How to decide? Botswana or Namibia

[Muskox]

I hunted Namibia years ago (20), I want to go back. I have hunted all over the world, mostly in Europe, Australia and the USA.

I live in Europe for the time being and I am trying to figure out a safari for 2026.

The end result I want:

Lots of shooting, a few nice trophies (skulls and skins (zebra) only).

Obviously Namibia is cheaper than Botswana mostly. Though there seems to be some options in Botswana that are close.

A Kalahari hunt out of Maun, wouldn't be super different than a Namibian hunt as far as wildlife and the experience. Except Botswana should be/would be wilder.

A Tuli Block hunt would be a wilder version of a hunt in Limpopo.

I am leaning toward the Tuli block, but I really don't know.

Going for a week probably in June or July of 2026.

Wife and kids are not coming. An annoyance but the wife would ruin the hunt, and she won't let the kids come. All girls, but they are super interested in the adventure.

A high volume cull hunt with a couple of big trophies would fit the bill.

I would love to do a hyena hunt as it is offered in Namibia.

I also know that I'll go back in 2027 or 2028 so maybe it doesn't matter that much.

What say you sages of African hunting?

 

[Sika98k]

Definitely in Namibia you can get a lot of Springbok shooting. Oryx are numerous and my favorite animal to hunt in Namibia. I’m heading there in early May for a very reasonable oryx cull.

 

[CamoManJ]

For me, I intend to widen my horizon & hunt new places. I’ve hunted Botswana in ‘24, next will be either Namibia, Mozambique or Zimbabwe in ‘26. Just for the adventure, culture and new country. After all, returning to Africa is what matters. If an opportunity is too good to pass up in Bots, what can I say…

 

[dogcat1]

I have done both. Both countries are great destinations. For big kudu, go to Bots. For serious gemsbok and red hartebeast go to Namibia.
Both has the basicially the same animals in the areas you mentioned.
If you are headed to the Caprivi area, then you get a few more.
For a family trip you cannot go wrong with Kowas in Namibia or Tholo in Bots.

 

[AZDAVE]

How about 6 days in Namibia and 6 days in Botswana

 

[549]

OP, I hope that you don't mind a minor thread hijack.

I am starting to plan my first safari and Namibia & Botswana are on my short list too. In digging through old threads here, I believe I came across one that mentioned a potential negative of Botswana was that for some reason it was expensive to have your trophies shipped home from there. I don't know if that was in comparison to just Namibia, or other countries as well.

Can anyone comment on that?

 

[Muskox]

Thanks, I was leaning Namibia. Just never been to Botswana.

If am booked for an alpine ibex here in Europe. But it is kind of a lottery for the wild areas, and I don't know if I that will happen or not, as they have not released the quotas and they won't until late April.

If I can pick up a cancellation hunt this summer, I will make the decision on what will be first then I guess.

 

[Muskox]

OP, I hope that you don't mind a minor thread hijack.

I am starting to plan my first safari and Namibia & Botswana are on my short list too. In digging through old threads here, I believe I came across one that mentioned a potential negative of Botswana was that for some reason it was expensive to have your trophies shipped home from there. I don't know if that was in comparison to just Namibia, or other countries as well.

Can anyone comment on that?

Yes it cost quite a bit more.

Namibia to Europe is cheap. Botswana will have some more expense.

Namibia to the USA is expensive.

Botswana to the USA will be more expensive.

 

[skydiver386]

Easy decision for me. No Red Lechwe on license in Botswana. The Caprivi in Namibia has plenty as far as I've been told.

 

[Philip Glass]

I hunted Namibia years ago (20), I want to go back. I have hunted all over the world, mostly in Europe, Australia and the USA.

I live in Europe for the time being and I am trying to figure out a safari for 2026.

The end result I want:

Lots of shooting, a few nice trophies (skulls and skins (zebra) only).

Obviously Namibia is cheaper than Botswana mostly. Though there seems to be some options in Botswana that are close.

A Kalahari hunt out of Maun, wouldn't be super different than a Namibian hunt as far as wildlife and the experience. Except Botswana should be/would be wilder.

A Tuli Block hunt would be a wilder version of a hunt in Limpopo.

I am leaning toward the Tuli block, but I really don't know.

Going for a week probably in June or July of 2026.

Wife and kids are not coming. An annoyance but the wife would ruin the hunt, and she won't let the kids come. All girls, but they are super interested in the adventure.

A high volume cull hunt with a couple of big trophies would fit the bill.

I would love to do a hyena hunt as it is offered in Namibia.

I also know that I'll go back in 2027 or 2028 so maybe it doesn't matter that much.

What say you sages of African hunting?

Sounds like fun however you decide to do it. Hyena will not be in the same area as a high volume cull hunt.

 

[Muskox]

Easy decision for me. No Red Lechwe on license in Botswana. The Caprivi in Namibia has plenty as far as I've been told.

