South Africa Cape Buffalo Hunts

TOBY458

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I know this has probably been covered many times, but I was wondering if I could get some feedback on hunting Cape Buffalo in SA. What are your thoughts on the hunting methods, pricing, ect? Do they offer quality hunts as does Tanzania, Mozambique, ect? How do the prices campare to other parts of Africa? Thanks!
 
Toby this a very Good question indeed. It has been debated a bit. My take on it is that you can get a very good hunt in South Africa. You can do high fence or wide open range for reasonable prices. There are some very fine outfitters here on AH that can book you the type hunt you want.
I'm sure some other members will be along to share their thoughts
 
Costs usually work out at about a wash (called competition against whatever the market will bear). The typical wilderness trophy fee is much less, but daily rate is much more - opposite in SA. Lodging is typically very different. Camps in Mozambique or the Caprivi are comfortable to be sure (particularly compared to the typical elk camp) - but don't go looking for the spa. Not an issue for me because I usually prioritize the wilderness environment very highly. That appeals to me far more than a 4-star lodge. However, with a spouse along, I likely would have a different set of priorities. (Next year she is accompanying and we will be in SA.)

Quality of the hunt can be quite good in SA on the conservancies which support self-sustaining herds. Be aware, there are outfitters who purchase a small number of bulls and park them in relatively small enclosures simply to be shot. Timbavati game reserve bordering Kruger has gained a great reputation for its bulls. Some outfitters will even stage an "authentic" tent camp experience (that sound is me retching :Depressed:). Lastly, most SA bulls are taken under a modified European style trophy system. In other words the size of the bull affects trophy fee - often dramatically. You can take a wonderful old dagga boy under real fair chase conditions in SA, but a real big old dagga boy will cost a premium. In a wilderness area, your PH will be working his butt off to find you the best trophy he gain in the time available.

Continue to do your due diligence, and I am confident you can find the hunt which will balance your priorities.
 
Toby this a very Good question indeed. It has been debated a bit. My take on it is that you can get a very good hunt in South Africa. You can do high fence or wide open range for reasonable prices. There are some very fine outfitters here on AH that can book you the type hunt you want.
I'm sure some other members will be along to share their thoughts
Thanks for the reply Charlie! I look forward to hearing more about your experience in SA.
 
Costs usually work out at about a wash (called competition against whatever the market will bear). The typical wilderness trophy fee is much less, but daily rate is much more - opposite in SA. Lodging is typically very different. Camps in Mozambique or the Caprivi are comfortable to be sure (particularly compared to the typical elk camp) - but don't go looking for the spa. Not an issue for me because I usually prioritize the wilderness environment very highly. That appeals to me far more than a 4-star lodge. However, with a spouse along, I likely would have a different set of priorities. (Next year she is accompanying and we will be in SA.)

Quality of the hunt can be quite good in SA on the conservancies which support self-sustaining herds. Be aware, there are outfitters who purchase a small number of bulls and park them in relatively small enclosures simply to be shot. Timbavati game reserve bordering Kruger has gained a great reputation for its bulls. Some outfitters will even stage an "authentic" tent camp experience (that sound is me retching :Depressed:). Lastly, most SA bulls are taken under a modified European style trophy system. In other words the size of the bull affects trophy fee - often dramatically. You can take a wonderful old dagga boy under real fair chase conditions in SA, but a real big old dagga boy will cost a premium. In a wilderness area, your PH will be working his butt off to find you the best trophy he gain in the time available.

Continue to do your due diligence, and I am confident you can find the hunt which will balance your priorities.
Thanks for all the info Red Leg! It seems there is alot of sifting to do when it comes to hunting Africa. I've hunted buffalo in Australia, and it seems much more simple to get a reputable hunt. But, I do want to go to Africa one day in the near future. I had a hunt almost booked in Tanzania back around 10 years ago, but I backed out. I now wish I had bit the bullet and went. The prices have doubled since then.
 
A hunting consultant doesn't cost you a nickel and can save you thousands and much disappointment. I have used Jack Atcheson Jr for more than a decade - never steered me wrong. http://www.atcheson.com/. Call him and just have a chat about the possible. I have hunted buffalo with Jamy Traut in the Caprivi http://jamyhunts.com/ and in Mozambique with Grant Taylor https://www.mashambanzousafaris.com/ Both were fabulous experiences, and I am headed back to hunt with Grant again in four days. I unreservedly recommend either for the buff hunt of a lifetime..
 
It really comes down to what you want your hunt to be. Pieter at paw print has a hunt special going now of $9900 for any bull on the place. It is 10,000 acres fenced though but there is no charge by sizes like some like to talk about. Bulls will be in the 36 to 42 range but if you take bigger there is no extra charge.

Is it the same as hunting moz or zim well no it is not. It is not sold as that kind of hunt either. I know Pieter can also offer some free range hunts in around the kruger area but they start going up in price as they are limited in quota.

