First time to Africa- looking for any advice needed

Ive been lurking the site for a while now and have made a few decisions from the information I've gathered.

Here's what i know: I plan on going to Namibia or South Africa sometime this summer.
It will be myself (18) and my father (50) he will be a non-hunter.

As it will be my first trip I would love to do around a 10 day trip. the species Im looking to go after in list of greatest importance to me include:
1. Kudu
2. Gemsbok
3. Wildebeast
4. impala
5. springbok
6. any other smaller game suggestions for a first timer?

For my budget, Id like to stay around $6,000 for my hunts, lodging, and my dads lodging as well. (lodging to include food and beverages)

My main question is, what are some of the best outfits you have personally gone with? This has been the most difficult part for me, trying to chose an outfitter considering how many options there are. so any advice on outfitters or any other advice I need to know would be GREATLY appreciated.

I think a steenbok, duiker or klipspringer are nice. I would maybe swap out the wildebeest for a mountain zebra (they are unique). You might have to be flexible on the price, but there are lots of good Namibia outfitters.

He posted it twice, so will I :D

Well, I do not think you are to unreasonable. Which wildebeest blue or black? Just your question alone should draw some responses from some great outfitters. You can also look for some local sportsman shows or SCI shows in your area(This of course depends on were you live) This is a good time of year because most outfitters are in the states for these shows. Gives you the chance to meet them face to face. If you check out the shows sights you can check them out on here before you go the show. This is just one of the ways to find an outfitter. But it allows you to make a face to face appearance with the outfitter. Just one suggestion.

As far as the last animal....I say don't pick one here. Leave it till you get to the Dark side! Hunt for a day or two and let Africa tell you the final animal. There will no doubt an animal that you will fall in love with once you set eyes on the real thing. Also be prepared to shoot a seventh animal because you cant just pick a sixth. Then start to save for your second trip. Because if you go once, you will go again! Others will tell you this as well!! Have fun!!

Welcome to the forum. First and foremost, I envy you. Not only are you 18 and planning a trip to Africa but you will be enjoying it with your father. On top of that, I wish I could go back and experience that first trip all over again. It is a life changing experience and you will remember it for the rest of your life.

As for hunting in South Africa or Namibia....there are loads of very good outfitters and some of the best regularly participate in this forum. You will probably get bombarded with emails and hunt offers shortly....ha!

Are you a bowhunter or rifle hunter or both? Does size of the property and "middle of nowhere" feel matter to you? Would you want to do a day or two at a national park for photos, etc?

Let me know if I can help. There are tons of great guys on here that will love to help you and answer all of your questions. Most importantly....don't be nervous to ask questions. This is a very friendly forum and even if you are embarassed to ask something ask it!

The only caution I would tell you is that going to Africa at such a young age can result in lifelong addiction, spending all of your income (disposeable and not) on safaris and generally thinking about Africa every single day.

In Namibia, I can personally recommend Nick Nolte Safaris (Nick Nolte Hunting Safaris).

Welcome to AH, Sir.

Wealth of knowledge on this forum and I am sure that you will enjoy it here.

Best Regards.
Marius Goosen

welcome to AH. i wish i had started at 18 :beer: ahh just thought you prob arent allowed to drink ;) as has been said there are plenty of agents and operators on here that will be able to provide you with plenty of options, and everyone else will do there best to assist you.

Welcome to AH, Cullenwruth !

Cullen welcome to AH.

Sent you a PM.

Your $6,000 does that include airfare and lodging? or just the Safari.

Thank you all for the replies and advice. @james.garage- just for hunt not including airfare

Welcome to AH sir

WElcome to AH cullenwruth! I will send you a PM shortly. Bob

Quote:

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Originally Posted by cullenwruth

Ive been lurking the site for a while now and have made a few decisions from the information I've gathered.

Here's what i know: I plan on going to Namibia or South Africa sometime this summer.
It will be myself (18) and my father (50) he will be a non-hunter.

As it will be my first trip I would love to do around a 10 day trip. the species Im looking to go after in list of greatest importance to me include:
1. Kudu
2. Gemsbok
3. Wildebeast
4. impala
5. springbok
6. any other smaller game suggestions for a first timer?

For my budget, Id like to stay around $6,000 for my hunts, lodging, and my dads lodging as well. (lodging to include food and beverages)

My main question is, what are some of the best outfits you have personally gone with? This has been the most difficult part for me, trying to chose an outfitter considering how many options there are. so any advice on outfitters or any other advice I need to know would be GREATLY appreciated.

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First I'd like to wish you the best on this hunt and I hope you make it happen. I think it's great that you're going with your Pop....I went last year and wished my father was with me but he really can't travel anymore more becuase of medical issues. So I say to you, make it happen while you can!

As far as adding a small trophy to the list, I personally had a blast hunting Steenbok and I'm getting mine full mounted. Enysse covered some of the others but I would also add a Warthog to that list...they're fun too!

I think the $6K budget you have (assuming this is only fees to your outfitter) is a little light. I hope you've contemplated all other costs...airfare, tips, dip and pack, taxidermy, customs broker, etc. It does add up.

The outfitter I used last July was Quagga Safaris...I feel they're top notch. There are others as well. Just read some of the hunting reports on the site and you should find all the info you're looking for. Good luck buddy!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by cullenwruth

Ive been lurking the site for a while now and have made a few decisions from the information I've gathered.

Here's what i know: I plan on going to Namibia or South Africa sometime this summer.
It will be myself (18) and my father (50) he will be a non-hunter.

As it will be my first trip I would love to do around a 10 day trip. the species Im looking to go after in list of greatest importance to me include:
1. Kudu
2. Gemsbok
3. Wildebeast
4. impala
5. springbok
6. any other smaller game suggestions for a first timer?

For my budget, Id like to stay around $6,000 for my hunts, lodging, and my dads lodging as well. (lodging to include food and beverages)

My main question is, what are some of the best outfits you have personally gone with? This has been the most difficult part for me, trying to chose an outfitter considering how many options there are. so any advice on outfitters or any other advice I need to know would be GREATLY appreciated.

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Welcome to the forum, it seems like you know exactly what you want and that's mostly a good thing, I believe the Eastern Cape would be the perfect start for you, feel free to ask as many questions as you like everyone here will be willing to help!

My best always.

Welcome to the forum Cullen.
I hope you find what you are looking for.
Happy hunting!

I agree a good warthog! 10bsessedHunter how could I forget that, never pass a big warthog!

Hi Cullen

Welcom to AH.Good luck with the search AH is a great place to find what you are looking for.There is some great outfitters around.

I will send you a pm.

Thank you

Rouan

Hi Cullen sorry to take so long to get back with you but here's what I've got to offer if you think you might be interested send me a PM.
You and your Dad 7 day Safari 9 days total with arrival and departure days in with a five star outfit.
1. Kudu
2. Gemsbok
3. Wildebeast
4. impala
5. springbok
I add a Blesbok and if time allows throw in a couple of cull animals just for fun.
INCLUDES
*9 days (7 Hunting Days 1x1+ Day of arrival and Departure).
*Tropy Fees for animals listed
*Services of Professional Hunter, Trackers, Skinners and Lodge Staff.
*Field preparation of trophies.
*Lodging, meals, drinks (alcohol in moderation) and daily laundry service.
*All transport and mileage during the Safari
*Road transfers to and from airport East London.

EXTRAS NOT INCLUDED
*Dip and Pack/ Taxidermy of trophies.
*Shipping of trophies to final destination.
*Gratuities for Professional Hunter, Trackers, Skinners and Lodge Staff.
*Additional trophies can be added at current trophy fee.

All in for 6000.00