Advice for an Africa-rookie

[1dirthawker]

@huntingalex,

there will be lots on advice and inputs for you, here is mine. spend extra time there, become an observer for extra days. you will be able to watch others hunt and hear their stories, and be part of their success. you will pick up on more of the culture, etc without the pressure of hunting this or that animal and will leave you with a feeling of time well spent. good luck on your safari.

 

[375Fox]

I think you are making the right choice for your goals going to Namibia. Namibia tries to keep their hunting image very ethical you won’t see color variants or intense game farming. The ranches are generally very large, what is a big property in South Africa is normal in Namibia. The game you are after is widely available free range, no need to hunt behind a fence if it bothers you, but I’ve never felt a fence in Namibia has affected my hunting experience. I’d add eland, red hartebeest, and warthog to your list. Eland done properly is best hunt you can get, better than buffalo in my opinion. Your outfitter will already be working with a taxidermy there and can make recommendations. The dip and pack I’ve received from kings taxidermy has been very good quality and their taxidermy in shop looked excellent. Many of the ranch hunts in central/north central Namibia will be very similar. Similar species available, similar combinations of high fence and low fence hunting opportunities and similar pricing. What I’d look for is a outfitter you think you’d personally enjoy hunting with but also I’d focus on camp size. There are lots of small outfitters that can offer you a private camp or only another hunter, I’d avoid camps where more than 3 total parties would be present during your hunt, preferably less. Drinking and personality conflicts by hunters you don’t know in camp can ruin your trip. Ask your outfitter what time their hunting day starts and ends and how they hunt and see if it lines up to how you want to hunt and check references to see how their hunting days were to confirm. However, from what I’ve seen Namibia has very professional PHs and outfitters. I don’t think you need to be as cautious as South Africa. Don’t over think it, pick an established outfitter, and go.

 

[ActionBob]

Hi all,
I am planning my first visit to Africa, Namibia either late next year or 2024. The aim is to spend 7 days hunting, and to add another 5 for a safari to see some of the country.
Very glad I came across AH, there is really a great deal of valuable information on here. There are probably plenty of threads like this, but I would be very grateful if people who have hunted in Africa and specifically Namibia especially after Covid could help me out with answering some questions.

Firstly, because this is probably my greatest concern, it seems that ultimately any hunting takes place in some sort of fenced ranch. Does this deduct from the experience? Does it feel like you are only shooting animals in a small enclosure? Or is it not like this at all?

The 3 animals I definitely plan to hunt are Kudu, Oryx, and Hartmanns Zebra. I am opting to add 3 to 4 others. What would you say are species that are not only typical to Namibia, but also make for an exciting hunt? For starters, I am not at all interested in exotics or colour variations or small game like steenbuck. Are there any species that you would say were a disappointment to hunt?

I saw numerous threads and reports pointing out some really great outfits, and almost equally as many posts on avoiding to get taxidermy done in Africa. It does however seem unavoidable to bypass the service of a local african taxidermist, even if I get my animals mounted back home. So should I be asking instead - which companies must I avoid to do business with? I have seen some proper taxidermy work on instagram that is being produced in South Africa, and some in Namibia, so it is really confusing to simultaneously then read all the horror on here, but then again, I suppose the ugly never gets shared?

Back to the outfitters. I have requested a couple of prices but haven't made any bookings yet. What was the criteria you based your decision on when you chose your outfitter? Is it better to spend a few bucks extra to get a better quality experience, or does more expensive not necessarily always equate to a better experience?
Has anyone booked with a hunting outfit that was also able to arrange a subsequent tour after the hunt? My plan is to get a rental vehicle to visit some landmarks, but I would feel more at ease if I do not have to worry about making all the bookings myself. Alternatively, if you have booked a longer stay after the hunt finished, did you make use of a separate travel agent?

And... did you take your spouse with and did they have a good time even though not hunting? I am not too sure my wife would be keen on staying for a week at some ranch while I am out hunting all day, but i would like to do the safari afterwards together with her.

Any and all tips are much appreciated.

