Buffalo or plains game?

[Catahoula]

Hi all. I am planning my next trip (my fourth) to South Africa. My first trip I took a buffalo cow and a few heads of plains game. On the second and third trip I took only plains game. I'm now debating...do I do a mixed plains game hunt or do a proper buffalo bull hunt? Several factors are weighing on my decision. Price is of course a consideration. If I do a buffalo hunt, additional animals would be limited, which is the next consideration. One primary animal, and potentially only one animal, vs the opportunity to hunt multiple species. Another thought is that I no longer own a proper buffalo rifle, and I have a thing about hunting with my own guns, so this is an additional cost consideration. I do have a 9.3x74r that I am attached to that I would love to use if legal! My preference is a true walk and stalk hunt no matter the species, and I'd also prefer to be driving distance from JNB to cut down travel time. So....those that have faced a similar decision, what are your thoughts?

 

[Mekaniks]

I think you should contact @Tally-Ho HUNTING SAFARIS

 

[BeeMaa]

IMO - Buffalo first then PG of your liking.

It could take more than a week doing a walk and stalk for buffalo to find the right one for you. Then if time (and money) allows, take on an additional animal. Other lower cost options are a cull hunt or pest control like baboon or jackal.

Also keep in mind there are things to do in Africa beyond hunting, especially important if you are taking your spouse/partner. Fishing, sightseeing and adventures abound. Don't forget to stop and smell the roses.

I did something like this with @JKO HUNTING SAFARIS in 2025 with great success. There were at least three self-sustaining buffalo herds on the ranch we hunted with something for everyone. No wasted days in camp and had a wonderful time taking two buffs.

 

[Catahoula]

IMO - Buffalo first then PG of your liking.

It could take more than a week doing a walk and stalk for buffalo to find the right one for you. Then if time (and money) allows, take on an additional animal. Other lower cost options are a cull hunt or pest control like baboon or jackal.

Also keep in mind there are things to do in Africa beyond hunting, especially important if you are taking your spouse/partner. Fishing, sightseeing and adventures abound. Don't forget to stop and smell the roses.

I did something like this with @JKO HUNTING SAFARIS in 2025 with great success. There were at least three self-sustaining buffalo herds on the ranch we hunted with something for everyone. No wasted days in camp and had a wonderful time taking two buffs.

Thanks. I appreciate the input. This will be a solo trip. My beautiful wife has indicated that she has no desire to take a flight that long again!

 

[375Fox]

How about Namibia or a different region of South Africa? It’s more travel time but it’s a different experience. One of the biggest reasons I enjoy hunting Africa is I can use all the days to hunt. It would be unfortunate to be finished with a buffalo hunt on the 2nd morning and be done hunting. I’d choose a plains game hunt over a single species.

 

[Hunt anything]

I would do a buffalo hunt on one of concessions next to Kruger NP, concentrate on your bull and after you take him just hunt and if you see something exceptional that you like shoot it.

 

[Catahoula]

How about Namibia or a different region of South Africa? It’s more travel time but it’s a different experience. One of the biggest reasons I enjoy hunting Africa is I can use all the days to hunt. It would be unfortunate to be finished with a buffalo hunt on the 2nd morning and be done hunting. I’d choose a plains game hunt over a single species.

I agree. Ending a hunt after day two would be unfortunate. I didn't mean to imply that I wouldn't be able to hunt additional trophies. I would, however, have to be a little more conservative on selecting what to shoot. Like most, my time is limited due to other obligations. Adding a day of travel on each end to get to a different location just doesn't make sense to me when I could spend those days in the field. Thanks for the feedback!

 

[Hunter-Habib]

IMO - Buffalo first then PG of your liking.

It could take more than a week doing a walk and stalk for buffalo to find the right one for you. Then if time (and money) allows, take on an additional animal. Other lower cost options are a cull hunt or pest control like baboon or jackal.

Also keep in mind there are things to do in Africa beyond hunting, especially important if you are taking your spouse/partner. Fishing, sightseeing and adventures abound. Don't forget to stop and smell the roses.

I did something like this with @JKO HUNTING SAFARIS in 2025 with great success. There were at least three self-sustaining buffalo herds on the ranch we hunted with something for everyone. No wasted days in camp and had a wonderful time taking two buffs.

