Thinking of a Safari. Plains game for wife and I both hunting, approximately 10 day hunt. With political climate and best affordable Safari in mind.....which countries and PH’s do you recommend? Thanks in advance for advice and comments ( at least the constructive ones) ! memtb

Going the first time, it makes lots of sense to contact a booking agent. They don't cost anything and are a wealth of info. Make sure they have a good reputation and aren't someone who reps for just one outfit.

Contact familyexpeditions.com and speak with Corinna or Kevin. Absolutely first class people and operation. They'll listen to what you want and steer you to the best fit.

RS

I whole heartedly recommend Nihan Engelbrecht of Huntersgame Safaris in South Africa. Look up his website and his accommodations near Kimberly, SA. We hunted with him three different years and each time eas fantastic. He could not do enough for us each trip. I/we took 18 animals on the three trips. The accommodations, food and all was very memorable. If I can be of more help please PM me. MTG
Huntersgame.co.za

Big list of possibilities.

First and foremost arrange some additional touring after your hunting is done. For all those hours on a plane it seems silly not to do some touring. 2009 in Namibia we spent 30 days in Namibia 10 of them hunting, 2015 in RSA 21 days with 10 days hunting. Look into other activities for example shore fishing for sharks on the skeleton coast of Namibia, fly fishing opportunities can be found in RSA, winery tours, touring and wildlife viewing in the national parks.......

Join up (if you have not already done so) Accurate reloading and African Hunting websites. lots of good information there.

First question what animal(s) are key on your want list? So much of that judges where you go.

For examples the Hartmans zebra will have you in Namibia, Puku will likely see you in Zambia, ......

Do you care if you are hunting the animals in their natural terrain or are transplants okay?

Is a high fence a problem? I hunted a high fence outfit in Namibia which was over 75,000 contiguous acres with the only internal fences being old 3 and 4 strand wire fences which they were actively tearing down. The outfit is called Byseewah I would highly recommend them. I have been in conversations with and been impressed by another Namibian Kowas Safaris whom JG Raider has hunted with and been very happy with.

I hunted a high fenced operation in the Eastern Cape (2015) called Hotfire safaris which was "only" 10,000+ acres which was made so much larger by the vertical variation within the property. For on who like hunting in the foothills and mountains Hotfire gives you plains game hunting with a feel of the what I would call the foothills. I would also highly recommend Hotfire.

If you have time go to a SCI or DSC Convention or a local hunting show and chat with your most likely candidates. Spending 10 days hunting wth someone you think is a dick makes for a very long trip.

If you are going to tour and wish to do so 100% on your own then I would suggest Namibia be the first country that you look at.

Please feel free to PM me if you want more of my thoughts. My experience is limited compared to some others here, hopefully other voices will chime in.

All the best.

GRF

+1 to what GRF said.

I highly recommend taking extra time for touring. I booked side trips to Botswana and Zimbabwe to see Chobe National Park and Victoria Falls. My wife is not a hunter, but was awestruck with having hippos come by our camp at night and experiencing Victoria Falls.

Prior to leaving, we checked with the outfitter on any items they would like us to bring from the U.S. We brought some school (pencils, pens, rulers etc.) supplies and stopped by a local elementary school. The kids were so excited to have new supplies. It was a simple gesture, but it made a big impression.

Good luck with your trip

Very good recommendations all, Thanks for the detailed information. This is limited resource ($) “bucket list” trip. We don’t require 5 star accommodations.....just good people to hunt with. High fence is OK.....As long as there are many thousands of non-crossfenced acres. We do not want to hunt a fenced animal....”very” fair chase “only”! Keep’ m coming! Thanks, memtb

I've hunted South Africa. I've hunted it twice. Once for plains game & the 2nd time for cape buffalo. I would highly recommend Bossie Mostert. He has Limpopo Big Game Safaris. Website is www.lbgsafaris.com He hunts in the Soutpansberg Mtns in the Limpopo. It kind of reminded me of elk hunting----get high & glass for kudu. See them & make a plan for a stalk. He has some REALLY big kudu.

He has specials package deals. Or you can create you own. I would definitely do Kruger National Park & see the Big 5. I haven't seen a rhino----they kind of keep the locations of sightings a secret. I guess trying to cut down on the horn poaching. If your into fishing---you may want to try for some tiger fish.

