First time to Africa, looking for help

[buck wild]

I should add

my primary target animals would be greater kudu, sable and zebra of any type. Other plains game such as Impala, and other antelope type species. No dangerous game on this trip as I hear once you go you’ll want to go again and again.
Should I target outfitters in a certain region for these types animals? Free State, Limpopo etc? Looking for guidance from people with experience. I’ve noticed most outfitters pricing is competitive with one another and all seem to be willing to put reduced priced pancakes together. I am looking for a quality trip and experience. Thanks for all the help!

Ok predicted i see a few of the mass booking, bow hunting places have already been recommended to you.
As for region, I think Limpopo offers slightly better terrain for walk and stalk bowhunting and is also a bit more scenic than the Free state IMO again. Although I'm sure there are FS places with varying terrains, as a general rule the FS is fairly open prairie type ecosystem.

 

[Ryan]

I should add my primary target animals would be greater kudu, sable and zebra of any type. Other plains game such as Impala, and other antelope type species. No dangerous game on this trip as I hear once you go you’ll want to go again and again.
Should I target outfitters in a certain region for these types animals? Free State, Limpopo etc? Looking for guidance from people with experience. I’ve noticed most outfitters pricing is competitive with one another and all seem to be willing to put reduced priced pancakes together. I am looking for a quality trip and experience. Thanks for all the help!

Those three animals can be found in all of the regions mentioned. And there a lot of diversity in each region, even in a decent sized concessions. A drive to a new concession can often put you in totally different terrain. Your wisest move at this point is to check out the different outfitters sites, reports here about them, videos, etc. and finally start talking to each that interest you. It won't take too long before you figure out which works and which don't.

 

[Shootist43]

Welcome aboard Mnovak. There are lots of outfitters that can accommodate your wishes. I would strongly suggest that you consider only those that are sponsors of AH. Why, because they need to make good on the "promises" they make. These guys get vetted on an almost daily basis. While other outfitters might be "OK" there are lots of scam and or "bait & switch" outfitters as well. Doing business with people "we" know assures you of a quality hunt. BTW you are absolutely correct relative to the probability of return / follow up trips.

 

[LJ SAFARIS]

Welcome to AH Mnovak

This certainly is the right place to plan a safari, lots of experienced hunters as well as lots of quality outfitters on this forum. We definitely have some really nice hunting areas with non hunting activities as well for you and your girlfriend and any extra hunters that might want to come along.

I will send you a PM with all the details.
Kind Regards
Juan and Lauren Stander

 

[DE KLERK SAFARIS]

We can also help you with plains game and bow hunting.
Give a shout if you have any questions.

Sincerely
Hans de Klerk

 

[Kelly G]

I’m considering going to Africa this year. I see allot of specials being offered and hear rates are good due to Covid and a decline in hunters traveling the last two years.

With that said I’ve never been and it’s overwhelming trying to plan a quality trip. I’m wanting to hunt plains game, An outfitter that specializes in archery capable stalking hunts would be a plus. Primary animals on my list are Kudu and Zebra but would like a package to shoot 7-10 animals depending on pricing. I am also bringing my GF which I would like to have her harvest a couple animals as well.

Any recommendations on outfitters, areas or anything else related would be helpful. Generally I plan my hunts out a year or longer but I’ve been delayed on a New Zealand trip that has been booked for two years but border restrictions have not allowed travel. So I’m looking to fill a gap and Africa may be the ticket. Wanting to hunt in July off 2022 if possible. I also have another 2 hunters possibly interested so may be able to secure 4 hunters for a good opportunity.

Tholo Safaris - Botswana

Very Large Kudu location.

 

[Marcus bock]

I like Limcroma Safaris. Limpopo. South Africa. Couple things....prices are often negotiable with the safari owner, so specials on line may not be better than what you can set up . Negotiate . I think it's very important to find an outfitter not only with great reviews but that has a staff of workers, PH's, trackers, etc that have been with them for a while. If they weren't good, they wouldn't keep them.

 

[kesha]

Welcome and congrats on the start of your planning. There are lots of options for sure. Send me a wish list would love to help.

 

[gtw265]

Good day @Mnovak
We've got some excellent terrain for walking and stalking with the bow and would love to make this safaris become a reality! Feel free to ask for any advice nd help making this trip a memorable one.

Kind regards,
Hendrik

 

[fourfive8]

Stalking type archery hunting is going to be tough. You'll have to take or attempt to take only what presents itself. Don't overestimate reasonable, in-range, shot opportunities for a stalking hunt. Most approach archery hunting there by sitting in a blind at a salt lick or water hole. Know what you are getting into by asking PH/Outfitter lots of specific questions. Like, "if animal hit with arrow but not immediately recovered, what is expected procedure for recovery attempt with back-up rifle and cost of extra trophy fees for animals hit but not recovered, etc..."

