Buff/leopard and plains game. Fall 2013,with my son.
My dime.

Is Zim still worth being included in the mix? I'm hearing and reading mixed reviews due to their government's malfeasance and intrusions.

I love Namib and feel rather confident I could organize a solid adventure there but I also have a desire to experience Zimbabwe,especially since I first hunted in Namibia. I'd be content to book Zim if you guys feel the concerns are overblown.

Have any of you Africa vets written off Zim for the time being or would you still have no hesitation booking Zim for a safari?

Myself and all the guys I've sent there have not ever had any problems in the country or getting trophies out. I too love Namibia.

Bob,

I was in Zim in June of this year and living conditions were better than when I was there in 2009. You will need to be very careful in selecting an area to hunt if you want a good chance of success for buff, leopard, and plains game. I have hunted in both the Zambezi valley and the Midlands and plains game was not plentiful in the areas I hunted. Also, in some areas leopard is a full time hunt as the educated cats are difficult (Midlands). Areas in the Save might be a good place to look as leopard and plains game have been reported in good numbers but that was before the current land grab problems.

I will go back and I suggest that you can have a great hunt if you pick one of the well known, ethical, and honest outfitters and a good area. I would not worry about the politics or safety unless there is a revolution the week you leave. Your outfitter will keep you safe and the govt needs your business.

I haven't been to Namibia but am considering it and Mozambique for next year. Moz has areas reported to have good success on both the DG and PG. but again, there are both good and dodgy outfitters. Good luck in whatever you choose.

Namibia is a lot more of a sure bet Bob...

Thanks guys.

Oday...PG would largely be a aside and a opportunity for my son to be introduced to hunting in Africa. I'd only desire a mtn zebra and possibly larger kudu,gemsbok and warthog than the ones I took in Namib last year.

Tom...I'm tending to lean more towards the sure bet safeguard. I'm figuring 35K plus all said and done and I wish to be as close to sure bet as I can possibly be.

Leopard is my bucket list priority and the main reason I'm going back,aside from sharing the experience with my son. Buff can wait,if necessary,but I want my son to have his own hunting itinerary and he for darn sure isn't going to shoot my leopard. Well, I don't think he is,anyways.

Thanks to all for their input.

My vote still goes to Zim for buff & leopard. Either Chewore or the Bubyee. That said if money's not a big consideration, Tanzania and the Selous.

[quote=RISJR]Oday...PG would largely be a aside and a opportunity for my son to be introduced to hunting in Africa. I'd only desire a mtn zebra and possibly larger kudu,gemsbok and warthog than the ones I took in Namib last year./quote]

Mtn zebra does not occur in Zim. If booking with a reputable outfitter you will be fine. At this point in time the one consideration with regards to Zim will be what old man Bob is up to. I think he may be fixing to trade places with Mother Earth and a hot place. That being said he may have the hot place on hold for another year or two as he is the one that can cheat the devil himself.

Dad?

Robert Mugabe,Zimbabwe's ruler.

I know who Peter was talking about - I was calling you dad.

I need a leopard.