Looking for recommendations for first time hunt

[Shane6629]

Not planning on going until 2027 so just trying to get any feedback on places that would be good for first time to look into and try to plan out where to go. Looking for a family friendly fun atmosphere kind of place to have a good experience as a first trip.

 

[JimP]

What are you after? Going by yourself or others, any non hunters?

There are some great sponsors on the site here and there are a number of other safari operators who do a fantastic job.

 

[SRvet]

Our first trip to Africa was with family with my late teenage kids, my wife and I. We wanted to do some hunting whilst the girls wanted to ride some horses and we all wanted to do some game viewing and to see the country. We chose to visit Limpopo province in RSA and stayed with Chris Troskie Safaris. After 5 days of excellent hunting/ riding with a buffalo some wart hogs and some plains game ending up in the salt, we transferred to Kruger Park for five days of game viewing. We had a truly excellent time and were looked after incredibly well by Chris and Sabina (whose food was truly first class). They looked after us from the moment we got through customs until we were dropped off back at OR Tambo airport once again. We had a superb time and the great thing was that the experience could be totally bespoke. Fancy going to Cape Town to tour the vineyards … no problem, fancy hunting Vaal reedbuck… no problem they will organise it and move heaven and earth to make the trip incredibly memorable and fun. Would I go back… yes absolutely and in fact I just have got back from my second trip four weeks ago….. Buffalo are quite addictive after all !!

 

[WAB]

It really depends on what you are looking for. I like to be in the bush on tracking hunts. If you want amenities beyond a nice bush camp, good food, and true wilderness, you need to look elsewhere. Namibia or Botswana would offer nice lodges and large, free range hunting. If you’re looking for 5 star accommodation and lots of non-hunting activities, you are likely to end up in RSA.

 

[Ozishooter]

Hi
I have hunted with both Karoo wild Safaris and Game 4 Africa Safaris both outfits were first class
Great lodges and plenty Great trophy animals .
Will be hunting with Game 4 Africa again next year aswell as KMG Safaris

 

[Shane6629]

I'll mainly be looking for plains game package just to see how i like it. It would be for me the girlfriend and 7 yr old son I would be the only hunter they just want to tag along for the sights. I had a free hunt with a rifle purchase for kuche but failed to tell me they had age restrictions until after purchase. All of this is new to me so thanks in advance for any insight

 

[375Fox]

I think eastern cape in South Africa and central/north central Namibia makes the best first safari. Take a look at the sponsor list. I’d look for a smaller volume outfitter that focuses on the experience. You can use the search function for Kuche. It was a frequent topic. I think the age restriction actually did you a favor. There are much better experiences available for the same pricing.

 

[Mekaniks]

Not planning on going until 2027 so just trying to get any feedback on places that would be good for first time to look into and try to plan out where to go. Looking for a family friendly fun atmosphere kind of place to have a good experience as a first trip.

to AH

Lots of good sponsor outfitters on AH. I am sure there will be several by here shortly.

 

[EXECUTIVE HUNT AFRICA]

Good day! Welcome to AH!
DM sent!
Regards
Johan

 

[DERIAN KOEKEMOER SAFARIS]

Good day sir, we are your perfect fit.
We are based in the Lowveld of South Africa bordering the Kruger National Park with a wide range of family activities to do and a safe and relaxing Lodge.
Kind regards
Derian & Johlene

 

[mark-hunter]

I'll mainly be looking for plains game package just to see how i like it. It would be for me the girlfriend and 7 yr old son I would be the only hunter they just want to tag along for the sights. I had a free hunt with a rifle purchase for kuche but failed to tell me they had age restrictions until after purchase. All of this is new to me so thanks in advance for any insight

Where are you from?

 

[Shane6629]

Im from virginia in the united states

 

[mark-hunter]

Somehow, I thought you may be from South Africa. Local will have different opportunities, probably.

In any case, in my opinion, for your question, some of the family-owned farms in South Africa or Namibia would be the best option for you. Try to focus your research in that direction, and check minor differences between these two countries. They are also most economic.

