I've been bitten with the "gotta hunt Africa" bug, even though I've never previously had the desire to go. This would be my maiden voyage, and I'm wondering how to go about it. Here's a few thoughts and questions. Please tell me where I'm off, and feel free to offer advice.

1. After reading everything I can here, I'd use Travel With Guns to handle specifice.

2. My wish list of game is a package hunt of kudu, nyala, impala, bushbuck, blesbok.

3. I may want to take my son along and look into a father/son package or the like.

How would you guys go about it? Just peruse the internet, looking up each outfitters posted package prices? Request a package hunt with animals listed above? Just post it here and sort of "bid it out" to the reputable outfitters here?

Your thoughts and guidance would be appreciated. Obviously I'd thoroughly check references. Thanks in advance for the help. I'm sure I'll have numerous questions along the way.

Sounds like the Eastern Cape or possibly KZN is your likely destination. I'd look up Kei River Safaris with Andrew Renton. Grade A hunt and we'll be going back to hunt with Andrew again!!!

JGRaider,

Before going out for bids, you should determine how many days you think you can hunt - usually between 5 -15 days for plains game. [maybe trending towards 10 days given the difficulty factor of your wish list]

Also it may help narrow things a bit if you have an idea where, what country, you think you'd like to visit too.

Perusing all the web sites you can find will help give you a feel for what things are "going for", keeping in mind that prices that are way cheap or way expensive need further clarification before including them in any "averages"

Obviously the outfitters you will find mentioned here on AR and those who participate here are fairly easy targets for furhter study.

If you find a "package that includes all your wishlist, and maybe a few more, it may pay you to investigate that more closely. However most of the plains game outfitters will customize a package for you if you ask them to.

Try not to fall for the cheapest price, sometimes cheap is economical, but sometimes it can be inferior instead.

The best way to find an outfitter is through a personal recommendation, from someone who has been there, and /or someone that you trust.

I have hunted several times withJimbah Safaris who hunt in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. I recommend them to everyone I talk to! Check out their website and see the several hunt reports shown there.

Good Luck, I think you will never regret this decision.

Les

+1 for Andrew Renton and Kei River Safaris. Went last April and killed or saw your list. We had a great time and would like to get back as soon as possible to hunt with Andrew. I'd add a warthog as they are a hoot to hunt. Good luck.

Drop Jim Hackiewicz a line at www.24hourcampfire.com. He posts as JJHack. He's a American who is also PH in RSA and is the moderator of the African forum on that website. I've hunted with Jim twice and he will do everything he can to make your trip successful and enjoyable. Many hunters who post on that forum have hunted with Jim and I've never seen a negative comment.
His website is www.huntingadventures.net

"Canuck" who is a moderator on this site also hunted with Jim (we were in the same group) and I'm sure he'll give you a positive recommendation for Jim's outfit as well. He operates in the Limpopo region of RSA. Jim is not just a booking agent. If you book with him he'll be in camp with you working as a PH and is part owner of the safari company as well, so he'll be right there with you to make sure everything goes according to plan.

I can recommend Danie Van Vooren, Trophy Tracking Hunting Safaris, Namibia. Wonderful young couple, great kudu, and you can add a trip to Etosha for not much money. He has packages, not sure about nyala. Trophy quality high.

Or a plains game in a Zim DG area. More adrenalin w/o the DG daily rate/trophy fees.

Some Namibian PG areas hit hard w/rabies awhile back although heard they came back strong. Ask before booking.

It's been 6 years and I still think about it everyday.
Just Go.
Scott Leonard

quote:

My wish list of game is a package hunt of kudu, nyala, impala, bushbuck, blesbok.

For this trophy list I would recommend you put KwaZulu-Natal first for selecting a hunting area.

I am not sure where you are in Texas,but i would go to DSC. Meet some of the outfitters, that should answer alot of questions for you.

Check out this website. The agent's name is Bob Clark. He is out of Michigan. We hunted with cruiser safaris, in the limpopo, in 2008 and had a fantastic hunt. Bob has picked up 2 other outfits, that he represents. Give him a call, and see what he can put together for you.


http://www.africahuntingsafari.com/


maddog

I'd not advise hunting pg in RSA for a 1st trip.

Why not hunt plainsgame in an area that supports dangerousgame? Many many companies operating in areas that have buffalo and lion offer competitive prices on plainsgame hunts.

I was thrilled to see two leopards in the daylight while not hunting them and the daily bumping of elephant, buffalo and hippo is a treasure.

One morning we were out hoofing after kudu and the ph stopped and motioned me to listen. After a moment or two I could make out a far off odd sounding moan or call that the ph identified as lions, probably down on the river with a kill. Now thats cool to be around. We crossed the occasional lion track while out walking and ofcourse the first thing you do is scan the surrounding brush looking for it.


Go have a wild experience in Zimbabwe or Mozambique or Zambia or,...

