Hello everyone I'm new to the forum and graduating from let's just say a professional program in 3 years. I plan to go on a safari in May or June right after I graduate but before starting internships. Money is my short crop so I know I'm going to have to start saving now if I want to go. So my question is who do you all recommend as a host and what is a reasonable amount to save knowing prices will probably go up before I get to go? I'd like to go for a 5-day hunt and my wish list would probably be a giraffe, black wildebeest, and gemsbok +/- a couple of other things depending on where we're at with price. A good friend of mine is a taxidermist so I would probably just need to export tans and skulls if that is possible. Thanks for the help.
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Advice on planning a safari
- Thread starter Bigreach
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mark-hunter
AH legend
You can collect these trophies in Namibia or South Africa.
You can choose any of the outfitters sponsors on this forum, they are all experienced and vetted by many forum members.
For budget, you will need to plan by list:
- Return flight tickets
- Hunting package
- Souvenirs, tips
- Trophy shipping
- Taxidermy
Trophy shipping and taxidermy, looks like is more expensive in USA, then in Europe.
Hunting package estimate for three animals you mentioned I would estimate for 6000 USD, could be found cheaper, I guess.
Flight tickets 1600 USD (economy)
Souvenirs, tips, extra meals, etc 1000 USD
Ttl 8600 USD, my estimate, without trophy shipping and taxidermy.
You can choose any of the outfitters sponsors on this forum, they are all experienced and vetted by many forum members.
For budget, you will need to plan by list:
- Return flight tickets
- Hunting package
- Souvenirs, tips
- Trophy shipping
- Taxidermy
Trophy shipping and taxidermy, looks like is more expensive in USA, then in Europe.
Hunting package estimate for three animals you mentioned I would estimate for 6000 USD, could be found cheaper, I guess.
Flight tickets 1600 USD (economy)
Souvenirs, tips, extra meals, etc 1000 USD
Ttl 8600 USD, my estimate, without trophy shipping and taxidermy.
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The giraffe could add a good bit to budget.
mark-hunter
AH legend
That is correct.
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Welcome to AH 
There are lots of good Sponsor Outfitters here. Take a look at the "deals and offers" section and let your planning begin.
I agree with mark-hunter and that is a very fair budget estimate
Have fun.
There are lots of good Sponsor Outfitters here. Take a look at the "deals and offers" section and let your planning begin.
I agree with mark-hunter and that is a very fair budget estimate
Have fun.
Kevin Peacocke
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I would probably just rent a rifle while I'm down there from what I've seen I wouldn't be surprised by the time I brought a gun back and forth it would be cheaper and easier to just rent one. Though I do see why you would want to bring one that you're familiar with I doubt anything I have is big enough to rely on out there.
JimP
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Do some reading on here. There have been some that have taken a giraffe with a .30-06 and the proper loads, but I doubt that I would go any smaller.
Getting a firearm into and out of Africa really isn't a problem, just hoops that you need to jump through and if you are prepared they are not that bad, I've taken my rifle over twice and have had zero problems. Cost wise it is about the same, taking your own rifle vs renting one if you use a preapproved permit service in South Africa. But there is something about saying and knowing that you used your own rifle on perhaps a trip of a lifetime.
Getting a firearm into and out of Africa really isn't a problem, just hoops that you need to jump through and if you are prepared they are not that bad, I've taken my rifle over twice and have had zero problems. Cost wise it is about the same, taking your own rifle vs renting one if you use a preapproved permit service in South Africa. But there is something about saying and knowing that you used your own rifle on perhaps a trip of a lifetime.
Kevin Peacocke
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Taking your own rifle makes it more special I think.
mark-hunter
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308 win, 270 win, etc already cover anything from plains game species.
What calibers do you have?
375Fox
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If you want to go on a 5 day and budget constrained hunt I think you should rethink your species. I think it would be unfortunate to save and plan on going to Africa for several years to be done in 1.5 days. May would be an ideal time for kudu rut. A kudu rut hunt would give you an opportunity to really hunt and see some ground instead of just collecting a few species on specific ranches. A bushbuck is always a good target of opportunity and might be encountered while looking for kudu. A kudu/bushbuck hunt in eastern cape would be the best price and give you a good Africa experience then you could add a few species from there as your budget allows. I’d reach out to some of eastern cape sponsors and get pricing from them. Then add tips, flights, shipping, clearing on that.
