First time plains game

Hi Rob
I am from Australia and can recomend GAME 4 AFRICA SAFARIS , KAROO WILD Safaris or KMG Hunting Safaris all have provided me with first class hunting and service
Regards
Chris

@GAME Trackers AFRICA was good to me.

As to your original question, I think there are a few quintessential African plains game that everyone (OK, most of us) would agree on despite area. Impala, blue wildebeest, warthog, and Zebra. I left all the spirals and tinies out on purpose due to some being more location specific. (Before you jump up and down on me, these four are merely suggestions and im also factoring in price for a first timer.) Depending on where you are going, I'd add a black wildebeest, a springbok, and a blesbok. Good luck, and keep us posted!

To the OP; just exercise some restraint.

First time safaris are always exciting and the experience is always “the best” from the point of view of the first timer’s experience.

Consider the reports and recommendations of hunters who have several safaris logged heavier than some (like myself) who are relatively new to safari that are still suffering from the overwhelming joy of just finally getting there a few times.

Trust me as one who had “the best” first safari in Namibia, I’ve since downgraded it to “just fine” after having been to two different countries now with two different outfitters.

They keep getting better with experience and advice from the old-timers that really know.

Best of luck.

Sent you a pm, hope it provides some entertainment and provides some good info

Go at the end of August. I hunt Eastern Cape RSA and it's great. That late in the season things are wrapping up. Often I'm the only client at the lodge. Spring is arriving and wildflowers just starting to bloom. Also properties that did not achieve harvesting objectives (e.g. an old bull or ram that's been on the range too long and possibly breeding his progeny needs to go) are ready to offer some deals. I have shot trophy animals at rock bottom prices almost akin to culling. This bull was 38" and less than half price.

I shot this giraffe in August and the price was so cheap ... I'm forbidden from repeating it! The property is estimated to maybe have 200 of them. Too many (but the range is still in good shape).

A good list for you would be RSA springbuck, blesbuck, impala, and blue wildebeest. A warthog might avail itself and they are typically a cheap addition. Go with skull or cap mounts. That will keep the taxidermy and shipping costs within reason (though borderline ridiculous).
This will be my fifth impala skull on the wall ... and the best by far. We saw him in the herd better part of a mile away on our way to try and clean up a wounded eland left behind by last client. Even from that distance I could tell with naked eye this impala was too good to pass up. But they did put us to work. Took better part of the day before we could get a shot at less than 300 yards.

And this was my previous best. Shot at less than 150 yards only a short ways from the truck

Thank you for the

Ontario Hunter said:

A good list for you would be RSA springbuck, blesbuck, impala, and blue wildebeest. A warthog might avail itself and they are typically a cheap addition. Go with skull or cap mounts. That will keep the taxidermy and shipping costs within reason (though borderline ridiculous).
This will be my fifth impala skull on the wall ... and the best by far. We saw him in the herd better part of a mile away on our way to try and clean up a wounded eland left behind by last client. Even from that distance I could tell with naked eye this impala was too good to pass up. But they did put us to work. Took better part of the day before we could get a shot at less than 300 yards.
View attachment 804012
And this was my previous best. Shot at less than 150 yards only a short ways from the truck
View attachment 804011

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Thank you for the really good pics and information, I'm still trying to figure out what I want to Hunt for my first time.thank you

markm said:

look into Nick bowker awesome place to hunt great animals

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Just had a look,his cull packages look really good

I hunted with Nick Bowker April this year I highly recommend him.

MLindsay said:

I would go to Tholo Safaris in Botswana, completely free range and the best buy in Africa

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I can recommend Tholo in Botswana also, travelled from nz and had a great time in 2024

Thank you for all the great information, I'm starting to get excited and I haven't even booked yet.i think it's going to come down to cost for me.
I've had messages from a few outfitters and they have All been really helpful,a couple are out of my price range which is a pity because they have been really helpful.
I think I've narrowed it down to 3 so far LoL.

I'm thinking about taking my own rifle but I might be stopping off in New Zealand on the way home which makes it difficult

Robert

rob7mm08 said:

I'm not a first time hunter, just first time plains game and Africa in general
Not sure when yet, most likely second half of 2027 or 2028.
Not really a trophy hunter,more the experience
My fitness isn't the best anymore which will be a limiting factor as to what type of hunt.
I'll most likely use their firearms just to make things easier.
Can anyone give me some suggestions as to what would be a suitable Hunt.
Thank you

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Rob, contact Henry Griffiths Safaris, I was there in Sept wonderful place and Henry is a great guy. He has a couple of great prices for cull hunts and what ever else you might want, very nice lodge, great food and if a tracker is needed Sam is your man. You will find walking easy and not on lots of rocks like I have experienced in the East Cape the previous couple years. You can't find a better bargain and Henry does not charge P/U or D/O fees fees to the airport like a lot of others do. PM me if you wish. Jim

rob7mm08 said:

I'm not a first time hunter, just first time plains game and Africa in general
Not sure when yet, most likely second half of 2027 or 2028.
Not really a trophy hunter,more the experience
My fitness isn't the best anymore which will be a limiting factor as to what type of hunt.
I'll most likely use their firearms just to make things easier.
Can anyone give me some suggestions as to what would be a suitable Hunt.
Thank you

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I will tell you this story.

A youngish hunter wants to hunt in Africa.
But he never travelled abroad. Africa is dark continent for first time traveller.
So he needs some support. He is shy.

He takes his elderly father as companion for the trip. (observer, is what it is called).
father will not hunt.
That is the plan.

Father is hunter, but he has some problems.
He is of some age, he has some problem with coordination, muscles, whatnot.
And at home he shoots only from rest, and from blind.
So, he comes as observer, support, and companion for his son, to the camp.

Of course, game is plentyful.
Could he try something to shoot?
He can not stalk, he cannot walk, nor he can shoot from sticks.

Outfitter gives him one guide, and sends them to blind over waterhole.
He shoots: jackal, impala and springbok over the course of 7 days.
All one shot kills.

Moral of the story:
Africa can be fixed for anybody to hunt.
You?
Just do it!
Go!

General overview:
For first plains game safari, consider South Africa and Namibia.
Difference is: South Africa is mainly hunting in the fence.

Namibia, in central farm land, hunting is done free range (no fence or low fence for cattle) and high fence.

Cosnider those two countries for first safari. Talk to outfitters.

Tell outfitter your limitatons.

You will get the offer.

If you have aspiration to hunt DG, then:
Buffalo is tradtionally hunted on track.
Elephant is traditionally hunted on track.
Many miles to walk.

But lion and leoprd are usually hunted on bait. And you sit in the blind.
There you go.
Lion is expensive, but leopard not too much. Go for leopard if you want DG.
'
You have now, most important orientation to search around.

As per your initial post, and your limitations, I would strongly suggest, go to Namibia, for first safari

As someone who has had a number of health problems over the years, I can highly recommend Tsala Hunting Safaris! They will plan your Safari according to your needs! I've hunted with them twice and both times they exceeded all my expectations and then some!

Divan Safaris in Namibia was great. I got oryx, wildebeest, zebra, warthog, springbok, and kudu, great time, recommend absolutely. Fantastic 1st African hunt.