Wow where to start You are on the right track hunting indigenous species. To me when I think of Namibia I think Hartmann's zebra, Gemsbok, big kudu but aware rabies hits the population periodically, biggest springbok anywhere, and of course dik dik! You need to immediately reconsider your thoughts on the little critters and when you decide on an outfitter ask about dik dik. And be prepared to take a steenbuck if opportunity presents a good one. There are a lot of hunters with sore butts as they spend years kicking themselves for not taking a dik dik when they could have! Red Hartebeest yes of course, one of the most overlooked critters that is a blast to hunt and a really cool critter. They taxidermy really well next critter you should consider is a second mountain zebra one to mount and one for a rug.

As for taxidermy, in addition to fully vetting taxidermist's, contact a shipping agent and get costs for finish mounts vs. dip and pack skulls and skins. Of course the latter is a much smaller package thus less freight. But you have a cost for dip and pack that is avoided if taxidermy is done there. Current shipping large crates is ridiculous. PM for more info if you wish.

Absolutely take your spouse! Get her good quality hiking boots and other gear. Get her some good binos and if not hunting but likes photography, get her a good DSLR camera and spend some money on a good lens with a very big zoom range.

@Just Gina and I spent 8 days on Zanzibar last September/October before out Tanzania hunt. It was our Honeymoon and we had a fantastic time... We would both go back the next chance we get!

You should definitely rent a car and go see whatever tourist things you can. I think there are some reports on this forum of others doing things in Namibia. A quick search on Google or something will come up with various activities available.

When we go to Namibia, I plan to ask advice from a couple members who have done some touring. My thoughts are the Skeleton Coast, perhaps horse rides on the beach, ATV rides, visits to a Park or two, visit some native villages.

Unless something changes, I would rent a car and drive ourselves.

 

[mark-hunter]

Firstly, because this is probably my greatest concern, it seems that ultimately any hunting takes place in some sort of fenced ranch. Does this deduct from the experience? Does it feel like you are only shooting animals in a small enclosure? Or is it not like this at all?

No and yes. It depends on your ethics. But the problem has been raised many times on the forum.
What you need to do is to go on the ranch with big and large property. How large? There is no general rule, my personal preference 3000 hectars or more is nice property. 7500 acres or more. You will not see the fence. Ask outiftter about the size.

Back to the outfitters. I have requested a couple of prices but haven't made any bookings yet. What was the criteria you based your decision on when you chose your outfitter? Is it better to spend a few bucks extra to get a better quality experience, or does more expensive not necessarily always equate to a better experience?

Not necesserily. Ask the outfitters of your choice all the questions of your concern, and choose based on that. Check all their references and you will like some more then the others. Finally, trust your gut feeling.

Has anyone booked with a hunting outfit that was also able to arrange a subsequent tour after the hunt? My plan is to get a rental vehicle to visit some landmarks, but I would feel more at ease if I do not have to worry about making all the bookings myself

I did exactly tthat, last time. Many outfitters will offer some extra activities, and sightseeing. Some of them are sponosrs on this forum, check section deals and offers.

My last trip, with hunting and visit to Etosha national park is here. I was in Namibia, but there are many great arrangmets in South africa as well. My future safaris will be planned in s same manner, hunting plus touring around.

NAMIBIA: From The Smallest To The Greatest

NAMIBIA: FROM THE SMALLEST TO THE GREATEST NAMIBIA: Von den Kleinsten bis zu den Größten There was no time to set up the sticks! I was shooting from the hand. The distance was about 40 meters and my hands were hard to steady. I wanted the stick or any kind of rest badly, but that was not an...

www.africahunting.com

 

[huntingalex]

First of all, thank you all so much for taking the time to respond, I have learned so much from this. I will definitely spend some time reading your hunting reports.
Had a browse through some of the outfitter recommendations as well and they looks awesome.

I forgot another point yesterday though. After reading some of the older posts, it seems there are always some hidden costs that a newcomer like me might not think about and ending up under-budgeting for. As far as I figured, I will have to take into account the following costs, excluding the additional tour, is there anything I am missing here?
- Flights
- Agent fees for flights and rifle
- Transfers in Africa from and back to airport, if not included in the package price
- The booked hunt itself, plus any extra animals taken
- Staff tips
- Dip & ship or taxidermy in Africa
- Shipping of trophies back home

Which brings me to another question. Have you all gone with the taxidermy and shipping company that your PH recommended? Or how did you chose them? And have you had good experiences? That is one aspect that scares the hell out of me, I will be spending a pretty penny, and I would be gutted if my trophies arrive home wrecked.

