Game Ranch Buffalo worth it? Or should I just do a Mozambique Hippo/Croc thing instead?

[Scanos]

One question regarding Mozambique. I remember people mentioning due to circumstances over there airlines were not allowing firearms to be transported. I'd check to make sure that one can take their firearms with them if they wish.

There is no issue traveling with firearms to Moz. I traveled with guns last year and will take them again this year.

 

[Bivy]

As others have stated, Northern Mozambique, including Cabo Delgado and the provincial capital, Pemba, were plenty safe for my wife and I in October 2021. We explored the beach and walked to restaurants; no jihadists jumped out of the bushes.

We spent almost two weeks in the Reserve. It was a good time. The only issue was I failed negotiating a fourth buffalo!

If it’s going to be your only buffalo, go hunt a polished up old bull in a wild area. If not, RSA farm bulls might quench the thirst momentarily.

 

[Rare Breed]

Wife and I were talking about how much I have been working, and how much money she has been blowing on stupid shit ( to me, pretty much).

Anyway she asked me if I wanted to do a guided hunt next year in 2023 or 2024, to which I replied yes of course I ado. But I am still trying to figure out the $$$ and location.

I have the sinking expectation that all safaris and guided hunts globally are going to be heavily price hiked in the next 2 years. Probably something like 2013, price hikes plus inflation.

So I had a couple of options and I don't know how I want this to play out.

1. Ranch South Africa buffalo, sable, roan, mixed plains game package and maybe a cull package. Not sure if I would bother shipping it back to the USA.

2. Croc and Hippo and some other stuff hopefully a hyena in wild Africa Zimbabwe or Mozambique or maybe Zambia. Probably try to bite the bullet and get it imported.

3. Small cat or night time hunt, hopefully with a hyena and a big plains game package included Sable, roan and the typical stuff. Try to get it all out.

Not sure if I should do a big bag type of deal or focus on a quality type of deal.

Might just go and do a big bag plains game hunt and stay on for a few days culling.

What would you choose.

Budget is $15-20,000.

The only way I am doing taxidermy is if I got a hyena or a civet.

My last trip to Africa was a long time ago. And I got fucked by the importer and paid for a shipment but it never came.

To me taxidermy isn't that important, as I am the only one in the house that likes it and it will be banished to my office.

Both hunts will be 10-12 days.

All depends. I am a firm believer it is the hunt experience that matters most not size of acreage. I hunted at TSALA this past year on a “ranch” and had an incredible Buff hunt experience. You can do the same for about $10k inclusive of air fare versus your budget of $15-20k. Just what animals you want to pursue. I do not ever want to be a hypocrite can’t stand that in 23 I am going to Zim with no fences to hunt Buff, elephant and bushbuck for around the higher end of your budget

 

[KWALATA SAFARIS]

One question regarding Mozambique. I remember people mentioning due to circumstances over there airlines were not allowing firearms to be transported. I'd check to make sure that one can take their firearms with them if they wish.

There is no issue with the transportation of firearms, there was a delay with the issue of rifle permits during 2019 (in the beginning of the season) but no issues during 2020 because there was no season;-) 2021 went without a hitch, none of the hunting areas have been near any of the highly isolated issues, in fact my family and I are planning a break to Pemba to conduct some business and spend a couple of days at a beach house. That is myself, Lindie (my wife) and our 11 and 7 year old daughters.

All our guides and vehicles come up from SA and or through Zim by road many of the areas do not have rest stops or guest houses and we often spend and evening in a tent or the truck on route to our block, with that said we can only indicate our constant exposure to Moz, it’s people and the goings on which I believe to be a better reflection than any release made by the US state department.
If you had to travel according to US.Gov travel advisories you would be hard pressed to find anywhere deemed safe, whether that be SA (drought, riots, COVID) Windhoek (murders) which is silly or Moz, Zimbabwe, Zambia.

I believe the most prudent decision would be to communicate with travelers/hunters experienced in the countries you are looking at and to draw on that.

As far as your decision to pick a specific country for your safari that will depend on what you are looking for in terms of experience and of course each individual’s budget. I do believe that by paying due diligence that you will find the right match and have a great time.

The vast majority of operations in Southern Africa deliver what they commit to.

PS.
For a while there was a moretorium on firearms from SA, Zim, etc but it was not hunting firearm related.
Best J

 

[Tanks]

...

PS.
For a while there was a moretorium on firearms from SA, Zim, etc but it was not hunting firearm related.
Best J

That's what I was talking about. Friends and I even laughed about it saying double rifles wouldn't make much difference for the rebels. But it was a blanket moratorium, glad it is over.

 

[thi9elsp]

I would like to clarify on budget. Is that just for hunting including day rates, taxes, trophy fees and tips? Is that for you and your wife as an observer? If so, I would suggest the experience of Namibia Caprivi with own use would be hard to beat and you could go see Victoria Falls.

