First time safari for one year anniversary

[Dylancadby23]

Hey guys, looking to do my first Africa trip, very soon, August-September this year! I know we’re last minute, but my wife knows it’s been my dream and just suggested it. We are newly weds and just bought a house so budget is a factor, but I do have specific things I’m looking for and it may not even be realistic, but I’m new and overwhelmed with planning honestly. I’ve talked to a ton of people who have went and talked to a couple different safaris at sportsman shows.

Here’s what I’m looking for: Trophy kudu 50”+, a big sable 38”+, a nice gemsbok, and a zebra. Those are the animals I for sure want. I may add once I get there, but I want those for sure. I’d also love to try some night hunting for jackals or caracal or other stuff. Since my wife is going and it will be our first anniversary I’d love for it to be a very nice, all inclusive type lodge. Good food, nice place to sleep, and things for her to see and do if she decides to sleep in and not come hunting a couple days. I’d love a surprise candle lit dinner with wine or picnics during sunset and stuff for her on a couple days. Maybe take a day or 2 to go see lions or baby animals or any beautiful places worth going to see. I don’t want to make everything about me, I want her to enjoy herself and be treated like a queen! I know the animals I want aren’t cheap, but I’ve gotten a quote from a couple places. One place named Mount Carmel I met at the sportsman show I’ve been in serious talks with. Everything he’s said and shown me has been great, but not a ton of reviews online. I DO NOT want to travel hours to hunting locations. 30-45 minutes max. I want it to be like a honeymoon for my wife, but I get to hunt dream animals as well.

I don’t want pricing with hidden fees once I get there, I want to know what I’d spend total over there for what I want, both me and my wife’s stay, gun rental, airport pickup/ drop off, trophy fees, cleaning everything. If I add something I get it’ll be extra, and I know I’ll be responsible for flights, and taxidermy. It may be unrealistic and if so I do understand, I may have to wait and put the trip off, but I didn’t want to spend more then $10,000ish before flights and taxidermy, because I know that will add a lot!

This is just a dream trip of mine and thankfully my wife supports the idea of doing it and getting to experience it with me! So I definitely want her to be pleasantly surprised with stuff for her to enjoy herself as well!
Thanks guys!

 

[Mtn_Infantry]

Reviews aren’t everything. I’ve hunted with an outfitter who has zero reviews, no website, no online information, and doesn’t go to a single marketing or Sportsmans show. It’s 100% word of mouth and repeat clients.

That said, have you confirmed the size of the property and location for the outfitter you’re speaking to? Have you confirmed it’s all a single property and their claim of xxx acres isn’t actually 40 places that add up to that amount? Ask if their populations are self sustaining or they’re reintroducing any of the species you’re interested in. Ask if they own the place where you’re staying and will mostly be hunting. The outfitter you’re talking to should be able to provide an all-in price for everything you’ve listed (excluding airfare and tip) and give you a very close estimate on your Dip & Pack or Taxidermy costs. Ask your outfitter straight-up if there are any back end costs they’re not listing. Also ask them for their current Trophy Fee Price List and ask if there is any sliding scale on pricing for certain sizes. You’re going to also want to ask for quotes on the 2 day excursions you’ve suggested.

That said, for the species you’re looking at $10k might be pushing it. IMO it’s really going to come down to the outfitters trophy fees on Sable and Kudu, as well as if they charge to add your wife as an observer. Some outfitters will waive this fee if you’re a couple and sharing the same room/bed. If you include the excursion in your budget I suspect you’re going to need to increase the budget a bit, but who knows, you might find an outfitter with an over abundance of Sable who’s willing to cut a deal, or needs to manage their Kudu, Gemsbok, and Zebra herd so can shave a little off there.

You might also want to talk to a few of the outfitter’s on AH. I can personally vouch for @MATTANJA HUNTING SAFARIS and @KAROO WILD Safaris. There are a bunch of other great outfitters like @KMG Hunting Safaris @BAYLY SIPPEL SAFARIS @Bos en Dal SAFARIS who lots of members have hunted with in South Africa. Namibia might also be an option to look at with similar pricing.

