Eastern cape vs limpopo?

[wildfowler.250]

Thank you guys! I’m going to save it as a reference. I’ve narrowed my choice down to a couple of outfitters for now. Was hoping this would help me decide! Thanks!

 

[Ryan]

Thanks for the replies guys. I definitely won’t have the funds to go twice in any short time. I’m hoping for 7 days. Kudu and nyala are my main two. Then springbok and impala - guessing most places will have these.

Are most of the kudu ‘greater kudu’ in both areas? Or is eastern cape the lesser kudu? I don’t mind hugely if it’s an inch or so bigger in one place or another. As long as it’s a good old bull from either area I’d be happy. Just want to pick the best possible place for scenery and experience.

Ps I’m rifle hunting, coming from the U.K. I forget about bow hunting!


Thanks again for all the replies and photos /links

There is only two species called kudu, Greater and Lesser Kudu (Honestly mountain nyala is closer related to kudu than nyala, but let's stay on track). Since the Greater Kudu is far more common anytime you see kudu around here it's a safe bet it's the Greater Kudu. Lesser Kudu is only naturally occurring in east central Africa. The difference in Greater Kudu is what subspecies or just regional differences depending on your opinion on that. In Limpopo it would be Southern Greater Kudu and in the East Cape it's the East Cape Greater Kudu. Generally the Eastern Cape variety are somewhat shorter horned. Still a beautiful animal, but less likely to make record books for all that matters.

It's a lot like Dall sheep in Alaska. Some sheep hunters lose a tremendous amount of sleep over the differences in size and horn shape from one mountain range to the next, especially the ones trying to put one in the record books. And others just realize they're all amazing and don't lose a lot of sleep over that.

 

[wildfowler.250]

That’s very helpful! Thank you very much!

 

[gillettehunter]

Just for perspective if you hunt Kudu in the East Cape expect a bull in the 44-48 inch range as a nice bull. Over 50 is possible, but rare. In the Limpopo expect 50-54 and it's possible to be over 58. So more or less perhaps an average of up to 6 inches difference. I don't know that you will see any significant difference in Nyala size. My guess is that you would "probably " see more in the East Cape. My best Impala was over 25 inches and came out of the East Cape. Saw
One over 27 on a farm in the Limpopo that was a breeding ram that could not be hunted.... Good luck on your hunt.
Bruce

 

[fourfive8]

And no matter the coastal province in RSA, as you approach the coast, the habitat, climate and topography changes, sometimes drastically within only a few miles. Quite a bit of variety can be expected within large provinces like KZN and the Eastern Cape. Much farther north in KZN near the Swaziland border much of the country looks similar to a lot of the Limpopo. This pic is inland near Magudu in the northern part of KZN. While going farther south in the Eastern Cape, some of the Karoo is very much like parts of the high desert areas of the western US.

 

[Ridge Runner]

59 inch kudu, my avatar, taken in east cape in 2017.

View of the land area looking out from Tiskers lodge, east cape.

The east cape area where I shot this impala in 2017 is thick brush and much flatter. My PH Themba is posing it in a clear area we crossed a few minutes before the fatal shot. We were about an hour away from the lodge.

 

[grsep]

I’ve only been to Limpopo also. Nothing like a greater Kudu!

 

[wildfowler.250]

Thanks guys! Both sound terrific to be honest. I think it’ll be down to the outfitters rather than the area as both seem brilliant.

On the plus point I might be able to convince the old man to tag along and do a little bit of hunting as well so won’t have to do the whole trip solo either which is a plus.


Thanks again and if anyone feels they can add anything in then happy to hear it. Maybe a 6” larger kudu won’t fit into the room! (Thinking a floor pedestal will be sensible anyway)

 

[Philip Glass]

Is this your first Safari? I think EC is a great place for a first Safari. Very scenic. The EC Kudu is a subspecies I am told and a tick smaller horns than further north. I like your short list of Kudu and Nyala!
Philip

 

[wildfowler.250]

Is this your first Safari? I think EC is a great place for a first Safari. Very scenic. The EC Kudu is a subspecies I am told and a tick smaller horns than further north. I like your short list of Kudu and Nyala!
Philip

Yes first time. Looking for kudu, nyala , sprinbok,(common) and impala as my main 4. Probably like to add either a gemsbok or waterbuck,(can’t decide) on top of that. I keep seeing everyone recommend a zebra hunt but I’m just not too sure!

 

[Philip Glass]

Yes first time. Looking for kudu, nyala , sprinbok,(common) and impala as my main 4. Probably like to add either a gemsbok or waterbuck,(can’t decide) on top of that. I keep seeing everyone recommend a zebra hunt but I’m just not too sure!

Many animals are not on peoples lists until they hunt Africa. Zebra is probably number one. People don’t want to hunt them and think they are a pony that is tame. NOT! Very wild and challenging and of the hardest PG to take down.
Have fun planning your safari. Are there hunting shows in the UK where you can meet some of the outfitters? Just pick a reputation outfit to go with.
Philip

 

[wildfowler.250]

Many animals are not on peoples lists until they hunt Africa. Zebra is probably number one. People don’t want to hunt them and think they are a pony that is tame. NOT! Very wild and challenging and of the hardest PG to take down.
Have fun planning your safari. Are there hunting shows in the UK where you can meet some of the outfitters? Just pick a reputation outfit to go with.
Philip

Well at the British shooting show the event centre it’s been held at has just banned agencies from showing after complaints so options are limited in that regard..

Might broach the subject of zebra with the family and see what the reaction is like.. a pedestal zebra might push it a bit far!