Recommendations for Group Plains game hunt

[Tbitty]

Thanks
How big are the properties and how were the lodge(s) etc

If memory properly serves, their main (South) lodge is on about 50,000 acres. We stayed at this lodge our entire trip, hunting the main property and their "middle" property that is maybe 1.5-2 hours or so away is a larger 60-80k acres. We did not go to the north camp, so I don't recall it's size or have much info on it for you. A number of other members on the forums have hunted there and can chime in.

The lodge was great. A main lodge for meals, entertainment and general gathering. Just yards away is a row of chalets, visible on their website, where every person/couple has a private room. Their website shows real pictures of the space, and you can PM me if you want more info.

 

[UMLILO SAFARIS]

East Cape, South Africa, Port Elizabeth Airport.....Hunt Camp is 45 minutes drive from Airport, comfortable roads. Loads of huntable species at seriously affordable prices. Day Sightseeing Trips for Ladies easily done while hunters are out hunting. Ocean Boats and Summer House are less than 90 minutes away....as add-ons... Been hosting couple and groups here since 1999!.... No overbookings/No overcrowded Camps....your group will be totally exclusive/private! I have loads of all inclusive package ready to send you. Also, check out my youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@umlilosafaris

 

[Kalahari Safari NAMIBIA]

Hey Guys,

I’m very familiar with many places and outfitters in numerous Countries. However, I’m trying g to think of some options I might not be putting front of mind.
Here’s what I’m thinking about and criteria
1) I’m thinking about organizing a trip for some “first timers” to Africa and for Plains Game. At least Four Hunters (and likely wives too)
2) Considerations:
A) cost is a consideration for a couple of reasons. First, the guys I would bring aren’t exactly swimming in disposable income so cost matters which makes “plains game packages” pretty attractive. Something I have t done much of in a long time. Second, I will likely pay for a chunk of it through one of my companies so a chunk will come out of my pocket too
B) aesthetics… for first timers I’d like them to have a stunning Africa experience (which they ultimately will no matter what). I go back and forth in my own mind what this means. When most people close their eyes and imagine Africa what do they see? Botswana and the Kalahari is fantastic but…there are no Acacias…Baobabs… Big 5 (there are Rhinos). South Africa….Beautiful Countryside and Hills….Cost is excellent…. No “Wild or Real Africa Vibe”…No Big 5…but some side trips for wives etc.
Zim? Save Valley…Maybe even somewhere else… Upside of Big 5 and “Wild Africa” and great elements. Cost is a bit of a downside for sure.
Mozambique…Coutada 9 has some upside for sure…cost is a decent downside and logistically harder. Definitely no “side trip” possibility
Zambia isn’t a good option and Tanazania wayyyyy too expensive
Namibia? Maybe…Windhoek is a good place to spend a day or so early and grab a beautiful meal. Maybe do a multi area hunt. Aesthetics similar to Botswana in most areas.

I’m probably overthinking it but our group here has been to basically every place and property with every reputable outfitter out there.
A Large South African Operator might be the right answer….but I think many of us would agree that a “Wild” area with Big 5 sightings and the Flora and Fauna people think about in their minds eye has a ton of appeal…. But those areas are few….and cost becomes a factor.

We would love to welcome your group to Kalahari Safari Namibia. And yes, we have beautiful camelthorn trees! Savannah landscape, 21 different species on our 45 000 acres of privately owned land. You have exclusive use of lodge and are spending time in the bush hunting, not driving from one area to the next and spending long hours in a car. We would gladly put together a cost effective package together for your group. Namibia offers a true and safe hunting experience with big ranches and very high quality of game. We look forward to hear from you. Send me a direct message with your expectations and I will work out a special deal for you. Janneman Kalahari Safari

 

[KHOMAS HIGHLAND HUNTING SAFARIS]

A Khomas Highlands and Kalahari combination could tick a lot of those boxes.

For first timers I’d suggest 4 full hunting days with us in the Khomas Highlands, then 4 full days at our Elephant Lodge in the Kalahari. You’d get two completely different areas, the mountains and acacia bush of the Khomas Highlands and then the red Kalahari landscape.

At Okambara they would also get to see elephants and rhinos, which I think adds a lot for someone on their first trip to Africa and gives them some of that Africa experience you’re talking about. Hunting takes place among the Big Game of the Kalahari.