I would say you really need to decide what kind of experience you want first then shop around for the Ph and outfitter who you think you will match up best with. Plenty of places to pick from that is for sure.

Here is a picture of some buff on the 10,000 acres that shows there is a self sustain herds on fence areas to .Not everyone just drops off a few bulls to hunt. Hunting in that thick brush looks like more then a fair hunt to me but you will need to decide how it would work for you.

15179207_10154682289877770_387057704213001447_n.jpg
12274223_10153703194047770_5005735489037125934_n.jpg
 
It really comes down to what you want your hunt to be. Pieter at paw print has a hunt special going now of $9900 for any bull on the place. It is 10,000 acres fenced though but there is no charge by sizes like some like to talk about. Bulls will be in the 36 to 42 range but if you take bigger there is no extra charge.

Is it the same as hunting moz or zim well no it is not. It is not sold as that kind of hunt either. I know Pieter can also offer some free range hunts in around the kruger area but they start going up in price as they are limited in quota.

I would say you really need to decide what kind of experience you want first then shop around for the Ph and outfitter who you think you will match up best with. Plenty of places to pick from that is for sure.

Here is a picture of some buff on the 10,000 acres that shows there is a self sustain herds on fence areas to .Not everyone just drops off a few bulls to hunt. Hunting in that thick brush looks like more then a fair hunt to me but you will need to decide how it would work for you.

View attachment 203669 View attachment 203670
10,000 acres would feel pretty free range I'm sure! Thanks for the info!
 
A hunting consultant doesn't cost you a nickel and can save you thousands and much disappointment. I have used Jack Atcheson Jr for more than a decade - never steered me wrong. http://www.atcheson.com/. Call him and just have a chat about the possible. I have hunted buffalo with Jamy Traut in the Caprivi http://jamyhunts.com/ and in Mozambique with Grant Taylor https://www.mashambanzousafaris.com/ Both were fabulous experiences, and I am headed back to hunt with Grant again in four days. I unreservedly recommend either for the buff hunt of a lifetime..
I've seen Jack's post on other sites. He seems very knowledgeable. I'll check him out. Thanks!
 
Toby458, I just returned a couple of weeks ago from a buff hunt on the 10,000 acre property billc was talking about. My buffalo was 38" and fine hard bossed...my goal. I was very happy. You can read my report of it here on AH. I'm 70, but I am in the top 5-10% of 70 year olds for being in shape. It only took a day and a half to take my bull, but I had a full list for my 10 day hunt, so it worked out well. The first day as you can read was pretty tough making 3 stalks and waiting for them to clear the trees and brush until the swirling wind gave us away. The second morning turned out vastly easier and I took my fine bull.
I believe high fenced animals who are constantly hunted are likely to be more wary than those in wilderness areas...JMO and observations. I also don't believe there is any quality difference in the two.
That said, a true wilderness experience is very unique in itself. Checking prices, I believe it costs substantially more for a true wilderness experience. Again just my observed comparisons.
If you've never been to Africa, take my word for it it's like potato chips, you can't eat just one nor go just once.
What ever you decide on, I believe you will have a grand time! Best of luck in your decision!
 
Toby458, I just returned a couple of weeks ago from a buff hunt on the 10,000 acre property billc was talking about. My buffalo was 38" and fine hard bossed...my goal. I was very happy. You can read my report of it here on AH. I'm 70, but I am in the top 5-10% of 70 year olds for being in shape. It only took a day and a half to take my bull, but I had a full list for my 10 day hunt, so it worked out well. The first day as you can read was pretty tough making 3 stalks and waiting for them to clear the trees and brush until the swirling wind gave us away. The second morning turned out vastly easier and I took my fine bull.
I believe high fenced animals who are constantly hunted are likely to be more wary than those in wilderness areas...JMO and observations. I also don't believe there is any quality difference in the two.
That said, a true wilderness experience is very unique in itself. Checking prices, I believe it costs substantially more for a true wilderness experience. Again just my observed comparisons.
If you've never been to Africa, take my word for it it's like potato chips, you can't eat just one nor go just once.
What ever you decide on, I believe you will have a grand time! Best of luck in your decision!
I'll check out your hunt. Sounds like it was a good one! Thanks!
 
I've hunted Buffalo in South Africa and Zimbabwe...............

I will take South Africa greater Kruger hunts every single time for buffalo. I've hunted Makuya, Letaba, Umbabat and Mthimkulu in South Africa, I've also hunted Farm Buffalo in South Africa.