 

[375Fox]

The costs you outlined are good, remember VAT on daily rates and shipping trophies home includes shipping from Africa to port of entry, customs broker clear trophies, then final shipping to you. I have always used the taxidermy outfitter recommended for dip and pack. I think you selected the wrong outfitter if you don’t trust their recommendation for that. Finished taxidermy I would look into multiple options if you go that route. I like checking references if not booking through an agent, ask outfitter for all the past two seasons clients and when you contact them ask about getting their trophies home. Often people only think of the hunting when booking a hunt and forget to ask how the process after the hunt went.

 

[Art Lambart II]

Be very deliberate with your taxidermy. Plan to spend an average of $1,500 per shoulder mount for your African trophies. Some will cost more, and some will cost less but the average is around $1,500. If you take 6 animals and have them shoulder mounted that’s $9,000 and they will probably cost more than your safari did. Most African taxidermists want a 50% down payment and they will offer you a 10% discount if you pay in full upfront. So, it your last day in Africa after what was the best hunting experience of your life, you settle up with your outfitter and pay the balance of your hunt $6,000 or so, then it’s off to the Taxidermist where you’ll have to pay another $4,500 - $9,000, bring your grand total for the day to somewhere between $10,500 - $15,000. Or, you could have your hides dipped and shipped to the US and have the work done stateside, it will be 12-18 months before you owe your taxidermist anything, giving you time to rebuild your cash reserves. Another good option is European mounts (Skulls and Horns) for $300 or so each.

Planning your first safari is one of the best times in your hunting life, enjoy the process and have a great safari, just don’t overlook the taxidermy.

 

[DmacD]

huntingalex, welcome to the Forum!
I was in your exact spot prior to taking the plunge in Namibia as a first timer too. It was a total success, and I have subsequently been to South Africa, and am now planning yet another return, The hunting advice of the learned and respected senior members in this forum can't be beat. The advice so far has been perfect, and I cannot add anything more to it.
Where I can offer advice is on your post hunt trip. My wife and I did a week long self drive of Namibia and Botswana that was, in a word - Spectacular. I used a company called Cardboard Box Travel Shop. They laid out our self-drive itinerary, sorted out lodging, and the vehicle, and laid out the route so we could see what we wanted. It even had places to buy fuel and cold drinks marked out on the map. My wife loved it! I would do it again in a heartbeat. Good luck with the planning!

 

[sureshot375]

South Africa is a perfect destination for a first hunt plus some non hunting days. I recommend going to Kruger on the front end to help your eyes get used to the bush and spotting animals. I’ll be doing that with my family in a few weeks.

As to the fence issue, to me it’s not really about the fence. I’ve hunted high fenced areas which are just as sporting as any totally wild area. For me it comes down to how the operation is ran.

I hunt a high fence is place in RSA where the animals are not regularly stocked. The animals you hunt were born on the ranch. They animals are not handled ever. The animals are only given supplemental feed in cases of extreme dry periods. The ranch is dense and the fact that there is a fence really never comes into play when hunting.

There are many operations where the animals are more or less treated like cattle. They are handled, fed, and in many cases stocked to hunt. The animals come running when the feed truck pulls up.

 

[Hogpatrol]

For the budget minded, an all inclusive package deal is a good option. Inquire to your selected outfitters to see if they can accomodate a deal that includes everything including airport transfers, daily rates and trophy fees.

