What order did you complete your big 5 in and why?

[Tally-Ho HUNTING SAFARIS]

Leopard
Elephant
Buff
Lion
Won’t do rhino

Just the way the opportunities came up

 

[LivingTheDream]

Lion
Rhino (Green Dart)
Elephant
Buffalo
Leopard

No particularly reason to the order, just Leopard was always going to be last because I felt like that one required the most research to increase my probability of success.

 

[Mtn_Infantry]

I’ve never shot a rhino, doubt I ever will unless it’s a Black Rhino either with bullet or dart.

TAM and Rockwood are probably your only two options for a potential Dart Hunt of a Black. Very limited and highly restricted.

Bullet hunt you’ll have a few other options if you can swing the cost.

 

[Betterinthebush]

Question for you and others. Doesn’t it make the most sense to combine Buffalo and leopard because the Buffalo provides a lot of bait for the leopard?

Yes. Normally that would be ideal. In Nuanetsi conservancy Buffalo has to go to the staff and village. It cannot be used for bait. I’m using zebra for my bait.

 

[dogcat1]

Buff - 2005 andmany afterwards
Leopard - 2011
Lion - 2013
Mountain Nyala - 2017
Lord Derby - twice - best hunts ever
Ele - not yet, but hoping 2027
Rhino- not happening, no real challenge anymore
Vaal Rhebok - 2028 hoping - this one is tough
Brown Bear - after three tries, going in 2027

 

[DLSJR]

Buff - 2005 andmany afterwards
Leopard - 2011
Lion - 2013
Mountain Nyala - 2017
Lord Derby - twice - best hunts ever
Ele - not yet, but hoping 2027
Rhino- not happening, no real challenge anymore
Vaal Rhebok - 2028 hoping - this one is tough
Brown Bear - after three tries, going in 2027

Lord Derby - YES! Not dangerous but very special.

Where’s the next Brown Bear hunt?

 

[mark-hunter]

My plan. And I dont know if I will ever manage. This is just a plan. Wishful thinking at this stage

Buffalo, done
Elephant done.

Rhino darting, next.

Difficulties to follow:
After that leopard. Unpredictable.
After that, Lion, but very hard. Expensive

The priority list is based on opportunity, availability, difficulty and pricing. From easier or more available to more difficult and more challenging or more expensive
I might add aquatics as DG hunt between pachyderms and big cats. Based on price and availability.

The idea is with this vision to get as far as possible. Eventually to collect all of them. If not getting them all, fine, no regrets,

 

[farmer_john]

My plan. And I dont know if I will ever manage. This is just a plan. Wishful thinking at this stage

Buffalo, done
Elephant done.

Rhino darting, next.

Difficulties to follow:
After that leopard. Unpredictable.
After that, Lion, but very hard. Expensive

The priority list is based on opportunity, availability, difficulty and pricing. From easier or more available to more difficult and more challenging or more expensive
I might add aquatics as DG hunt between pachyderms and big cats. Based on price and availability.

The idea is with this vision to get as far as possible. Eventually to collect all of them. If not getting them all, fine, no regrets,

Just curious whatvare average total costs for lepords and lions. And how much bait you get to hunt.

 

[mark-hunter]

Just curious whatvare average total costs for lepords and lions. And how much bait you get to hunt.

I am not an expert on this subject. I was on two DG hunts so far, ele and buffalo, plus I have 3 plains game safaris.
Following are my observations and research.

Leopard on bait: 1000 USD per day is minimum. Plus trophy fee that varies from 5 or 6k, upwards to 10K. This is minimum as per my research.
Generally total costs for leopard is from 20k to 40k depending of country to country, and outfitter to outfitter.
Baiting, is usually not covered but also depends on offer.
Then, success rate.
Leopard is not guaranteed.
Some hunters tried few times till getting a leopard. few times paid day rates, plus baiting, till getting the leopard. Do the math. for example 2 times, by 2 weeks of day rates, plus onee trophy fee after finally getting a leopard.
My outfitter in Namibia has success rate 75%. 3 leopard tags, 4 hunters per year. Some outfitters claim they are close to 100% success rate. But many hunters tried more then once.

Lion is getting more complicated.
CBL lion in South Africa, is the cheapest, but not my preference.
Wild lion is expensive, should be old, should be kicked out from lion pride, because if hunter kills a alpha male in the pride, next one to replace him will kill his cubs.
I would accept hunting wild lioness. it was offered in Zimbabwe, 2 years ago. But no tags are available this year. I checked.
So, lion is very expensive if we talk about wild lion.
Lioness in wild will be very hard to find, but I would take it wholeheartedly if chance appears.

For leopard, because he is very difficult, is best to take as add on during other DG hunt.
For example buffalo. Then if you dont get leopard, at least DG day rate is not wasted, you hunted buffalo.
Second option is hunt the leopard with hounds, they say it is higher success rate. And no baiting.
This is worthy of deeper research.

