Where to go, where to go?

RichD

RichD

AH veteran
Joined
Aug 17, 2022
Messages
159
Reaction score
280
Location
Parker, Colorado
Media
8
Hunting reports
Africa
2
Member of
NRA (Life), RMEF, DU, SCI
Hunted
Botswana
Starting to plan my 2nd trip to Africa, but really want to fill my list with one-stop place to hunt. Being retired, a budget is always up front, so not necessarily looking for Gold class game. Would like to fill: Nyala, bushbuck, impala, springbok, and zebra. Maybe add blesbuck, black wildebeest, and steenbok. Lastly, really has to be inexpensive, cape buffalo. Any ideas?
 
For a specific list of animals in one go I would think your best bet is to contact several outfitters in the area you wish to hunt to see if they can supply an opportunity at all of them. Several will probably chime in here.

Inexpensive buffalo? Either a cow as an add on to a pg hunt in RSA or end of season special bull which will still be several thousand more than a cow.
 
For the PG you are interested in, I think eastern cape South Africa would be your best option.

I’d be very cautious with an extremely inexpensive buffalo bull in South Africa. Self sustaining herds in proper areas cost money. I’d hate to take a buffalo that has or previously had an ear tag or is one of the few buffalo bulls stocked on a small property. If you want a buffalo in South Africa spend the money for the right hunt or don’t hunt one.
 
I'm hoping to go to SCI in January to talk with outfitters there. In the meantime I'll do some research. This site always has so much depth of experience that the input is very welcome. I'm not a computer guy, but wish there was a site with Venn diagrams where you could input game names and would narrow to some specific areas.
 
RichD said:
Starting to plan my 2nd trip to Africa, but really want to fill my list with one-stop place to hunt. Being retired, a budget is always up front, so not necessarily looking for Gold class game. Would like to fill: Nyala, bushbuck, impala, springbok, and zebra. Maybe add blesbuck, black wildebeest, and steenbok. Lastly, really has to be inexpensive, cape buffalo. Any ideas?
Click to expand...
With those criteria I would definitely go to the East Cape of South Africa and personally I would specifically spend a few days in the Karroo for the animals available there just because the properties are so big and the views are awesome. However the EC in general is really beautiful and if you stick to large properties and even low fenced areas it can be a great hunt.

Just not so sure about Buffalo.
 
I’ve only been to Africa twice, so my experience pales to many here, but IMO, the problem with your list is “inexpensive” buffalo. As others have said the Eastern Cape of RSA would be great for all the PG. I’d be cautious about cheap buffalo.
This is a little out of the box, but consider a separate strictly buffalo hunt while over there.
 
With the game species you listed I would agree that the eastern cape in RSA would be your best bet. I would suggest reaching out to Marius at KMG, Game 4 Africa or Crusader Safaris for good options on larger free ranging properties.
 
@RichD take a look at @GAME 4 AFRICA SAFARIS

Lots of AH members have hunt reports. I have hunted with them twice and think they are an excellent value for a great hunting experience. I have not hunted cape buffalo with them (yet), but I know they do offer it. All your PG list will be available and then some.
 
I would also recommend Game-4-Africa. I've hunted with them, and going to hunt with them next year. On the "inexpensive" buffalo, I believe anywhere you look in SA, you will be looking at a minimum of $10,000, unless it's a cancellation or maybe a non-trophy bull.

If I was you, I'd go and hunt plains game and get all the animals on your list. I would save my Pennies and go on a separate buffalo hunt.
 
Highly recommend Nick Bowker Safaris in Eastern Cape. Outstanding animal quality and many various concessions to hunt.
 
Thank you all for you responses - I appreciate the positive feedback. Several safari operators have also DM'd me and I will shortly review all and hopefully make a decision soon. I've also reached out to a couple friends to see if they would like to join me.
 
375 Ruger Fan said:
@RichD take a look at @GAME 4 AFRICA SAFARIS

Lots of AH members have hunt reports. I have hunted with them twice and think they are an excellent value for a great hunting experience. I have not hunted cape buffalo with them (yet), but I know they do offer it. All your PG list will be available and then some.
Click to expand...
I’d second @Game 4 Africa as a destination. I hunted my first buffalo there this year. My buddy took a buffalo cow which was not overly expensive.
In fact the cow hunt was very exciting. Up close and personal to the herd for nearly 45 minutes waiting for a shot to present.
It got the juices flowing !
Wik is a great PH to hunt with, experienced,calm and gives clear concise instructions.
The lodge is superb as are the staff. Be prepared to slide on a few pounds of weight. The food is excellent.
IMG_0364.jpeg
IMG_0057.jpeg
 