 

[matt vejar]

Hi,
Most important thing is to hunt the rut if kudu is your number 1 animal which for most people it is Middle May - mid June.Secondly, is to hunt on the new moon - all spiral horns are much easier on this moon phase- the open plains game like gemsbok, springbok, red Hartebeest and zebra not affected nearly as much much. The only animal you would have to hunt fenced is eland as success on free range is much more time consuming and in 7 days with kudu and Zebra might not happen. My guide is Pieter Delport owner of Eintracht Jagd Safaris. Has both hunting options free range and high fence. Rabies is a huge issue on mature kudu bulls so high fence properties could save your bacon if you can’t come up with a free range bull that’s near 50” mark . I’ve hunted with Jamy Traut also but I believe Panarama is fenced. When he managed the hunting at Eden Wildlife Trust. it was arguably one of the best hunting grounds in all of Africa!!! He has free range also like Pieter. Flip a coin. Can’t go wrong with either. Unless your wife hunts I’d have her fly in after your hunt. One exception- she likes bouncing around all day in a truck taking pictures of animals!!

 

[ActionBob]

Which brings me to another question. Have you all gone with the taxidermy and shipping company that your PH recommended? Or how did you chose them? And have you had good experiences? That is one aspect that scares the hell out of me, I will be spending a pretty penny, and I would be gutted if my trophies arrive home wrecked.

Again check shipping rates to get finished taxidermy home. I paid $15,000 for 5 crates before the prices jumped. Now I am being quoted $20,000 for one very large crate... I'm trying to get it on ocean freight but so far no openings in the US ports for an unloading slot! it has 13 critters, many small to medium full mounts and a 12' giraffe pedestal.... weigh this against dip and pack and ship a small package home to be done here. Also you can have things re-done in the States if something is not to your satisfaction. i.e. warrenty work.... you will not be shipping it back to an African taxidermist if something is wrong.

Your Outfitter may push you to use his taxidermist. He will (likely) be nice about it and make all kinds of promises. And collect 15% from the taxidermist, then the taxidermist will get a kickback from the shipping company he insists you use. This Is Africa!

If you do get it do over there, insist on progress reports and pictures. Detailed pictures. Take pictures of the markings of your critters, especially zebra. Tannery and taxidermist mistakes happen! Some of the owners of those businesses are very hard working people. Too many are rarely there. Being at work takes away from recreation and family time.... Gotta respect some of that but they are not American business people. The first taxidermist my Outfitter recommended didn't have a clue where my stuff was when I showed up at his shop on a subsequent trip to see my stuff from a previous hunt. The full face zebra skin didn't have a head and was no where close to marking on my pictures. Never got the skin, did get a huge credit off the bill, and the promises of a free zebra from the outfitter. Kudu had a huge overtime, they fixed that. Several other issues that were addressed to at least some degree. But if I hadn't shown up at his shop before he shipped???

Taxidermy is a huge deal to many. To me it is great but it is becoming burdensome.... by the time I build a proper trophy room, heat and cool the thing, pay shipping, dip and pack, taxidermy, more shipping, custom fees..... I really wonder if I should have just taken pictures and videos....

As for skulls and $300. You can just have skulls boiled and bleached and buy Skull Hookers or if you are at all handy mount them yourself for a lot less.

Even for dip and pack services.... Get prices ahead of time!

 

[Hunt anything]

Follow up on the taxidermy dilemma , an option that I’m contemplating for my next safari is get them dipped & packed clear customs and USFW have them shipped to my house and mount them ala-cart. With the prices sky rocketing this may be the easiest way for me. Maybe 2 or 3 a year but I’m not getting any younger so will have to think long and hard about that option.

 

[BRICKBURN]

......... Have you all gone with the taxidermy and shipping company...... That is one aspect that scares the hell out of me, .......

That means you have a very healthy respect for one of the, hands down, most under researched aspects of the hunting safari.

I researched multiple shipping companies, many taxidermists, shipping methods, rates, routes, etc.
It was a more than a significant effort.
I settled on the people that I trusted that were within my budget.
Some things I learned:
Have an alternate you'd go with.
I had one recommended taxidermist change the price on processing after we arrived in Africa. That did not work out to well for him. He lost four sets of hunters work.

Don't get cocky and not research our next trip as vigilantly as the first.
I had another D&P company, that turned out to be the only game in town (country), quote insane fees and then changed the fees multiple times (not downward). We came within a hair of abandoning nearly 100 trophies. Your worst nightmare, but that is how pissed off I was.

You will be managing your budget and risk tolerance.
Many will say, dip and pack and bring it to the US. Others, pick the best taxidermist you can find in your budget and work out the details. There are good and bad everywhere.

