Recommendations for Group Plains game hunt

[kpoynter]

Hey Guys,

I’m very familiar with many places and outfitters in numerous Countries. However, I’m trying g to think of some options I might not be putting front of mind.
Here’s what I’m thinking about and criteria
1) I’m thinking about organizing a trip for some “first timers” to Africa and for Plains Game. At least Four Hunters (and likely wives too)
2) Considerations:
A) cost is a consideration for a couple of reasons. First, the guys I would bring aren’t exactly swimming in disposable income so cost matters which makes “plains game packages” pretty attractive. Something I have t done much of in a long time. Second, I will likely pay for a chunk of it through one of my companies so a chunk will come out of my pocket too
B) aesthetics… for first timers I’d like them to have a stunning Africa experience (which they ultimately will no matter what). I go back and forth in my own mind what this means. When most people close their eyes and imagine Africa what do they see? Botswana and the Kalahari is fantastic but…there are no Acacias…Baobabs… Big 5 (there are Rhinos). South Africa….Beautiful Countryside and Hills….Cost is excellent…. No “Wild or Real Africa Vibe”…No Big 5…but some side trips for wives etc.
Zim? Save Valley…Maybe even somewhere else… Upside of Big 5 and “Wild Africa” and great elements. Cost is a bit of a downside for sure.
Mozambique…Coutada 9 has some upside for sure…cost is a decent downside and logistically harder. Definitely no “side trip” possibility
Zambia isn’t a good option and Tanazania wayyyyy too expensive
Namibia? Maybe…Windhoek is a good place to spend a day or so early and grab a beautiful meal. Maybe do a multi area hunt. Aesthetics similar to Botswana in most areas.

I’m probably overthinking it but our group here has been to basically every place and property with every reputable outfitter out there.
A Large South African Operator might be the right answer….but I think many of us would agree that a “Wild” area with Big 5 sightings and the Flora and Fauna people think about in their minds eye has a ton of appeal…. But those areas are few….and cost becomes a factor.

 

[Mark458]

For first timers with wives I would stick with South Africa. Nice accommodations to keep the wives happy and a good variety of plains game to keep the hunters shooting.

 

[Tbitty]

For cost and plenty of quality options for accommodations and plentiful game, South Africa might be the best bet. I can personally recommend @GAME 4 AFRICA SAFARIS (a site sponsor) whom I hunted with in 2025. They have a north and south camp, and a 3rd property in between that gives some variety of game and topography. There are nearby Game Preserves for photo tours with possible Big 5 sightings.
Many other great site sponsors here as well, and many more beyond that.

 

[Hedge774]

I agree with @Mark458 . You could take the obvious choice for many couples: Eastern Cape with Nick Bowker, save money, visit the coast, look like a hero.

 

[greyfox]

I'd first contact Marius at KMG; bounce ideas off him and see where it leads.

KMG Safaris – KMG Hunting Safaris Eastern Cape, South Africa

 

[Hedge774]

No one has mentioned a bad option yet. That says a lot about our sponsors. (And how classy our members are (HeeeyOooohhhh!)

 

[Scott CWO]

Hey Guys,

I’m very familiar with many places and outfitters in numerous Countries. However, I’m trying g to think of some options I might not be putting front of mind.
Here’s what I’m thinking about and criteria
1) I’m thinking about organizing a trip for some “first timers” to Africa and for Plains Game. At least Four Hunters (and likely wives too)
2) Considerations:
A) cost is a consideration for a couple of reasons. First, the guys I would bring aren’t exactly swimming in disposable income so cost matters which makes “plains game packages” pretty attractive. Something I have t done much of in a long time. Second, I will likely pay for a chunk of it through one of my companies so a chunk will come out of my pocket too
B) aesthetics… for first timers I’d like them to have a stunning Africa experience (which they ultimately will no matter what). I go back and forth in my own mind what this means. When most people close their eyes and imagine Africa what do they see? Botswana and the Kalahari is fantastic but…there are no Acacias…Baobabs… Big 5 (there are Rhinos). South Africa….Beautiful Countryside and Hills….Cost is excellent…. No “Wild or Real Africa Vibe”…No Big 5…but some side trips for wives etc.
Zim? Save Valley…Maybe even somewhere else… Upside of Big 5 and “Wild Africa” and great elements. Cost is a bit of a downside for sure.
Mozambique…Coutada 9 has some upside for sure…cost is a decent downside and logistically harder. Definitely no “side trip” possibility
Zambia isn’t a good option and Tanazania wayyyyy too expensive
Namibia? Maybe…Windhoek is a good place to spend a day or so early and grab a beautiful meal. Maybe do a multi area hunt. Aesthetics similar to Botswana in most areas.

I’m probably overthinking it but our group here has been to basically every place and property with every reputable outfitter out there.
A Large South African Operator might be the right answer….but I think many of us would agree that a “Wild” area with Big 5 sightings and the Flora and Fauna people think about in their minds eye has a ton of appeal…. But those areas are few….and cost becomes a factor.

Coutada 9, like you mentioned. Won’t need a side trip.

