Upscale Safari - Does it Exist?

[Ohio Darin]

First off, I am fairly new to the Africa scene having only been to RSA once for a safari that just didn't live up to expectations. Really thought we would see more game and have more opportunity. Only got 3 trophies on a 10 day hunt. I am not against "roughing" it as I have done a fair share of back county mountain hunts. I am in good shape and have no issue walking hours on end.

When it comes to Africa, my non-hunting wife likes to go and frankly I enjoy her company. She has some physical limitations so she is unable to go out in the bush all day. Would prefer there be activities, internet, satellite TV, as well as sightseeing and spa/shopping excursions she could do while I am out hunting vs. her sitting around all day bored. Our previous trip was supposed to have "all kinds" of things for her to do which turned into one trip to the grocery store over a 10 day safari. I think it would be best if hunting was only morning and evening allowing us to regroup during mid-day on some days as well. We are laid back people so prefer to be around people of the same. It is rather disappointing hearing a PH argue with the staff every time you turn around. Just not our kind of thing.

Understand my wife is a princess so luxury accommodations leaning towards modern are preferred ie. nice linens, marble floors, etc. We're not snobs by any means but figure if we are going to go all that way might as well live it up. Our highlight of our last trip was 3 nights in a suite at the Mt. Nelson in Cape Town. I think that allowed me to save face after 10 nights in a dated thatched roof hut with no amenities but plenty of spiders. We also stayed one night at Africa Sky on the way out which we thought was rather nice as well.

So my question is does such a place with luxury accommodation, gourmet meals, decent plains game trophies but plentiful, sightseeing, shopping, spa, etc exist? Budget is not too much an issue but won't get silly with it either. Thinking of Eastern Cape or Namibia. Prefer to do a 7 day safari and 7 days of holiday so want to be near a developed country for the stay after. Not against Cape Town again for the holiday portion but thinking of seeing more of what Africa has to offer. Victoria Falls, Port Elizabeth, etc..

Also, I have been invited to Houston Safari Club convention by some nice people we met and thinking about attending. Do outfits like what we are looking for exhibit there? Would want to meet some one before traveling half way around the globe to hunt with them. Any help and/or recommendations are appreciated.

 

[Mekaniks]

I bet @PHOENIX PHIL and @AAA Africa Serapa Safaris can help you out

 

[whitetail]

Second the above!! Headed back to Serapa in July and can’t hardly wait!!!

 

[Red Leg]

While what you describe is not necessarily my preferred sort of hunt, I absolutely understand the compromises when a spouse is accompanying. There are any number of such destinations in the RSA and Namibia, and I am certain several sponsors will be posting shortly. And on a 7 - day hunt, any of them will better 3 animals by a wide margin. Correspond with all of them - study their websites - and be absolutely clear what you are looking for. I can think of three sponsors off the top of my head who could qualify and know half a dozen others who would be in the running beyond our forum. My spouse and I did a similar thing several years ago where we spent 14 days in Namibia - seven-days hunting and the remainder touring the Skeleton Coast, taking fabulous photography in Etosha, eating great seafood in Swakopmund, and shopping in Windhoek. A similar itinerary in the RSA would combine the hunting with Cape Town and several days in the wine country.

 

[PHOENIX PHIL]

First off, I am fairly new to the Africa scene having only been to RSA once for a safari that just didn't live up to expectations. Really thought we would see more game and have more opportunity. Only got 3 trophies on a 10 day hunt. I am not against "roughing" it as I have done a fair share of back county mountain hunts. I am in good shape and have no issue walking hours on end.

When it comes to Africa, my non-hunting wife likes to go and frankly I enjoy her company. She has some physical limitations so she is unable to go out in the bush all day. Would prefer there be activities, internet, satellite TV, as well as sightseeing and spa/shopping excursions she could do while I am out hunting vs. her sitting around all day bored. Our previous trip was supposed to have "all kinds" of things for her to do which turned into one trip to the grocery store over a 10 day safari. I think it would be best if hunting was only morning and evening allowing us to regroup during mid-day on some days as well. We are laid back people so prefer to be around people of the same. It is rather disappointing hearing a PH argue with the staff every time you turn around. Just not our kind of thing.

