Pick a wild area in Zimbabwe or Zambia with a top notch LOCAL operator and PH. Book enough days, at least 10 especially if he wants plains game. Listen to the lions, leopard, and hyenas at night. Enjoy every moment and do not sweat the small stuff.
I brought a friend of mine to Zim two years ago for his first safari. We went to Hwange for a couple of days prior to the hunt. Being close to buffalo, elephant, lion, leopards, hyenas, etc in Hwange was a great experience and helped him become acquainted with African big game prior to hunting them.
