Who Is The Best Rated South Africa Safari Outfitter?

Sean kerr

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Good evening everyone,

I've been on here before as a member but my account wouldn't work so I've been lurking around for the last few years just reading and such as you all go on your safaris etc and I live them vicariously through your reports... And some I may say are great reads. Good on all of you! If you're reading this Jerome, I spoke to you last week and I am Pushing for Namibia but my son (I told you this would happen) has gotten involved and he is reading about South Africa and the safaris there as well so since I have an outfitter picked for Namibia I guess it's time to look at SA.
My question is a broad one and a "dangerous" one but I'm going to ask it anyway; who is the highest rated, safest (read: honest), easiest to deal with outfitter for South Africa that you all know of? I'm looking to take my fiancé and my son for our first safari and would like to get real info from you all who have been there and done it. The safari would be one cape buff (if I can swing it) and plains game mainly. 12 days to 21 with 21 being the maximum that I could get away for I'm quite sure. Yes, money does come in to play here unfortunately as no rich uncle has passed on and left me in his will.
I am an avid hunter and outdoorsman but my family isn't quite as much as they wont like a tent and a latrine and be happy. So I guess there does have to be decent accommodations involved, although my son will hunt with me and my fiancé wants to observ daily and not sit by the pool. God love her. She won't have a rifle of her own so I don't have to say God help us.
I know there will be lots of opinions and that's good. I've read so much on this that my brain hurts. Really. Also, if someone or multiple folks have a had a ROTTEN time with a particular outfitter, please I want to hear that too so I may stay clear of that one. I appreciate the help very much and any and all insight.

Best,
Sean
 
No one answer to that question and honestly, there are countless "best" South African outfitters out there. Ask yourself a number of questions about what it is you want exactly for species, accommodations, type of hunt, region of South Africa, budget, free-range vs high fence, etc and then at least short list to those that fit the parameters and then start checking references and hunt reports. There are some bad bad operators in Africa but they are far outnumbered by the great ones. South Africa is a huge country with very diverse terrain and species from region to region......at least short list the species first as that will partially determine region.
 
There are many top notch Safari operators right here on AH.
 
Sean, welcome to the posting side of AH! As stated above many factors and questions to consider, but all the outfitters who are sponsors on here would be good choice, there are many hunt reports to read through on each of them. All the best
 
anyone of the guys on the site are top notch and I would like to think Pieter and paw print rate up there. Pieter is very good with family safaris and gives you the best he can for the money you spend. I hunted two years ago with him and hit it off very well. I am now his rep here in the states. We do buff and plains games in a few areas.
I would be glad to talk with you over the phone or email if you would like and offer my help if you hunt with us or anyone else. Look over the reports here go back see who has reports for a few years and ask plenty of questions. See who you click with the best and book that dream trip.

Billc
 
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There are several great outfitters on AH.
 
A lot of great outfitters from RSA. I think the outfitter I represent offers quality hunts for a great value!
 
I am an avid hunter and outdoorsman but my family isn't quite as much as they wont like a tent and a latrine and be happy

I don't think you have to worry about that with most of the top South African operators. :)

First decide if you want to hunt a free range or ranch Buffalo , or if its even important to you , and take it from there. The plains game will be arranged around the Buffalo.

Family hunts are fun hunts and gives me , and I'm sure many other outfitters , great pleasure.

Good luck and happy hunting !
 
Sean

There are tons of good Outfitters here on AH.

Most of the camps in South Africa is girlfriend/wife friendly.

Talk to a lot of Outfitters and maybe you find one that matches your personality. Remember that he will most likely become a friend for life.

Have fun in the planning, it is a big part of your safari.

Make phone calls to many references and talk to them and ask them how they have experienced it.

If there is anything we can assist you with please do not hesitate to send a pm or post it on the forum.

Best regards

Beans
 
Welcome to AH .
What a can of worms you have opened !!!
Have fun choosing your final destination .
And I mean have fun as there are so many to choose from .
Cheers Dory .
 
