First Time African Safari - Looking for advice and recommendations

I am in the midst of planning my first African hunting safari and am looking for some recommendations on outfitters as well as general advice on what to expect. I will be going with a friend and my father (61 years old) and am looking exclusively at South Africa. We will be targeting plains game (5+ animals), specifically kudu, wildebeast (or hartebeast) as well as some of the larger antelope (gemsbuck, blesbock). We are looking for a 7-10 day hunt between April and September of this year but are flexible within that time range. As for price range, we'd like to keep the total cost including accomodations, meals, trophy fees, etc. (not including airfare, taxidermy, hotel stay on either side of the hunt) under $6,000.

Please let me know if you have any recommendations for outfitters that would fit the bill. Also, what areas in South Africa would be best for the species we have targeted. Note that I have conducted a lot of online research into various outfitters (Cruiser Safaris, African Sky, etc.) but wanted to see if anyone had any first hand knowledge or recommendations based on personal experience as it's hard to separate everything I see on the internet when I've never been to Africa before.

Thanks in advance for any advice/recommendations.

I went to South Africa in 2010, I used Fauna Africa,they quality of game was outstanding. They have raised their prices quite a lot since then,but again, quality is very good. Ken DuPlessis, is the outfitter, willem Van Roohen was the PH. I will likely look to go with KMG Hunting Safaris next time. Marius Goosen. Just my two bits,cheaper is NOT always a good thing. Brian

We have many on here from South Africa that will be able to help you out.

i sent you a PM.

You have come to the right place to do the research. You are going to find a lot of very valuable information here. I am jealous of you! I remember the excitment in planning my first safari and how much fun it was. The problem is that while you are on the plane you will not even realize that you are planning your 2nd safari before you touch down in RSA. You can try to doubt me but it is the honest truth!! I have to 2nd the opinion of "bcarper" above and Cheaper is NOT always a good thing. Take the time and research everything complete and most important of all, have fun doing it! Also, don't be afraid to aske other people on this forum questions even if you think they are embarrassing. Just remember that we were all in your place at one time. Good Hunting & Best of Luck!! Joel

Are you dead set on South Africa? Botswana, Namibia and even Zambia offer great hunting for reasonable rates. There are a lot of good outfitters out there but do your homework.

Welcome to AH.

Review the information available here.

Good luck.

Welcome to A.H.

I went on my first safari in 2011, and followed it up in 2012 (and will be going again this year) and have used Hartzview Safari in South Africa both times. Jacques Spammer, the P.H. and owner, is excellent and will help you in every stage of the planning. I highly recommend him! I was able to harvest all the animals you are asking about, and more!

FYI: I am 67 years old.

Who ever you go with, you will have the time of your life.

Welcome to AH Drzracing! There are many good outfitters here on AH that can help you. You can send the your list of animals and they will be glad to work you up a package deal. My favorite area is the East Cape and April, May and June are my favorite times few reasons 1. the plane tickets are usually cheaper 2. June 2nd is my Birthday and where else better to be then hunting in Africa on your Birthday 3. the weather isn't bad not to cold not to hot and very little or no rain. I'll send you a PM. Bob

Welcome to AH,
Went on my first Safari in 2011. Myself and my two sons were the hunters. My wife my sons wife and her father and mother went as observers. I like you had a ton of questions. We used the internet for two years to pick a safe place for everyone and one that fit our budget. We narrowed it down to two outfitters. We wanted a place that would take good care of us, that only took one group at a time and were very serious about quality animals. I spoke to both by phone. After answering many questions Liam of Liam Urry Safaris told me he would be in the states in a couple of weeks and if we would like he would stop in Salt Lake City and meet with all of us. Liam stayed in Salt Lake for two days helped us with our gun permits and answered all of our questions we could think of at that time. We are all planning to go back as funds allow. You can read a lot about our trip on this site just by putting Liam Urry in the search box. Lots of pics. PM me if you like I love talking Africa. Good luck on your search.

Just my .02 cents but if you add Springbok, your list is a natural for Namibia. It would not cost you any more and the largest quantities and largest specimens of several of your quarry are found there - free range.

Just some food for thought.

Hi zachcrue

I must agree with Diamondhitch on this one, Namibia might be a good option considering your budget. The price for Kudu and Gemsbuck is a bit cheaper there. I usually remommend my friends at Omuwiwe, very friendly and very professional. If you are exclusively looking at South Africa, KMG Hunting Safaris have great packages. They operate from the East Cape province.