Plan for your taxidermy beforehand. Don't just get stuff mounted and figure it out later, unless you have your own museum space.

Shipping is currently absolutely stupid.
Another option:
Consider Euro mounts or pictures and one special trophy. It will leave more money for that next trip.

Good luck.

 

[Andrew62]

I believe most of us could write you volumes on what makes 'us' a good hunt. I have hunted Africa enough that I now book exclusively through outfitters offering deals on this site. Why? Easy, if an outfitter is offering deals on here, then several people will have hunted with that outfitter and they can give you some insight. One thing to keep in mind is travel. On my safari last month, I hunted with Tsala Safaris, they are an easy 2 hour ride from JNB airport, which saved me from overnighting at the Afton House. This September I am hunting in SA over near Port Elizabeth, for that hunt I have to overnight in Johannesburg, then fly on to Port Elizabeth the next day. If I were looking for my first hunt, I would surf this site looking for what stands out to you, then make a post asking if anyone has hunted with that outfitter. The last thing I will say is this, so long as an area has 10,000 or more acres, you'll not notice the fences so much, and, truthfully, fences are necessary for most areas so outfitters can better manage their 'herd'. Enjoy the experience, that's what it is all about!!

 

[mark-hunter]

Have you all gone with the taxidermy and shipping company that your PH recommended? Or how did you chose them? And have you had good experiences? That is one aspect that scares the hell out of me, I will be spending a pretty penny, and I would be gutted if my trophies arrive home wrecked.

Taxidermy is the weakest point of safari. Cannot plan cost, shipping and delivery time. Fact.

I had a hunting agent to organise tickets, contracts, travel, and outiftter in Africa. (I went with agency)
Outifitter and agency They run business for 20 years. And they do that with the same taxidermy shop.

So, my estimate is, if there is a long term succesfull business agent-outifitter, and outiffter - taxidermist, the chance that something will go wrong, are small.

If you choose your own taxidermist, it is risk increased.

In my view, the biggest risk in safari project is taxidermy. But that is the risk, you must accept, but I also think that in 99.9% trophies get home. So, dont worry, follow the stream, outiftter will make field prep of trophies, and send them to taxidermy shop, and it will get to your home. So take outiftters advice. It takes, I think 9 months to one year, as average.

 

[Philip Glass]

I’ll be hunting the south of Namibia again next year. I’ll be at Frontier Safaris 120,000 game ranch. The places in Namibia are so large the fence is just a formality.
you have a good trophy list for Namibia but as others have said, add springbuck and red hartebeeast.
All the people I’ve hunted wih have helped with arranging tours. Dont sweat the small stuff and go!
Dont take your wife if she does not like hunting!
Philip

 

[fourfive8]

Congrats on “pulling the trigger! Most outfits I know will gladly combine photo, game drives, etc. with hunting. Half my time on hunting safari I think has been doing something besides attempting to kill something. Bird watching, taking photos, game viewing at night, fishing, building/repairing stuff on the concession/property, visiting other safari camps, visiting local villages and schools….. all good! I always try to relax and see and soak it all in including visiting with the locals. Short answer on how to prepare??? don’t overthink it.

Which animals? Let that happen as it does. Eland for sure but use enough gun. I second what others have said about not looking past hartebeest and springbok. Patience during travel- it’s Africa. Skull mounts done properly saves headaches. Carefully select others to shoulder mount, etc. Practice shooting off sticks. Good luck and enjoy your trip!

 

[rookhawk]

Free range opportunities for the animals you seek are absolutely possible in Namibia. Numerous outfitters can make that happen, several are sponsors on this site.

I can personally recommend Jamy Traut https://jamyhunts.com/, Khomas Highland Hunting Safaris https://www.khomas-highland-hunting.com/, and Nick Nolte https://nicknoltehunting.com/

That's right.

Namibia's high-fence is always going to be there in virtual format: bore holes. It's an arid country and the limited water sources tether animals to those holes, coming and going. Whether they own a 10,000 acre high fence or cattle fenced property, or if it is fenceless, the water supply is integral to keeping animals in certain areas.