First time safari, narrowed to 3 outfitters, help picking who to book with for our anniversary trip!

[fourfive8]

Seems like you have predetermined ideas about Africa and are thinking “inside the box” and like using an “AI” approach. No matter where you go or with whom, it will be different from what you think. As another post stated, “Why view this first time as your only time?” Your outlook will change after first trip. Also as others have posted…. consider Botswana. Everything about the Kalahari may surprise you. However, looking for tourist destinations is a different and very subjective question no matter where you go.

 

[Stetsonham]

Seems like you have predetermined ideas about Africa and are thinking “inside the box” and like using an “AI” approach. No matter where you go or with whom, it will be different from what you think. As another post stated, “Why view this first time as your only time?” Your outlook will change after first trip. Also as others have posted…. consider Botswana. Everything about the Kalahari may surprise you. However, looking for tourist destinations is a different and very subjective question no matter where you go.

So true. Nothing is as expected 100%

 

[Mtn_Infantry]

I can’t accurately comment since I personally haven’t hunted with any of the 3 you’ve named.
If I was forced to pick, I’d lean towards Jacque due to a couple of times we’ve chatted at shows and AH gatherings. Nothing against the others just haven’t interacted with them.

I will say, Cape Town is amazing and would be a great place to visit as an excursion. You can do it with any of the trips. Driving is pretty easy there, so you could rent a car and plan your own travel.

 

[ActionBob]

I have not hunted with any of your choices but know Jaques with JKO and he has a good reputation.

If you want to have broad experience in South Africa, I'd go to the East Cape. Depending upon your time allotted, consider moving camps as an adventure. The Karoo is amazing with huge properties and grand vistas. And driving over the mountains early morning towards the Coast and the wetter jungle areas is fantastic and completely different.

The Garden Route from Port Elizabeth to Cape Town with stops along the way is a great couples trip you can do on your own if so inclined. Take at least 3 days to make the 8 hour drive

 

[Dylancadby23]

Seems like you have predetermined ideas about Africa and are thinking “inside the box” and like using an “AI” approach. No matter where you go or with whom, it will be different from what you think. As another post stated, “Why view this first time as your only time?” Your outlook will change after first trip. Also as others have posted…. consider Botswana. Everything about the Kalahari may surprise you. However, looking for tourist destinations is a different and very subjective question no matter where you go.

Oh I’ve learned Africa is a big place and anything can happen and there’s so much more to planning then I originally thought! I didn’t mean once in a lifetime necessarily, but with us buying a home, being married a year for this trip I wanted it to be special because who knows when kids will come and finances will be watched closer, and time get harder to come by! I just want a special trip for the first time. I talked to over 30 people, these 3 were just the ones I communicated best with, were very patient with my “rookie” questions.

 

[Sourdough]

Happy wife, happy life. There, I said it. It means you are going to the Eastern Cape. Like others have said, you’ll be back.