Edited to add ditch the list also. If you can afford $XXX.000 simply keep that in mind and hunt what you can and when available. From here in the States I thought I'd like to hunt a warthog. When I got there I lost all interest. You have your finances in hand, just wait and see what the next bend in the trail brings and mentally judge its value to yourself. Maybe taking that zebra would be great, maybe not.

Lot's to think about that's for sure. I like the idea of the "wild" Africa as you say. Are prices competitive with RSA hunts? What outfitters do you recommend in that area? I really appreciate all the help here guys.

quote:

Originally posted by Aspen Hill Adventures:
For this trophy list I would recommend you put KwaZulu-Natal first for selecting a hunting area.

Say what???????

quote:

Originally posted by JGRaider:

quote:

Originally posted by Aspen Hill Adventures:
For this trophy list I would recommend you put KwaZulu-Natal first for selecting a hunting area.

Say what???????

KwaZulu-Natal is a province in RSA. It is known for it's Nyala, both population and horn size.

I would recommend making the drive to Dallas the first weekend of January for the DSC convention. A few bucks for gasoline, hotel and admission will well be worth what you learn. And you'll be able to meet outfitters face to face.

quote:

Originally posted by JGRaider:
Lot's to think about that's for sure. I like the idea of the "wild" Africa as you say. Are prices competitive with RSA hunts? What outfitters do you recommend in that area? I really appreciate all the help here guys.

Prices are competitive, but certainly look at the various websites to verify.

I dunno, theres less than 10 or 8 Save Concervancy outfits? More than 4 or 6 in the Luangua Valley. I mean, beats me but I've read positive reports from more than one. Mozambique?

Seems like the guys hunting the Zambezi Valley take good plainsgame all the while slipping, dipping and ducking dg.

I hunted twice with Mokore Safari on the Save. The diversity of pg is impressive and the poplation is booming. If I had it to do over again I'd hunt at their place in the Save for a week and then boogie out of there for a weeks hunt on their place in Mozambique.

JGRaider,

I in Zambia cannot offer you Nyala or Blesbok but for your money you could hunt the vast Kafue Flats for K. Lechwe for a couple of days and then onto the wilds of the Kafue River for other PG species such as Hippo, Croc, Hyena, L.Hartebeest, Puku, Kudu, Defassa Waterbuck, Reedbuck, Oribi etc

As noted you will be amongst big game and the areas are unfenced.

Food for thought.

Andrew

Sir,

You have a Private Message

Regards,

quote:

Originally posted by infinito:
Sir,

You have a Private Message

Regards,

Charl,

Early bird catches the worm mate. What time do you chaps get out of bed?

Cheers

Andrew

For the game on your "wish list" I can personally and highly recommend Crusader Safaris in RSA.

All hunting is free range and fair chase (absolutely no high fence). My youngest son and I hunted with them this past June.

Dear JG

Drop me a line.

Did it last year.

Keep the kids on a lead 23 latter and I have to pay the bill. 11 year olds just do not get it.

mark.mclean@rocketmail.com

Regards Mark

quote:

Originally posted by JGRaider:
I've been bitten with the "gotta hunt Africa" bug, even though I've never previously had the desire to go. This would be my maiden voyage, and I'm wondering how to go about it. Here's a few thoughts and questions. Please tell me where I'm off, and feel free to offer advice.

1. After reading everything I can here, I'd use Travel With Guns to handle specifice.

2. My wish list of game is a package hunt of kudu, nyala, impala, bushbuck, blesbok.

3. I may want to take my son along and look into a father/son package or the like.

How would you guys go about it? Just peruse the internet, looking up each outfitters posted package prices? Request a package hunt with animals listed above? Just post it here and sort of "bid it out" to the reputable outfitters here?

Your thoughts and guidance would be appreciated. Obviously I'd thoroughly check references. Thanks in advance for the help. I'm sure I'll have numerous questions along the way.

What's your budget?
How many days?
Specific needs (luxury accomodation or something else?)?

Have a look at the packages that are posted here, that will give you an idea.

Regards

Dennis

If your target is RSA then I would go Andrew McLaren, Infinito or Crusader from the reports I have seen. Most safari companies will throw your son in for free as a hunting observer. I would highly recommend that you take your son along.

Save your money and go on a buffalo hunt along with the PG, you will be hooked, for me personally RSA is not "wild" Africa. Just my thoughts after safaris to PG and DG areas. kld

Andrew,

This time of the year not too early mate! Working on computers to catch up untill the wee hours of the morning, and then the bloody sun chases you out before 7!

Hunting Bushpigs over the weekend with the bow, and looking very much forward to it. The evenings are very nice down here at the moment, and the Leopard very vocal. So a night in the tree is lots of fun!

quote:

Originally posted by JGRaider:

2. My wish list of game is a package hunt of kudu, nyala, impala, bushbuck, blesbok.

JGR, if Nyala is on you list and you want to hunt them in their natural habitat affordably then I can honestly think of few better places to do so than the province of Kwa Zulu Natal in South Africa where you'll have a good chance on harvesting excellent specimens + the others you mentioned.

