As many of you know, my son and I went to RSA for our 1st ever african safari, last July. I researched for 2 yrs., and the hunt was perfect, in every way. Talked to him last nite, and we are beginning the search for a cape buffalo hunt. It will be 2 yrs. out, but am starting the process now. South Africa is out, just beyond my finacial means. Unless something gives, I think Zim is out because I don't want my money tied up over there, unless it gets sorted out, quickly. Although, on another forum, I was told differently, I think Tanz. is probably too over the top[price wise], to be able to do it.

So, that leaves Zambia, Moz., and Caprivi in Namibia. I'm looking at 7-10 day trip, primary focus is buff, with limited plains game. Not looking for a record book head, but a great experience.

I am currently having some feet issues. It started as plantar facitus[sp?], but I have been told I have arthritus in my feet. I can walk, but daily/all day walking marathons are probably out of the question. Who knows, maybe this will prevent me from hunting cape buff, but it ain't gonna prevent me from planning

Anyway, looking for any and all info you guys lay on me. Yes, I've used the search function, and have looked at a lotta info. Guess I'm asking where can we go, with my feet issues, and have a good hunt? Or can we? My son is 26 and in great shape. Me, not so much. I am leaning strongly towards Moz., because it appears to be real, wild africa, but don't know about the walking. Also, for mee personaly, I'm only looking at bushpig and warhog, for my additional plains game.

So, what advice do you boys have?

Mad Dog

I'm booked to hunt with John duPlooy in the Luangwa Valley of Zambia in 2010, and after extensive research, he was the most economical, received great reviews, and produces great trophies. As far as the walking issue, I couldn't say, but he and his wife Laura answer emails rather promptly. His outfit is Muchinga Adventures, easy to find on the net. I hunted Tanzania with my Dad in 07, but the price increase put it out of my financial league. The Luangua Valley is supposed to be as wild as Africa gets. Best of luck, and make sure the two of you go somewhere together. I wouldnt trade the memories of safari with my father for anything! BN

I wouldn't write off Botswana. I've seen 10 day Buffalo hunts for 14k which seems to be about average for all but the Zim outfitters. The hunts are in the Okavango Delta which is spectacular. As for as walking. Last hunt I walked for an hour and got mine. On the other hand the second hunter got his on day 3 after a reasonable amount of walking, and the third got his after 7 days and about 40 miles of walking when he and the PH drove up to the herd, jumped off the truck, made about a 3 minute stalk and put a nice bull down. You just don't know what it will take. I'm sure that the PH will take your physical limitations into consideration but there are no guarantees.

quote:

Originally posted by Mad Dog:
As many of you know, my son and I went to RSA for our 1st ever african safari, last July. I researched for 2 yrs., and the hunt was perfect, in every way. Talked to him last nite, and we are beginning the search for a cape buffalo hunt. It will be 2 yrs. out, but am starting the process now. South Africa is out, just beyond my finacial means. Unless something gives, I think Zim is out because I don't want my money tied up over there, unless it gets sorted out, quickly. Although, on another forum, I was told differently, I think Tanz. is probably too over the top[price wise], to be able to do it.

So, that leaves Zambia, Moz., and Caprivi in Namibia. I'm looking at 7-10 day trip, primary focus is buff, with limited plains game. Not looking for a record book head, but a great experience.

I am currently having some feet issues. It started as plantar facitus[sp?], but I have been told I have arthritus in my feet. I can walk, but daily/all day walking marathons are probably out of the question. Who knows, maybe this will prevent me from hunting cape buff, but it ain't gonna prevent me from planning

Anyway, looking for any and all info you guys lay on me. Yes, I've used the search function, and have looked at a lotta info. Guess I'm asking where can we go, with my feet issues, and have a good hunt? Or can we? My son is 26 and in great shape. Me, not so much. I am leaning strongly towards Moz., because it appears to be real, wild africa, but don't know about the walking. Also, for mee personaly, I'm only looking at bushpig and warhog, for my additional plains game.

So, what advice do you boys have?

Mad Dog

Mad Dog, I suggest you PM freischuetz, who posts on this forum, and also search his posts, if you haven't done so already. He's operated in Moz for several years. I hunted his concession last year - a lot of buffalo, and saw bushpig as well. Pretty sure he has warthog, too. I think he can accomodate your physical requirements, and prices seemed good to me. Best of luck!

I don't know that country selection itself will necessarily dictate whether or not you will be able to do the hunt. I think it has more to do with the individual concession, the PH, and the time of the year. Even the typical terrain…sand (like in the Caprivi and Botswana) might be real bad, as would be hills and rocks. The key is to explain the situation to the PH's directly, and let them give you their best option and advice. I know PH's who have literally carried people to get a shot at a buffalo or elephant. And if things go well, no worries.

