Looking at my first Africa hunt...

[Paul Shirek]

I am considering a hunt in Africa. I am a long time hunter mostly in Wisconsin, USA but a few other states as well. Probably I will be doing mostly plains game. Right now I have had Namibia recommended to me but wondering about other places pros and cons. Thanks for welcoming me!

 

[Hedge774]

South Africa has so much to offer, and is relatively easy to travel to and from. In my opinion it's hard to beat. However, I've not been to Namibia yet!

 

[375Fox]

I think it’s difficult to go wrong with a first African hunt for plains game in Namibia. It’s a very sparsely populated country and has a lot of native game to hunt. The amount of space there is incredible. Most outfitters have a good mix of high fence and large low fence cattle ranches to hunt. Downsides of Namibia would be a little more travel to reach and drought has a tendency to knock back certain animal populations every few years.
South Africa has a lot to offer too but I see a lot more ways to go wrong. There are a lot more part time outfitters and PHs and a lot more high fences and small properties. Game farming practices are much more intense than Namibia. These factors combined don’t always add up to honesty with all outfitters. I’d do a lot more research to verify you are choosing the right outfitter for what you want if going on a first hunt to South Africa. I find Limpopo very commercialized. I like the eastern cape. I think it’s a more authentic hunting experience compared to Limpopo. Eastern cape has several different terrains and environments to hunt and reasonable prices and quite a few good outfitters. The hunting prices and costs to get your trophies home are less expensive than Namibia.

 

[Mekaniks]

to AH

yes, Namibia is hard to beat

Also have a look here, safari prep

Post in thread 'Safari Prep Class With Tally-Ho HUNTING SAFARIS & Rockin G Ranch'

Yesterday at 4:19 PM

Sounds like a lot of fun and education at a really cool location with great people.

• Mekaniks

• 

 

[BJH65]

Hi Paul,

Welcome to AH and for starters you picked the best site to assist you in selecting an outfitter for your African hunt. Many experienced members here to give you their feedback and I would recommend you select one of the many fine African outfitters who are sponsors on this site. While it may be a little overwhelming with so much information, I would start by reviewing sponsored outfitters in South Africa and Namibia and review hunt reports to assist you in selecting an outfitter that is already vetted and has a track record. I think you can have an excellent hunt for plains game in Namibia and SA as well.

Namibia tends to have much larger, wide open hunting areas with typical low fencing and some high fencing. They have a wonderful variety of native plains game to hunt. SA has diverse terrain and tends to have mostly high fenced properties but not all, there are some outfits in the Kalahari that have huge free range tracts and other places as well. I wouldn’t be put off by high fencing as long as the animals behave in a wild manner and on many properties you won’t even see the fence again after entering. Some hunting properties and reserves in SA also have some of the Big Five to add some excitement to your hunt.

Maybe come up with some plains game animals you desire, your budget and what you want out of the hunt that may better assist you in choosing where to hunt. You came to the best place to help you select an outfitter and hunt location!

Brendon

 

[migrabill]

For first safari, South Africa is highly recommended. From selection of animals, to price, to ease of flights, to stability of government, but MAINLY - ease in getting your trophies back.

 

[Andrew Short]

I was in your shoes two years ago. After a year of research, I ended Up booking with @KHOMAS HIGHLAND HUNTING SAFARIS and completed my hunt in February of this year.

There were two main reasons we selected Nambia 1. I wanted to avoid high fence hunting as well as game farm hunting.
2. The population density is much less than SA.

I couldn’t have asked for a better experience in terms of environment, hunt difficulty and outfitter hospitality.

 

[375Fox]

but MAINLY - ease in getting your trophies back.

You’d need to explain this since Namibia has an identical process as South Africa for getting your trophies home.

 

[DERIAN KOEKEMOER SAFARIS]

I am considering a hunt in Africa. I am a long time hunter mostly in Wisconsin, USA but a few other states as well. Probably I will be doing mostly plains game. Right now I have had Namibia recommended to me but wondering about other places pros and cons. Thanks for welcoming me!

Good day mr @Paul Shirek
Hope that you are doing well? Welcome to AH sir, we will be glad to assist you with your request on hunting in Africa.
We are situated in the Lowveld region of South Africa.
Will contact you privately sir.
Regards
Derian Koekemoer

 

[Mark A Ouellette]

I am considering a hunt in Africa. I am a long time hunter mostly in Wisconsin, USA but a few other states as well. Probably I will be doing mostly plains game. Right now I have had Namibia recommended to me but wondering about other places pros and cons. Thanks for welcoming me!

Hi Paul,

Welcome to AH forums! I posted the following a few months ago but the information is 100% relevant to your desires.

I will add to the following that for your hunt is would be wise to list your requirements, followed by your desires. Opposing those will be your budget. Don't forget to factor in travel costs.

Requirements could include,

• Thick bush for close shooting or open country for 300 yard shots?
• This animal
• That animal, and so on...
• Shop home trophies of X, Y, but not Z animal,
  • Some want every trophy head they shoot. The cost with taxidermy may equal the costs of the hunt.
  • Others may ship back a few heads or only those exceptional trophies!
• Or, only take photos of your trophies.
• Add the above, hire a local videographer to film your hunt!

If you prioritize your list and compare it to your budget, you may have to compromise. Don't worry because once you hunt Africa, it gets into you heart and guides you to your next hunt.

Post in thread 'First time Safari with Family'

Nov 1, 2025

I think the best thing about participating in the Africa Hunting dot com forums is the means to "Gather your intelligence locally". By locally in this example I mean directly from those who have "been there, done that".

Personally, I gather information from posts on AH and if very curious, I send an AH Direct Message (DM) to the poster and ask to have a phone conversation. During this week past, I spent two hours talking to a new AH friend, and almost an hour each taking to two other members. Using the What's App application, I can converse with persons in Africa, Europe, or anywhere else...

• Mark A Ouellette

• 

 

[EXECUTIVE HUNT AFRICA]

Good day! Welcome to AH!
You're welcome to look at our website and if it interests you, please reach out!
www.executivehuntafrica.com
Best regards
Johan

 

[Hogpatrol]

World traveler? Other than Canada or Mexico, been outside the U.S.? Knowledgeable about other cultures and languages? Not traveling with spouse?
If "No" to any of these questions, I would go to South Africa. There are many very good outfitters on here who are sponsors with good reports that can give you a great first safari.

 

[Philip Glass]

I am considering a hunt in Africa. I am a long time hunter mostly in Wisconsin, USA but a few other states as well. Probably I will be doing mostly plains game. Right now I have had Namibia recommended to me but wondering about other places pros and cons. Thanks for welcoming me!

Well Africa is a big place and there are near unlimited options. Your budget will likely dictate where you wind up but you are in the right place here on AH. Here are a couple thoughts to start with: 1. Stay off FB get info here rather. 2. Do NOT put too much stock in a persons recommendation who has been once or to only one outfitter. Study AH and learn the term "hero worship".
A general recommendation for you would be Namibia or the Eastern Cape for your first safari. Here is more info for you to consider:
Happy Safari Planning!

 

[Andrew Short]

@Philip Glass will not steer you wrong. Absolute wealth of knowledge on everything Africa and even plans group trips.

 

[kdenn]

Welcome Paul, absolute wealth of information is available to you here. Lots of reputable outfitters can provide quotes if you have a list of specific animals. Wife and I have done both South Africa and Namibia, great experiences in each. Good luck with your choice.

 

[Nyati]

 

[SETH RINGER]

LIMPOPO