I'm not into the "bidding on price" thing but if you're looking for a value for money experience and want to hunt trophy animals in their true habitat... please let me know.

Lots of good outfitters mentioned--but that's where it gets confusing. There are lots of good plains game outfitters in lots of areas. If a hunt isn't booked yet, I echo the advice to go to Dallas Safari Club or SCI, whichever is closest/easiest--or the African Hunting Show in Atlanta. Shop around, meet some outfitters face to face, compare situations. Chances are you will get your game, so shop for the best experience...look for somebody who has big country, and preferably the game you want in a native situation (that gets more difficult when you add nyala; native is Kwa-Zulu Natal, but they have been long-introduced and are in breeding populations in several other areas). Also, by shopping the conventions, you can find someone you LIKE. But always get current references and check them out before you plunk down a deposit. Confusing though it is, it's pretty hard to go wrong so long as you use common sense.
Good luck!

The DSC is a good idea, and I'm planning to be there for a couple of days. Nothing like meeting and dealing with people face to face that's for sure. I appreciate all the help guys.

Excellent choice (letting the African bug bite you)...even better idea to take your son along...

For what you are considering, contact John Harris, Southern African Safaris (www.southernafricansafaris.co.za). He will personalize a hunt in KZN (where he lives and primarily operates) for you, or for you and your son. I say with all certainty, if you contact John your safari will be personalized to your wants, needs, desires.

I spent a good deal of time with John Last year (a little over two months) and I have seen him in action planning, preparing, hunting...if you are looking for a professional outfitter to experience Africa with, John is the man to take the journey with.

Also, in my humble opinion, you will never see a more beautiful place than KZN.

Have a look at John's website, if you have any questions, shoot me a PM.

Best of luck with your African adventure.

Cheers,

Brian

I will be in booth #629 at Dallas Safari club. Please bring your son, it will be more than worth the visit just spending the weekend with him at the show....Like they say...ITS AUWSUM DUDE!

My USA cell number is 6782305075

quote:

Originally posted by graybird:
Sounds like the Eastern Cape or possibly KZN is your likely destination. I'd look up Kei River Safaris with Andrew Renton. Grade A hunt and we'll be going back to hunt with Andrew again!!!

Do you have a link/contact info? Thanks

I would agree with Boddington about DSC, I am not attending but there should be some great deals this year. I would also recommend Namibia if you want the feel of a wild safari, think about this the RSA has about 50 million citizens and Namibia has less than 2 million in roughly the same area!! If you dont mind buzzing past the Spar Grocery on your way to the next animal you want the RSA will suit you fine other wise look closely at Namibia!! I sell a 5 animal 7 day package for $4295.oo with no add on or hidden fees period so you can use that for a decent baseline in your search. TheSafariConnection.com

quote:

I will be in booth #629 at Dallas Safari club

Charl, leaving Fredrik at home? I understand...the USA is usually wide open for visitor visas, but we DO have SOME standards!!! :-)

Lots of good advice all round, but the best is to go to Dallas this weekend and look around. Take your son and let him look too. You will be able to tell from his reaction whether taking him to Africa is a good idea right now or not. Also, don't pass up the chance to talk to Craig B, buy some of his books and ask him to sign them for you. Collect all the gimmie literature you can carry to drool over when you get home. By the time you get back to Midland the bug will have chewed right through your car seat.

quote:

I sell a 5 animal 7 day package for $4295.oo with no add on or hidden fees period so you can use that for a decent baseline in your search. TheSafariConnection.com

Bloody hell. No wonder you bushmen are thin.

Cheers

quote:

Originally posted by kld:
Save your money and go on a buffalo hunt along with the PG, you will be hooked, for me personally RSA is not "wild" Africa. Just my thoughts after safaris to PG and DG areas. kld

KLD has a very good point. RSA is very modern and on most places there are no Elephants, buff or lions. I had a great time on my first safari there but it wasnt complete with out the DG present.
If you need that old africa feel to your safari you probably will not be satisfied with a ranch hunt.

quote:

Originally posted by JGRaider:

quote:

Originally posted by graybird:
Sounds like the Eastern Cape or possibly KZN is your likely destination. I'd look up Kei River Safaris with Andrew Renton. Grade A hunt and we'll be going back to hunt with Andrew again!!!

Do you have a link/contact info? Thanks

Sorry, haven't read this thread is awhile.

Here is Andrew's website: Kei River Hunting

His U.S. Based booking agent is Wade Derby and his website is: Crosshair Consulting

Wade's phone number is: 925-437-8644

Andrew and Wade will take great care of you!

If you want to talk about the hunt, send me a PM and we'll get on the phone.

Thanks,