That's an expensive side animal.

 

[BryceM]

I think the outfitter and PH will have much more to do with your enjoyment of the hunt than a specific area. From what you describe, I see no problem with Namibia. There are plenty of ranch-style hunts there, but also enormous areas with no fence or only low fence.

 

[DieJager]

Definitely if your into culling Namibia will be the more budget friendly option. Also trophies are good. I am slowly beginning my hunting report. I am by all means no fast writer but had a great time with Hendrik and Trudy safaris.

I also live in Europe. You can DM me if you have any questions. Would be glad to help you out.
Kalahari is also possible in Namibia. Went there and hunted a Duiker, Impala and Steenbok on my last trip. The rest I hunted near Omitara.

 

[CamoManJ]

OP, I hope that you don't mind a minor thread hijack.

I am starting to plan my first safari and Namibia & Botswana are on my short list too. In digging through old threads here, I believe I came across one that mentioned a potential negative of Botswana was that for some reason it was expensive to have your trophies shipped home from there. I don't know if that was in comparison to just Namibia, or other countries as well.

Can anyone comment on that?

My trophies from Botswana ‘24 are on their way to USA, soon I’ll post a shipping report.
(Eland, Blue Wildebeest, Red Hartebeest & Kudu euro style skull & horns only)

 

[549]

Yes it cost quite a bit more.

Namibia to Europe is cheap. Botswana will have some more expense.

Namibia to the USA is expensive.

Botswana to the USA will be more expensive.

Good to know.

Thank you.

 

[kpoynter]

OP, I hope that you don't mind a minor thread hijack.

I am starting to plan my first safari and Namibia & Botswana are on my short list too. In digging through old threads here, I believe I came across one that mentioned a potential negative of Botswana was that for some reason it was expensive to have your trophies shipped home from there. I don't know if that was in comparison to just Namibia, or other countries as well.

Can anyone comment on that?

Shipping is no different. Don’t let that impact you. Shipping in general is way up compared to past.
I’ve hinted both several times… Botswana for Plains game is a Kalahari hunt Southwest of Maun.
If you want the best Kudu hunting anywhere at a great deal..Botswana.
Eland…Gemsbuck, Impala, wildebeest etc. Tracking Eland with Bushmen….

Namibia… way more options and areas depending on what you want to do. Lots of options and outfitters.

 

[kpoynter]

I hunted Namibia years ago (20), I want to go back. I have hunted all over the world, mostly in Europe, Australia and the USA.

I live in Europe for the time being and I am trying to figure out a safari for 2026.

The end result I want:

Lots of shooting, a few nice trophies (skulls and skins (zebra) only).

Obviously Namibia is cheaper than Botswana mostly. Though there seems to be some options in Botswana that are close.

A Kalahari hunt out of Maun, wouldn't be super different than a Namibian hunt as far as wildlife and the experience. Except Botswana should be/would be wilder.

A Tuli Block hunt would be a wilder version of a hunt in Limpopo.

I am leaning toward the Tuli block, but I really don't know.

Going for a week probably in June or July of 2026.

Wife and kids are not coming. An annoyance but the wife would ruin the hunt, and she won't let the kids come. All girls, but they are super interested in the adventure.

A high volume cull hunt with a couple of big trophies would fit the bill.

I would love to do a hyena hunt as it is offered in Namibia.

I also know that I'll go back in 2027 or 2028 so maybe it doesn't matter that much.

What say you sages of African hunting?

What you seem to want.., definitely Namibia. I’ve hunted both multiple times. Culling or higher volume plainsgame is Namibia. Period.
Botswana plains game is all about the Kudu and Eland. If you love Kudu and haven’t hunted Botswana you need to. Tracking Eland with Bushmen…Botswana..
But what you seem to be asking…. Namibia for sure

 

[375Ruger416]

Did Namibia September 2024 with Kowas.

Going back in 2026 and possibly again in 2027 if I can’t stay long enough to hunt plains game and buffalo in 2026.

 

[pimes]

Did a selfdrive trip in 2023 with family - roundtrip Namibia + Botswana sightseeing in combination with hunting - easy going no problems the whole way - a bit camping and some farmstays ...
Was hunting in Botswana in Ghanziarea ( one of best Kuduhunting Africa has to offer - but also a lot of other PG - area is flatt not so spektakular Namibia can be ...) - Namibia a lot of options

 

[kpoynter]

Did a selfdrive trip in 2023 with family - roundtrip Namibia + Botswana sightseeing in combination with hunting - easy going no problems the whole way - a bit camping and some farmstays ...
Was hunting in Botswana in Ghanziarea ( one of best Kuduhunting Africa has to offer - but also a lot of other PG - area is flatt not so spektakular Namibia can be ...) - Namibia a lot of options

That Self Drive to see some of those areas and explore seems really cool. I imagine there were lots of activities like the Dunes and Coast etc