I would forget about taxidermy. Take lots of photos instead. Getting the trophies home is a pain in the butt & it's expensive. Save the money & hunt a couple more critters. You may want to see if they are any cull animals. Fees are cheaper and I don't care if it's a Gold or Silver class trophy.

Also take a day & visit some of the local favor. There was a local school for the orphan blacks. Many of their students went on to be scholars in college. It was kind of interesting.

Enjoy the food & wine of South Africa. The wine is great.

No matter where you go. Have Gracey Travel make your plane reservations. They are pros. Plus they have staff at Johannesburg Airport to help.

I had Bossie met me at Johannesburg. Going thru customs & getting my firearm was a breeze. He knew the Custom Officers & everything went top notch.

One word of caution------Africa gets into your blood. You'll be flying home & you'll be planning your next trip back. I'm going for my 3rd time & plan to hunt with Bossie.

Thanks Bob, I’ll take a look-see! I’ll probably not be able ($), to make a second.....so wold like trophies at home. Spend my last few years reminiscing! memtb

Sir, please feel free to drop me either a PM or email. It will be my pleasure to present you with an offer for you and your bride. We have had many couples join us on safari, and like to think that our accommodations will surpass the standards our fairer species. If you would be so kind to visit my web page at www.huntsafaris.co.za , and let me know if I can assist in any way.

Hope to hear from you,

Take Care,
Marius Goosen

Thank You Marius, I’ll take a look! Do you see any major changes in the next year or so....politically or money exchange rates! We’re in the early stages of our planning/dream hunt! We may be in touch! memtb

Duke Safaris is fantastic. I hunted once (so far) and know quite a few others who have hunted with them many, many times. Never a complaint or regret.

http://dukesafaris.com/

+1 on taking in the sights but I always book the sightseeing in the front of the hunt. It helps you sharpen your "bush eyes" and gives luggage or firearms a chance to catch up if your airline sends them to timbuktu.

Regarding taxidermy skulls with horns, hides and. Metric ton of photos

Thank you very much. As always, I fully believe that there will be no political interference with the hunting fraternity. Exchange rates I believe will be similar.
Hope to hear from you!

All the best with the planning.

Best Regards,
Marius

Thanks again to everyone that took time to reply. It’s not going to happen soon, a lot to learn, a lot of decisions to make. But, with your recommendations and a bit of luck...we hope to make it happen. When we win the lottery, the future trips will be much easier. memtb

I am a little late to the thread however.........

Having never hunted in South Africa anything I write about it is only opinion.

I have hunted in Zimbabwe, Zambia, Tanzania, Mozambique, and the Republic of Congo.

For a first time plains game the Republic of Congo is definitely out and Tanzania is very expensive these day.

Coutada Nine in Mozambique is probably one of the most game rich concessions anywhere. Beautiful camp and 500,000 or so acres make it an unbelievable experience. Somebody will kill a 60" kudu there soon. The downside is it is a little more difficult to get to and depending where you fly, the flight will be more expensive. For me it is worth the cost and effort. Contact Mokore Safaris. The Duckworth family members are among the finest people I know.

In Zimbabwe there are multiple choices. My favorite would be to fly in to Vic Falls, overnight at Vic Falls Hotel for some nostalgia or Vic Falls Safari Lodge for something nicer. Spend a two or three days in Hwange at a place like Nehimba and then charter over to Sengwa Research Center. This is also operated by Mokore Safaris. Great plains game with some monster eland and waterbuck.

The great thing about both of the hunting camps I have mentioned is you will see elephant, lion, buffalo on your hunts. Neither area is fenced,

Honorable mention would be Andrew Baldry's Royal Kafue in Zambia. Beautiful camp on the Kafue River, lots of game including lion, buffalo, and elephant. This is a place you could kill a very big sable and roan on the same hunt.

Check out Crusader Safaris in South Africa, http://www.crusadersafaris.com. Hunted with them in 2017. Hunted their Umkomaas camp for Kudu, Nyala and Bushbuck. No high fence. Beautiful area. They also have a big area further south closer to Port Elizabeth a friend of mine has hunted with a wide variety of plains game. I think you would have a hard time finding a better outfit for plains game safari. Agree with previous recommendation to do side trip to Kruger.

