Eastern Cape April Vs July

[KMG Hunting Safaris]

Nothing like seeing those Bushbuck Rams enjoying that sunshine in July.

 

[Firebird]

Just watched a YouTube video called “double trouble/dad and daughter safari with John x.” It is apparently recorded near Easter, which will give you some visual reference about spring hunting.
I just booked my next trip for July 2025 so you know which direction I lean towards.
Brickburn has not only read a lot about the east cape but written some excellent adventures about his exploits. Definitely worth looking up in past “hunting reports” section

 

[BRICKBURN]

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One of my absolute favourites. Getting close to that critter in that thick stuff is the tough part.

 

[Tim Blackwell]

I'd go in July.
In fact, I'll be back in the EC in August.

Qantas is the only logical flight choice unfortunately. We overnight in Sydney, allow plenty of time in the morning with Border Force etc, then overnight in Joburg as well, using a permit service to clear our rifles.

Any questions, fire away.

 

[KMG Hunting Safaris]

One of my absolute favourites. Getting close to that critter in that thick stuff is the tough part.

We have better options for Bushbuck with the bow, where they are more approachable on foot.

 

[Firebird]

Still must wear a ghillie suit tho

 

[KMG Hunting Safaris]

Still must wear a ghillie suit tho

Always helps. Train hard, fight easy.

 

[Philip Glass]

Very close to locking in dates etc. with a provider for a first African Hunt for both my son and myself in 2025 in the Eastern Cape (originally wanted Tanzania, Zim or Mozambique, but RSA seems like a good first place and a little more economical, still want to get to those places).

Has to be Apr or July to fit in with sons school holidays, he will be in the later years of high school etc.

Maybe I have a preference for the cooler weather, April is not as long to wait. July will also be between subject units re sons schooling.

Of the two months April and July in the Eastern Cape what do people prefer and why ?

Both will be fine but April will be warm. Flights will be much cheaper in April.

 

[randallhebert]

I haven't, but I read a lot.

And he did sleep at a holiday Inn express

 

[matt vejar]

I'd go in July.
In fact, I'll be back in the EC in August.

Qantas is the only logical flight choice unfortunately. We overnight in Sydney, allow plenty of time in the morning with Border Force etc, then overnight in Joburg as well, using a permit service to clear our rifles.

Any questions, fire away.

 

[matt vejar]

I’ve hunted East Cape 5 times in June and July. I would take the week of the new moon on July 5. The new moon in April is the 8 which is very early.
If you’re after kudu and all spiral horns the new moon is most important except for maybe the rut! I’d take the new moon if I were you.

 

[Rickmt]

Can anyone comment on late September,early October hunt in east cape as I have a hunt scheduled then with John x Thank you

 

[KMG Hunting Safaris]

Can anyone comment on late September,early October hunt in east cape as I have a hunt scheduled then with John x Thank you

September can be very good. It is the start of Spring and the new green shoots draw a lot of animals out of the thick stuff. We often also experience a mini secondary rut during September where bulls are chasing a few of the cows that got missed.

 

[AZDAVE]

I have hunted the EC in April, July and August. The planefare was cheaper in April, and a little warmer. July was chilly in the mornings and it was a good time glassing the animals out warming themselves in the sun. The end of august it was starting to warm up again. Enjoyed all three safaris. Getting a good outfitter and PH will make the trip successful and enjoying. Hunted with @BLAAUWKRANTZ safaris in 2013. @KMG Hunting Safaris in 2021 and 2022.

 

[Firebird]

Have been happily remembering crazy rainstorms during the night in July and several times dense mist in the morning. The animals would be out in profusion late into the next morning standing in the sun trying to warm and dry themselves. Great memories!

 

[Wiley64]

We went in June and it was pretty cold! I’d prefer May for my next trip

 

[pc3]

Thank you all.

I have written to the provider and opted to take the July 2025 time slot. Given I have an NZ Sth Island Tahr hunt this July and sons later years schooling (between units) to consider this works out best from a cash flow and family view point.

Post a NZ Sth Island July trip 2024 I doubt the EC has anything on that level of cold

Most of the angst was to be honest the 19 odd months wait from now...

 

[Hogpatrol]

Found the pic, here ya go, Nick Bowker's Eastern Cape venue, June 24, 2021.

 

[KMG Hunting Safaris]

Found the pic, here ya go, Nick Bowker's Eastern Cape venue, June 24, 2021.

View attachment 577647

That's cute
Hunting Vaal Rhebuck in the snow here.

 

[Hogpatrol]

That's cute
Hunting Vaal Rhebuck in the snow here.
View attachment 577651

That pretty much sums it up about whether or not it gets cold in the Eastern Cape.