Top 10 Beginner African Plains Game

If hunting the animals in its original area where they are indigenous you may want to make a bit more research.
Also look into Northern Cape for Gemsbok, Springbok, Steenbok and perhaps Kudu.
I’ve seen several sponsors here that have hunting areas in the EC/KZN for the spiral horned and Impala and the dry areas for the others.

Good luck with the planning. It’s usually a lot more time spent planning (dreaming), than the actual hunt.

//Gus

 

My true wish is that some of these sponsors will step up with quotes for two different areas .... one for Impala, Bushbuck and Nyala and another for Gemsbok and Springbok. Seven hunting days if possible, 8 or 9 days hunting even better and 10 days maximum.

 

Have you sent them request for it? I’m sure someone would meet the demand from you.
I don’t want to put out any names for the fear of forgetting any of them, but check the deals and sponsor ads around AH and I’m sure you’ll find someone who wants to help you.

Good luck.

//Gus

 

Yes, a few. I believe it is only now becoming apparent that I’m after five animals at 7-10 days hunting in two different areas so my hope is the ones who have been following the thread will come through.

 

I can still be talked into hunting just one area for the animals mentioned if the price and experience are right.

1. What I would really love to do is take the following five if I could find an outfit that has at least two different areas to do so: Nyala, Bushbuck, Impala, Gemsbok, Springbok

2. East Cape, Limpopo or KzN - Nyala, Bushbuck, Impala, Zebra, Mountain Reedbuck, Grey Duiker

3. Namibia, Kalahari, NW or Karoo - Kudu, Gemsbok, Springbok, Impala, Zebra, Steenbok

 

I don't think your idea of one outfitter in two different areas is realistic. Outfitters will have a number of ranches close together where you can get different species, but to fly from one province to another (or one country to another) for different animals would cost a lot, and I've not heard of it being done. It would certainly cost too much for someone on a budget. It makes more sense to do two different trips.

 

If you want an outfitter with multiple concessions you might check out Somerby Safari. We are hunting with them in the Linpopo and Free State on a 10-day hunt this summer. They have have several lodges around South Africa.

 

I'm hunting with Crusader Safaris in June and they hunt properties in the East Cape, KzN, and Stormburg Mountains.

 

OK, what do you all think of this list?

Impala
Bushbuck
Nyala
Gemsbok
Steenbok
Kudu
Zebra
Springbok

Next trip would be for:

Common Reedbuck
Mountain Reedbuck
Klipspringer
Blue Wildebeest
Red Lechwe
Grey Duiker
Warthog
Waterbuck

 

I think that is a hell of a good list
The only advice I can offer is this. You may be hard pressed to NOT shoot a Warthog on your first trip, so just resign yourself to taking one and add him to your list
Also, with a pretty substantial list like you have I would kind of hope the outfitter/PH might let you shoot baboon and jackal (1 of each) for free if the opportunity arises.
You may also want to go out for a night hunt, or just a night game drive. You will likely see critters that you won’t see during daylight. Animals such as Civet, Genet, Bat Eared Fox, Aardwolf, Porcupine. If you are incredibly lucky maybe even Serval, Caracal or African Wildcat. Some are localized species and may not be present where you are hunting, but you will definitely see some of them! It is well worth the time even if you are not hunting for them. But take a rifle along in the baakie just in case

 

I hunted in South Africa in '16 for what I thought was a very reasonable price. My wife and I both hunted and took 4 animals each. Including a Gemsbok that was not recovered for just under $7k. That included the previously mentioned gemsbok, kudu, sable(what turned out to be a unbelievable deal after research), impala, blue wildebeest, and mare zebra. The taxidermy was about 80% of that total. Now to answer your question here is my list
1. Greater Kudu
2. Impala
3. Zebra
4. Gemsbok
5. any of the tiny ten(mostly because they seem to be free range regardless of the concession)
6. Hartebeest
7. Blue Wildebeest
8. something nocturnal
9. blesbook
10. Springbok

 

Oh My I want to jump in on this thread.

This is my idea for a first plains game safari and how I would want the trophies mounted.

Zebra mounted on a Damask
Kudu Shoulder Mount
Blesbok Euro Mount
Springbok (Common) Euro Mount
Black Wildebeest Euro Mount

If possible
Impala, Blue Wildebeest, Bushbuck all Euro Mount.

What do y'all think of that? What part of Africa would be good to get these animals? I'm looking for the memory and the experience. I don't need SCI or RW record book animals, just good old fashion fun hunting. I know there are lots more animals I want but that would be for trip two if possible.