Namibia should also be on your radar. Lots of good operators. Look at Kowas Safaris or Jamy Traut Safaris. If you decide on Namibia look at side trip to Etosha National Park to see big 5.

Good luck in your search, Fun to plan for sure!

Thanks again to all, for the information. The “only” negative would be..... I’m starting to suffer from “information overload”! Y’all are doing great, keep it coming. Thanks again, memtb

Africa on the Cheap you are Limited to R.S.A. which is mostly High Fence or Namibia which is mostly Free Range? You would want the P.H. to pick you up at the Airport to save on additional travel costs. Check Flight costs to Johannesburg R.S.A or Windhoek Namibia. Shipping Cost with Import of Trophies will be about $2,500. Mounting the animals is about $1000 each. I have been numerous time feel free to Private message me with any additional questions.

First hunting trip was to Namibia in 2017. NW area near Etosha has some good PH and open range land. Hartmann zebra is available as free range, not available many other places. Best advice is to get a personal recommendation for a PH/outfitter as online ads talk a good story but once you make the deposit and travel they often don't back up the sales talk-know several guys who had bad luck with internet bookings. Took my cousin and we shot 11 animals-plains game over 10 days and only cost $12,000 total for hunt and all accommodations during hunt, plus airlines and hotels for layovers. Go to Accurate Reloading and Africa Hunting. Perhaps you can PM various people that posted info re successful trips to get info/personal recommendation. Good luck. PS went back to Namibia in 2018 and did great. Now ready to move on to other places.
.

Ok I have some beginner questions too. My problem with going to Africa is that of course I don't have any experience with the animals. Say we see a kudu. Is it a big one or a small one? I know the outfitter will be the judge but that leaves me with little satisfaction, as compared to shooting a 6 point or a 12 point whitetail, or a big 6x6 elk. I could look at lots of pictures and familiarize myself with judging the animals I would like. Or tell me how you guys received the satisfaction, if you know what I mean??

Also, memtb touched on exchange rate?? I know nothing about the currency there. Is American money worth more or less? Do the PH's require payment in American money as many Canadian outfitters do, which I think is a bunch of BS. They make money on the exchange.

Thanks

marko, you're getting worked up over a bunch of nothing (no offense). Having never been there, of course you'd have some questions though. You have to trust your PH when getting the go ahead for a shot, especially with hunters who have never laid eyes on the animals before. You just have to trust them. I've got little elk hunting experience, but have been a handful of times. I would personally put a big kudu bull hunt right up there at least equal to the elk hunt. As a matter of fact I find it rather addicting. Hunting Africa is special, particularly Namibia of the places I've been.

As far as the exchange rate goes, it's somewhere around 15:1 USD. One of the last time I went to Nambia with Kowas, I killed 10 plains game culls, a big kudu bull, and a mountain zebra. I paid around $6k for that hunt, which is far less than the cost of a trophy elk hunt, mule deer hunt, or even whitetail hunt in many places. In light of that fact I could give a ratsazzz if the PH makes a little $$$ on the exchange rate.

Not necessarily true- I went this past July and I have zero desire to return to the $ hithole continent called Africa. I had a great time while actually hunting, the rest, not so much.

Funny how everybody is different on this. I had zero desire to go for the first 50 years of my life, then I went, now I'd love to go back every year, even if it were only plains game hunting. Nothing comes close to the sheer amount of game over there. Yes, there were some things that I didn't like, but the SA and Namibian people I was around were A+ folks. Wouldn't care if I ever saw J'burg again though.

Thanks JGRaider. Yea I do get a little worked up once in a while!! I have quite a few buddies that have been to Africa and they all enjoy it immensely. I need to take the plunge, and I will one of these days.

Wow.
Very surprising to hear.
What happened?
Did you get mugged or something?

I went for the first time in May of '17 to RSA for 2 weeks and had a great time.
The biggest surprise for me was I had as much or more enjoyment in the tourist stuff as the hunting.

The hunting was an incredible value (took over 30 animals cull hunting and a decent kudu) and the private park game rides were outstanding and the in town events were great.
We started planning a return within a couple months of leaving.

