First Timer Headed to South Africa 2018

REB1136

REB1136

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Eastern Cape, South Africa
So I pulled the trigger and took advantage of 3S Safaris 7 day 4 animal Plainsgame hunt in the deals and offers section. I've already begun the process of planning my trip. Although I am still a little undecided on which month I want to go. I originally decided to go the 3rd week in April but have since been considering going in June.
I will be hunting around Grahamstown/Fort Beaufort area.
Any suggestions on which month to hunt??
 
June will be cooler and the bush will be losing it's leaves making spotting the critters a bit easier. Typically airfares jump after May 31. If you get your tix to leave prior to May 31, even if you're coming back afterwards, the fares will be cheaper. You didn't list May, but that is a good month to hunt as the rut is on, the weather is cooler though still quite comfortable and as mentioned you can $$ on airfare.
 
I went the last two weeks of May last year and it was perfect weather. Green enough to show me some vegetation, but cool enough to be comfortable. I was up in Limpopo. I chose to make my 2018 trip for the same timeframe, last week of May into the first week of June. Just cant beat the very cool nights and nice days.

Remember, this will only be your first trip...plenty of time to make changes for your second and third after this one ;)
 
Congrats on the booking!

What species are you after? Late April to late may things like kudu and impala are in the rut, so you see a lot more of them. Id say anytime in may is good due to the weather, but June also a good choice
 
Phil has it right. The only other thing I will add is rain. I hunted the East Cape a few yrs ago end of May. They had 2-3 days of rain just before we arrived. Got a truck stuck going out to check zero on rifles. Screwed up our 1 archery hunter because everything abandoned the waterholes. Later is less likely to have rain. You can hunt with rain, just easier to not have to deal with that variable.
I also prefer to book with the dark of the moon. I want the animals out feeding in daylight as much as possible. Most don't worry about that and do just fine. Me, I'm looking for any edge that I can get when I'm spending my $$ on a long trip like that.
The other item is to consider a couple of days of touring before your hunt begins. I have decided that when possible this makes good sense to me. I can mostly get over the jet lag. I can start to get my game eyes on to see the animals. I think that every trip to Africa that I have been on I have seen at least one animal that I have taken before the PH and tracker. I feel more like a hunter and not just the shooter in a group. Best of luck and please post a hunt report on your return. Bruce
 
reedy0312 said:
Congrats on the booking!

What species are you after? Late April to late may things like kudu and impala are in the rut, so you see a lot more of them. Id say anytime in may is good due to the weather, but June also a good choice
Click to expand...

I plan on going after Kudu, Impala, Springbok, and a Warthog for my 4 animals in the package but also plan on taking some extra animals.
 
I've hunted Northern Cape and Free State in April, May and June. April is a bit warmer, June feels more like fall hunting in the states and can get cold. It was 20F the day we left on our first trip. What rifles are you planning on using?
 
Have fun planning the details.
Congrats
 
Hogpatrol said:
I've hunted Northern Cape and Free State in April, May and June. April is a bit warmer, June feels more like fall hunting in the states and can get cold. It was 20F the day we left on our first trip. What rifles are you planning on using?
Click to expand...

I will be using one of their rifles. They offer several different calibers, I figure I will use a 300WM mostly
 
REB1136 said:
I will be using one of their rifles. They offer several different calibers, I figure I will use a 300WM mostly
Click to expand...

That will make planning and traveling simpler and you'll be fine with that caliber. Now the agonizing wait begins but the daydreaming will help in that department.:D
 
If kudu is your main animal I would say may if they have space for you. Airfare will be lower then going in june but maybe a little more then april.

For that list I would pick may or early june to try and catch the kudu rut for a chance at seeing more of the bigger bulls. I would also tell you to really think about a bushbuck.
 
billc said:
If kudu is your main animal I would say may if they have space for you. Airfare will be lower then going in june but maybe a little more then april.

For that list I would pick may or early june to try and catch the kudu rut for a chance at seeing more of the bigger bulls. I would also tell you to really think about a bushbuck.
Click to expand...

Bushbuck is at the top of my list of extra animals
 
REB1136, you're going to have a great time! Even all the planning will be exciting!
Have a great trip and don't forget to share your trip with us!
Best!
 
Taking my son for his first safari in Limpopo the first week of June. Check out my post in Africa Hunting section as got some great pointers and advice for my son from the group. Enjoy every aspect of your trip. You'll only have one "first" trip to Africa. Best to you!
 
Ridgewalker said:
REB1136, you're going to have a great time! Even all the planning will be exciting!
Have a great trip and don't forget to share your trip with us!
Best!
Click to expand...

I have 2 GoPro's and a journal. I plan on taking lots of pictures a writing about the whole experience
 
REB1136 said:
I am still trying to decide if I want to try and hunt for a Vaal Rhebok. I've heard they can be very challenging
Click to expand...
One thing to remember is the animals don't always cooperate and present themselves according to a schedule. A seven day hunt, even for four animals, may be a stretch. I hunted caracal in an area where they were scarce and it took me two trips and nine chilly nights to finally get one.
 
Good luck on your hunt sir.
 
Hogpatrol said:
One thing to remember is the animals don't always cooperate and present themselves according to a schedule. A seven day hunt, even for four animals, may be a stretch. I hunted caracal in an area where they were scarce and it took me two trips and nine chilly nights to finally get one.
Click to expand...

I understand that completely lol
I have a list of extra animals I would like to take if the opportunity presents itself.
 
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