on her visit to Texas in May, 1991. | |||
|
| one of us |
If you head to TZ , Replace the selous with a rungwa or western area - moyowosi, Ugalla , lukwati and select a good maasailand area - there are only few good ones left! "...Them, they were Giants!" J.A. Hunter describing the early explorers and settlers of East Africa hunting is not about the killing but about the chase of the hunt.... Ortega Y Gasset | |||
|
| one of us |
The Selous at its best is a great general bag safari area and the fact that it is a huge wilderness area is it's main draw in my opinion. Having said that the only unique species available there is the Nyasa wildebeest. Everything else can be found elsewhere. Mark MARK H. YOUNG MARK'S EXCLUSIVE ADVENTURES 7094 Oakleigh Dr. Las Vegas, NV 89110 Office 702-848-1693 Cell, Whats App, Signal 307-250-1156 PREFERRED E-mail markttc@msn.com Website: myexclusiveadventures.com Skype: markhyhunter Check us out on https://www.facebook.com/pages...ures/627027353990716 | |||
|
One of Us |
I will put a wrinkle in it...how about 24 days in Cameroon. Split between the forest and savanna. Forest elephant,forest hog,bongo,duikers...lord derby,roan,waterbuck, buffalo,and heartebeest. It would be cheaper than Tanzania,and one hell of an adventure. Ed DRSS Member | |||
|
| One of Us |
505: It would be an adventure and I've always wanted to hunt West Africa. That said, I suspect I'll spend the rest of my life going back to Tanzania. | |||
|
One of Us |
+1 on Tanz multiple area Safari. | |||
|
| one of us |
OH sent you a PM a few days ago , but have had no reply Daniel | |||
|
| One of Us |
Matetsi block 1 and 3 in NW Zimbabwe another very good option, not quite TZ but 28 days there you have an outstanding chance at a great Lion and Elephant, and good buffalo and Leopard, with almost the entire spectrum of Southern African plains game, plus a visit to Vic Falls and no charters are a plus HHK and Hunters & Guides have the concessions, both well known and long standing outfitters | |||
|
| One of Us |
But do you get 3 buffalo anywhere but Tanzania? | |||
|
| Powered by Social Strata | Page 1 2 |
 | Please Wait. Your request is being processed... |
|
The Accurate Reloading Forums THE ACCURATE RELOADING.COM FORUMS Hunting African Big Game Hunting Where to go for a "big" safari
Visit our on-line store for AR Memorabilia