Doing a week of hunting in Namibia and 10 days of not hunting activities in Vic Falls and the Okavango in May.
Can't wait.

memtb, That’s great news! I’m happy for you both. Add a couple of 375 H&H rifles for you and the wife for no other reason than because you can, and a safari hunt is a good excuse to buy something new...You’re 338 Wins will be just the right porridge.
But, I would still want to look at new shoot’n irons as apart of the build up to going....😎

I'll recommend Hotfire Safaris. The Outfitter is the PH. One group at a time, no interference from other guests who might like to party more than hunt. PH is an amateur naturalist. Not many questions he can't answer, great tour guide also. Outfitter can arrange about anything you want to do.

For Marko who is concerned about knowing what is a big critter. Read all the articles and books you can lay your hands on. Look at mounts in friend's homes etc. Big looks big and takes little time to get accustomed to. You have to understand that some species look the same, but due to differences in location or sub-species, there can be size variations. Probably the most common is the Southern Greater Kudu and the Eastern Cape Kudu. There can be 5-10 inches in length with the SGK being bigger. The first day I was there, I had already see lots of impala in the national park and on the farm. Then we spotted a group of males and one clearly dwarfed the others. Big looks big. A good outfitter will not allow immature animals to be taken, their reputation rides on obtaining mature, quality animals for their clients. I never once felt pressured to shoot something. If anything, I would have shot a couple of critters, but the PH said that they weren't mature, we can do better.

Americans are the world's biggest pool of international hunters, almost all outfitters bill in USD. I appreciate those that bill me in Canadian pesos . Right now the exchange rate is 1CAD/9.5Rand. USD rate would be 30% better than the CAD.

https://www.hotfire.co.za/

My brother and I just booked our first safari, we decided to go with Tholo Safaris in Botswana. I have only found positive reviews with that hunting outfit. It can be pretty nerve racking making the choice with all the info available.
I ended up going to the DSC this year so I can ask questions and meet the people I would be hunting with. Best of luck making your decision, and good luck with your first safari.

If I were doing my first trip again and it was strictly plainsgame, I would look at Omunjeve Safaris in Namibia or Tholo Safaris in Botswana as the previous poster recommended.

And a +100 for using Gracy (or somebody like Steve Turner) to do your travel arrangements and gun permits.

It isn't that expensive and it makes it so much less hassle and greatly reduces the stress and after a long plane ride to Africa, the last thing you want to deal with is additional stress.

I've been there 7 times and use a travel agency EVERY time. Never use one for non-hunting trips though.

Just my opinion.

Hunted with Tholo in Botswana last Sept. it was my first plains game in 8 years but my 15th Safari. Had a great time and highly recommend them. Good folks.

I didn't like being yelled at and taunted in the airport in J'berg because I was toting a guncase and obviously a sportsman, I didn't like being treated like chit by the blacks at customs and airport security who treated the other blacks much differently, I didn't like having bug poison sprayed all over me every time I got in an airplane. I didn't like having to keep the doors locked and windows rolled up when we drove through town so we wouldn't get hi jacked. I didn't like having to pay/bribe someone for almost everything that you needed to do. I didn't like the high fences that were around every property I saw in Namibia, I did't like being treated like chit by the black US customs in Atlanta. I didn't care for the 20 hour plane ride that cost me $3000. Just doesn't do it for me.

I could go on.

On the ranch/farm itself it was fine- I had a good time, ate well and saw LOTS of game. I didn't think there was much sport in driving around and shooting at stuff or even jumping off and shooting at stuff. I pissed my PH off when I insisted I was going to shoot all my animals from my hind legs and we were going to do a lot of walking and not as much driving. I didn't care for the long lunches and nap time. Other than that, it was great.

Thanks for the clarification.

We rented rifles, as we had more days in country not hunting then hunting.
We breezed through customs in 2 minutes....maybe for that reason.
The porters profusely thanked us for coming hunting and helping their people on our way out of JoBerg.
On the way home British Airways did fog the plane....we weren't thrilled by that.

We informed the PH that we would rather eat sandwiches out in the field daily than drive back and waste a couple hours....they were delighted to comply.
Our PH appreciated that we wanted to hike, stalk and hunt.
I think they are more used to wealthy, out of shape hunters that expect to be waited on hand and foot, more often than not.

