Safari Suggestions

I have been struggling to decide on my next safari and thought I would check for input and verify my findings so far. If I have a total budget of US$45K, what should I look at?
I have taken cape buffalo and leopard so I don't want them as a primary. I had looked at mt. nyala, bongo and giant eland and all these seem to exceed my price range.
Is lion an option?
Elephant? Or should I be looking at plains game, sitatunga?

Elephant in some places are within that budget. Tuskless for sure.

So many choices. I guess that perhaps you might wait a couple of months to decide. Try to go to one of the larger sporting expos/shows. Look around at the different mounts and then decide which is most important to YOU. I have seen Bongo in that price range. This post may bring a offer to you that may help. From what I've seen that amount should get you a elephant or a lion in the right area. Best of luck on your decision. Bruce

I suggest you look at an DSC (in jan) or SCI (in feb) convention and look to purchase a package in your bracket.

Elephant - Hippo- Crock - Lion are all in your reach...along with some plains game are doable with your budget...

Look at Mozambique for a package on Lion, hippo, crock, sable and some plains game...

I was wondering about Mozambique - I did see an advertisement for lion there.
I also saw many listing for lion all over Zimbabwe, Namibia but I when I inquire most don't reply to interest in their published rates. But this may be due to the situation in those two countries now.
I read in another another post parts of Mozambique are over poached, is there still good hunting there? maybe North someone said?
I think lion, elephant combo is out of reach or areas are closed unless someone knows otherwise

Mozambique like Zimbabwe can be a great country to hunt, but has its share of shady operators and poached areas.

Keep in mind elephant from Mozambique cannot be exported to the United States.

I hunted Coutada Nine in Mozambique with Mokore Safaris and it was a great experience.

Kambako Safaris also offers a great experience in Moz.

classicsafari who post on AH has hunted with Kambako multiple times, you may PM for some info.

Kambako Safari Company - Mozambique, Africa


In Zimbabwe, $45,000 is a little light for a dedicated lion hunt in a top area like Matetsi, Buybe, or the Save. Between the day rates, bait, and trophy fees it is easy to eclipse the $55,000 to $60,000 mark.

By comparison you can enjoy a good elephant hunt in Zimbabwe for less than $45,000. Martin Pieters, Buzz Charlton, Wayne van den Bergh all post here and offer good areas in Zim.

Remember in Zim to always book with a proper, licensed Zimbabwean outfitter.

PM sent

There are many great options.

1) Zambia - Kafue Lechwe, Sitatunga and plainsgame.
2) Uganda - Dwarf buffalo, Sesse Island Sitatunga and plains game.
3) CAR - Red Buffalo, Dwarf buffalo and duiker.
4) Not sure of the details but there are opportunities in north Africa for Barbary Sheep and Ibex.

That budget should get you a nice elephant hunt and since you didn't list that on your list I assume you have not done one. My only warning is then you will want to do nothing but hunt elephants from then on!!

Benin and Burkina Faso have some good hunting for reasonable rates. Roan, harness bushbuck, buffalo and lion.

I think a single hunt for Lord Eland Derby or Bongo is possible.

Originally Posted by BRICKBURN

Elephant in some places are within that budget. Tuskless for sure.

Found this offer as an example:
10 day Elephant bull - $19,500 ALL INCLUSIVE
ivory between 40- 50 lbs.

Possibly Lion and PG at Kambako African Safaris - Mozambique, Africa and Elephant with Nyati safaris. Both in Mozambique.

"That budget should get you a nice elephant hunt and since you didn't list that on your list I assume you have not done one. My only warning is then you will want to do nothing but hunt elephants from then on!!"

Totally agree!

I've made some inquiries on lion, see what I here back.

Where would you look for a "nice" elephant, any recommendations on who to go with?

21 day safari, go to Africa and get a great big Sable and some plains game you already don't have on the first 10days, one day for travel, then go to Oz and get one of those giant water Buffalo, with the huge sweeper horns on the last 10 days. Might as well shoot a Camel as well, unique trophy.

Originally Posted by SRHunter

I've made some inquiries on lion, see what I here back.

Where would you look for a "nice" elephant, any recommendations on who to go with?

Botswana has Elephant available next season, then it's closed. That's where I would look if I had the $$. "Safaris Botswana Bound" would be one option.
"Nyati Safaris" has a Bull available for around $35+ up in northern Mozambique. The Ele up there feed on the Mangos around November and they usually on average take Bulls 20lbs bigger than Zim Bulls ...

Elephant from Mozambique would not be importable for me unfortunately.
Hopefully this will change some day.

Hi,
You could hunt the unique Rusa deer on the island of Mauritius. Take a few minutes to look up my website and if you have any questions, do not hesitate. Safari Photos, Chasse, Pèche au gros & Nages avec les dauphins - Vacances Aventures

Ivan Charoux