Advice needed for group of three first time safari

[huntbour]

Hi everyone,

I had a few questions regarding first time safari being planned for the middle of August 2026,

- Based on what I've read here, we're currently looking at either South Africa or Namibia. These two countries seem to be the overwhelming favorite for first trips to Africa as well as plains game focused huts. Are there any other countries you would recommend taking a look at? Is there anything that makes South Africa or Namibia stand out over the other?

- I noticed most hunt packages are 1 on 1 or 2 on 1. We would prefer to hunt together if thats possible. How would this typically work? Would we have to split up as a a 2 on 1 and a separate 1 on 1. Would we have to rotate the third person as an observer each day?

- Budget for the entire trip would be around 30k give or take. How feasible would this be regarding a plains game hunt? What would be the best possible trip we could get on a budget like this?

- Any animals that y'all would recommend as particularly fun or standout hunts?

- Would you recommend bringing our own guns or renting them from the safari we choose?

- How important are the moon phases? Should we try and target dates around the new moon as opposed to a full moon?

If there's any advice y'all have that wasn't directly addressed above, please don't hesitate to offer it, it's greatly appreciated. Thanks for the help everyone.

 

[Mountaineer]

I’m heading to Namibia next month with Phillip @ Khomas Highland Safari. Last year we hunted 3 on 1. I like completely free range hunting so I prefer Namibia. The Namibia people are kind, pleasant, and thoughtful. Lots of plains game to hunt. Your budget will allow for many trophies assuming you fly economy or on reward points.

 

[Throwback]

Ive hunted both and I would say go for Namibia. I love SA but I will say Namibia is safer, less people over all, infrastructure works better, etc... SA and Namibia are the ones I would target for what yall are after. All others go up in price and may have a level of complexity with logistics, etc.. depending on a few factors.

PG hunt, 10K each, you could do it for half that if you had to but 10K is a great amount per hunter. Average one animal a day per hunter, even hunting all together. Just go on dayrate and pay per trophy.

Personally, if you go Namibia make sure to get some animals it is famous for, e.g. Gemsbok, Eland, Hartebeest, etc... Great animals to hunt imo Waterbuck, Gemsbok, Wildebeest and Kudu. If they have Dik Diks get one, they are not easy to find. I would also get a warthog for sure.

Your own guns are always best and either country is not bad for getting them in country but renting is fine. I have done it many times. Just ask the outfitter upfront what rifle, caliber, scope and bullet. They will be proud to tell you if they good stuff which most do.

Moon phases play a role but frankly I dont have the luxury to plan around them so I just go when I can and it has always worked out. I wouldnt pay attention to them that much.

I would look at Khomas Highlands and Kowas for sure but there are many more in Namibia. Cheers

 

[huntbour]

I’m heading to Namibia next month with Phillip @ Khomas Highland Safari. Last year we hunted 3 on 1. I like completely free range hunting so I prefer Namibia. The Namibia people are kind, pleasant, and thoughtful. Lots of plains game to hunt. Your budget will allow for many trophies assuming you fly economy or on reward points.

Thank you for the advice, I’ll be sure to check them out. Good luck on your hunt next month!

 

[huntbour]

Ive hunted both and I would say go for Namibia. I love SA but I will say Namibia is safer, less people over all, infrastructure works better, etc... SA and Namibia are the ones I would target for what yall are after. All others go up in price and may have a level of complexity with logistics, etc.. depending on a few factors.

PG hunt, 10K each, you could do it for half that if you had to but 10K is a great amount per hunter. Average one animal a day per hunter, even hunting all together. Just go on dayrate and pay per trophy.

Personally, if you go Namibia make sure to get some animals it is famous for, e.g. Gemsbok, Eland, Hartebeest, etc... Great animals to hunt imo Waterbuck, Gemsbok, Wildebeest and Kudu. If they have Dik Diks get one, they are not easy to find. I would also get a warthog for sure.

