RSA Kalahari vs Namibia

[Tim Blackwell]

Hi all,

I'm considering options for my next safari in 2028, when I turn 50.

For those who've hunted both, how does the South Africa side of the Kalahari compare to Namibia, or even Botswana?

I really enjoyed the terrain and hunting in Southern Namibia. My last few safaris were in the Eastern Cape which were also excellent, but I'm looking to hunt different terrain next time around. Namibia is currently the frontrunner, but I'm open to anywhere with big hunting areas and minimal travel between areas/species. Spot & stalk style hunting.

Animals I'm flexible on, but Kudu, Oryx, Hartmann Zebra, maybe a Klippie...There's not a lot I really need, it's more about enjoying the hunt and the country.

Open to discussion and suggestions!

Cheers
Tim

 

[BryceM]

I've never hunted the RSA side of the Kalahari, but I've spent many fine weeks on the Namibia side, just a bit north of where Botswana, RSA, and Namibia come together. I was there again just a couple weeks ago. There are no Hartmann zebras or klippies in the Kalahari region, but both can be found in central Namibia. I hunt with a wonderful fellow who lives in the Kalahari but has connections and access to properties all over Namibia. He has exclusive access to several really great areas, both high fence and no fence.

Two trips ago we spent several days in the Kalahari chasing kudu and huge gemsbok. After that, we spent a few days in the Khomas Hochland region chasing klippies and mountain zebras. The terrain there is rugged and nasty. They're not Swiss Alps, but they're real mountains. Hunting mountain zebra from horseback was one of the most enjoyable hunts I've done. It's hard to explain, but if you don't have a fun and meaningful hunt with this guy..... I'll never understand it. Shoot me a PM if you want his contact info.

 

[Muskox]

I have only hunted in the Kalahari in Namibia, and the Khomas.

The ranches near Upington have a lot of variety that doesn't normally exist in the Namibia side. They have more of the exotics.

There are probably more big ranches without high fence near Aroab on the Namibia side.

Botswana will be bigger ranches still (in theory). There are also plains game ranch hunts in the Botswana side of the Limpopo. Look at Lotsane. Met them at Jagd and Hund, the lady was a superstar. German owners, I don't know about actual execution.

 

[Killo]

Would you like to try something a Zimbabwe or Zambia?

 

[dchum]

Namibia has more low fence / cattle ranch options.

Although the Kalahari side of SA has nice large properties they are still mostly HF.

To me that means something to others it doesn’t.


If I wanted Hartmanns, Oryx, Kudu and klippie
I would be heading to the Khomas or Erongo region.

You won’t get Klippies in the Kalahari

 

[Betterinthebush]

Just got back from the Northern Cape. Hunted a magnificent estate (high fence, self sustaining herds, very good hunting and game rich, 16K+ Ha., super luxurious accommodation and fare) with @BAYLY SIPPEL SAFARIS

Thread 'SOUTH AFRICA: Asbestos Mountains; Barbary Sheep, Beasts & Boss Rams With @BAYLY SIPPEL SAFARIS'

Jun 6, 2026

This report is the second half of my 30 day two country safari in Africa. There may even be a couple surprises dashed into this report just for good measure. Do please enjoy.

I booked this hunt as a package deal advertised here on AH as a luxury mountain hunt for Barbary Sheep. It was completely and entirely underrepresented, because the word “luxury” simply is inadequate to describe the accommodations and marvelous hunting estate where the safari was conducted with @BAYLY SIPPEL SAFARIS

I knew that after the high-stakes DG hunt I was going to have in Zimbabwe, I was going to...

• Betterinthebush
• Replies: 12
• Forum: Hunting reports Africa

• 
• 
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I’ve also hunted Namibia with Estreux Safaris on a much larger hunting area last year in July.

Thread 'NAMIBIA: Namibia PG & Touring Safari; Estreux Safaris'

Oct 25, 2025

This report I’m filing is geared toward the first timer who has yet to even book their first safari. Please enjoy.

This safari was my wife and I’s 20th wedding anniversary gift to ourselves. Throughout our dating and marriage we had never taken a single vacation. Not one. We chose to go to Namibia because my wife’s church growing up had missionaries in country building several churches and ministering to communities in the remote bush. She was fascinated as a young girl when the missionaries would return and tell their stories and share pictures. So this was a way for her to come full...

