My daughter and her friend graduate in 2020. For their graduation trip they have selected a hunting and photo safari in Africa.

We are looking at approximately two weeks and the menu will probably be limited to plains game.

Suggestions for country and PH?

South Africa or Namibia. Great plains game hunting, lots of parks for photos. Don't forget the coastal areas and beaches.
Good luck. They have time to plan and you have time to save!
There are an abundance of PHs. I've hunted several times with Gert Rall. He is retired and does not have a website but I can put in contact with him. Many of my mates have hunted with him also. One advantage is he can shop around and take you to different ranches for the best prices for the animals you seek.
Good luck and a noble effort.
Cal

Quite honestly I think you're looking way too far ahead.

Things sometimes change quickly in Africa and in that five years, Govts & Govt policies can change dramatically, hunting bans can be introduced and cancelled, droughts and civil unrest can come and go, individuals can croak or go bust etc and prices, especially fuel prices can soar and collapse.

If I were in the position you describe, I wouldn't even start looking at countries, let alone individual operators until about 2018.

quote:

Originally posted by shakari:
Quite honestly I think you're looking way too far ahead.

This...and for all the reasons described above. It's OK to be generally thinking about options, but definitely don't book anything or throw any money on the table before 2018. Furthermore, the very best deals are to be had on very short notice, not further in advance.

Agreed but the planning is the first stage and this can be exciting in itself.

If beaches don't interest you then consider Zambia or Zimbabwe as an option and an excursion to the Falls. That is if you are looking for real Africa.

How about Masailand in Tanzania? Fantastic, unique plains game, while experiencing the real Africa (no fences) similar to what Hemingway & Ruark experienced years ago.

Very close to the finest (imo) National Parks in Africa: Serengeti, Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro Crater & Mt. Kilimanjaro (also Zanzibar).

Yes, like Steve said: five years is a very long time indeed. But no reason not to start planning ahead I guess. We can book you this year, but five years?? Things/blocks in Africa can change a lot in fives years time. There's no time like the present!

Two weeks is not enough for a first trip. Add another week and use three days for a trip to Victoria Falls and three or four days in the Kruger Park. There are several South African tour companies that offer combo deals that include a car, driver/tour guide, accommodations and airfare at reasonable prices.

Bill Quimby

Get hold of Andries or Stephie with Van Wijk Safaris. Great people and some great accomodations! They also have some great rates and game quality. They'll fix you up.

sa in the NW province with Stan Burger Safaris or Limpopo with Charl and infinito.

I would look at Mokore Safari's Mozambique operation. Outstanding plainsgame hunting amongst dangerous game in a very large unfenced concession.

Any of the Duckworths are extremely competent PHs. I would also hunt with Fabian (Works with Neil) in Mozambique without reservation.

They also operate an eco camp in the same area. The Njiri Eco Camp would be fun. I met Holly who runs the camp and she would be a great host.



http://www.mokoresafaris.com/moz_areas.html

I would lean toward Namibia. I was there a few years ago and hunted with Kobus Honibal. We did a one day flight around the country, including Etosha Pan and the Skeleton Coast.

Hunting accomodations in Namibia tend to be more deluxe. If you want a true bush camp, Zambia or Zim would be better.

I agree that the planning is a fun part of the hunt. Two weeks is never enough, but is better than one. I agree with previous posters that things can change. If you can, attend the SCI convention next year. Feel free to email me.
Brice

I agree with Oom Shakari. So much can change in 5 years. I would keep myself informed, do a lot of reading and book a nice place in 2019 for 2020.

Five years is a long time. It is a longer time over here....

quote:

Originally posted by Howard:
My daughter and her friend graduate in 2020. For their graduation trip they have selected a hunting and photo safari in Africa.

We are looking at approximately two weeks and the menu will probably be limited to plains game.

Suggestions for country and PH?

While I agree it is too far ahead to book now...I will give you another suggestion...as it is never too far ahead to look and evaluate.

The Bubye Valley Conservancy would be a wonderful choice.

Previously known as the Lemco Ranch, the Bubye Valley Conservancy is a privately owned 850,000 acre wild life reserve in the south central part of Zimbabwe.

The Bubye Valley Conservancy is one of the finest hunting destinations to be found anywhere in Africa, and remains one of the few areas where hunting among the big 5 is still possible (rhino are there).

Dangerous and plains game hunting within the conservancy is free range and offers a very diverse variety of huntable species. The Bubye Valley Conservancy is a great destination for all hunters but especially hunters wanting to bring families and children.

Nigel Theisen, a native-born Zimbabwean holding a PH license in Zim since the early 1980's would be my recommendation of PH's.

If you want more information on hunting with Nigel in the Bubye...PM or e-mail me: ledvm@msn.com

I have hunted with Nigel many times.

I would try to book in early 2018 for a 2020 hunt.

5 Years ago Benjamin Willis told me when he is done with high school and law school he will be hunting Kudu with me. He is coming next year. Sometimes time flies like south east wind in the Cape. But do not expect ANYONE to tie down prices.

Speaking of prices, has anyone seen the 2015 trophy fees on the Bubyi? I feel sorry for those that booked two years ago and will have to pay the 2015 trophy fees. The days of a $12K 10 day plains game hunt is gone.

quote:

Originally posted by sevenmagltd.:
Speaking of prices, has anyone seen the 2015 trophy fees on the Bubyi? I feel sorry for those that booked two years ago and will have to pay the 2015 trophy fees. The days of a $12K 10 day plains game hunt is gone.

I have them on my computer and can e-mail them to you.