Your own guns are always best and either country is not bad for getting them in country but renting is fine. I have done it many times. Just ask the outfitter upfront what rifle, caliber, scope and bullet. They will be proud to tell you if they good stuff which most do.

Moon phases play a role but frankly I dont have the luxury to plan around them so I just go when I can and it has always worked out. I wouldnt pay attention to them that much.

I would look at Khomas Highlands and Kowas for sure but there are many more in Namibia. Cheers

I’ll definitely check out Khomas and Kowas. I’d love to get a waterbuck. Do you know if they’re common in most areas of Namibia?

 

[KMG Hunting Safaris]

Hi everyone,

I had a few questions regarding first time safari being planned for the middle of August 2026,

- Based on what I've read here, we're currently looking at either South Africa or Namibia. These two countries seem to be the overwhelming favorite for first trips to Africa as well as plains game focused huts. Are there any other countries you would recommend taking a look at? Is there anything that makes South Africa or Namibia stand out over the other?

- I noticed most hunt packages are 1 on 1 or 2 on 1. We would prefer to hunt together if thats possible. How would this typically work? Would we have to split up as a a 2 on 1 and a separate 1 on 1. Would we have to rotate the third person as an observer each day?

- Budget for the entire trip would be around 30k give or take. How feasible would this be regarding a plains game hunt? What would be the best possible trip we could get on a budget like this?

- Any animals that y'all would recommend as particularly fun or standout hunts?

- Would you recommend bringing our own guns or renting them from the safari we choose?

- How important are the moon phases? Should we try and target dates around the new moon as opposed to a full moon?

If there's any advice y'all have that wasn't directly addressed above, please don't hesitate to offer it, it's greatly appreciated. Thanks for the help everyone.

Good day sir! Welcome to the forum. We will be able to assist you in some incredible country.

We have access to both managed as well as free range areas, which includes Waterbuck. Depending on the species that you are after, the moon phases will play a role for sure.

Will you please drop me either a Private Message here on the forum, or email me directly at info@huntsafaris.co.za

I would appreciate the opportunity to present you with some ideas.

Take Care,
Marius Goosen

 

[Muskox]

You really have 5 plains game choices ranch hunt choices; Botswana, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Namibia and South Africa are the least expensive.

Zambia and Zimbabwe are the most expensive.

Botswana and Namibia are the safest.

South Africa is the most dangerous.

South Africa has the most variety, and the most collector species.

You can have a super wild Africa experience on any big ranch among the 5. You can also have a super confined high fence experience.

You can also find a free range situation in all 5, but in Zimbabwe, Zambia and Botswana this will throw the price through the roof. A really wild concession in Namibia will be the same.

I don't know if I would do a package with 3 guys or not. Could work very well, could be problematic.

Here are my questions back for you:

1. How much licky and chewy do you need? Do you need basic accomdiations and basic food, or do you need 5 star? Then find someone that fits that mold. I would say that there are tourism game park ranches, and there are family ranches.

2. What species do you want? Most places will have some sort of kudu, zebra, gnu, and then it gets pretty varied. If one guy wants something strange you need to figure out who has that.

3. What do you want the country to look like? If you want wide open vista's and 500 yard shots don't go to the Limpopo, Zululand, Zambia, Tuli Block or similar. If you want it to be hot and dry, that covers a lot of country. If you want it to be more tropical, then that is generally going to be other places.

4. $10,000 buys quite a bit of hunting for 3 guys hunting together. If you were split apart you could easily kill $30,000 worth of stuff in the same amount of time.

5. What else is important to you? Most nights are spent around a fire having a sundowner after dinner and Bullshitting. Same as hunting camps in America.

 

[Philip Glass]

Hi everyone,

I had a few questions regarding first time safari being planned for the middle of August 2026,

- Based on what I've read here, we're currently looking at either South Africa or Namibia. These two countries seem to be the overwhelming favorite for first trips to Africa as well as plains game focused huts. Are there any other countries you would recommend taking a look at? Is there anything that makes South Africa or Namibia stand out over the other?