Namibia would also give a very good kudu/gemsbok hunt in May, but would add some time and be a little more money. However gemsbok are native here. Gemsbok and black wildebeest don’t naturally occur in same areas.
Namibia would also give a very good kudu/gemsbok hunt in May, but would add some time and be a little more money. However gemsbok are native here. Gemsbok and black wildebeest don’t naturally occur in same areas.
Concur, East Cape is a lot of value, further define what you are looking for fence wise. Check out hunt reports here and most importantly enjoy your hunt. Be very aware there is no such thing as only one trip to Africa. My hunt reports are here just use the search feature. Again enjoy!
I have a .270 and a 30-06. Honestly didn't know that they were considered big enough but if they are then I would definitely prefer my own.
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Hi sir
Dm sent
Dm sent
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Welcome to AH Bigreach!
Velo Dog
AH legend
Greetings Bigreach,
Khomas Highland Hunting Safaris of Namibia, welcomes you to the greatest forum on earth.
A bull giraffe can weigh a ton and a half.
If you end up shooting one with your .30-06, use a super tough bullet, such as 180 grain or heavier, Swift A-Frame.
There are other brands of tough bullets sporadically available these days as well.
And go for the high neck shot, so your bullet hits the junction of neck bone and skull.
As for your budget, Namibia is usually less expensive to hunt than much of Africa is.
However, if you keep a steady eye on various offers, sometimes the best deal pops up in any country really.
Just beware of deals that seem too good to be true.
Most hunters do not wish to journey all the way to Africa and spend several thousand US Dollars, only to find themself on a quite small plot, surrounded by a 10’ high electric fence and a cattle truck arriving with the exact same animals as on their wish list.
Anyway, when you get around to it, have a look into the Khomas Safaris website.
And no matter if you book with us or one of the many other excellent sponsors of this, the world’s best forum, do thoroughly research whomever you are focusing on, prior to sending your deposit.
Best Regards,
Velo Dog.
Khomas Highland Hunting Safaris of Namibia, welcomes you to the greatest forum on earth.
A bull giraffe can weigh a ton and a half.
If you end up shooting one with your .30-06, use a super tough bullet, such as 180 grain or heavier, Swift A-Frame.
There are other brands of tough bullets sporadically available these days as well.
And go for the high neck shot, so your bullet hits the junction of neck bone and skull.
As for your budget, Namibia is usually less expensive to hunt than much of Africa is.
However, if you keep a steady eye on various offers, sometimes the best deal pops up in any country really.
Just beware of deals that seem too good to be true.
Most hunters do not wish to journey all the way to Africa and spend several thousand US Dollars, only to find themself on a quite small plot, surrounded by a 10’ high electric fence and a cattle truck arriving with the exact same animals as on their wish list.
Anyway, when you get around to it, have a look into the Khomas Safaris website.
And no matter if you book with us or one of the many other excellent sponsors of this, the world’s best forum, do thoroughly research whomever you are focusing on, prior to sending your deposit.
Best Regards,
Velo Dog.
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Welcome to AH. You’re in the right place for great information and advice in planning your safari. 30-06 with quality bullet is good for PG. Rule of thumb 2 to 2.5 times cost of animals is cost of safari- airfare, hunt, tips, souvenirs, taxidermy, shipping and import fees.
mark-hunter
AH legend
Its OK, for plains game hunt.
Of the two, I would take 30-06 with high quality bullets, and if possible heavier then standard 180 grains.
Swift a frame, tsx, trophy bonded bear claw, etc.
Be ready to shoot from standing position, from the tripod stick, at usual hunting distances.
I know a person who made more then 50 safaris with 30-06 on plains game.
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Hi Bigreach!
I did send you a message!
I did send you a message!
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Nick BOWKER HUNTING SOUTH AFRICA wrote on EGS-HQ's profile.
Hi EGS
I read your thread with interest. Would you mind sending me that PDF? May I put it on my website?
Rob
I read your thread with interest. Would you mind sending me that PDF? May I put it on my website?
Rob