 

[Philip Glass]

Not planning on going until 2027 so just trying to get any feedback on places that would be good for first time to look into and try to plan out where to go. Looking for a family friendly fun atmosphere kind of place to have a good experience as a first trip.

Need more info please.
Who's going?
Your Hunting experience? Skills?
Budget (rough)?
Expectations (hunt & touring)?

It is good that you are starting to plan now. Discount any advice from those who have only been once, twice, or only with one outfitter. Ask about total acreage hunted. Use a TA. Follow advice in the Safari planning section including my videos on safari planning. (Philip Glass Safaris on YouTube)

Happy Safari Planning!

 

[Shane6629]

Need more info please.
Who's going?
Your Hunting experience? Skills?
Budget (rough)?
Expectations (hunt & touring)?

It is good that you are starting to plan now. Discount any advice from those who have only been once, twice, or only with one outfitter. Ask about total acreage hunted. Use a TA. Follow advice in the Safari planning section including my videos on safari planning. (Philip Glass Safaris on YouTube)

Happy Safari Planning!

3 will be going me my girlfriend and our boy. I would be the only one hunting. Experience wise ive hunted all my life me being 27 now with just achery rifles and blackpowder. Budget wise for the first time all together I'm planning for 5-6 thousand not including tickets exporting back for taxidermy an all that stuff. Mainly just going to hunt but not oppose to taking a couple extra days to do a big five safari tour either.

 

[Bos en Dal SAFARIS]

We at Bos & Dal Safaris will be glad to host you and your family. We are a comfortable 2hr drive frim OR thambo after you touch down to our comfortable privately owned lodge and hunting land. We hunt most of the species on our own land. We have lots of non hunting activities in the area should the non hunters want to do something else. We offer guided horse riding safaris on our property as well.

We have many AH members that have hunted with us in the past.

If this sounds like something that might interest you please let me know and we can touch base and go through your requirements to see how we can best meet them.

My personal best
Gerrit

 

[Tintin]

@KMG Hunting Safaris will offer you a great experience and some top trophies in the Eastern Cape. I'd recommend them without hesitation.

 

[joker2400]

I am personally looking for a family safari as well for 26-27.

My thoughts are either Namibia with an outfitter offering an exclusive camp or the Limpopo. A nice lodge is a must for my companions (they’ve been spoiled) and readily accessible non-hunting activities to keep them occupied.

I have hunted the Eastern Cape twice and there is some great hunting to be had, but I’m not drawn back like I am to the Limpopo or the other countries. Maybe it’s the weather or the open terrain.

I have hunted with African Barefoot Safaris multiple times in the past and I know they offer an excellent family atmosphere and are able to arrange nearly any non-hunting activity, but I’m also considering a different experience this go around.

Deciding on what experience you want will help immensely. Do you want the exclusive camp? Visit Kruger? Or will Addo suffice? Do any animals stand out as things you have to hunt? What is the budget? Some of the savings you see in the eastern cape trophy fees will be spent on flights to the eastern cape and potentially lodging between fights. The eastern cape may not be the best option if you are pressed for time either due to the logistics of getting there.

But enjoy this part of the trip too. Planning and researching is half the fun. The hunt is three quarters and travel usually at least a negative quarter. You have found a great resource here with a wide variety of folks with experiences that can offer advice on all aspects of the trip.

 

[DE KLERK SAFARIS]

Hello Shane6629
We will also be a perfect fit for what you want.
We have package hunts or you can do a custom safari if you want different animals not included in the package.
We also offer photo safaris to Kruger National Park, Capetown, Namibia, Botswana, etc.

Check out some of our client's hunt reports to see what they think of us.

For a complete E-Brochure and pricelist just drop us an e-mail.

Sincerely
Hans de Klerk

 

[Sabre]

I'll mainly be looking for plains game package just to see how i like it. It would be for me the girlfriend and 7 yr old son I would be the only hunter they just want to tag along for the sights. I had a free hunt with a rifle purchase for kuche but failed to tell me they had age restrictions until after purchase. All of this is new to me so thanks in advance for any insight

Was the gun purchased on GunBroker? I haven't been on there in a while, but I used to see rifles listed quite often that said they came with a free African Safari hunt.