PS... if there is wait-a-bit around, don't wear a loose leafy ghillie suit- just saying

 

[BSO Dave]

Ok predicted i see a few of the mass booking, bow hunting places have already been recommended to you.

The OP asked for personal recommendations for outfitters from those who have first-hand experience.. He didn't ask for your opinion of the outfitters that others have recommended... What is the purpose of making such inferences of an outfitter recommended by somebody else especially if you have never personally hunted there? I would also like to know what is a "mass booking" bow hunting place exactly?

 

[buck wild]

The OP asked for personal recommendations for outfitters from those who have first-hand experience.. He didn't ask for your opinion of the outfitters that others have recommended... What is the purpose of making such inferences of an outfitter recommended by somebody else especially if you have never personally hunted there? I would also like to know what is a "mass booking" bow hunting place exactly?

Whoa there Dave, I'm not slamming ANY operation. I never mentioned a single outfit. Nor do I have anything against that cater to lots of hunters, specifically bow hunters. Any place to hunt is appreciated by me!!

OP is a newbie and asked for any help. I was just laying out what he was going to have as choices that would fit his request. I know I was disillusioned in what I thought hunting Africa was before I actually made my first trip. More than likely a first trip bowhunter isn't going to see the Serengeti plains you see on NatGeo.

 

[BSO Dave]

More than likely a first trip bowhunter isn't going to see the Serengeti plains you see on NatGeo.

C'mon man.. If it was your intention to make that differentiation, then that is what you should have said in the first place and expanded on that..

What you actually did say was nothing along those lines, and you didn't need to name any particular outfitter to cast a negative generalization of any or all of bow hunting outfits in South Africa. If you were disillusioned with your own first bow hunting experience in South Africa, I am truly sorry to hear it. Perhaps you didn't do enough research or hunt with the right outfitter in the first place?

I'd also still like to know what a "mass booking" bowhunting outfit is?

 

[typilotguy]

I’m considering going to Africa this year. I see allot of specials being offered and hear rates are good due to Covid and a decline in hunters traveling the last two years.

With that said I’ve never been and it’s overwhelming trying to plan a quality trip. I’m wanting to hunt plains game, An outfitter that specializes in archery capable stalking hunts would be a plus. Primary animals on my list are Kudu and Zebra but would like a package to shoot 7-10 animals depending on pricing. I am also bringing my GF which I would like to have her harvest a couple animals as well.

Any recommendations on outfitters, areas or anything else related would be helpful. Generally I plan my hunts out a year or longer but I’ve been delayed on a New Zealand trip that has been booked for two years but border restrictions have not allowed travel. So I’m looking to fill a gap and Africa may be the ticket. Wanting to hunt in July off 2022 if possible. I also have another 2 hunters possibly interested so may be able to secure 4 hunters for a good opportunity.

I went with Jaco Nel of Hunting with Mafuta's and Taxidermy this last July. It was my first trip over there. I cannot say enough good of him, his outfit, and their taxidermy. Not only was the hospitality and hunting phenominal, but their taxidermy is of VERY GOOD quality as well. One of the concessions Jaco hunts is bow hunting only. I did not have a bow along for the trip, but I borrowed a crossbow from the camp for a springbok. This wasn't originally on the agenda, but a "bonus", if you will.

At any rate, his rates were very good, and the whole experience was absolutely incredible. I would like to make a point about the preparation. Again, I had never gone on a hunt abroad prior to this, so I was a little concerned with the logistics. Jaco has been in the business for quite some time, and as such, has many connections. These affiliates took care of all the paperwork for my rifle, and are currently handling all the forms for the shipping/importation of my mounts. Everything was SEAMLESS, pain free, affordable, and EASY.

Finally, one thing that sets Hunting with Mafuta's apart, in my mind, is the experiences available. Jaco wanted to show me the range of options while I was there, so he took me to several of his concessions. These range from rustic "camping" (not quite my definition, as we slept in block cabins, complete with beds, showers, and toilets), to a very luxurious camp that included a pool and spa ammenities. We also had everything in between these two extremes.

As of now, Jaco is not on this forum (for what reason, I do not know). However, I would be more than happy to forward you his contact information, as well as discuss/explain/share hunting stories, if you would be interested. If so, just send me a message.

 

[375Fox]

I'd also still like to know what a "mass booking" bowhunting outfit is?

You drew a lot of attention to a comment that otherwise would have been generally skipped over and probably doesn’t apply to most all the outfitters who responded. I know you don’t actually want an answer, but here you go again. There is a large game farming industry in South Africa. This allows stocking properties beyond carrying capacity and restocking trophies each year to take on additional hunters if an outfitter chooses to operate that way. From past arguments, I know you choose to not acknowledge these operations exist. If a hunter wants draws a distinction between farmed animals and wild animals he should know what questions to ask. The term “whack and stack operation” is also commonly used.

