If I was doing it over again for the first time I would work with a booking agent instead of directly with the outfitter. You will have a ton of questions and an agent should be able to give you fast answers and won't cost you anything but add greatly to your peace of mind. There are a couple who lurk on this forum who are great guys and straight talkers. My first safari was SA and I agree it was a little too controlled for my tastes. Kind of like hunting on a pheasant club even though the properties were large (5-10,000 acres) and the fences were not an issue. I wouldn't bother with a safari unless DG was on the menu, the only downside to my first safari is that I shot my buff on the first morning.

First: decide what are going to be your priority animals. Then make arrangements from there. Once you decide on the priority, the rest tends to fall into place.

So looking back, what would you guys have done if you could do the first trip over again?

We have had this conversation with friends planning their first African hunt and my husband's response is always the same, NO LEOPARD HUNTING. On your first trip you miss so much of the "African experience" because every afternoon you are in the blind until the wee hours of the morning. While everyone is gathered around the fire, drinking sundowners and telling tales of the days adventures, you are waiting for Mr. Spots.

Hunt in an area where you will hear lions at night, see elephants,and cape buffs, even if you are only hunting plainsgame. Africa is not Africa without hearing lions at night. The sound of lions grunting stays with you forever.

Best of luck on your decision.

Kathi,
AAAAH, the sounds of the night; growling, belching, and other more offensive noises. My wife claims that she has that same African-like experience every night back here. I have no idea what she's taking about....do you ????

My first real safari was a leopaed/buff hunt in Dande North. I only spent 1 1/2 hours in a leopard blind. But I was extremely lucky. If you hunt leopard in a Gov't concession instead of on private or communal lands you will only hunt during day light hours.

Based on your list, I would suggest doing the buff/hippo hunt first. Hunting PG in SA on a fenced property is a poor substitute for hunting DG in a true wilderness area. Consider that you may only get one safari in your life time. Hopeully that won't be the case but health or financial issues could keep you from returning. Do it right the first time and treat every safari like it is your last!

465H&H