DG Hunt 2030

[HuntOften36]

Read the saying multiple times - "you often end up planning your second trip before you are back from your first". This phrase certainly applies as I have yet to go on my first safari (next May with Bos en Dal Safaris) & here I am in the early stages of a 14 - 21 day DG focused safari in 2030.

Looking for a trip of a lifetime (that will more than likely be repeated ever few years lol). We all are pretty flexible on what country & dates in 2030 - really just looking to put feelers out there on what outfitters might be able to handle all 3 of us and the mixed bag that we are chasing. It's understood than no one knows quotas for 2030 yet but maybe would ask what outfitter's potential daily fees would be & rough trophy fees would be.

This hunt will be for myself, my brother & another AH member so 3 hunters total.

Countries we are currently looking into:

• Zimbabwe
• Namibia
• Botswana
• Mozambique
• Zambia

DG each party is looking to pursue:

• Myself - Double Buff, Croc & mixed PG
• Brother - Leopard & mixed PG
• Other AH Member - Leopard & possible tuskless Ele if time allows

Very open to recommendations and pointers of who to chat with, another country to consider that I didn't mention. I have sent an email to Dalton & York but as everyone know it's still the busy season in Africa with safaris still underway. In no rush to get a quick response from any outfitter - just wanted to start the conversation. Thanks in advanced all.

 

[Spear Safaris]

Any reason Tanzania is not on the list?

 

[375Fox]

You’ve got a lot of time to plan. I wouldn’t book more than 2.5 years out. I think Luangwa Valley in Zambia or Zambezi Valley in Zimbabwe are your best bets. Concessions are large enough to accommodate two cat hunters and have very good success rates. How familiar are you with pricing? You’re looking at a 14 day hunt at $1500-$2000 a day depending on area. It’s a big step from first safari you have planned. Biggest thing I’d recommend once you get more serious is asking outfitters how long they’ve hunted area and how much longer they have on current contract. Some areas are 3, 5, or 10 year contracts pretty commonly. Some outfitters are just buying quota year to year. A lot can change before 2030.

 

[MHYOUNG 375]

HuntOften36

I think looking at what you guys want Zambia on the Luangwa river might fit your needs nicely. The leopards would be hunted in daylight only. There are lots of leopard and the Luangwa will offer a shot opportunity is basically 100%. two buffalo can be arranged and a non-trophy ele can be added. The river is loade with crocs.

You have to understand that the prices will be notably higher than Zimbabwe but the trophy fees will be significantly lower than Zimbabwe particularly for buffalo, croc and hippo which you'll shoot for bait the first morning.

Mark

 

[HuntOften36]

Any reason Tanzania is not on the list?

Would gladly welcome Tanzania! Would be a bucket list location for sure.

 

[HuntOften36]

You’ve got a lot of time to plan. I wouldn’t book more than 2.5 years out. I think Luangwa Valley in Zambia or Zambezi Valley in Zimbabwe are your best bets. Concessions are large enough to accommodate two cat hunters and have very good success rates. How familiar are you with pricing? You’re looking at a 14 day hunt at $1500-$2000 a day depending on area. It’s a big step from first safari you have planned. Biggest thing I’d recommend once you get more serious is asking outfitters how long they’ve hunted area and how much longer they have on current contract. Some areas are 3, 5, or 10 year contracts pretty commonly. Some outfitters are just buying quota year to year. A lot can change before 2030.

These are all good things to keep in mind. Very aware the pricing will be different than my hunt is RSA & decently familiar with DG pricing structure. Zambezi Valley is a good option.

 

[kpoynter]

Based on wanting the “aquatic species” in combination with Leopard and Buff what .375 said is pretty spot on
You can do Buff in many places (obviously)
Zambezi Valley is top of mind but specifically places like Nyakasanga or Dande North
Luangwa Valkey and the Luangwa river would be #1 (top place for Leopard for sure and the River is full of Hippo and Croc… also pretty good plains game)
Niassa in Moz is excellent too…great Leopard and Buff and they have excellent plains game and the Hippo and Croc…just have to keep an eye on the issues
Tanzania… absolutely but materially more expensive
Namibia? One of our sponsors has BwaBwata West in the Caprivi.. excellent Buff…plains game… hippo and croc easy…Leopard..he just recently posted a great offer on Leopard. As high a percentage as Luangwa and Niassa? Not possible as they are basically 100%. As good as Zim? Namibia for sure not as a general rule. His area next to the National Park? Maybe. I’ve hunted near there. On the East side I damn sure wouldn’t hunt Leopard

 

[MHYOUNG 375]

HuntOften36

Since you are asking about leopards this is something to consider. A hunter told me that a hunt for leopard on the Luangwa was too expensive. He suggested he could buy a leopard hunt in Zim for half as much money. As the conversation went on he revealed he'd been on 6 leopard hunts and had yet to even see a leopard. The point is don't go for cheap with your leopard as it may cost you far more in the long run than booking a good hunt in the first place.

Mark

 

[Killo]

Just came back from Niassa last month
Two leopard, buffalo and planes game hunts

I got my cat on the third day, my friend got it the seventh

Two buffs for myself, one for my friend

Plus an amazing number of antelopes!!!!

 

[JFdekoker]

Niassa i surely an exceptional area for leopard. Especially the areas that have good anti poaching units. Most cats that I know of have been hunted in a few days. Like 3- 5 days. it goes without saying that the buffalo in Niassa are top class, the wilderness is second to none. Crocodile and Hippo are available in certain areas. Areas where you are situated on a river will mostly have crocodile and hippos.

 

[mark-hunter]

A word of caution, on financial planning, and planning overall.

In 4 years from now, prices can change significantly.
4 years from now, is long way to go.

Tomorrow is promised to no one, and more people (clients, or hunters) are involved, it is less likely they will all be able to go on that particular safari.
Additional conditions: each hunter will need: funds, health, and health in family, as a bare minimum.

I know this, because when I organize the hunt for my friends (locally) the more people are involved, the more complicated scheduling is.
There is always one hunter that cannot go on that Sunday!

 

[grand veneur]

I would also not do something like that either. Too much can change in four years, by yourself and in the world. I tend to book as close to the date as possible, a few months in advance at most. Age certainly plays a role; when you are mid-70 old, you don't know if you will stay in four years still healthy,... or alive.

 

[deewayne2003]

I would also not do something like that either. Too much can change in four years, by yourself and in the world. I tend to book as close to the date as possible, a few months in advance at most. Age certainly plays a role; when you are mid-70 old, you don't know if you will stay in four years still healthy,... or alive.

@grand veneur - I’m 30 years younger than you and I’ve come to the same conclusion.

Went on my first Safari 2024 and booked 1.5years out, got my second coming up in August and booked it 2 years out because of friends work schedules.

I will never book another African hunt more than 1 year out if that, since booking my second hunt I have watched hunts sell for the same area much cheaper and I could have easily booked myself.