Outfitter recommendations needed

[Duckpro]

First post on here and looking for some recommendation and guidance. I have spent hours researching my first trip to Africa and I'm a bit overwhelmed at the information and options available. I'm also trying to narrow down a few to go speak with at the shows next month.
A few things to consider.

My wife will be with me as this is her birthday trip(And I'm the one shooting) so while she's toughed it out with me on sheep and elk hunts better than most men, she'd probably like a little nicer camp, things to do etc.

Must be free range, no fences.

I'd really like to focus on atleast 3 out of these 4. Buffalo, Sable, Eland and Kudu.

Thank you in advance

 

[Mekaniks]

 

[mdwest]

thats a pretty tall order if what youre looking for is all 4 of those animals completely free ranging and in the same general area..

you could probably do it in Botswana, Zim, or Zam.. Okavango comes to mind as the right sort of terrain (mixed savannah and dense woodland)..

 

[Cme1983]

Niassa is also another viable alternative

 

[zephyr]

Save Conservancy you will find what you are looking for
Check out Roger Whittall Safari Outfitter been with them for 3 Hunts will go back again

 

[Fatback]

In the right area in the Caprivi in Namibia it would be possible for all 4. Would just depend on how much quota was available when you booked your hunt.

 

[dchum]

Intended max budget?

For that spread of game, free range, and your wife’s birthday! Tanzania comes to mind, those bush camps will be a treat for your wife’s Bday!

Also, hunting trip for your wife’s Bday. Love it

 

[Duckpro]

Intended max budget?

For that spread of game, free range, and your wife’s birthday! Tanzania comes to mind, those bush camps will be a treat for your wife’s Bday!

Also, hunting trip for your wife’s Bday. Love it

Don't really have a budget, I'd spend the money on top tier instead of 2 mid tier hunts.

I have always had a huge interest in Tanzania, I want a classic africa hunt, with accommodations to keep the wife happy.

 

[dchum]

Don't really have a budget, I'd spend the money on top tier instead of 2 mid tier hunts.

I have always had a huge interest in Tanzania, I want a classic africa hunt, with accommodations to keep the wife happy.

Selous would be great to collect all the species you mentioned, only thing might be the insects for your wife. Bugs could really stop her from enjoying it.

If you could let the sable go maybe, massai land would be better for the both of yall. And the camps get even more exquisite in massai as they can be semi permanent. (In some areas)

I think you will learn a lot speaking to the TZ booths at the show. They will know how to make it a great trip for the both of yall. Massai might be the ticket

 

[STXhammer]

First post on here and looking for some recommendation and guidance. I have spent hours researching my first trip to Africa and I'm a bit overwhelmed at the information and options available. I'm also trying to narrow down a few to go speak with at the shows next month.
A few things to consider.

My wife will be with me as this is her birthday trip(And I'm the one shooting) so while she's toughed it out with me on sheep and elk hunts better than most men, she'd probably like a little nicer camp, things to do etc.

Must be free range, no fences.

I'd really like to focus on atleast 3 out of these 4. Buffalo, Sable, Eland and Kudu.

Thank you in advance

I would not let fences steer you away from really great outfitters. Most concessions in South Africa that are fenced are very large and you don't even notice a fence. Finding free range cape buffalo in SA will be hard to find. You would have to look towards ZIM or MOZ which typically comes with a larger price tag. I see you mention bringing your wife as well I know most camps in those more remote areas are less luxuries.

