I agree with some of the others. Do not write off South Africa as it probably has everything you are looking for and more. Quite simply have your guns cleared by a second party and most operators will offer this service.

Was it Matt Graham who recently posted a splendid report of his trip to SA? The country looked stunning and the quality of his trophies were outstanding.

congratulations-nice trophies and excellent report

Take a look at Gras Ranch.....I went there last year and had a blast....it sounds like they have everything you are looking for......free chase on 100,000 acres...lots of good game....great food and lodging

PostOak
You were in the right area but about 50km away from where I would recommend.
Please contact Northen Zululand Safaris, Leo van Rooyen. Their area is 25000ha about 8 times the size of what you hunted and in a much wilder area as they back against the Ubombo mountains and Swaziland.It is a big 5 area and you will get to hike up wild valleys and track game along the most stunning river frontage in the area. Leo is the kind of hunter who gets in to 10 yard range on Ele, so you can expect an awesome hunt.
If you want really wild then try their concession in Mozambique or Namibia
Leo is a great hunter and will ensure you get what you want. Try them. http://www.northernzululand.com

HQ

The important thing is that you managed the "not so good" stuff and you enjoyed the hunt.

From the smile on your face in the pictures you had good time. Hunting SA is tantamount to hunting in the Texas Hill Country. The terrain is about the same and the accommodations are as good or better.

Thanks for sharing.

I think any trip has got its warts to consider. My first trip to Namibia in 2009 had some problems like a greedy, knotheaded outfitter who did about only 70-80% of what he said. His was also a 'put and take' operation where he supplemented his herds to keep them healthy and with sufficient harvesting numbers despite the fact that he had 50,000 acres. Windhoek direct from Frankfurt was nice and the airport hassles were very minimal; a little slow because of their facilities but no monkey business at all. I would carefully shop around because my hunt was certainly more expensive there than comparable hunts in SA. A lot of the older Namibian ranchers have established hunting ranches for the money but I wouldn't call it a quality wild game experience. Although my experience was mixed, when I go back to Africa this year it will be to wild Mozambique with a much more respectable outfitter for somewhat more money.

I just returned a week ago from two weeks in SA.

I hunted with Stan Burger Safaris in the NW Province who has IIRC about 20000 acres one of which is a 10000 acre farm with another 4k+ acres right across the dirt road and I believe another 6k about 6 km away. Only thing I ever saw was a power line that runs throught he main property.

He also took us down to Julian theron (Jules of the Karoo) in the Karoo and we shot all 4 of the different Springbuk there as well as an awesome Gemsbok.

I would definatly go with Stan again.

They met em at Joberg Saps was a breeze took 5 minutes when my turn came and we were off to the lodge two hours away.

I will put up a seperate post soon so as nto to hijack your thread.

I was in Namibia back in 2000 (not hunting unfortunately though!), where I was lucky enough to explore a fair bit of the country. It is with out a doubt a very beautiful country and when I go to Africa to hunt in the next couple of years, this is the place I'll go for PG.

How do you fence in elephants, can't they just run over the fences? This may be a stupid question?