 

[375Fox]

I think you know all the options as good as I do, something you might consider though is time to get trophies home. Coutada 9 or 11 would provide an amazing experience, but it might be 2 years before they see their trophies from Mozambique. South Africa and Namibia are much quicker and more straightforward to get trophies home. I think a PG hunt in Namibia or eastern cape is perfect first safari then plan a day trip to national park to see Big 5. Also, much more flexibility if a hunter backs out than concession areas.

 

[Mekaniks]

South Africa @Tally-Ho HUNTING SAFARIS in the Limpopo can help you out

 

[Hunt anything]

If I was putting together a group as you have described I would go with @GAME 4 AFRICA SAFARIS in the eastern cape with side trips to Addo Elephant park and time permitting a few days in Kruger NP.

 

[skydiver386]

With budget constraints, one of our sponsors in Namibia might be a good choice for a really wide variety of Plains Game. Windhoek, the Skeleton Coast and Etosha National Park would provide plenty of wildlife viewing and non hunting adventures.

 

[kpoynter]

For cost and plenty of quality options for accommodations and plentiful game, South Africa might be the best bet. I can personally recommend @GAME 4 AFRICA SAFARIS (a site sponsor) whom I hunted with in 2025. They have a north and south camp, and a 3rd property in between that gives some variety of game and topography. There are nearby Game Preserves for photo tours with possible Big 5 sightings.
Many other great site sponsors here as well, and many more beyond that.

Thanks
How big are the properties and how were the lodge(s) etc

 

[kpoynter]

Coutada 9, like you mentioned. Won’t need a side trip.

Yeah… well it’s also “isolated” (ergo no side trips ) and the costs would be pretty sporty I think (unless Gary wants to cut me a reasonable deal)
Pluses are super high quality, diversity, abundance, beauty, wildness etc

 

[kpoynter]

I think you know all the options as good as I do, something you might consider though is time to get trophies home. Coutada 9 or 11 would provide an amazing experience, but it might be 2 years before they see their trophies from Mozambique. South Africa and Namibia are much quicker and more straightforward to get trophies home. I think a PG hunt in Namibia or eastern cape is perfect first safari then plan a day trip to national park to see Big 5. Also, much more flexibility if a hunter backs out than concession areas.

Excellent point I haven’t thought about and learned of recently… you are correct !
Something to consider
I would like to hammer some of those warthogs though lol

 

[kpoynter]

For first timers with wives I would stick with South Africa. Nice accommodations to keep the wives happy and a good variety of plains game to keep the hunters shooting.

I largely agree…it’s “turnkey” and easy
Lots of Positives
Negatives are “commercial feel” and lack of wildness and Big 5 (Addo doesn’t count… place feels weird to me but you see elephants)
One thing I’m thinking about however is say flying to group to Vic Falls for 3 days for $400
Easy and convenient. South Africa lends itself to ease of transportation

 

[Flipper Dude]

Mokore in Coutada 9 could tie you in with deep sea fishing off the Moz coast. Spectacular, but not cheap. C9 exceptional for plains game

My wife had a great time hunting KZN Umkamaas River. Durban shore line and Midlands Meander shopping. Beautiful scenery and free range hunting. ( She’s a photographer only)

Crusader on East Cape could tie in offshore fishing and free range hunting Baviaans River. More open and arid country.

 

[kpoynter]

With budget constraints, one of our sponsors in Namibia might be a good choice for a really wide variety of Plains Game. Windhoek, the Skeleton Coast and Etosha National Park would provide plenty of wildlife viewing and non hunting adventures.

I’d kind of like to see NW Namibia and the Himba people…
Windhoek is nicely Cosmopolitan
One of the best meals and pleasant experiences I’ve had is the Stellenbosch House (if I remember the name of the place)
Pluses are cost and potential diversity of areas
Downside is potentially some of the overall aesthetic and lack of Big 5 ( I realize some areas have Rhino and a few Buff in say Waterberg area)
But plains game areas generally flat and very much similar to Botswana which has better Kudu and overall bang for the buck than most areas if not all

 

[kpoynter]

Mokore in Coutada 9 could tie you in with deep sea fishing off the Moz coast. Spectacular, but not cheap. C9 exceptional for plains game

My wife had a great time hunting KZN Umkamaas River. Durban shore line and Midlands Meander shopping. Beautiful scenery and free range hunting. ( She’s a photographer only)

Crusader on East Cape could tie in offshore fishing and free range hunting Baviaans River. More open and arid country.

Yeah..l one area I’ve not been is KZN.. fantastic spiral horn hunting

 

[Flipper Dude]

Was one of my favorite places to hunt. Nyala, bushbuck, kudu.

 

[Hunt anything]

I largely agree…it’s “turnkey” and easy
Lots of Positives
Negatives are “commercial feel” and lack of wildness and Big 5 (Addo doesn’t count… place feels weird to me but you see elephants)
One thing I’m thinking about however is say flying to group to Vic Falls for 3 days for $400
Easy and convenient. South Africa lends itself to ease of transportation

I agree I don’t get that warm and fuzzy feeling about Addo as well but Kruger is a whole different beast!