Understand my wife is a princess so luxury accommodations leaning towards modern are preferred ie. nice linens, marble floors, etc. We're not snobs by any means but figure if we are going to go all that way might as well live it up. Our highlight of our last trip was 3 nights in a suite at the Mt. Nelson in Cape Town. I think that allowed me to save face after 10 nights in a dated thatched roof hut with no amenities but plenty of spiders. We also stayed one night at Africa Sky on the way out which we thought was rather nice as well.

So my question is does such a place with luxury accommodation, gourmet meals, decent plains game trophies but plentiful, sightseeing, shopping, spa, etc exist? Budget is not too much an issue but won't get silly with it either. Thinking of Eastern Cape or Namibia. Prefer to do a 7 day safari and 7 days of holiday so want to be near a developed country for the stay after. Not against Cape Town again for the holiday portion but thinking of seeing more of what Africa has to offer. Victoria Falls, Port Elizabeth, etc..

Also, I have been invited to Houston Safari Club convention by some nice people we met and thinking about attending. Do outfits like what we are looking for exhibit there? Would want to meet some one before traveling half way around the globe to hunt with them. Any help and/or recommendations are appreciated.

I can definitely help you with most of your requirements. @AAA Africa Serapa Safaris has a great lodge that I'm quite certain will exceed your wife's expectations. The individual chalets are very well appointed with nice linens, tile floors, claw foot bathtubs and there own living rooms with couches and tv's. And yes there is satellite tv, however I wouldn't quite liken it to Directv. The chalets also have their own covered porches that look out on a large waterhole where game will come into and out of most of the day, particularly if it's during the dry season.

The main lodge where meals are served, well it's just beautiful. There is a deck outside and swimming pool for the warmer months and of course a fire pit area. This deck area also looks over the water hole mentioned above.

Serapa also provides a spa service.

The one item I'm not going to be able to provide is shopping. The Serapa ranch is quite remote. The nearest town is roughly 30 miles away and isn't exactly what you'd call a shopping destination.

Short of the shopping, I think your wife would be quite pleased. My wife has now as a result of Africa become a hunter. It was actually her idea that we make a trip there for our silver anniversary a couple years ago. But, it was very nice to have such accomodations to enjoy that with her.

Now as far as hunting goes. The ranch is roughly 45,000 acres in size. If any hunter comes to the ranch and only takes 3 animals in 10 days, they're either extremely picky in the trophy they want or they can't shoot. I would just about promise you that you will see game shortly after entering the property on your way to the lodge.

That said, we are still hunting here. Once you get off of the truck, if they spot you, they're going to run. But what I've found is you should expect about 1 animal per day of hunting. Some days you may take 2 or even 3, other days you won't take any. We want you to get the animals on your list, but we also want you to take quality animals that you can be proud of. The point being is that you'll need to get used to hearing "We can do better" and be patient, it will happen.

Please visit our website. The link is in my signature. And if you have any questions please don't hesitate to contact me.

 

[KMG Hunting Safaris]

Welcome to the forum @Ohio Darin . We can assist you in our new camp in the Eastern Cape, as well as for the trip to Victoria Falls.

Please be so kind to send me either a Private message here on the forum, or a direct email at info@huntsafaris.co.za and I will be glad to assist.

Take Care,
Marius Goosen

 

[Hank2211]

I’ve had personal experience with a number of outfitters which would more than meet your expectations. The facilities at Serapa Safaries would not disappoint you. Wintershoek Safaris are also first rate, and I give them a slight edge on the hunting. You would have to be very laid back (or very selective) not to get more than two trophies a day.

Good luck.

 

[petrusg]

We can definitely set up this hunt for you! please have a look at the following link at Mvubu Bush Camp that is situated in Northern Zululand, this 7000 ha property overlooks the Lebombo Mountains and borders the adjoining Pongolapoort Dam.

We can offer spa treatments, Game Drives, Tiger Fishing and many more to our guests.

If you are interested in this please send me a mail and i will send you more information.

 

[Spear Safaris]

Darin. I think I have just the place for you.
I have the Hunting rights to a "Resort" if you want to call it that. The property is about 25 000 acres and game rich. They have other tourists that also frequent the place on a overnight basis, so you may see other people, we generally stay away from other Tourists, but if your wife wants the company, then she will enjoy the interaction with other people when she wants to.
The lodge is massive with lots to do.
Wi-Fi, game drives in the mornings and afternoons while you are hunting. Sight seeing tours can be arranged to the eastern escarpment, with exotic scenery and shopping, Spa treatments can be arranged, Kruger National park trip, Hot air balloon rides an hours drive away, Animal rehab center and Cheetah breeding center also 1 hour or so away.