MontanaPat said:
Crusader Safaris for good options on larger free ranging properties
Click to expand...
I've hunter with Crusader Safaris and highly recommend them. Their specialty is free range hunting. No high fenced properties. They do hunt operating low fenced cattle, sheep, and goat farms as well as undeveloped hunting land that may have some low fence. Some is falling down as it hasn't had domestic livestock on it in many years. I found it to be a lot like hunting in Minnesota and Wisconsin except way bigger properties:)
 
ActionBob said:
I've hunter with Crusader Safaris and highly recommend them. Their specialty is free range hunting. No high fenced properties. They do hunt operating low fenced cattle, sheep, and goat farms as well as undeveloped hunting land that may have some low fence. Some is falling down as it hasn't had domestic livestock on it in many years. I found it to be a lot like hunting in Minnesota and Wisconsin except way bigger properties:)
Click to expand...
Crusader is an excellent outfit.

With the wish list specified by the OP, the Eastern Cape is hands down the best option.
For a bit of diversity, I would look at Limpopo for the buffalo though.
Two provinces, varied terrain and two outfitters to call your friends.
 
FlyGuy said:
Crusader is an excellent outfit.

With the wish list specified by the OP, the Eastern Cape is hands down the best option.
For a bit of diversity, I would look at Limpopo for the buffalo though.
Two provinces, varied terrain and two outfitters to call your friends.
Click to expand...
Yes, that is probably what I would do if I wanted to hunt those species including buffalo all in South Africa.

But another option might be to pop up to Zimbabwe, or maybe Mozambique for the buffalo. Lots of options a short, cheap flight away.
 
FlyGuy said:
Crusader is an excellent outfit.

With the wish list specified by the OP, the Eastern Cape is hands down the best option.
For a bit of diversity, I would look at Limpopo for the buffalo though.
Two provinces, varied terrain and two outfitters to call your friends.
Click to expand...
I just remembered, I've never done it but Crusader does or at least did have a concession on the South edge of Kruger for buffalo hunting. Pretty sure it qualifies as free range as it would be open to Kruger.
 
IMG_6320.jpeg
IMG_6133.jpeg

East Cape-strongly suggest you go back through the hunt reports section and read the reports some of these folks have written. Will give you good perspective and fun research
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Hi Rich D we can assist you in planning your dream retirement hunt, we have some spectacular areas that has all of the species you are interested in on one concession. Have a look at our website www.1limpoponorthsafaris.com
Will send you a dm also
 
Hello Rich D, we can accommodate your hunt. I will follow up with a private message.
Conrad
 
Hallo Sir, we would be happy to helo, I did send you a DM.
RichD said:
Starting to plan my 2nd trip to Africa, but really want to fill my list with one-stop place to hunt. Being retired, a budget is always up front, so not necessarily looking for Gold class game. Would like to fill: Nyala, bushbuck, impala, springbok, and zebra. Maybe add blesbuck, black wildebeest, and steenbok. Lastly, really has to be inexpensive, cape buffalo. Any
Click to expand...
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Members online

... and 1017 more.
Total: 54,415 (members: 1,067, guests: 53,348)

Forum statistics

Threads
57,528
Messages
1,233,100
Members
101,256
Latest member
Scottinaicers
 

 

 

Proudly sponsored by

Latest posts

Latest profile posts

Grz63
Grz63 wrote on Doug Hamilton's profile.
Hello Doug,
I am Philippe from France and plan to go hunting Caprivi in 2026, Oct.
I have read on AH you had some time in Vic Falls after hunting. May I ask you with whom you have planned / organized the Chobe NP tour and the different visits. (with my GF we will have 4 days and 3 nights there)
Thank in advance, I will appreciate your response.
Merci
Philippe
•••
Grz63
Grz63 wrote on Moe324's profile.
Hello Moe324
I am Philippe from France and plan to go hunting Caprivi in 2026, Oct.
I have read on AH you had some time in Vic Falls after hunting. May I ask you with whom you have planned / organized the Chobe NP tour and the different visits. (with my GF we will have 4 days and 3 nights there)
Thank in advance, I will appreciate your response.
Merci
Philippe
•••
rafter3
rafter3 wrote on Manny R's profile.
Hey there could I have that jewelers email you mentioned in the thread?
•••
LIMPOPO NORTH SAFARIS
LIMPOPO NORTH SAFARIS
IMG-20240903-WA0080.jpg
IMG-20240903-WA0081.jpg
IMG_0523.JPG
•••
V
VIGILAIRE wrote on wesheltonj's profile.
Hi Walden. Good morning from England, Chris here (The Englishman!) from Croatia. Firstly it was a pleasure to meet you and Michelle - a fellow Sanderson! I have finally joined AH as I enjoy it very much. Glad you enjoyed the hunt and your write up which I read on AR was very good indeed. I am sending on WhatsApp pics from Bojan of some of the animals hunted recently. Take care and best regards. CS.
•••

Share this page

 
Top