Good evening everyone,

I've been on here before as a member but my account wouldn't work so I've been lurking around for the last few years just reading and such as you all go on your safaris etc and I live them vicariously through your reports... And some I may say are great reads. Good on all of you! If you're reading this Jerome, I spoke to you last week and I am Pushing for Namibia but my son (I told you this would happen) has gotten involved and he is reading about South Africa and the safaris there as well so since I have an outfitter picked for Namibia I guess it's time to look at SA.
My question is a broad one and a "dangerous" one but I'm going to ask it anyway; who is the highest rated, safest (read: honest), easiest to deal with outfitter for South Africa that you all know of? I'm looking to take my fiancé and my son for our first safari and would like to get real info from you all who have been there and done it. The safari would be one cape buff (if I can swing it) and plains game mainly. 12 days to 21 with 21 being the maximum that I could get away for I'm quite sure. Yes, money does come in to play here unfortunately as no rich uncle has passed on and left me in his will.
I am an avid hunter and outdoorsman but my family isn't quite as much as they wont like a tent and a latrine and be happy. So I guess there does have to be decent accommodations involved, although my son will hunt with me and my fiancé wants to observ daily and not sit by the pool. God love her. She won't have a rifle of her own so I don't have to say God help us.
I know there will be lots of opinions and that's good. I've read so much on this that my brain hurts. Really. Also, if someone or multiple folks have a had a ROTTEN time with a particular outfitter, please I want to hear that too so I may stay clear of that one. I appreciate the help very much and any and all insight.

Best,
Sean

Sean,

in RSA - there are a lot of Outfitters that are HIGHLY RATED - check the web...on this forum, well, you have seen some of then responding already...
 
just read the clients reports , it will become clear to you which outfitters produce time after time .
 
Welcome to AH!
 
All of you that responded are of course, correct in your answers. I kinda knew you all would be collectively slapping yourselves on your foreheads with my post! Don't lie, you all did it.

In all seriousness though, there are so many outfitters and the advice I read contradicts itself all the time as far as booking with an "agent" is the way to go or talking too and booking only with the PH because never trust a middle man with your money ( NO offense billc as I will likely be calling you today if you're available for a chat if I may) but all that said that you have to "click" with whomever you choose are absolutely correct.

I suppose it's time to start picking up the phone at this point! To the outfitters that responded, I will be contacting you all over the next few days.

Fiancé loved the rainbow pic by the way Ryno.

Dory, I've been avoiding the can of worms... But yes, it's opened now.
 
no offense taken and talking direct with the person doing the hunt is always good to do. I am just a starting point and you will talk to Pieter also.
I sent a PM with my cell number if you want to chat later.

Thanks Billc
 
Best Sean,

Welcome to our forum and good to see you posting after a couple of years spying on our community… lol

You will definitely find top rated outfitters on the forum and there is a lot of them that will work with you to tailor a package to your needs. There are so many options in South Africa and that really makes it hard on you to decide what you would like to do.

I will be more than happy to help you with anything you might want to know, in the mean time please take some time and look at some of the offers we have on the forum by following these links:

http://www.africahunting.com/thread...nting-safari-aaa-africa-serapa-safaris.29438/
http://www.africahunting.com/threads/kalahari-plains-game-hunting-safari-full-bag.28708/#post-268897

Please do not hesitate to send me a PM or ask questions on the forum as there is a lot of people that will help you with a lot of different suggestions.

Thank you for your time.

Best regards,

Jacques
 
Welcome to AH, Sean !

I would sent a PM to the Outfitters who are sponsors of AH stating your wishes, and just let them make a nice offer :D
 
I will also suggest you check out CT Safaris in Limpopo Provience SA, Chris and Sabina run one of the smaller concessions, The hunting is Big time If Kudu is one your list Chris has some real nice size as his website will show,and Sabina is as great a Chef as you,ll find( being a Chef by trade I think I'm qualified to say that) The accommodations were excellent and if your Lady is a non hunter Sabina will keep her quite busy
 

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