What I might do is to try to hedge my bet by selecting an area where one could do a tracking hunt for dugga boys, but just in case your condition does not permit, hunt the resident herds (not that this is a slam-dunk...I've tracked herds for many hours/miles too). Perhaps along the Luangwa in Sept, when the concession dries and the buffalo come to the river to drink. Where I was the escarpment formed somewhat of a natural barrier, and the buff tended to stay between this and the Luangwa River. Perhaps in Moz there is a similar situation, although too my impression too is that it is more wild (which is why I want to hunt there some day soon - but...). Lots of options in Zim, and maybe there is an operator there who can book you for one area along the Zambezi but with a reasonable notice relocate to the Save Conservancy. My one-and-only trip to the Selous in Tanz did involve some serious death marches, and although there are good numbers of buffalo, my impression is that they move around and some hoofing it is required in most cases - but maybe somebody there can make a plan. Any of these might work, with the right concession, PH and timing. Again, I'd talk directly to the PH himself about this aspect of the trip, along with the consideration that you may need to cancel (although if the only option, why not stay in the truck and let your son follow the buffalo, not as enjoyable but you'd still get to partake to some degree and he'd get his buff!).

Whatever you do, nothing helps a rehab like a pending hunt! Good luck.

I wouldn't totally write off Tanzania. Big plus is two buff on license for a 7-10 day hunt. Michel Mantheakis (Miombo Safaris)offers if I recall a 7 day hunt in the Kilombero for two buffalo and a puku. Price is rather reasonable, Tanz wise. I haven't done it, but its on the list of things to try. Good news for your walking issue is most of the hunting is spot and stalk from boats. I've heard that mozzies and tsetse's are bloody awful, however.

My experience is somewhat limited, with a hunt in Zimbabwe and a hunt in Zambia, but I have shot 5 of them.

Zimbabwe in the right areas is a hunt that can be done with some accommodation, and is not too rough as to the walking part. With the right concession, they have enough roads that you can avoid some of the long hot walks. Likewise, the price is likely the most reasonable there. However, if you deal with one of the reputable US agents, I wouldn't be too concerned for the "safety" of the money, although you may find that the trip is postponed/canceled at the last moment by forces outside your control.

Given that, I also strongly recommend Johnnie DuPlooy's Muchinga Adventures in Zambia. Late in the season they should be able to get you on buffalo with a modest amount of walking. In September/October/November the buffalo are concentrating and I doubt you will see more game anywhere than on the Luangwa River. My only cautions would be that it will be hot late in the season, and that if you are doing a short hunt you may need to be a little less choosy about the size of Buff you want, especially if you don't want to walk too much.

The ground there is mostly flat, and is pretty easy walking. There are some monster buffalo around, but couple a short hunt and limited mobility and you may have to plan on less than 40" if that is important for you.

That being said, Muchinga has had wheelchair hunters get buffalo, so they definately can work with you to deal with what you need, and Laura (Johnnie's wife and the business manager of Muchinga) is probably the easiest person to get a hold of in the Safari business that I have met.

Good Luck to you and your son! You will love it!

Maddog,

You have the Dallas Safari Club convention in January 8-11 09... You can come and speak to many of the operators and see how they can fulfill your requirements... Face to face I always think is a better way to judge what they are offering you...

Mike

Mike, I'd love to come to DSC, but I wouldn't want to do it without my son. He's working in AZ. that week, and going on a mountain lion hunt. May have to do that next year, If I don't have a hunt put together by that time.

Mad Dog

PM sent

I'll let others speak about where to hunt, but plantar fascitis is treatable. Osteoarthritis will flair up no matter what you do, but plantar fascitis will mostly be prevoked after long walking or standing and especially if up hill is involved. Search this forum for a thread from this summer where treating plantar fascitis was discussed at length. Have fun planning.

Brett

Brett, I am working on the plantar facsitis. Got some custom orthotics last month, and they seem to be helping. I think the arthritis in my feet is there for the rest of my days. I didn't want anyone to think I'm a cripple, but unless conditions improve, i am mostly looking at being able to walk a couple miles a day, not sun up/sundown marathons. After talking to my son over the weekend, and considering what he would like to hunt[he's got deeper pockets than the ole man ], I may put Zim. back into the mix. No doubt about it they have some excellent prices, and the kid is talking about adding tuskless ele, or hippo to the hunt. So any more suggestions would be appreciated.

Mad Dog