 

[Mekaniks]

Give JKO Safaris a shout. They are a sponsor outfitters here and I bet they can help you out.
@JKO HUNTING SAFARIS

Hunting Safaris Packages

Cameroon Lord Derby Eland Hunt Price on Request Cameroon Forest Safari Hunt Price on Request Uganda Hunt Starting From: $17 950 Dangerous 4 Safari Hunt Starting From: $55 500 New Caledonia – Javan Rusa Stag Hunt Starting From: $8 500 Musk Ox / Reindeer Hunt Starting From: €12 950 Buffalo /...

jkosafaris.com

 

[Killo]

Save Valley Conservancy Zimbabwe
Humani Ranch
Roger Whittall Safaris
Ask for Peter Wood as a PH
Hunted with him 2024 and planning on taking my wife in 2027

 

[dchum]

Save Valley Conservancy Zimbabwe
Humani Ranch
Roger Whittall Safaris
Ask for Peter Wood as a PH
Hunted with him 2024 and planning on taking my wife in 2027

Looks like heaven

 

[Killo]

Looks like heaven

Best experience yet in Africa

 

[dogcat1]

If buff is key, then you are headed to Zimbabwe most likely.
I have made 5 trips there. No problems at all.
CMS Safaris is outstanding - Buzz Charlton and his team are top shelf
Anyone in the SAVE Conservancy are very good - Mokore with the Duckworths, Humani and the Whitalls are super.
A great area for a truly wild hunt is in the Dande area on Lake Kariba in the Zambezi River area.

Go to DSC or SCI to meet these folks.

 

[375Fox]

For a first African hunt with a big budget I’d stick to recognized names in recognized areas. I’d prioritize outfitters that own the areas and operate there full time. There are a lot of South Africans essentially acting as booking agents/accompanying PHs in areas they don’t hunt full time that I’d generally avoid.
I think matetsi in Zimbabwe and Caprivi in Namibia would give your wife some more options. Matetsi offers Victoria falls and Caprivi tourist options. Look into kou kuas safaris in bwabwata park concession in Caprivi. He’ll be in Rigby booth. Look into matetsi 2 with classic African safaris. I’d also look into Mokore safaris, zambeze delta safaris, mashambanzou safaris, Roger Whittall safaris, Dave Langerman in Niassa for premium areas. I’ve taken all 4 species with charlton McCallum safaris on a hunt. They are one of my favorite outfitters but it can be a difficult PG hunt in dande, but overall experience. Unless money is zero consideration, I’d look other countries than Tanzania. It’s famous for big continuous hunting areas but outrageously priced. I think you’ll find a better value and equal or better areas in other countries. Leave it for a return hunt when you know more what you are looking for.

 

[coreydb]

I spent three days exclusively hunting a free-range Kudu with JKO Outfitters. I was successful, but it wasn't easy. I'd go with JKO. Jacques Spamer won't BS you; he's also a sponsor of this site.

 

[WAB]

I have hunted two areas where I think this would be possible with nice camps, the Save Valley Conservancy, and the Luangwa Valley. I would definitely talk to Buzz, but it is highly unlikely that Dande will give you the plainsgame you are looking for. I have seen eland, sable and kudu in Dande, but numbers are not great. With CMS, I would focus on Nyakasanga.

I am no help with Tanzania, but I suspect you could find what you are looking for there if price is no object.

 

[DERIAN KOEKEMOER SAFARIS]

First post on here and looking for some recommendation and guidance. I have spent hours researching my first trip to Africa and I'm a bit overwhelmed at the information and options available. I'm also trying to narrow down a few to go speak with at the shows next month.
A few things to consider.

My wife will be with me as this is her birthday trip(And I'm the one shooting) so while she's toughed it out with me on sheep and elk hunts better than most men, she'd probably like a little nicer camp, things to do etc.

Must be free range, no fences.

I'd really like to focus on atleast 3 out of these 4. Buffalo, Sable, Eland and Kudu.

Thank you in advance

Good day sir @Duckpro
We can offer you, what your looking for at DERIAN KOEKEMOER SAFARIS in South Africa we have a luxury and comfortable Lodge for you and your wife
www.dksafaris.co.za

https://www.dksafaris.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/DKSafaris-ACTIVITIES-2025-2026.pdf

 

[mark-hunter]

I'd really like to focus on atleast 3 out of these 4. Buffalo, Sable, Eland and Kudu.

On a budget: only South Africa, and in fence.
WIthout fence: Zimbabwe, but the spending can double, easily.
Good luck.