I hope with the knowledge you gained on this trip you will know a lot more questions to ask before hand the next time, if you decide to try again.
Rural Africa was magical for us. I hope to enjoy it much more in the future.
We did not overnight in any large metro areas, so maybe we got lucky on the hijack problems.

Take care.

I fully agree with Dennis' observation. I've hunted Africa on two occasions: Tanzania and South Africa. Both times were rewarding experiences but, having now hunted Africa, I have no desire to return. Plenty of wonderful hunts in the USA to keep me completely satisfied for the rest of my life.

Thanks Mark! She’s welcome to my old H&H, but I’m certain she take her .338....as she’s pretty comfortable with it. And her rifle is about 3 or more pounds lighter than the Win. Model 70. And I’ll use my .375AI. If they’re good enough here in the states....they should be OK for Africa! memtb

Where and by who were you being taunted by in the Johannesburg airport? Did you hire a meet and greet service? I hired a meet and greet service and had zero issues. The staff were black and they handled immigration and the rifle permits at the police stations. Easy peasy. I had them walk me to the City Lodge. I bought meals at the restaurants and bookstores in the airport which were run by blacks, nothing but friendly interactions.

As for bug spray, I don't recall that, but I've been to North American farms, kennels and other facilities where we at least had to step in a tray of disinfectant coming and going.

I hired a driver for the afternoon in Johannesburg, never had to lock doors in the cars. But we were primarily in the Eastern Cape. Didn't bribe anyone. Again, hiring a local to assist takes away a lot of the opportunity for persons to take advantage of you.

Can't help you with our own TSA staff, or the cost of your airfare. I'm paying less than $2000CAD for KLM cattleclass.

I made it clear that driving and shooting was not for me, but it was not an issue because that was settled before I went there, the outfitter is the PH and this was all discussed at the show in Calgary where I booked. We had a couple of lunches at homebase when we were close by, but even on most days on the home farm we ate (if at all) in the field. Dawn to dusk baby.

I wish your experience had been better. Africa can be magical. Give it another try Dennis?

All I will say is that my experiences are nothing like dennisinaz situations, a complete 180 in fact. I do agree that J'burg pretty much sucks.

Same here, I have loved Africa and have endured a few issues but it is part of traveling in a foreign country. I have had more issues with the TSA than I have in other countries.

I also did not care much for Joberg, or Dar Es Salaam or Brazzaville but they are interesting places to visit and in general not much worse than New Orleans.

i had a great experience in 2016 with Kei River Safaris, Andrew Renton, in S Africa"s Eastern Cape. Heartily recommend

Contact our own JJHACK and do whatever he tells You. You won't regret it, see if He can get You set up with Pieter Kriel SP?

Absolutely check out the outfitter and PH. I’ve been twice and got shorted both times on what I Pirchased. And Do Not buy a hunt at auction, you pay twice and get half the service. As for booking agents, be wary. Namibia was a great experience even though the booking agent sold us a package and the land owner didn’t do packages, they were not prepared for one of us to bowhunt, and it took 2 of our paid 8days for the landowner to get back and set up the hunt with the PH. South Africa - may as well go to South Texas. SA is just small high fence places with game purchased at the local auction. By small I mean 500 to 1500acres, Namibia was same as free range at over 40,000 acres.

Do your research, I was way too trusting of the booking agent.. and yes I lived in the town where the booking agent was located and asked around. Like usual if you were connected you got one deal and if not another. There are good booking agents - Outdoor Connection - and no I do not get paid by them.

It is a good experience and amazing hunting. Two trips and I regularly hunt with several guys who are better hunters than the PHs. Most PHs are good guys, enjoy hunting, just guys like in a good hunting camp, but not any better than you see if you hunt a lot. Do your homework, distance and size wise - PH cost me as he wouldn’t give the range unless I asked. We had shots from 80 yards to 325 yards. I won’t trust the PH again, I’ll do my own ranging.

It’s a good experience. I agree with using a local agency to help with transfers. Africa Sky is great. Met us at the airport, walked us through customs, stored my Rifles while we toured, service was impeccable. I’m sure others are good as well, but we will use them again.

I've bought a few hunts at auction, and never felt I got half the service for twice the pay.

Why would you bid twice as much as what a hunt is worth?

I've always got the same service on auctioned hunts as I would have expected by booking with the outfitter directly, and got the hunts for 1/3 the price...