First Safari (Possibly in Zambia)

03 May 2006, 09:21

After much research, a buddy (possibly 3 of us, one guy hasn't made up his mind) and I are ready to book our first safari. I have learned tons from reading everyone's posts and for that I am eternally grateful. I can't imagine trying to do this without a resource like AR (thanks Saeed!).

We are seriously considering booking a 7 or 10 day 1x1 buff/hippo/croc hunt plus some other plains game for Sept 2008 with John Du Plooy in Zambia. This will be booked by Mark Young through Safari Trackers. Mark has spent literally hours with me on the phone answering countless questions and educating me as to the entire process. Mark is very experienced and extremely knowledgeable and has been incredibly patient wading through and answering my newbie questions. The cost of the 7 day 1x1 hunt is approximately $8,400 not including trophy fees, airfare and tips. I will be bringing my M70s in .300 H&H and .375 H&H.

What do you guys think? Has anyone hunted with John and if so do you have any feedback, suggestions, or advice? Any responses are greatly appreciated.

Andy

03 May 2006, 09:46

Robert johnson

He's got some great hunting reports from hunters that have hunted with him in the last few years. It looks like a ten day hunt for buff /hippo /croc with all fees is close to $20,000 If I were going to Zambia I would some how squeeze in a Lechwe. Sounds like a great hunt!

03 May 2006, 21:04

30ott6

Andy- SBT and I are doing a 21 day hunt with John DuPlooy this September. After our research, we determined that this is the place to go and the person to go with.

We will let you know how it all went when we return.

John

03 May 2006, 22:09

adrook

John,

That's great. I look forward to seeing how it goes for you. I wish you the best of luck.

Andy

03 May 2006, 22:31

Shumba

I have hunted Zim twice (buff & PG) and have been to the South Luangua National Park in Zambia on a photo safari.

If I were booking a hunt in Zambia, it would be wtih John DuPlooy and I would book through Mark Young.

Sounds like you are on the right track for a great safari. Put down your deposit, set the date in stone, and start counting down the days! You and your friends will have a great trip and it is an easy bet to say this will most likely not be your only visit to Africa.

Tim

03 May 2006, 22:57

Mike Smith

Johnnie Duplooy is my choice for Zambia.

Mark, what is the current status in the Kafue flats? Has that all been sorted out?

03 May 2006, 23:36

ARTP

quote:
Originally posted by adrook:
After much research, a buddy (possibly 3 of us, one guy hasn't made up his mind) and I are ready to book our first safari. I have learned tons from reading everyone's posts and for that I am eternally grateful. I can't imagine trying to do this without a resource like AR (thanks Saeed!).
I have no great knowledge of the area or safari company. My only comment would be to take the 10 day hunt, seven days might be enough time to take your animals but with a 2.5-3 day travel on each end the 7 day hunt is a very short turnaround. Best of Luck.
We are seriously considering booking a 7 or 10 day 1x1 buff/hippo/croc hunt plus some other plains game for Sept 2008 with John Du Plooy in Zambia. This will be booked by Mark Young through Safari Trackers. Mark has spent literally hours with me on the phone answering countless questions and educating me as to the entire process. Mark is very experienced and extremely knowledgeable and has been incredibly patient wading through and answering my newbie questions. The cost of the 7 day 1x1 hunt is approximately $8,400 not including trophy fees, airfare and tips. I will be bringing my M70s in .300 H&H and .375 H&H.

What do you guys think? Has anyone hunted with John and if so do you have any feedback, suggestions, or advice? Any responses are greatly appreciated.

Andy

03 May 2006, 23:39

ARTP

Lost the last response. Sorry. My only comment would be to recommend the 10 day hunt. Seven days might be enough time to take your animals but with traveling 2-3 days eacy way the 7 day hunt is a very short turnaround. Best of luck.

04 May 2006, 00:07

30ott6

Adrook- I agree with ARTP, try to squeeze in 3 more days of hunting. It's a long way to go for just 7 days.

Mike- Mark is on a bear hunt and won't be back until May 12 or 13.

John

04 May 2006, 19:50

Donato

Adrook,
Also check out Peter Chipman for your zambian hunt. I hunted with him last Sept and a great hunt for buffalo.

05 May 2006, 04:27

Mike Smith

quote:
Mike- Mark is on a bear hunt and won't be back until May 12 or 13.

Thanks

05 May 2006, 06:57

john e

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Mike Smith:
Johnnie Duplooy is my choice for Zambia.

Hunting with Johnnie Duplooy this Aug for Hippo, croc & buff on the luangua river valley. Any suggestions, advice, and/or pointers?

05 May 2006, 07:34

bwanamrm

quote:
Hunting with Johnnie Duplooy this Aug for Hippo, croc & buff on the luangua river valley. Any suggestions, advice, and/or pointers?

Just trust me john...

Didn't steer you wrong in the Save did I?

On the plains of hesitation lie the bleached bones of ten thousand, who on the dawn of victory lay down their weary heads resting, and there resting, died.

If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,
Or walk with Kings - nor lose the common touch...
Yours is the Earth and everything that's in it,
And - which is more - you'll be a Man, my son!
- Rudyard Kipling

Life grows grim without senseless indulgence.

05 May 2006, 08:13

SBT

John e,
I have a suggestion, don't go near the water unless you have your 416 in hand. As the hunter who left the camp in Tanzania told me upon my arrival, "Be very, very careful...there is death around every corner!"

05 May 2006, 19:50

john e

Just trust me john... :

Bwanamrm...You are my African Pimp" Just looking for ideas to turn more tricks once we get to Zambia. signed: your loyal Bee-och!

06 May 2006, 00:03

crane

adrook- I am booked with them in early season, 2007. I also went through Mark and was most pleased with his service. Mark will tell you if this is doable still; I settled on a 14 day, 2 buff trip. This is a family operation with no subcontracting. Had an opportuinty to meet John and Laura in Spokane last winter before the big shows. Very nice people. Bob Butler.

13 May 2006, 01:06

adrook

Thanks everyone for the responses. I'll let you know once we're booked.

Andy

13 May 2006, 02:28

MARK H. YOUNG

Mike,

Just got back from a successful bear hunt last night and am trying unsuccessfully to catch up.

Anyway as for the Kafue flats and Blue Lagoon all is sorted out but but the price has gone up. Rather than those areas being open to all safari operators as they were in the past individual concessionaires now hold the hunting areas. In theory having this plan will make operators take stewardship of these very unique areas. Only time will tell on that front. In the meantime a Kafue lechwe or a swamp hunt in the Bangweulu requires a 3 day minimum booking plus some hefty trophy fees.

A bright note on the Kafue lechwe is that John's clients shot some huge bulls of 32" and better last season so the hunting is still very good. Also the black lechwe and tsessbe at Bangweulu continue to be excellent. Unfortunately the sitatunga have been hit very hard by poaching and better hunting is available in areas like Tondwa.

Mark

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13 May 2006, 03:09

AKA

I will be using John Sharp this August in Zambia(28 days). We will be using Swanepoel and Scandrol camps. Mark would you try to fit in a Kafue Lechwe?
My main focus is on lion roan and sable. As much as I want a Sitatunga I undestand that since I'll be in the Mulobezi area it may be to far to deal with.
Thanks for your input..steve