Hi again Hagar,

Hope you all are well.

Yes you are correct Liam is now at -

Dallas Safari Club, Dallas TX 3042
Hunting time show, Grand Rapids MI Don稚 know yet.
Eastern Sports Show, Harrisburg PA 6716


Regards , Owen

MABARULE HUNTERS AFRICA

Dear Sir,

My Name is Francois van Dyk the owner, Outfitter and PH of Mabarule Hunters Africa. We can offer you a plains game hunt in the Eastern Cape South Africa where you can shoot all the species you indicated and many more.

Our Offer: 1 x Hunter and 2 x Non-Hunters with 1 x PH

7 Day Plains Game Hunt:

Kudu, Blue Wildebeest, Gemsbuck, Blesbuck and Springbuck.

Total cost: $ 7 740

The hunt takes place in the Eastern Cape, South Africa, near Bethuli, on a 8000 hectare Game Farm. You fly to Johannesburg and from there with a connecting Flight to Bloemfontein where we meet you and from there by vehicle to the hunting area. The same route back.

If you interested kindly contact us at the following e-mail address: mozsafaris@global.co.za

Best regards,

Francois van Dyk

Originally Posted by zachcrue

I am in the midst of planning my first African hunting safari and am looking for some recommendations on outfitters as well as general advice on what to expect. I will be going with a friend and my father (61 years old) and am looking exclusively at South Africa. We will be targeting plains game (5+ animals), specifically kudu, wildebeast (or hartebeast) as well as some of the larger antelope (gemsbuck, blesbock). We are looking for a 7-10 day hunt between April and September of this year but are flexible within that time range. As for price range, we'd like to keep the total cost including accomodations, meals, trophy fees, etc. (not including airfare, taxidermy, hotel stay on either side of the hunt) under $6,000.

Please let me know if you have any recommendations for outfitters that would fit the bill. Also, what areas in South Africa would be best for the species we have targeted. Note that I have conducted a lot of online research into various outfitters (Cruiser Safaris, African Sky, etc.) but wanted to see if anyone had any first hand knowledge or recommendations based on personal experience as it's hard to separate everything I see on the internet when I've never been to Africa before.

Thanks in advance for any advice/recommendations.

Welcome to the forum zachcrue

I think you have come to the right place to find a good and serious outfitter.
There are some very good ones that are members here and I am sure you will have a great time
I am going on my second hunting trip to SA in July this year and have chosen an outfitter that is a member here and I am very much looking forward to it.

There are many good outfits offering good packages, for example, look here..

http://www.africahunting.com/great-d...a-namibia.html

Just do your homework and planning properly, and you you'll have a great experience.

Welcome to AH Sir!

Hope that you enjoy your time here on the forum with us.

Take Care,

Best Regards.
Marius Goosen

Welcome to the forum and you are probably starting down a long road of either repeat trips to Africa or a profound longing to go back to Africa. I've made two trips to SA, initially planning to hunt birds and maybe take a springbok or wildebeest. Well, I wan't prepared for the great plains game hunting, the wonderful land, and the incredible people. I ended up shooting seven antelope on that first trip and quickly set a plan to return the second year. The second trip was even more fun than the first which I did not think possible.

I can give you my outfitter's name if you want to send a PM as well as recommendations on B&B if you overnight in Joberg if you decide to go to Sa. There are many excellent outfitters in SA and Namibia, these are the two countries where I think most folks start their Africa adventures.

I will tell you that need to plan to work for your trophies and you will have opportunities to stalk a wide range of species. I highly recommend all who plan to hunt start getting in shape by walking and also start working on shooting skills at the range. You will need both in good shape to fully enjoy yourselves.

Best wishes and good luck. I'll be looking forward to your report.

Welcome to the forum, enjoy all the info and the planning of your hunt.
I did send you a pm.
Johan

The first time I went to Africa was with Cruiser Safaris and it was a great experience. I was able to obtain all the trophies that I wanted and a few I was able to get a shot on. They are a professional outfit with the personal touch that made my first African hunt spectacular. My PH, Craig Diplock, was able to put me on top quality game and did not rush the shot. Let me have final say on what trophy to take. Game was everywhere and all exceeded SCI trophy requirements.

Welcome to AH
I've send you a PM