The greater Kruger hunts are incredible, but they are more pricey. The old saying......you get what you pay for is in most cases true. But there are tricks to greater Kruger as well, funny quota. They shoot a bunch of what they call "Classics" old bulls under 38", I would never pay SA prices for those, but unlimited buffalo in Greater Kruger can get you some monster bulls! The Kruger genetics are also incredible, big bosses, lots of drop. In the greater Kruger Areas I have been up to my rear end in buffalo for days at a time, big bunches of buffalo. The best I personally know of was a solid 48" and I have been able to pull two so far that where a tad over 43"............damned tough to do in Zim or the Selous. Unless in Zim you are on one of the two conservancies.....and their prices are comparable to Greater Kruger.

I've hunted damned hard in Zim to just find a hard horned bull, Omay North and Chirissa.........

My one farm Buff was a damned fine hunt, large thick area and we worked hard for 4 days to find a good bull and he was a switched on buff like the ones I've hunted elsewhere, I was kinda impressed, not what I expected at all. We even had to dodge elephants and saw two daytime leopards while hunting. And I would have no problem at all doing that hunt again.

Just my two cents and it's worth all of two cents.....


.
 
I just had a great hunt in Limpopo. I hunted in the Timbavati on a property that was 6,000 acres. I hunted hard, the bulls were in thick cover all the time and I walked many miles until I took mine on the forth day. The buffalo in my avatar is the one I speak of. Hunted with KMG safaris, one of our sponsors. Outstanding in every way. Check my thread out called time to hunt buffalo or feel free to drop me a PM. Best of luck.
 
Toby the dark continent is calling you man! Black Death is calling to say you owe him money!
Let's book it brother!
 
I've hunted Buffalo in South Africa and Zimbabwe...............

I will take South Africa greater Kruger hunts every single time for buffalo. I've hunted Makuya, Letaba, Umbabat and Mthimkulu in South Africa, I've also hunted Farm Buffalo in South Africa.

The greater Kruger hunts are incredible, but they are more pricey. The old saying......you get what you pay for is in most cases true. But there are tricks to greater Kruger as well, funny quota. They shoot a bunch of what they call "Classics" old bulls under 38", I would never pay SA prices for those, but unlimited buffalo in Greater Kruger can get you some monster bulls! The Kruger genetics are also incredible, big bosses, lots of drop. In the greater Kruger Areas I have been up to my rear end in buffalo for days at a time, big bunches of buffalo. The best I personally know of was a solid 48" and I have been able to pull two so far that where a tad over 43"............damned tough to do in Zim or the Selous. Unless in Zim you are on one of the two conservancies.....and their prices are comparable to Greater Kruger.

I've hunted damned hard in Zim to just find a hard horned bull, Omay North and Chirissa.........

My one farm Buff was a damned fine hunt, large thick area and we worked hard for 4 days to find a good bull and he was a switched on buff like the ones I've hunted elsewhere, I was kinda impressed, not what I expected at all. We even had to dodge elephants and saw two daytime leopards while hunting. And I would have no problem at all doing that hunt again.

Just my two cents and it's worth all of two cents.....


.
Sounds like my hunt in Limpopo. Quite agree a farm hunt can be very good.
 
I've hunted Buffalo in South Africa and Zimbabwe...............

I will take South Africa greater Kruger hunts every single time for buffalo. I've hunted Makuya, Letaba, Umbabat and Mthimkulu in South Africa, I've also hunted Farm Buffalo in South Africa.

The greater Kruger hunts are incredible, but they are more pricey. The old saying......you get what you pay for is in most cases true. But there are tricks to greater Kruger as well, funny quota. They shoot a bunch of what they call "Classics" old bulls under 38", I would never pay SA prices for those, but unlimited buffalo in Greater Kruger can get you some monster bulls! The Kruger genetics are also incredible, big bosses, lots of drop. In the greater Kruger Areas I have been up to my rear end in buffalo for days at a time, big bunches of buffalo. The best I personally know of was a solid 48" and I have been able to pull two so far that where a tad over 43"............damned tough to do in Zim or the Selous. Unless in Zim you are on one of the two conservancies.....and their prices are comparable to Greater Kruger.

I've hunted damned hard in Zim to just find a hard horned bull, Omay North and Chirissa.........

My one farm Buff was a damned fine hunt, large thick area and we worked hard for 4 days to find a good bull and he was a switched on buff like the ones I've hunted elsewhere, I was kinda impressed, not what I expected at all. We even had to dodge elephants and saw two daytime leopards while hunting. And I would have no problem at all doing that hunt again.

Just my two cents and it's worth all of two cents.....


.
Would you mind explaining a little more what a greater Kruger hunt is? I'm sure most on here know and I had a brief conversation with my PH about hunting buff near Kruger when I return to SA. I expect this may be what he was referring to.
 
JTEX, what safari company did you use for your greater Kruger hunts? Thanks.
 
I've also hunted buff in SA and Zimbabwe. The only big difference was Zim was wide open with rolling hills and SA was all bush with rolling hills. The SA was tougher cuz you could not see the buffs at 30-40 yds. They busted before seeing them.
Prices are in your favor right now, so take advantage of it and "GET R DONE".
 

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