I had leopard on sight, a trigger pull away during my two DG hunts on buffalo and elephant.
First time I did not shoot because it was a female in daylight. (147 meters away, at waterhole)
Second time I had leopard on bait, during elephant hunt, at night. But we were not certain was it male or female, I did not shoot. After two days I went home, and had no more chances on leopard. Will see what will happen on third encounter. At that time we had 6 baiting sites. Zebra, sable, bushbuck, donkey were on baits, leopards came on zebra. (the one I had on sight was male, as seen next day on cameras, and there were 2 females we saw on the same bait, zebra. for a week)

Wild lion was till recently starting price 40 k, but prices rise. 60k at least I beleive now, and have seen some offers much higher in 6 digit number.
wild lioness in zim, was last offered I think around 17k all inclusive, but there is no more tags available till further notice.

 

[Mtn_Infantry]

For leopard, because he is very difficult, is best to take as add on during other DG hunt.
For example buffalo. Then if you dont get leopard, at least DG day rate is not wasted, you hunted buffalo.
Second option is hunt the leopard with hounds, they say it is higher success rate. And no baiting.
This is worthy of deeper research.

In most places, you’ll still have to bait for Leopard over hounds. Need to get the leopard to walk past or feed on a bait to start the track, and ideally they want camera footage of the leopard to confirm it’s a shootable male before putting the dogs down. This eliminates the chances of a big female, or young male with giant feet that hasn’t grown in body wise and then having to risk going in and pulling the dogs off a pissed off cat. If it was me, I’d plan on more bait sites on a hound hunt than on a blind/bait hunt to help increase chances.

@Betterinthebush is leaving in a few weeks for a Zim Hound hunt in Nuanetsi (high leopard density area) and they’ll still bait (zebra) for his hunt.

The Coastal areas of Moz seem to be the exception. From my research they drive the big sand rivers until they cut a track, then put the dogs down. @Green Chile has this hunt booked but not 100% sure if he’s hunting the Sand Rivers or the Hills (closer to Zim).

 

[K-man]

1) buffalo
2) elephant with a black rhino assist in darting
3) lion
3a) croc
4) leopard
5) elephant and hippo
Several other buffalo mixed in, one for camp meat, a couple previously wounded by other clients, and a savannah buffalo
Elephant and buffalo planned for 2027.
Hmmm. I seem to have an affliction/preference going here.

 

[SETH RINGER]

1. PAC ELEPHANT 2003 SALAMBALA, NAMIB (ON A PLANNED BUFF HUNT BUT YOU TAKE WHAT AFRICA GIFTS AND I TOOK AN IMPORTABLE #44'ER FOR CHEAP THOUGH DIDNT GET THE BUFF)
2. BUFFALO 2005 IN BUBYE, ZIM
3. BLACK RHINO CROSSBOW DART HUNT 2007 AROUND HOEDSPRUIT, SA.
4. PAC HIPPO 2007 (THRU HIM IN CAUSE WE TOOK HIM WHILE WAITING FOR MORE CROSSBOW DARTS BEING OVERNIGHTED, THAT REALLY ISNT OVERNITE TO AFRICA BECAUSE THEY WERE IN MY SUITCASE THAT TURNED UP MISSING, THANK GOODNESS CROSSBOW AND BOLTS WERE IN THE TUFFPAK WITH MY RIFLE.
5. LEOPARD 20008 IN NAMIB
6. LIONESS 2018 IN KALAHARI, S.A.

 

[mark-hunter]

How did you find those PAC hunts?

 

[Mtn_Infantry]

Just curious whatvare average total costs for lepords and lions. And how much bait you get to hunt.

There are some exceptions to this but it should give you a ball park to start researching in a couple different price brackets. These figures typically don’t include bait costs and are reflective of current rates. They’ll likely go up in the coming years, especially with fuel costs rising since you’ll spend a lot of time riding around hunting/checking/hanging baits.

Leopard:
$20-25k on the low side - lowest success rates and poor leopard density. Figure 50% or less success. Mediocre areas with low cat density like where @Rare Breed hunted in Zim, fringe communal areas, and many parts of Namibia. Outfitters can often book 4 or 5 hunters at that price to shoot 1-2 cats. Leopards are often trapped/poisoned/hunted hard in these areas

$30-45k is about average. Higher success rates, higher cat density, doesn’t always equate to bigger leopards. Some countries will be a little higher due to their associated costs compared to others. You’re probably looking 60-80% success rates in this price bracket, with some outfitters being higher but it’s still leopard hunting. You’ll also likely start seeing better areas with less villages. For instance in Zim this price bracket can get you into some of the Safari Areas, just know Safari Areas mean daylight only hunting. Often equates to less tags and more restrictions on shootable cats. Think 2 Tags and 2 hunters booked for the year, with maybe a last minute deal offering.

$50k+ is on the high end. These will be for prime areas and/or countries, and sometimes well known PH’s who do a lot of cat hunting. Highest success rates (especially on daylight cats), or areas with great genetics. Think Tanzania, Luangwa Valley Zambia, Tuli area in Botswana, etc. Some of this is the countries hunting costs, some of it can be tied to the area and demand to hunt there. Was talking to a forum member last night about his upcoming hunt in Maswa with Mike Fell and the cats being killed are reflective of the pricing.