With four hunters we could put together a good plains game package and keep the costs reasonable. It would also work well with the wives coming along, as we can arrange other activities and Windhoek is easy to include before or after the hunt.

I think 4 days Khomas Highlands and 4 days Kalahari would give first timers a really good mix without making the logistics or costs complicated.

Best regards from Namibia
Philip

 

[DE KLERK SAFARIS]

We will also be a good match for what you are looking at.
Big hunting area. Very nice lodge that the ladies will love.
We also have 3 of the Big 5 (Lions, leopards and buffalo).
Lots of acacia trees and plenty of game.
Private airstrip.
Pick up and drop off in Johannesburg so logistics are easy.

Sincerely
Hans de Klerk

 

[BeeMaa]

Another activity you may want to add is bird hunting. It would give the new hunters a good experience in Africa that they may have already experienced in the US. Don’t underestimate building confidence in new (or new to Africa) hunters.

Talk to Stuart at @Tally-Ho HUNTING SAFARIS.

 

[CBH Australia]

If I was putting together a group as you have described I would go with @GAME 4 AFRICA SAFARIS in the eastern cape with side trips to Addo Elephant park and time permitting a few days in Kruger NP.

My only experience is with G4A, I asked for a management hunt and accepted their offer from many that were provided and they delivered everything they offered.

I found it budget friendly. We added Pumba Game reserve at our cost while in country after doing Addo in the package.

I think as tourists we have a different appreciation for the guided tour and indigenous management and guides.

 

[TSALA HUNTING SAFARIS]

Good Day Sir

For first-time Africa hunters, I think the biggest thing is finding that balance between cost, scenery, variety of game and the feeling that they have truly arrived in Africa.

One option that may be worth considering is our Limpopo property in the Waterberg Mountains of South Africa.

The property is close to 10,000 acres, set in beautiful Waterberg country with a very good abundance and variety of plains game. It is the kind of place that works extremely well for a group of first-time hunters because everyone can have their own hunting experience without the group feeling crowded.

One of the biggest advantages is logistics. We are only around a 3-hour drive from Johannesburg International Airport, so you avoid expensive internal flights, long transfers and unnecessary overnight stops. For a group of four hunters plus wives, those savings can add up very quickly.

We also border a Big 5 reserve, which opens up some excellent day-trip options for the ladies or for the whole group on a rest day. It gives first-time visitors the opportunity to experience the Big 5 and that classic African wildlife atmosphere without having to pay true wilderness-area hunting prices.

The Waterberg itself is also very scenic , mountains, valleys, bushveld and plenty of wildlife , so it still gives that strong African feel many first-timers have in mind.

We also have a very comfortable, intimate lodge on the property that still gives you that unmistakable African feeling. We keep it very personal, and for a group like yours, you would be the only guests in camp, so the lodge, staff and overall experience would be entirely your own. It creates a relaxed atmosphere where everyone can enjoy the evenings together without sharing the camp with other hunting parties.

We can also build plains game packages around the group and budget, rather than forcing everyone into exactly the same package. That tends to work well when you have four hunters with different priorities and different budgets.

It may not be the deep wilderness of Zimbabwe or Mozambique, but for a first Africa trip where value, good hunting, easy logistics, beautiful country and activities for non-hunters all matter, I think it ticks a lot of boxes.

If you would like, send me a rough idea of the number of hunting days and species you have in mind and I would be happy to put something together for the group.

Rouan
Tsala Safaris

 

[Hogpatrol]

Other than I believe you're organizing a disaster, (group with wives) I'd say go with an outfitter that has the ability of keeping the women busy all day, every day. All it takes is one Debbie Downer with a busted $150 nail job to put a damper on what was supposed to be a fun time. Everyone else's MMV.

 

[AZDAVE]

There are alot of good outfitter here on AH that can help.

Since it is first timers and Plains game would recommend South Africa or Namibia

South Africa
Eastern Cape a ton of plains game, many places to do none hunting experiences (Aldo Elephant park, several different game reserves, SPA day for the non hunting ladies etc)

Limpopo/north west/ mapalanga Plains game galore day trips to Kruger or other game reserves several cultural sites etc

Namibia Beautiful terrain, low numbers of people Great Plains game, side trips to Etosha Nat park, Shelton coast etc