- I noticed most hunt packages are 1 on 1 or 2 on 1. We would prefer to hunt together if thats possible. How would this typically work? Would we have to split up as a a 2 on 1 and a separate 1 on 1. Would we have to rotate the third person as an observer each day?

- Budget for the entire trip would be around 30k give or take. How feasible would this be regarding a plains game hunt? What would be the best possible trip we could get on a budget like this?

- Any animals that y'all would recommend as particularly fun or standout hunts?

- Would you recommend bringing our own guns or renting them from the safari we choose?

- How important are the moon phases? Should we try and target dates around the new moon as opposed to a full moon?

If there's any advice y'all have that wasn't directly addressed above, please don't hesitate to offer it, it's greatly appreciated. Thanks for the help everyone.

1. You would work that out with the PH's most likely. I am sure that can be done.
2. Budget for the hunt will work but may run a little short when figure in flights etc.
3. Budget will dictate
4. Bring your own guns! You are not going in a photo safari. Follow advice of mine and others here in the Safari planning section and go!
5. Moon is not critical on a PG hunt but always worth a look.

Happy safari planning!
Philip

 

[Throwback]

I’ll definitely check out Khomas and Kowas. I’d love to get a waterbuck. Do you know if they’re common in most areas of Namibia?

They definitely have them in Namibia and SA but ask the outfitter about it. I hunted Kowas in Namibia and there were plenty, and where I hunted in Limpopo SA there were ample amount. Again, look at outfitters list but also ask for the honest answer about how easy or hard it will be to find a good one. If skinned correctly they are great eating too.

 

[huntbour]

You really have 5 plains game choices ranch hunt choices; Botswana, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Namibia and South Africa are the least expensive.

Zambia and Zimbabwe are the most expensive.

Botswana and Namibia are the safest.

South Africa is the most dangerous.

South Africa has the most variety, and the most collector species.

You can have a super wild Africa experience on any big ranch among the 5. You can also have a super confined high fence experience.

You can also find a free range situation in all 5, but in Zimbabwe, Zambia and Botswana this will throw the price through the roof. A really wild concession in Namibia will be the same.

I don't know if I would do a package with 3 guys or not. Could work very well, could be problematic.

Here are my questions back for you:

1. How much licky and chewy do you need? Do you need basic accomdiations and basic food, or do you need 5 star? Then find someone that fits that mold. I would say that there are tourism game park ranches, and there are family ranches.

2. What species do you want? Most places will have some sort of kudu, zebra, gnu, and then it gets pretty varied. If one guy wants something strange you need to figure out who has that.

3. What do you want the country to look like? If you want wide open vista's and 500 yard shots don't go to the Limpopo, Zululand, Zambia, Tuli Block or similar. If you want it to be hot and dry, that covers a lot of country. If you want it to be more tropical, then that is generally going to be other places.

4. $10,000 buys quite a bit of hunting for 3 guys hunting together. If you were split apart you could easily kill $30,000 worth of stuff in the same amount of time.

5. What else is important to you? Most nights are spent around a fire having a sundowner after dinner and Bullshitting. Same as hunting camps in America.

Hi, thanks for the reply. Accommodations and food would be at the bottom of our list as far as importance. We’re all quite accustomed to remote camping so we don’t need luxury any accommodations.

Our top species would be eland, kudu, or waterbuck. My dad also really wants a warthog, although it seems like they’re somewhat plentiful. However, all 3 of us would be happy with just about any of the species Africa has to offer.

As far as what the terrain looks like, we’re not too worried either way. I think long distance spotting and shooting could be fun. However closer quarters and thick bush would interest us as well. Do you have any recommendations regarding what gives a better overall expirience?

I’ve spent many nights sitting around a fire swapping stories. That’s as good as it gets in my book.

 

[huntbour]

1. You would work that out with the PH's most likely. I am sure that can be done.
2. Budget for the hunt will work but may run a little short when figure in flights etc.
3. Budget will dictate
4. Bring your own guns! You are not going in a photo safari. Follow advice of mine and others here in the Safari planning section and go!
5. Moon is not critical on a PG hunt but always worth a look.