If you are including airfare, etc. too, then that budget may be a bit thin to do what you're describing. I've provided a spreadsheet to others. I have 'fictional' numbers entered as placeholders which you can then replace to get a real budget for the overall trip. If you want a copy PM me and I will provide it to you.

 

[KWALATA SAFARIS]

Great tool! What is the true cost of your safari. I might even use it for our family vacations…. You know just to keep the missus inline

best
Jaco

I would like to clarify on budget. Is that just for hunting including day rates, taxes, trophy fees and tips? Is that for you and your wife as an observer? If so, I would suggest the experience of Namibia Caprivi with own use would be hard to beat and you could go see Victoria Falls.

If you are including airfare, etc. too, then that budget may be a bit thin to do what you're describing. I've provided a spreadsheet to others. I have 'fictional' numbers entered as placeholders which you can then replace to get a real budget for the overall trip. If you want a copy PM me and I will provide it to you.

 

[spike.t]

Great tool! What is the true cost of your safari. I might even use it for our family vacations…. You know just to keep the missus inline

best
Jaco

You keep lindie in line.... remember I have seen her thumb print on your forehead

 

[KMG Hunting Safaris]

When you are talking about South Africa, you get Buffalo hunts, and you get "Buffalo hunts".
I'm not for one second comparing a South African hunt with a wilderness hunt, its not the same experience, but there are hunts in SA available that will be a lot more challenging than some wilderness hunts.

 

[KWALATA SAFARIS]

True Marius not all buffalo hunts in SA are drive and shoot, there are legitimate hunts to be had, large tracts of private land provincial parks etc.
Good point you make.
Best Jaco.

When you are talking about South Africa, you get Buffalo hunts, and you get "Buffalo hunts".
I'm not for one second comparing a South African hunt with a wilderness hunt, its not the same experience, but there are hunts in SA available that will be a lot more challenging than some wilderness hunts.

 

[TSALA HUNTING SAFARIS]

Good Day All

Marius and Jaco spot on!!

Not all South African buffalo hunts are equal , some do deliver a quality experience.

Like most things do your homework and research , speak to references.

Happy hunting and enjoy the planning.Sounds like a good problem to have.

Regards

Rouan

 

[thi9elsp]

I compressed / zipped the xlsx file so anyone can access if desired.

 

[revturbo9967]

At a show, I saw a 7 day buff hunt in the Rungwa game reserve in Tanzania in the 16k range. I didn’t talk to the ph, but one of his former hunters. From what he said the interest in hunting in countries other then South Africa has dropped substantially among US hunters , and has increased with European hunters. Surely it’s just an opinion, but has to make everyone wonder what is being sold to a hunter, vs what the actual experience ends up being.

 

[Muskox]

I wanted to clarify the taxidermy issue.

The only way I am doing taxidermy is if it on something like a zebra rug, hyena rug, civet rug.

The rest will just be skulls.

I don't have trophy room or a wife that will put up with an entire house of lifesize african hoofstock from floor to ceiling.

I am switching jobs, and moving states. So I am giving up my 800 square foot office and 800 square foot conference room to be in a cubicle because I mostly work in the field anyway.

Also taxidermy can eclipse the cost of the hunt.

My brother in law is a taxidermist in Colorado. His BIL prices included a 20% BIL discount. Even then 5 or 6 animals at his BIL price end up coming very close to $7500-9500. Because he is my brother in law, my sister won't allow me to give them tons of work at that big of a discount.

So I end up going to the local guy, and paying full retail as he is a state champion.

Box of skulls cleaned in Africa and bleached by me at home, are just the cost of getting them back.

 

[Muskox]

Also why would you ever bring your wife on an African safari?

I like my wife a lot, but f** that!

 

[Rare Breed]

Good Day All

Marius and Jaco spot on!!

Not all South African buffalo hunts are equal , some do deliver a quality experience.

Like most things do your homework and research , speak to references.

Happy hunting and enjoy the planning.Sounds like a good problem to have.

Regards

Rouan

+1 with TSALA I had an incredible experience working and walking my butt off up the mountains then down the mountains…the greatest hunting experience of my life!!! If you want SA TSALA is incredible!!!

 

[Red Leg]

At a show, I saw a 7 day buff hunt in the Rungwa game reserve in Tanzania in the 16k range. I didn’t talk to the ph, but one of his former hunters. From what he said the interest in hunting in countries other then South Africa has dropped substantially among US hunters , and has increased with European hunters. Surely it’s just an opinion, but has to make everyone wonder what is being sold to a hunter, vs what the actual experience ends up being.

I am not following your last statement.

Of total US hunters going to Africa each year, I have no doubt the vast majority or headed to SA. Namibia likely runs second. It is safe, easy and predictable. The hunter, and often friends or family, can do anything from boutique hotel-like lodge to a replicated East African field experience (but with ensuite facilities ) and everything between. I think the vast majority of those outfitters deliver what they promise. There likely is vast room for interpretation when terms like "authentic" African experience get tossed about.

