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.

 

[npm352]

I have high regards for Juan and Lauren at
@LJ SAFARIS

I've been on a decent number of safaris, and when I went with them I took my wife, my best friend and his wife. Wow. What a hunt. They really take care of you.

Can't say enough good things about that operation.

Here are the details of that hunt:

Thread 'SOUTH AFRICA: LJ SAFARIS - Excellent Hunt In All Aspects'

Jul 1, 2023

Country: South Africa, June 2023
Outfitter: @LJ SAFARIS
PH: Juan and Lauren Stander
Areas: Eastern Cape Province- Stormberg Mountains Concession and Coastal Concessions (we hunted several, including Juan and Lauren's farm, and one day passed through 8-9 different properties chasing hounds that were chasing a bushpig boar...more on that adventure later)
This trip was a couple's trip with a buddy and our spouses.
Animals pursued: vaal rhebuck, blue duiker, bushpig, caracal, impala, zebra, mountain reedbuck, warthog, springbok, nyala, bushbuck. (My buddy 's bag was different but I'm...

• npm352
• Replies: 70
• Forum: Hunting reports Africa

• 

 

[Scott CWO]

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.

I still think you should consider Botswana for the quality of the kudu and the size of the properties. I always look at the animals and area before I think about the personalities involved. Most PHs are good guys and fun to hunt alongside.

 

[matt vejar]

I’d go to Botswana with Nkwe and then head up to Shakawe with Ruan and his wife-there the best! There home and your bungalow anre incredible and you’re wife will absolutely love it. Tour Bwabwatai Game park with Ruan and Lampie -Jaco’s brother - they will take you Tiger fishing and site seeing on the Okavango River in the evenings on Ruan’s awesome boat. Like others stated the bang for the buck can’t be beat with them. I’ve been there twice and I guarantee you won’t be disappointed! It’s amazing! PM if you want to talk about it.

 

[RichD]

I'm booked for a September trip with Bushman's Quiver in the East Cape. Stephan has worked extremely well with me to put a package together for PG and a buffalo. At least 8 of my friends have hunted with them and have had excellent experiences. Several have gone with them 3 or 4 times.