Happy safari planning!
Philip

Thanks for the information/reply.

 

[huntbour]

Good day sir! Welcome to the forum. We will be able to assist you in some incredible country.

We have access to both managed as well as free range areas, which includes Waterbuck. Depending on the species that you are after, the moon phases will play a role for sure.

Will you please drop me either a Private Message here on the forum, or email me directly at info@huntsafaris.co.za

I would appreciate the opportunity to present you with some ideas.

Take Care,
Marius Goosen

Private message sent, thanks for reaching out.

 

[dchum]

I’ll definitely check out Khomas and Kowas. I’d love to get a waterbuck. Do you know if they’re common in most areas of Namibia?

I passed on a large waterbuck bull when I was last in Khomas, Namibia. They are free range but are not native technically to central Namibia. But they roam the hills and the low fence ranches of some parts of central Namibia.

I just don’t shoot non indigenous game, free range or not. But it would have been a great hunt and an awesome trophy for someone interested.

I would focus on Hartmanns zebra, oryx, steenbuck, kudu if you go to central Namibia.

I think you all will have fun and find many great options on this sight. I have hunted with Philip @KHOMAS HIGHLAND HUNTING SAFARIS Twice and I had a blast and really like the people. I am a bit biased haha but there are many good outfitters. But also bad ones so you are smart coming here for info.

 

[Muskox]

Hi, thanks for the reply. Accommodations and food would be at the bottom of our list as far as importance. We’re all quite accustomed to remote camping so we don’t need luxury any accommodations.

Our top species would be eland, kudu, or waterbuck. My dad also really wants a warthog, although it seems like they’re somewhat plentiful. However, all 3 of us would be happy with just about any of the species Africa has to offer.

As far as what the terrain looks like, we’re not too worried either way. I think long distance spotting and shooting could be fun. However closer quarters and thick bush would interest us as well. Do you have any recommendations regarding what gives a better overall expirience?

I’ve spent many nights sitting around a fire swapping stories. That’s as good as it gets in my book.

Experience, I like them all. I like the forest Savanah country and the big open country. I don't like heavy timber, but beyond that I am open.

 

[buffybr]

My first African hunt was in South Africa. It was a SCI auction hunt that 4 of us took over from another friend. The cost was low enough that my "partner" on that hunt went just to see Africa. However he did shoot a Kudu bull on one of the last days.

The larger the concession is, the more "real" the hunt is.

Make a "list" of the animals that you want to hunt. Usually you can get one animal a day in South Africa. On all of my South African hunts, I have hunted on multiple properties, depending on what animals that I had on my "list." On my two hunts in Mozambique I hunted on a 690,000 acre concession that was totally free range, and I only brought home one animal from each hunt.

Listen to your PH. If they say "that is a very nice xxxx, you should shoot it," shoot it. You may not get an opportunity on that animal again. On my first SA hunt, I overshot my "list" and turned down several animals that later became on the top of my list for my second hunt.

I've always used my own rifles on my hunts. For me, that's a big part of my hunt.

My first African hunt was the only one that I went with friends. I went solo on all of my other African hunts and missed some of the "end of the day camaraderie" with your hunting partners at the evening campfires. I did meet a great guy, our own Brickburn (who took my avatar picture), on my first Mozambique hunt.

 

[huntbour]

My first African hunt was in South Africa. It was a SCI auction hunt that 4 of us took over from another friend. The cost was low enough that my "partner" on that hunt went just to see Africa. However he did shoot a Kudu bull on one of the last days.

The larger the concession is, the more "real" the hunt is.

Make a "list" of the animals that you want to hunt. Usually you can get one animal a day in South Africa. On all of my South African hunts, I have hunted on multiple properties, depending on what animals that I had on my "list." On my two hunts in Mozambique I hunted on a 690,000 acre concession that was totally free range, and I only brought home one animal from each hunt.

