Hunt Timing - Month?

[Mark Biggerstaff]

Hi All, new to AH and planning my first trip for 2019 hopefully. I realize that the climate in RSA is opposite that of the USA. But due to my employment field my slow months are January to first part of March. That is best time for me but not ideal times for Africa. If you have to choose during that time what does the experts suggest? The latest I could possibly do is Mid March. What is weather like during those months.
Thanks for your time.

 

[cpr0312]

Welcome aboard @Mark Biggerstaff !

Of the 2 choices you have definitely pick March! If you can do mid March it will be better then early March. January will be hot, march will still be most likely in the 80's and maybe 90's in the day, but pleasant in the mornings.

 

[CAustin]

Mark like @reedy0312 I have hunted South Africa in March and it was great. That year the grass was still high so hunting wart hog was a challenge but still managed to get two. Frankly any hunting day in Africa is a great day. Some outfitters are back from the shows and going full tilt in February so make your plans accordingly.

 

[375 Ruger Fan]

January is bad, a lot of PHs and outfitters are in the US at DSC and SCI conventions, or at the beach. The problem with March is still getting some rain. Agree with Reedy's comments on going as late in March as possible.

South Africa weather info: http://www.places.co.za/html/temperaturegr.html

 

[Red Leg]

Assuming you are talking Southern Africa (Namibia/RSA) - with the US shows, heat and rain definitely not January or February. Suspect you can find someone who can scratch that itch in the later half of March.

 

[htx519]

Hello And Welcome Mr. Biggerstaff,

We begin our hunting season March 1 in our area of the Limpopo province. We take lots of clients each season as early as March. If you are rifle hunting, you can expect excellent hunting and usually warm and pleasant weather. Please let me know if you have any questions.

 

[PHOENIX PHIL]

As has been suggested, as late in your window as possible to avoid the heat. If you find you must go in the January/February timeframe, i.e. show season, there are outfitters who have a team of PH's still in country that can conduct hunts.

 

[KAROO WILD Safaris]

We started hunting in January this year and had some success although they weren't big hunts with lots of animals on the list. I've hunted before in the hottest periods of the year and if your outfitter plans accordingly there's no reason not to have a successful hunt in January or February. March is marginally cooler but can still be hot.

 

[Nyati]

Welcome to AH Mark !

Late March will be fine, but I would hunt in January if I had to

 

[Mark Biggerstaff]

Thanks for all the replies.
Being from Southern part of Texas heat I am used to. I will consult with the PH when I decide on who I am going with. I have learned a lot about Africa in the last couple weeks reading all the topics. This is a very knowledgeable group and thank you for your time

 

[BRICKBURN]

Stick around and ask questions and you'll learn plenty more.
Good luck with your trip planning.