I’m with @BeeMaa on this one. Cape buffalo first, then take a nice head of plains game. I typically do Cape buffalo and impala.

 

[Parkerpusher]

If you’re asking, it means a good bull is in your mind and in the heart. I would wait until I could comfortably afford the possibility of shooting a good bull buff early and still keep hunting PG without stressing about finances and just be able to fully enjoy the experience. Of course it could take the whole hunt to get your buff and in that case, funds set aside for planning the next.

 

[Firebird]

I would be fine taking other premium but less expensive plains game instead of a buffalo. Maybe a sable then other plains game or something to that effect.
But in reality, push the trip back one year and save more money so you can hunt more game while you are there-be it Buffalo or other-

 

[Schüler Jumbo]

As you describe your circumstances take the Plains Game. Ask your wife again this time focusing on the both of you taking in local sights, sounds, entertainment, shopping for other family members & friends and spa.

 

[Catahoula]

As you describe your circumstances take the Plains Game. Ask your wife again this time focusing on the both of you taking in local sights, sounds, entertainment, shopping for other family members & friends and spa.

Two of our trips were like you describe. . We took in KruegerPark, shopping, she had a couple of spa days. She’s done it twice and has no desire to take the long flight to a location that doesn’t have her interest. We will travel to the Dominican Republic and Hawaii together later this year and Greece in the spring. I am sure she will plan a girls trip while I am off hunting. This trip will be solo for sure.

 

[Catahoula]

I would be fine taking other premium but less expensive plains game instead of a buffalo. Maybe a sable then other plains game or something to that effect.
But in reality, push the trip back one year and save more money so you can hunt more game while you are there-be it Buffalo or other-

Good advice. There are a few plains game species that I missed out on the last few trips.

 

[Ontario Hunter]

For whatever reason, buffalo and sable combo packages seem to be a popular offering. You might want to check into that.

What are you thinking of for DGR? Classic work of art or something that just shoots?

 

[Hedge774]

Have you thought about a buffalo mixed with a grab bag of sub $500 ish animals? A warthog, duiker, springbok, and an impala could definitely fill some days while being very affordable!

 

[Josh P]

The idea of concentrating on buffalo and then a smaller mixed bag of take-it-as-it-comes management/cull animals to get more scenery, without having to plan specific species in a way that might detract from the attention due the buffalo, seems appealing. Especially so if the time constraints demand a greater percentage allotment of time to said buffalo. The add ons could be a delightful bonus instead of a conflicting priority.

I guess it all comes down to balancing time and money on these things.

Just my 2c from the truck cab.

 

[Catahoula]

For whatever reason, buffalo and sable combo packages seem to be a popular offering. You might want to check into that.

What are you thinking of for DGR? Classic work of art or something that just shoots?

I definitely don't need a work of art! Function DG rifles are relatively affordable. That isn't a major consideration.

 

[Catahoula]

The idea of concentrating on buffalo and then a smaller mixed bag of take-it-as-it-comes management/cull animals to get more scenery, without having to plan specific species in a way that might detract from the attention due the buffalo, seems appealing. Especially so if the time constraints demand a greater percentage allotment of time to said buffalo. The add ons could be a delightful bonus instead of a conflicting priority.

I guess it all comes down to balancing time and money on these things.

Just my 2c from the truck cab.

I have thought about that as well. I miss the days of sub $10k buffalo hunts!

 

[Andrew62]

Buffalo hunting in wild Africa is next level! Being on the tracks of a buffalo and crossing paths with a herd of elephant is something you just have to experience to fully understand. Once in awhile there are some pretty nice offers made here for buffalo in wild areas. Whatever it is you choose to do I wish you great success in finding the perfect hunt for you!

 

[Rare Breed]

I would be fine taking other premium but less expensive plains game instead of a buffalo. Maybe a sable then other plains game or something to that effect.
But in reality, push the trip back one year and save more money so you can hunt more game while you are there-be it Buffalo or other-

Just a thought. You could do the buff then ask for a PG cull package so you still enjoy the experience of the hunt with a total price you can afford. PG cull animals usually run between $300-$500 each