 

Price wise and quality wise I have two trips I plan to cover my animals.
Namibia: gemsbok, kudu, warthog, mountain zebra, red hartebeest, eland , springbok

SA: impala, blesbok, Bush buck, nyala, blue and black wildebeest, maybe a lesser kudu, waterbuck

 

I went for 7 days, 4 animals (zebra, bushbuck, impala, springbok), add-on game drive, airfare, taxidermy (incl. shipment to the US), and all tips, incidentals...for about $12K.

 

Lots of good advise here. One thing to consider; There are hundreds of choices of outfitters to use, if you limit your choices to only AH sponsors or outfitters, you've limited your hunting universe exponentially.

I picked my first outfitter by creating a list of exhibitors at the SCI show whom hunt where I wanted. I made a point to speak to each one personally. Had a fabulous experience, no regrets.

I'm not saying you or anyone else would have regrets using forum people, just don't limit your choices to such.

 

That is what I am struggling with, there are lots of outfitters it seems in both South Africa and Namibia. This forum is great help as I plan my first Safari. I do not have access to the SCI or most shows so I'm having to use the internet and email as my way of contact. This forum has been the greatest of help.

 

I get it. I also understand that just because someone advertises hunts on an internet forum, that isn't necessarily a bad thing. It just limits your exposure. Also if the demographic you are relying upon for advise also has limited experience to draw from, you are really just allowing their enthusiasm from their experience to persuade you. It's just human nature.

But ask yourself...why are these guys posting on hunting forums. Most outfits I've hunted with, ALL over Africa, don't have a presence on any forums. Heck, my booking agent doesn't even post on forums.

If you have a friend or colleague with considerable experience with no skin in the game, you're golden. Think of peoples motive as you listen.

Ask...concession size, put and take, will you be hunting on various properties, how much moving around.

I did a safari in RSA for 10 animals I think, it was in 1999 (?) We drove all over RSA for stuff. It wasn't a bad thing, I would just to have liked to know. "Put and Take", a HUGE issue for me. The accommodations are all gonna be pretty nice. I've never had a "bad" camp, except believe it or not in Tanzania.

I ONLY use a reputable booking agent. They have the experience, they have the contacts, they handle important details that the operators in Africa don't have time for. When the PH's are off conducting hunts, who is your contact? Mine is a booking agent. They will even hold TF's monies so you don't have to travel with loads of cash.

All the best...

Steve

 

My plan on my first trip to Africa basically went as follows:
1. Establish a cap.
2. Determine your agenda, hunting only or additional sightseeing, are you travelling alone or with friends, spouse, family. What are their interests?
3. Attend hunting shows, locally and large events, SCI .
4. Decide if you want to interview individual PH providers or use an agent. I chose to use the individual PH and on first review selected about 8 that met my criteria (area, animals offered, price range and most importantly first impression of the individual).
I chose to hunt the plains game indigenous to the area, because they were representative to the area and were more affordable. Kudu, Gemsbok, Impala, Red Hartebeest, Blue Wildebeest and warthog. More were available but see point one.
5. Ask for references, interview references, talk to PHASA or regional hunting associations about the standing of the hunt provider you have selected.
6. Verify whether you and your group will be in camp alone or are they catering to more than one group during your safari. This may or may not be important to you, but it was to me and in conversation with the PH I chose, he was in full agreement.
7. Keep in contact with your chosen hunt provider and when you feel comfortable, book at least one year in advance.

Don't be too worried about the animal you have chosen not completing your list of wishes. Chances are, this wont be your last trip to Africa. My wife and I and another couple went to Namibia in 2013, I collected 8 animal in 8 days and then we went on a twenty day guided tour of Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe terminating in Victoria Falls before flying back to western Canada. All in for 23K, flights, tours , hunting, everything. For 28 days of one of the most incredible trips ever.

This part of the African hunting experience is almost as much fun as the hunt itself.

 

Hi Steve,

I cannot speak for the others who are posting within this hunting forum.
They might just be advertising ?
But personally, I post in this one because I’m trying to steal everyone’s children and force them to work in my shoe factory, hidden deep within the jungles of New Guinea.

My best,
Paul.

 

Every business on earth has to advertise. Some are going to shows. Some advertise in magazines. Some on forums and websites. Some give free hunts to writers for magazine articles. Some just on Facebook, Twitter, etc. Some through agents who do the shows, interface with writers, emailing, social media, etc. And on and on.

Once you develop a large clientele, you may (not for long) be able to not advertise. But you will get some through recommendations. You will lose some, etc. It is an on going circle.

The internet has added a whole new dimension to advertising and getting your information out to the public.

Best of luck to everyone searching for your next great adventure!