Top 10 Beginner African Plains Game

[seattlesetters]

So, here’s my thinking so far:

1. Gemsbok, mountain zebra, black Wildebeest, impala, springbok and Steenbok in Namibia

2. The same as above (with maybe a Burchell’s zebra instead of the Hartmann’s) in an arid part of RSA.

3. Bushbuck, blue Wildebeest, zebra, blesbok and impala in Limpopo.

4. Cape kudu, bushbuck, impala, zebra and warthog in the East Cape.

5. Nyala, bushbuck, impala, Vaal Rhebok and common Reedbuck in Kwazulu-Natal.

I’d of course take some extra cash for what other opportunities might present themselves.

Right now, it’s a dead heat between numbers 1, 3 and 5. I like the prices in Namibia, the chance for really big bushbuck and impala in Limpopo and the thought of hunting the top two animals on my wishlist... Nyala and Bushbuck ... in their native habitat in KzN.

The more I think about it, I can see this morphing into a second safari, with me doing either KzN or Namibia first then coming back to do the other.

Then a third trip to Limpopo for kudu and eland.

 

[BWH]

Kudu
Gemsbok
Impala
Springbok
Zebra
Warthog
Wildebeest
Blesbok
Eland
Waterbuck
...... unless after Rhebuck, Tiny 10 or Big 5 you may never go back!!!!

 

[seattlesetters]

Kudu
Gemsbok
Impala
Springbok
Zebra
Warthog
Wildebeest
Blesbok
Eland
Waterbuck
...... unless after Rhebuck, Tiny 10 or Big 5 you may never go back!!!!

I would HAVE TO go back. My top two aren’t on your list: Nyala and Bushbuck.

 

[BWH]

Great point.... that’s why I went back.... LOL!!! Second trip was Nyala, bushbuck, Eland, reedbuck, etc....

 

[Philip Glass]

Good discussion and wish you well with the planning. I think it depends on where you hunt which animals are most important. Hunting the indigenous animals is a priority for me. So if you go to Namibia it’s Mountain Zebra, Gemsbok, Sprinkbok, Red Hartebeest, & Kudu.
Hope you have a great trip.
Philip

 

[seattlesetters]

Biggest dreams are, in order:

1. Bushbuck of >15”
2. Nyala of >28”
3. Impala of >23”

Anything else I’d be happy to take what the country offers.

 

[BRICKBURN]

Have fun in South Africa on your hunt.
Rowland Ward trophies..... You have a mission set out.

 

[seattlesetters]

Have fun in South Africa on your hunt.
Rowland Ward trophies..... You have a mission set out.

These are just dreams and the three trophies that are most important to me. I realize that taking even one of them would an amazing feat.

I would, however, very much like to hunt with an outfitter who has at least one (or two or all three!) of these class of animals lurking about the concessions. A chance to take any or all of these three and make the book would be something I’m very interested in but do not necessarily have to accomplish in order to be happy.

 

[Scott CWO]

I am going to throw you a curve ball. Take a look at Mokore Safaris in Coutada 9 (no fences) in Mozambique. They are running a package special (includes trophy fees) for 7 days for $4750 that includes:
1. Warthog (monster-sized there)
2. Impala
3. Reedbuck (I shot my biggest there)
4. Duiker

I suggest going for 10 days (daily rates not much more than SA or Namibia - I think $450 - $500) and add the following:
1. Nyala (very good quality)
2. Kudu (lots of great ones - see big ones daily)
3. Waterbuck (one of my favorite animals)
4. Zebra
5. Bushbuck

They also have Eland, Lichtenstein's Hartebeest, Oribi, Bushpig, Suni, Buffalo and Sable. The Duckworth Family has done an amazing job controlling the poaching and wildlife populations are very good. Kudu, Warthogs, Impala, Oribi and Reedbuck are seen from the Cruiser all day. You have to get out and walk for Nyala, Bushbuck, Eland, Buffalo, etc... You will see Lions as well.

Fly from Joberg to Tete and then drive to camp (4 hours). Camp is great and everything very organized. You will spend more money due to increased travel costs and no fences but still very reasonable for a large concession hunt. Easily under $20k even with airfare.

 

[seattlesetters]

I have a fantastic quote in KzN for Nyala, Bushbuck, Impala, Zebra, Vaal Rhebok, Common Reedbuck and Warthog. There would also be a possibility of adding on Mountain Reedbuck, Blesbok, Blue Wildebeest and Red Duiker.

This is exciting!