 

[BSO Dave]

You drew a lot of attention to a comment that otherwise would have been generally skipped over and probably doesn’t apply to most all the outfitters who responded

The poster who made the comment did so to deliberately infer that some if not all of the outfitters recommended to the OP were "mass booking" outfits whatever that means? I fail to understand the purpose of that especially considering that he had never personally hunted with any of theses outfits yet felt compelled to make that generalization anyway.. It was an intentional and completely unfair slight to both the outfitter and anyone who posted a recommendation.

I know you don’t actually want an answer, but here you go again

If I didn't want the answer, I wouldn't have commented or posed the question. You assume a great deal about me although you have no clue who I am, where I have hunted, or what my experiences have been. So that qualifies you to opine on what exactly?

I don't know you from Adam, but I would make a huge bet that I have bow hunted with more outfitters in more global destinations, and taken more big game animals with a bow than you will in 3 lifetimes... So, unless you are really Fred Bear or Jim Shockey, you can save your sanctimony and condescending speech for someone else..

There is a large game farming industry in South Africa. This allows stocking properties beyond carrying capacity and restocking trophies each year to take on additional hunters if an outfitter chooses to operate that way.

Of course these operations exist. Once again, there is a big difference between pointing out the various hunting options available Africa and making a blatant, false, generalization that all outfitters in the RSA operate this way. Many do not, and they are not hard to find with the due diligence of research, reputation, and recommendations from clients WHO HAVE ACTUALLY HUNTED WITH THEM!

From past arguments, I know you choose to not acknowledge these operations exist.

What past arguments are you referring to? With me? LOL..! Once again, you must not have ever read much of what I post here very carefully. I don't argue with anyone. I call out bullshit, and misinformation when I see it. That's not an argument, and disagreeing with me doesn't make you right.. I have no problem with folks posting facts or opinions based on personal experience, and that's exactly what the OP was asking for in the first place. But, If someone chooses to post an unsubstantiated comment or opinion especially with the intent to slight, I will call you on it ever time.

 

[jpr792]

I’m considering going to Africa this year. I see allot of specials being offered and hear rates are good due to Covid and a decline in hunters traveling the last two years.

With that said I’ve never been and it’s overwhelming trying to plan a quality trip. I’m wanting to hunt plains game, An outfitter that specializes in archery capable stalking hunts would be a plus. Primary animals on my list are Kudu and Zebra but would like a package to shoot 7-10 animals depending on pricing. I am also bringing my GF which I would like to have her harvest a couple animals as well.

Any recommendations on outfitters, areas or anything else related would be helpful. Generally I plan my hunts out a year or longer but I’ve been delayed on a New Zealand trip that has been booked for two years but border restrictions have not allowed travel. So I’m looking to fill a gap and Africa may be the ticket. Wanting to hunt in July off 2022 if possible. I also have another 2 hunters possibly interested so may be able to secure 4 hunters for a good opportunity.

Mnovak

Enjoy the planning process of your safari to Africa.

 

[jpr792]

I’m considering going to Africa this year. I see allot of specials being offered and hear rates are good due to Covid and a decline in hunters traveling the last two years.

With that said I’ve never been and it’s overwhelming trying to plan a quality trip. I’m wanting to hunt plains game, An outfitter that specializes in archery capable stalking hunts would be a plus. Primary animals on my list are Kudu and Zebra but would like a package to shoot 7-10 animals depending on pricing. I am also bringing my GF which I would like to have her harvest a couple animals as well.

Any recommendations on outfitters, areas or anything else related would be helpful. Generally I plan my hunts out a year or longer but I’ve been delayed on a New Zealand trip that has been booked for two years but border restrictions have not allowed travel. So I’m looking to fill a gap and Africa may be the ticket. Wanting to hunt in July off 2022 if possible. I also have another 2 hunters possibly interested so may be able to secure 4 hunters for a good opportunity.

Mnovak

Enjoy the planning process. It does not need to be overwhelming - we are here to be of assistance during the planning process. Ask the right questions to the right people.

Talking to references is important. Take the time to contact references to ask about their experiences.

Have fun during the planning phase: it forms part of the safari.

 

[TheGrayRider]

Just go hunt Africa. Nothing is ever truly perfect in life but you will have a hell of a good time and learn a lot. You will be back again after your first trip.

Don’t worry about the ever changing government and airline rules. Just go. Life is short! You can always make more money but you can not make more time…

 

[Pieter Oosthuizen]

Good day Mnovak, good luck with your planning. You are welcome to email me with more details on species and other expectations/ goals. GTA has several areas in South Africa that will fit your plan and ensure a great safari making lasting memories. Please feel free to email me to share more information and details. Enjoy your day.