Where in Namibia?

03 August 2006, 19:43

Larry Sellers

Where in Namibia?

I am considering a trip to Namibia and was wondering about everyone's thoughts and suggestions? What are the Leopard hunts like, size, style of hunting, etc. Would you recommend? There are only a few plains game species I would hunt, so mostly Mr. Spots, would be the overwhelming factor in putting this together. Thanks in advance!!

PS would most likely spend a week or ten days in country sightseeing as well.

Larry Sellers

03 August 2006, 21:13

Aspen Hill Adventures

If leopard is your main goal and you are prepared to come away "spotless" then Namibia is OK. My assumption is it is your first choice due to hunt cost.

If leopard is truly an objective I'd suggest you go somewhere else, like Tanzania or Zimbabwe.

Ingwe is one of the toughest to hunt even in "ideal" leopard country. Namibia does have leopards but it is a very arid country and has a lower game density which means fewer predators. So this choice handicapps you more than going to Zim or Tanz.

There are always exceptions, I know I am one who got a leopard the first time out (Zim), but be prepared to spend more than one hunt trying to fill that tag. I know many people who have been on three or four safaris hoping for a leopard and still don't have one.

You would have best success in Namibia if your selected outfit offered hounds or San trackers and have a good record on cats. That will put your costs right up there with Zim and Tanz.

03 August 2006, 22:04

McCray

Check www.fultonclassicsafaris.com and see my preliminary report on the second page of the Hunt Report forum.

Cats are where you find them and the PH may be the most important factor in where you go.

04 August 2006, 01:37

jorgie

If your heart is set on Namibia then the northern territory is really the only place to hunt.

04 August 2006, 02:59

TJR

Larry,

I have a great outfitter in Namibia who does well on baited leopards. In 2005 3 out of 4 leopard hunters took excellent cats. No word yet on 2006.

Cost is $6,300 for 14 days plus $3000 if you take a kitty. They also have excellent plains game hunting which is covered under the $6,300. The $6,300 includes bait animals and they can pre-bait in Namibia.

Trophy fees for plains game are in line with most places in Namibia.

Email or call me in the office for the outfitter's name and other details. We are booking now for 2007.

I can also arrange the site seeing.

Todd

04 August 2006, 06:31

Larry Sellers

Ann - Thanks for the comments. I passed on a leopard in Moz last year with a bow because the shot was just not quite right and I was not willing to compromise it. I have always wanted to go to Namibia, but the fact I have most of the species found there already, looking for an excuse that could tip the scales for making the trip work. Leopard would be the #1 animal of course on the trip, so just looking for a reasonable possibility. I really prefer baiting to hounds or trackers, just my own thing.

Regards

Larry Sellers

quote:
Originally posted by Aspen Hill Adventures:
If leopard is your main goal and you are prepared to come away "spotless" then Namibia is OK. My assumption is it is your first choice due to hunt cost.

If leopard is truly an objective I'd suggest you go somewhere else, like Tanzania or Zimbabwe.

Ingwe is one of the toughest to hunt even in "ideal" leopard country. Namibia does have leopards but it is a very arid country and has a lower game density which means fewer predators. So this choice handicapps you more than going to Zim or Tanz.

There are always exceptions, I know I am one who got a leopard the first time out (Zim), but be prepared to spend more than one hunt trying to fill that tag. I know many people who have been on three or four safaris hoping for a leopard and still don't have one.

You would have best success in Namibia if your selected outfit offered hounds or San trackers and have a good record on cats. That will put your costs right up there with Zim and Tanz.

04 August 2006, 07:14

Russ Gould

If you want to be sure (if that's possible with leopard) of getting your trophy, then pls consider our "hot pursuit" leopard/plains game combo in Botswana. First class lodge and hosts, adjacent to Central Kalahari Reserve, the second largest in the world. When a decent leopard track is found (and there are plenty due to the concentration of PG on this property), you set off with Bushmen trackers often thrusting deep into the "Central" as it is called, a vast roadless area that is truly pristine. Eventually, you will catch up to your quarry and he will be bayed. When you engage him, he will usually charge (they say it's triggered by eye contact). Then it's up to you, and don't miss or he will be all over you in a matter of seconds. The cost of this ten day hunt, which includes any 3 large PG trophies, is $15K all in. Believe me, you won't be disappointed. (Success rate over bait is about 20% on a two week hunt).