Early vs mid vs late season

[Pablo]

I know most hunters usually take their safari in June and July. However, airfare is crazy then. Can you expect to kill a quality critter at the end of August? Also, a lot of people can’t take off work (yes, I typed the w-word) until school is out. Do the early season guys get the worm?

 

[billc]

Aug and sept are very good hunting month. Brush thins out and water is drying up and brings animals to certain areas. Aug is good hunting weather to with sept getting a little warmer. Airfare will be down some but gets cheaper in sept and later or april and may is lower cost also.

There is plenty of animals left and I have seen hunters with Paw print safaris take some of the better animals in aug through oct.

 

[Red Leg]

Depends on the area. For instance, the Zambezi Delta of Mozambique is best in October. Getting a mature Livingston eland before the middle of October is pure luck - by late October, the odds are very good. Namibia is generally great in winter, but like much of the RSA can be genuinely cold early and late. Smaller high- fence areas can be more easily affected by hunting pressure - large free range areas usually less so. Rut can make a difference - particularly with regard to mature kudu - other game, like Oryx, less so. Have a dialogue with your outfitter. He will work hard to find a time which works with your schedule. Generally, the closer you are to the equator (the Caprivi/ Mozambique/Zambia) the temps can be really hot early and late (Apr - May/ Sep - Oct).

 

[jeff]

We've done several hunts in Namibia and SA in Sept. and Oct. and had great hunts at that time of year. Had one hunt in the EC in July and several of the concessions we were at were already at their harvest limit on several species, so it can vary but good outfits won't book hunters if their chances at quality game is poor. Go with a reputable outfitter and you'll have a good hunt no matter what time year. A couple of my poorest hunts were in July, so who you go with is more important than when !

 

[Nyati]

In SA I prefer late September.

 

[Eventually_Africa_Again]

Not that I have much experience (because I don't!) but my next hunt is scheduled for late April next year in South Africa. Only time will tell if I've chosen wisely or poorly, but it's a risk I'm willing to take. I hear the kudu ruts worth seeing either way!

 

[Divernhunter]

My 2 hunts in SA on mostly the eastern cape area have been in End of April and the month of May. Both were excellent hunts.

 

[fourfive8]

I've hunted different parts of Africa in April, May, June, July and August.
I've never had a bad hunt, but my favorite time is early, just after the rains. Maybe mid-April to mid-May.

 

[Britt Beck]

Going for the first time In sept this year. After speaking with my PH and members on here. I felt comfortable that time of year. Your gonna have a great trip.