Lions:
Captive Bred - lowest barrier to entry, not importable to the US. The prices are all over the place cost wise

$50-80k - mediocre area, probably not going to hunt a large, dark black maned lion. Success rates won’t be as high as other areas. Often won’t be a dedicated Lion hunt and will be combined with another DG Hunt and taken as a Trophy fee, or an “exploratory” hunt in a new area. PAC in Namibia can be a bit less, but it’s not a hunt you can book, you just need to be lucky and be there when it happens.

$80-150k - this is essentially the current going price for a Wild Exportable Lion (day rates + trophy fee). Above avg success rates. Gets you into Tanzania and Niassa type areas. I was told $150k is the current price for a Lion in Matetsi 6. From the previous pricing I’ve seen this is around the cost for a wild managed/wild Lion in RSA, in one of the couple areas that have them

$150k+ - this is your prime areas, likely almost guaranteed import approval.
BVC in Zim for example is $250k
Several areas of Tanzania are above this cost wise. Certain Zim and Zambian outfitters charge this because they’re known for hunting big lions. You’ll likely have the opportunity to look over trail cam photos of multiple different shooter males.


There are always opportunities for cancellations below these prices. Some outfitters allow you to hunt the cats on a trophy fee basis while on another DG hunt (not super common).

 

[Mtn_Infantry]

How did you find those PAC hunts?

You don’t find PAC hunts.
You typically get lucky and one pops up while you’re there. I’ve had PAC Lion and Elephant offered to me while in Namibia on a PG Hunt. @375Fox was also offered PAC Lion in Namibia. It’s why I’ll always take a 375 or larger with me even if on a plains game hunt.

Outfitters with concession areas, or areas bordering parks that contain the Big 5 will often broach the PAC topic with hunters once contracted or close to the hunt to see who’s at least open to the possibility or has the funds should it happen since they’re often the first call.

 

[AlabamaGeorge]

Buffalo (Tanzania 2006) [2 of now 7]
Leopard (Tanzania 2007)
Lion (Tanzania 2007)
Elephant (Botswana, 2013)

Hippo (Zimbabwe 2024)
Crocodile (headed to Mozambique in June of this year 2026)
I have no plans to hunt Rhino.

 

[AlabamaGeorge]

I’m starting my journey on my quest for the big 5 in 2 weeks. I’m beginning with leopard, mostly because it’s my favorite of all African animals and because, well, let’s face it, it seems to be the most elusive for many. So, being practical, I wanted the most frustrating of the five to be my first. If I’m successful, great. If not, I’m already booked for the next (Elephant) in two years.

So, for me:

1) leopard -(in 2 weeks, Nuanetsi, Zimbabwe)
2) white (green) rhino -(in one month, SA)
3) elephant -(in May ‘28, Zimbabwe)
4) lion -(TBD, but soon, I’m going to be looking for a cancellation)
5) buffalo -(no rush on this one. I have a tag for Nuanetsi, but I doubt I’ll use it. Probably take one in ‘28 in with a different PH in Zimbabwe or wait until Caprivi

You very well may take your buffalo this year in Zim and use him for bait for your leopard. Good luck!

 

[SETH RINGER]

How did you find those PAC hunts?

JUST GOT LUCKY.
SHOWED UP TO DO A BUFF AND WILD LIONESS HUNT AND THE FIRST NIGHT THERE OVER DINNER PH SAID HE HAS A PAC LION AND A PAC ELE AVAILABLE, WHAT DO I THINK. SAID LET ME SLEEP ON IT. MADE SENSE TO ME TO JUST TAKE THE LION IN PLACE OF LIONESS BUT ONCE WE TALKED ABOUT IT IN THE MORNING THE LION WAS NO SURE THING AS IT WAS A LONG DRIVE AND HAD ALREADY BEEN HUNTED QUITE A BIT SO NEXT UP LETS HUNT ELE.
PAC HIPPO I WAS REALLY JUST THERE FOR THE BLACK RHINO BUT WHEN WE WERE WAITING FOR FOR DARTS TO ARRIVE WE WERE JUST DOING SOME SIGHTSEEING TILL THE OUTFITTER MENTIONED THE PAC HIPPO.

 

[Betterinthebush]

Second option is hunt the leopard with hounds, they say it is higher success rate. And no baiting.

Mmm… maybe, I don’t think so though.

Fist day there I’m killing 2 zebra, probably 3. I’m the first hunter for leopard into cattle section this year and I’ve got to get as many cats moving as possible quickly. Probably will also clip 2/3 impala rams just for bait also.

 

[cdub]

Buffalo - Selous '19
Elephant - CH1 Botswana '21
Lion - SVC Zim '22
Leopard - Charara Zim '24

Rhino - No interest in darting a white rhino in SA. Got close enough to take photos of both white and black rhinos while hunting in SVC. That will suffice in my mind for my rhino...