 

[seattlesetters]

I am going to throw you a curve ball. Take a look at Mokore Safaris in Coutada 9 (no fences) in Mozambique. They are running a package special (includes trophy fees) for 7 days for $4750 that includes:
1. Warthog (monster-sized there)
2. Impala
3. Reedbuck (I shot my biggest there)
4. Duiker

I suggest going for 10 days (daily rates not much more than SA or Namibia - I think $450 - $500) and add the following:
1. Nyala (very good quality)
2. Kudu (lots of great ones - see big ones daily)
3. Waterbuck (one of my favorite animals)
4. Zebra
5. Bushbuck

They also have Eland, Lichtenstein's Hartebeest, Oribi, Bushpig, Suni, Buffalo and Sable. The Duckworth Family has done an amazing job controlling the poaching and wildlife populations are very good. Kudu, Warthogs, Impala, Oribi and Reedbuck are seen from the Cruiser all day. You have to get out and walk for Nyala, Bushbuck, Eland, Buffalo, etc... You will see Lions as well.

Fly from Joberg to Tete and then drive to camp (4 hours). Camp is great and everything very organized. You will spend more money due to increased travel costs and no fences but still very reasonable for a large concession hunt. Easily under $20k even with airfare.

Quite interested. I’d add Nyala, Bushbuck and Zebra for sure. Perhaps Kudu and/or Oribi.

 

[KMG Hunting Safaris]

Biggest dreams are, in order:

1. Bushbuck of >15”
2. Nyala of >28”
3. Impala of >23”

Anything else I’d be happy to take what the country offers.

I believe if this is what we are concentrating on and with enough time, we would be able to achieve this in one of our new areas. You would also be able to add a Vaal Rhebuck.

 

[revturbo9967]

the is the biggest problem with the first time out. we want it all

 

[seattlesetters]

the is the biggest problem with the first time out. we want it all

I think I have that disease. But I’m in recovery.

I am very much trying to pick just a few animals that I really want to hunt and then adding a few more by not really specifying what they are and just letting the hunt unfold as Africa wishes.

It seems that the direction this thread has taken is that posters seem to think my budget is $20,000.00 but this isn’t true. I had just said in an early post that many folks who I’ve communicated with informed me that their “$5,000.00 package hunt” ended up costing them more like $20,000.00 when all was said and done.

I’m looking to spend around $6,500.00 on the hunting portion of the trip with an extra $1,500.00 in my pocket in case Lady Luck is especially kind to me.

 

[revturbo9967]

I think I have that disease. But I’m in recovery.

I am very much trying to pick just a few animals that I really want to hunt and then adding a few more by not really specifying what they are and just letting the hunt unfold as Africa wishes.

It seems that the direction this thread has taken is that posters seem to think my budget is $20,000.00 but this isn’t true. I had just said in an early post that many folks who I’ve communicated with informed me that their “$5,000.00 package hunt” ended up costing them more like $20,000.00 when all was said and done.

I’m looking to spend around $6,500.00 on the hunting portion of the trip with an extra $1,500.00 in my pocket in case Lady Luck is especially kind to me.

you will have a very good hunt with a budget with your quoted as such. when are you looking to hunt?

 

[billc]

I think I have that disease. But I’m in recovery.

I am very much trying to pick just a few animals that I really want to hunt and then adding a few more by not really specifying what they are and just letting the hunt unfold as Africa wishes.

It seems that the direction this thread has taken is that posters seem to think my budget is $20,000.00 but this isn’t true. I had just said in an early post that many folks who I’ve communicated with informed me that their “$5,000.00 package hunt” ended up costing them more like $20,000.00 when all was said and done.

I’m looking to spend around $6,500.00 on the hunting portion of the trip with an extra $1,500.00 in my pocket in case Lady Luck is especially kind to me.

I think that 20,000.00 total is all in with airfare and taxidermy that guys maybe talking about. You can do a great hunt for 6500 and if you do a few shoulder mounts and just some skulls could be under another 6500 for taxidermist work and shipping. You can also just take pictures but since your look at some good trophys I am guessing you want some mounts done.So then with your 1000 to 1500 airline ticket if you go off season your well under that 20.000.oo total.

 

[postoak]

Forget about mounts and you can do the whole thing for $9000, all in. You just have to have discipline.

 

[seattlesetters]

Forget about mounts and you can do the whole thing for $9000, all in. You just have to have discipline.

I at least want an impala shoulder mount and a zebra rug. I’d also like one or two more shoulder mounts (especially a Bushbuck and/or Nyala) and perhaps a European mount such as a springbok, eland, Wildebeest, kudu or gemsbok. I am open to culling a few animals to increase the hunting time.

 

[saed]

@seattlesetters It is great you're putting so much thought into your safari. Don't worry too much about your list, I'm guessing with this much thought on the topic you're in for more than one safari in the coming years. I can't wait to see your photos. CB

 

[Shootist43]

Seattlesetters, there is an old expression that states" when you dance to the tune, you have to pay the fiddler." Put a $ tag on each of your "wants," Be sure to include everything i.e. air-fare, the cost of the hunt, tips, taxes, dip and pack, shipping to the U.S., customs brokerage fee, shipping to a tannery, taxidermy fees and finally shipping to you. Some of the taxidermy fees will occur a year after your hunt is completed. If these costs are above what you are able to spend at this time, start saving for a future hunt that will be both satisfying and within your budget.