 

[Mekaniks]

Planning is part of the fun! dont be afraid to ask questions. We all have a 1st safari

 

[Rare Breed]

Hey guys, looking to do my first Africa trip, very soon, August-September this year! I know we’re last minute, but my wife knows it’s been my dream and just suggested it. We are newly weds and just bought a house so budget is a factor, but I do have specific things I’m looking for and it may not even be realistic, but I’m new and overwhelmed with planning honestly. I’ve talked to a ton of people who have went and talked to a couple different safaris at sportsman shows.

Here’s what I’m looking for: Trophy kudu 50”+, a big sable 38”+, a nice gemsbok, and a zebra. Those are the animals I for sure want. I may add once I get there, but I want those for sure. I’d also love to try some night hunting for jackals or caracal or other stuff. Since my wife is going and it will be our first anniversary I’d love for it to be a very nice, all inclusive type lodge. Good food, nice place to sleep, and things for her to see and do if she decides to sleep in and not come hunting a couple days. I’d love a surprise candle lit dinner with wine or picnics during sunset and stuff for her on a couple days. Maybe take a day or 2 to go see lions or baby animals or any beautiful places worth going to see. I don’t want to make everything about me, I want her to enjoy herself and be treated like a queen! I know the animals I want aren’t cheap, but I’ve gotten a quote from a couple places. One place named Mount Carmel I met at the sportsman show I’ve been in serious talks with. Everything he’s said and shown me has been great, but not a ton of reviews online. I DO NOT want to travel hours to hunting locations. 30-45 minutes max. I want it to be like a honeymoon for my wife, but I get to hunt dream animals as well.

I don’t want pricing with hidden fees once I get there, I want to know what I’d spend total over there for what I want, both me and my wife’s stay, gun rental, airport pickup/ drop off, trophy fees, cleaning everything. If I add something I get it’ll be extra, and I know I’ll be responsible for flights, and taxidermy. It may be unrealistic and if so I do understand, I may have to wait and put the trip off, but I didn’t want to spend more then $10,000ish before flights and taxidermy, because I know that will add a lot!

This is just a dream trip of mine and thankfully my wife supports the idea of doing it and getting to experience it with me! So I definitely want her to be pleasantly surprised with stuff for her to enjoy herself as well!
Thanks guys!

Go with @GAME 4 AFRICA SAFARIS They have a wonderful 5 PG hunt at around $5500 and you will get a kudu, Impala, Black Gemsbok, Zebra and Springbok. They can deliver anything special you want for your bride and both owners, Wyc and Colin are fairly newlyweds as well. The perfect answer to your question. I loved it!!!!

 

[Safari Dave]

I think Mof Venter may be able to accommodate you and your bride.

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www.adansonia.co.za

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[Frederik]

There are a bunch of outfitters on here who would gladly help you out.
@HENRY GRIFFITHS SAFARIS @Tally-Ho HUNTING SAFARIS
@DE KLERK SAFARIS
This is what I would suggest do your hunt in the most remote area you can go to in South Africa yes there might not be a lot of sightseeing around for your wife but the magic of being away from it all and be treated is amazing already.

Take 3-4 extra days and fly down to Cape Town, do the garden route or even fly off to Vic Falls in Zimbabwe for 2 days there are a lot of tourist packages you could do. Kruger Park and adjacent parks and plenty more.

 

[Dylancadby23]

I was quoted at $11,950 for my wife and I. Trophies are a sliding scale, but said he’d wave the trophy fee on kudu. Sable he said would be 40+”. Said we will hunt on 30k acres where we stay, that they do inteoduce some animals on, but also have free range farms close by we can hunt that would be a wild card, but chance at some really good kudu. It would be my wife and I only there at once.

I’m open to any place I just want it to be nice for her and catered to not roughing it, she roughs it at deer camp where we hunt, I don’t want that for her for our 1 year anniversary.

 

[MontanaPat]

Welcome to AH, sounds like a good trip for your wife and you. I sent you a PM with thoughts and if you want to discuss anything I’m happy to help