I have no idea percentages of European hunters going to more challenging destinations, but I would guess it is likely much higher (total numbers probably would be a different thing). I suspect that this may have something to do with traditional European interest in "adventure tourism" and general familiarity and comfort with international travel. I do know that my Mozambique friends guide as many Europeans in recent years than Americans.

 

[revturbo9967]

I am not following your last statement.

Of total US hunters going to Africa each year, I have no doubt the vast majority or headed to SA. Namibia likely runs second. It is safe, easy and predictable. The hunter, and often friends or family, can do anything from boutique hotel-like lodge to a replicated East African field experience (but with ensuite facilities ) and everything between. I think the vast majority of those outfitters deliver what they promise. There likely is vast room for interpretation when terms like "authentic" African experience get tossed about.

I have no idea percentages of European hunters going to more challenging destinations, but I would guess it is likely much higher (total numbers probably would be a different thing). I suspect that this may have something to do with traditional European interest in "adventure tourism" and general familiarity and comfort with international travel. I do know that my Mozambique friends guide more Europeans in recent years than Americans.

I should have elaborated, I’m recovering from an eye infection and screen time doesn’t last long. There were quite a few South African outfits at the show offering Buffalo hunts. When talking to one of the Eastern Cape outfits(which my father in law has hunted with) they went out of their way to tell him and myself their Buffalo hunts will not be enjoyable. They will not be conducted on their lands and they may be on a small piece of property hours away from theirs. They only offer those hunts for returning clients whom are comfortable with them. She went on to talk about the game farming and what we would call put and take operations. I was happy to hear someone be so upfront about things over there. It got me thinking of what has been discussed here many times on South African outfits selling a hunt which may be passed off as a wilderness experience. My father in law did not know there were fences in SA before hunting there and he was shocked when he saw them. He had a good hunt and all was well but I think he had different expectations. Much of that was due to lack of research. His friend did the booking and I’m not sure he spoke to the outfitter prior to arrival. Clearly not the outfits fault for his expectations not being met and as I write this, I’m curious if this is why she was extra up front about things.
To your point , European hunters most likely will be more apt to hunt other areas due to being more accustomed to international travel and wanting that wild travel experience. But it has me wondering if the average US hunter does not care about those sorts of expierences, or they’re being led down a false path which is why they chose SA over another area.

 

[Tanks]

...
Of total US hunters going to Africa each year, I have no doubt the vast majority or headed to SA. Namibia likely runs second. It is safe, easy and predictable. The hunter, and often friends or family, can do anything from boutique hotel-like lodge to a replicated East African field experience (but with ensuite facilities ) and everything between. I think the vast majority of those outfitters deliver what they promise. There likely is vast room for interpretation when terms like "authentic" African experience get tossed about.
...

I liken RSA hunting to an entry level drug in regards to African hunting. While personally not for me, I recommend it to anyone thinking of an African hunting experience on the cheap (talking about the cost). I have forwarded hunting links from this site to people I know emphasizing how a week in RSA costs less than a guided Elk hunt in Montana.

Hopefully, a percentage of those would graduate to free range hunting elsewhere.

 

[Scott CWO]

Wife and I were talking about how much I have been working, and how much money she has been blowing on stupid shit ( to me, pretty much).

Anyway she asked me if I wanted to do a guided hunt next year in 2023 or 2024, to which I replied yes of course I ado. But I am still trying to figure out the $$$ and location.

I have the sinking expectation that all safaris and guided hunts globally are going to be heavily price hiked in the next 2 years. Probably something like 2013, price hikes plus inflation.

So I had a couple of options and I don't know how I want this to play out.

1. Ranch South Africa buffalo, sable, roan, mixed plains game package and maybe a cull package. Not sure if I would bother shipping it back to the USA.

2. Croc and Hippo and some other stuff hopefully a hyena in wild Africa Zimbabwe or Mozambique or maybe Zambia. Probably try to bite the bullet and get it imported.

3. Small cat or night time hunt, hopefully with a hyena and a big plains game package included Sable, roan and the typical stuff. Try to get it all out.

Not sure if I should do a big bag type of deal or focus on a quality type of deal.

Might just go and do a big bag plains game hunt and stay on for a few days culling.

What would you choose.

Budget is $15-20,000.

The only way I am doing taxidermy is if I got a hyena or a civet.

My last trip to Africa was a long time ago. And I got fucked by the importer and paid for a shipment but it never came.

To me taxidermy isn't that important, as I am the only one in the house that likes it and it will be banished to my office.

Both hunts will be 10-12 days.

I say go with a wilderness hunt in Moz, Zim or Zambia. If going to SA, just make sure it’s a big property with buffalo that are self-sustaining and not stocked each year.

You can PM me for specific recommendations on places and PHs I have used. Good luck and let us all know how it goes!