In terms of the hunting, if you are willing and able, I will Guarantee you shot opportunity at at least 10 different species in a weeks hunt.

I also attach a few pictures of the Lodge and surroundings. Please feel free to email me for more information.
Cheers Ernest
Spear safaris.

 

[cpr0312]

I'll also say AAA Serapa is first rate with lots of quality species!

 

[JamesJ]

There are lots of great outfitter sin Southern Africa with true 5 star lodging. RSA and Namibia both have great outfitters that can accommodate you and your spouse. Most of the other countries lodges tend to be more geared toward the hunter and not the spouse. there are a few exceptional places in Zim that could accommodate you as well.

 

[FLhunter7]

Most outfitters I've seen on this sight have places as good and a lot better then most houses I've seen. Not sure about wifi or TV but if luxuries your deal I've seen plenty of it all over this site.

 

[kesha]

Sure there out there just depends on how ritzy you want it. We have beautiful lodge and excellent hunting to boot on 24, 700 acres of free range property. Send me a PM of more specific info we would love to give you a Quote and send more photos.
We can cater to wife while you are hunting. Cable TV in Chalets.

 

[Ohio Darin]

Wow - didn't think I'd get this kind of response but then again I've been on here long enough to know that there are some truly helpful people. Guess you just need to ask the right crowd. I got some research to do now. Thanks to all who reached out and responded.

 

[gillettehunter]

Hi Darin. One thing I'd like to know is who did you do your first hunt with? 3 animals in a week seems rather slow hunting for RSA. Normal expectations are usually about 1 animal per day. Especially on a first trip when you usually have a significant wish list.....
You have been offered some great info on several places to hunt. I'm sure that you will find what you are looking for. Good luck.
Bruce

 

[johnvdw]

First off, I am fairly new to the Africa scene having only been to RSA once for a safari that just didn't live up to expectations. Really thought we would see more game and have more opportunity. Only got 3 trophies on a 10 day hunt. I am not against "roughing" it as I have done a fair share of back county mountain hunts. I am in good shape and have no issue walking hours on end.

When it comes to Africa, my non-hunting wife likes to go and frankly I enjoy her company. She has some physical limitations so she is unable to go out in the bush all day. Would prefer there be activities, internet, satellite TV, as well as sightseeing and spa/shopping excursions she could do while I am out hunting vs. her sitting around all day bored. Our previous trip was supposed to have "all kinds" of things for her to do which turned into one trip to the grocery store over a 10 day safari. I think it would be best if hunting was only morning and evening allowing us to regroup during mid-day on some days as well. We are laid back people so prefer to be around people of the same. It is rather disappointing hearing a PH argue with the staff every time you turn around. Just not our kind of thing.

Understand my wife is a princess so luxury accommodations leaning towards modern are preferred ie. nice linens, marble floors, etc. We're not snobs by any means but figure if we are going to go all that way might as well live it up. Our highlight of our last trip was 3 nights in a suite at the Mt. Nelson in Cape Town. I think that allowed me to save face after 10 nights in a dated thatched roof hut with no amenities but plenty of spiders. We also stayed one night at Africa Sky on the way out which we thought was rather nice as well.

So my question is does such a place with luxury accommodation, gourmet meals, decent plains game trophies but plentiful, sightseeing, shopping, spa, etc exist? Budget is not too much an issue but won't get silly with it either. Thinking of Eastern Cape or Namibia. Prefer to do a 7 day safari and 7 days of holiday so want to be near a developed country for the stay after. Not against Cape Town again for the holiday portion but thinking of seeing more of what Africa has to offer. Victoria Falls, Port Elizabeth, etc..

Also, I have been invited to Houston Safari Club convention by some nice people we met and thinking about attending. Do outfits like what we are looking for exhibit there? Would want to meet some one before traveling half way around the globe to hunt with them. Any help and/or recommendations are appreciated.

Welcome Ohio Darin! An upscale safari surely exists - you will have a hard time picking one.... have a look at our web site or send us an email for more information. Namibia offers great hunting as well as tourist opportunities and is regarded as the safest and most stable country in Africa.