Listen to your PH. If they say "that is a very nice xxxx, you should shoot it," shoot it. You may not get an opportunity on that animal again. On my first SA hunt, I overshot my "list" and turned down several animals that later became on the top of my list for my second hunt.

I've always used my own rifles on my hunts. For me, that's a big part of my hunt.

My first African hunt was the only one that I went with friends. I went solo on all of my other African hunts and missed some of the "end of the day camaraderie" with your hunting partners at the evening campfires. I did meet a great guy, our own Brickburn (who took my avatar picture), on my first Mozambique hunt.

Thank you for the reply and information. We definitely have individual animal preferences, however, I think we're open to taking just about any game especially if the PH tells us it's an exceptional trophy. Is there any species in particular that you would recommend prioritizing?

 

[Rubberhead]

1) Quadpods instead of shooting sticks or tripods. It's really neat to see African trackers work their magic, but don't spend a day-and-a-half chasing a wounded zebra that should already be in the salt,
2) Have three lists that are within your budget 1) The Must List - the animals you would be disappointed if you didn't get to successfully hunt, 2) The By-Chance list - animals that you don't spend time hunting but have pre-made the decision to go after if you bump into them by chance - bush bucks and bush pigs are great "by chance" animals, and 3) Done Early - if you get the animals on your "Must" list - the tiny antelope steenbok and duiker, maybe ostrich are fairly cheap if you finish early.

 

[375Fox]

Look into eastern cape in South Africa or central Namibia. I think they provide the best first plains game hunt experience. I’d avoid most of the hunts in Limpopo driving to camp from Johannesburg. The scale and intensity of game farming there is just too much and I think many hunts there have lost their authenticity. For what you are looking for eastern cape is probably best value in your budget. Top animals for me there would be cape kudu, black wildebeest, bushbuck. If you want to hunt 3x1 you just ask outfitters for custom quotes for your group. Just recognize 3x1 you are probably giving up some animals individually you’d have a high chance of all getting on 3 1x1 safaris, species like kudu. Definitely take your own guns. It’s easy, but don’t take shortcuts looking for best price on flights with suboptimal routes or skipping travel agent. If you want to cut costs on travel expenses rent guns there, but verify what outfitter or PH actually has first.

 

[huntbour]

1) Quadpods instead of shooting sticks or tripods. It's really neat to see African trackers work their magic, but don't spend a day-and-a-half chasing a wounded zebra that should already be in the salt,
2) Have three lists that are within your budget 1) The Must List - the animals you would be disappointed if you didn't get to successfully hunt, 2) The By-Chance list - animals that you don't spend time hunting but have pre-made the decision to go after if you bump into them by chance - bush bucks and bush pigs are great "by chance" animals, and 3) Done Early - if you get the animals on your "Must" list - the tiny antelope steenbok and duiker, maybe ostrich are fairly cheap if you finish early.

Thanks for the advice. Are bushbucks and bush pig primarily in South Africa or tare they in Namibia as well? I love the smaller antelope species, sometimes its easy to overlook them.

 

[huntbour]

Look into eastern cape in South Africa or central Namibia. I think they provide the best first plains game hunt experience. I’d avoid most of the hunts in Limpopo driving to camp from Johannesburg. The scale and intensity of game farming there is just too much and I think many hunts there have lost their authenticity. For what you are looking for eastern cape is probably best value in your budget. Top animals for me there would be cape kudu, black wildebeest, bushbuck. If you want to hunt 3x1 you just ask outfitters for custom quotes for your group. Just recognize 3x1 you are probably giving up some animals individually you’d have a high chance of all getting on 3 1x1 safaris, species like kudu. Definitely take your own guns. It’s easy, but don’t take shortcuts looking for best price on flights with suboptimal routes or skipping travel agent. If you want to cut costs on travel expenses rent guns there, but verify what outfitter or PH actually has first.

Thank you for the advice. Do you know what airport/city we would be landing in if we go to the Eastern Cape instead of Limpopo? Also is there any particular airline you would recommend?