Opinions between Eastern Cape and Namibia plains game hunt

[steve.pitts]

Guys and Gals

I have narrowed my plains game search to two outfitters based on three key considerations: activities for my wife, trophies, and overall cost. This is my first hunt in Africa and I want to try to cover all the basis with your help. The first outfitter I am considering is located in Namibia (SE of Windhoek) and the other is in the Eastern Cape. I have checked the references of the Namibia outfitter and all the responses were very good. I should receive the reference list for the Eastern Cape outfitter today or tomorrow.

In the mean time I would like to get your opinions on these areas if you are familiar with them. The primary trophies I am looking for are: kudu, zebra, impala, springbuck and warthog, and maybe an oryx. It looks like I can get either of these scheduled in late October which works well with my work schedule.

I appreciate your input and suggestions.
Steve

 

[Thunder head]

What about property size, fences, multiple propertys etc.?

Its hard to make a call on those two choices because the landscapes are so different. They both have there seperate attributes. From all the pictures i have seen i would like to visit both.

 

[steve.pitts]

Good questions Thunder Head, I should have put at in as well.

The Eastern Cape outfitter farm is located on 5000 acres and in addition they exclusively lease over 250,000 acres from multiple farmers which they say is mostly open with some standard cattle fencing. To be honest I don't know the acreage for the Namibian outfitter but they state all hunting is on multiple private land leases.

Steve

 

[pinotguy]

If hunting is your primary consideration, I'd vote for Namibia. Activities for non-hunters may not be like the Eastern Cape, especially in the area of Namibia that you're looking at. If you were further north, visiting Etosha would be an obvious choice but it's quite a ways from were you'll be, if that is were you choose to go. In looking at your trophy wish-list, Namibia just seems to be the location for those animals. In addition, those species are all indigenous to Namibia, while some of these will have been introduced in the EC. (This may not be a big deal to some but it is certainly something I take into account.) There are some very affordable hunts offered in the EC and costs, for many people, are a definite factor but, IMO, the overall experience will be much more rewarding in Namibia, especially the hunting one.

 

[steve.pitts]

I got time off work unexpectantly in October and decided to go on the Eastern Cape hunt. The next 82 days won't go by fast enough. I have kudu, impala, blesbuck, springbuck, zebra and a warthog on my list.

 

[kuduman]

i hunted the eastern cape last july and truly enjoyed it. the landscape was very mountainous and was much different than any of us imagined. i would go back in a heartbeat. my next adventure will be to namibia as i would like to try something different and i am sure i will enjoy it. i also enjoyed travelling as much as the hunt.

 

[RonnieW]

eastern cape is a safe choice if your taking your wife along. there is a whole lot to do with the big cities and towns just around the corner. and the hunting is exceptional. especially impala, warthog and Kudu. many hunters have been reporting big Kudu from the eastern cape.

 

[steve.pitts]

I agree there will be more options for my wife in case she gets bored riding along and laying by the pool. Kudu is number one on my list. I prefer to take extra time hunting a good kudu trophy than some of the lower priority animals on my list. Only 79 days and counting!

 

[swampdonkey]

The Eastern Cape is a good choice for a 1st timer.I would suggest that you consider hunting vaal rhebok as it is only found on some farms with hilly terrain and very challenging,you could also add a mt. reed buck as they are usually in the same area.