• Betterinthebush
• Replies: 18
• Forum: Hunting reports Africa

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Either I highly recommend. Both operations have all the animals on your list except the Klippie, I think.

 

[Tim Blackwell]

Would you like to try something a Zimbabwe or Zambia?

Anything is possible! I've hunted Zim once before.

It's moreso the type of terrain/style of hunt I'm gearing towards this time. I enjoy that semi-open glassing country with spot & stalk hunting. My animal list is of secondary importance and won't be a long one.

 

[kpoynter]

Some good options for you out there (now Hartmans are specific to Namibia but Zebra certainly not)
I think you might really enjoy Coutada 9 in Mozambique!
You have the riverine areas and also the Kopjes to glass and work around. This area is different and offers you tremendous diversity. Also areas like Southern Zim (Save and Nuanetsi as examples)
The big ranches like Tholo in the Kalahari in Botswana are also incredible (no Klipspringer)
Also Northern Namibia seems in line and offers some uniques cultural opportunities)

 

[Hornedfrogbbq]

I hunted with Coenraad Vermaak Safaris on their Kalihari concession. It is somewhere over 247,000 acres so while high fenced (can you imagine that cost) to me it is completely like no fence. All self sustaining herds. Highly recommend

 

[wesheltonj]

I’ve hunted with Kalahari Rangers in the Northern Cape. It was 98% sand. Large high fence ranch, not put and take. Good experience, nice lodge. And no driving to other properties.

 

[Tim Blackwell]

Some good options for you out there (now Hartmans are specific to Namibia but Zebra certainly not)
I think you might really enjoy Coutada 9 in Mozambique!
You have the riverine areas and also the Kopjes to glass and work around. This area is different and offers you tremendous diversity. Also areas like Southern Zim (Save and Nuanetsi as examples)
The big ranches like Tholo in the Kalahari in Botswana are also incredible (no Klipspringer)
Also Northern Namibia seems in line and offers some uniques cultural opportunities)

I don't think Moz will be in my budget. Tholo and NKWE are certainly on my Radar.

 

[MontanaPat]

NKWE is a great place to hunt with large properties and lots of game

 

[kpoynter]

I don't think Moz will be in my budget. Tholo and NKWE are certainly on my Radar.

Good luck…
Plains game hunts there are slightly more for sure…
I’ve hunted Tholo twice.
Best kudu hunting and value anywhere… and Eland tracking

 

[HuntingHard]

Went to Namiba, Erongo Mts last year for leopard. Harvested a klipspringer and dik-dik as well. Hunted NC of RSA 4 times. All trips created wonderful memories. Can't go wrong with either. Leave today for Moz

 

[Muskox]

I don't think Moz will be in my budget. Tholo and NKWE are certainly on my Radar.

There are always cancellations. Keep looking.

 

[Tim Blackwell]

There are always cancellations. Keep looking.

I'll never book a cancellation hunt sadly, only because I'm always booked up 2-3 years in advance lol. I'm the sort of guy who needs goals to strive for.

 

[dchum]

Went to Namiba, Erongo Mts last year for leopard. Harvested a klipspringer and dik-dik as well. Hunted NC of RSA 4 times. All trips created wonderful memories. Can't go wrong with either. Leave today for Moz

Wow! What incredible animals you took.

Erongo mountain area is a hunting a nice backdrop to hunt, I took a Dik Dik there

That klippie is a monster and boy that cat!

You just write a hunting report of that safari! I would love to hear about it

 

[uplander01]

NAMIBIA-Burchell-Wolf Safaris

 

[Muskox]

I'll never book a cancellation hunt sadly, only because I'm always booked up 2-3 years in advance lol. I'm the sort of guy who needs goals to strive for.

I am the same. I always get the shaft by booking months or years out. Do myself a few huge favor, but I always pay pay full price and it sucks. A buddy of mine went to Mozambique about three years ago for $20,000. leopard Kudu wounded a buffalo got a really big crocodile all the typical Selous type species. Get really sick almost died. He’s lucky that he’s a nurse and he knew what to do with himself and he had a medical bag so he just told everybody what to do.