Hunting around the full moon and travel agents

[Jeffrey Masters]

We are trying to nail down some dates for our 2018 hunt in Limpopo.
Optimum time for us, considering our work schedules would be the first week in May

I have heard that it is advisable to hunt during a new moon and not during a full moon.
Does anyone have any experiences that would help make my decision, or just opinions on the subject.
I hate to plan a trip of this size and be in country at the wrong time, thereby making the hunting difficult.
The first week in May is the height of the full moon.

Also, does anyone have any experience using a travel agent for flights?
Gracy travel, and Custom travel were recommended to me.
I have never used a travel agent before, but I have never been to SA before either.
Any experiences of opinions that would help me decide on whether to use a travel agent, and if so, which one?

All of the help is much appreciated!!

Jeff

 

[AfricaHunting.com]

Lori @Travel Express who has been a sponsor and part of our community since 2010 will be able to assist you with your travel. See: Our Hunting Travel Specialist on AH: https://www.africahunting.com/threads/our-hunting-travel-specialist-on-ah.2734/.

 

[PHOENIX PHIL]

I prefer to hunt under new moon conditions whether it be here in the USA or anywhere. But having said that I've hunted under full moon conditions in South Africa. You will still see plenty of animals and have a good hunt.

 

[Jono Joseph]

Hunting around the full moon ( i assume rifle hunting walk and stalk) is really not that big an issue for Plains game..
I would suggest move the hunt on an week either way to put your mind at ease if your worried about it.
In my opinion don't worry too much about it.

Shot Shot

 

[CAustin]

Jeffery I have hunted different moons in South Africa over the years. My sense is that it did not impact my hunts. In each case I got what I went after! It's just my opinion but I don't see it as a big deal as it is with hunting white tail deer here in the states.

 

[CAustin]

As with regards to a travel agent I have never used one but admit that they can be very useful f one is not an experienced traveler overseas. That being said @Travel Express has a very good reputation. In fact, I can not recall any negative feedback concerning them.......but I am aware of many individuals who say Lori and her team have saved the day for them when airlines messed things up.

 

[rookhawk]

You might be chasing your tail, I've thought similarly to you but I cannot separate the other variables.

You're heading into the impala and Kudu rut in May-June. So regardless of lunar cycle you've got brazen, stupid rams and bulls doing their thing. Then there is the weather, unseasonably wet in many areas that may alter their habits and may create more water holes and thus less congregation.

You're going to have a great time and you're going to hunt a lot of game. Don't sweat the moon cycle if you're a few days off.

Regarding travel agents, I know that many like Lori and also Steve. I would say pay attention to what you need as you may not need the agent, or you may.

(E.g- direct flight on Emirates from USA to Jo'burg, you do your own permit online for them. You then need/want Henry for SAPs permit in RSA) On the other hand, if you have connections and multiple airlines, it's worth the $250 surcharge and the occasional higher ticket prices to get it all worked out together by an agent.

 

[firehuntfish]

JM,

You can refer to the link provided for the new (dark) moons for southern Africa 2018. As others have mentioned, a dark moon is not nearly as important for rifle hunters compared to bow hunters. I would only consider the moon phases if you are bow hunting. Even then, it's an advantage to hunt the few days leading up to and after the new moon, but definitely not a deal breaker. I have hunted the fullest moons in May and August, and had great hunts with lots of animals moving especially if it is the dry season.

If you are comfortable researching on the internet, it's actually pretty easy to book your own flights. However, the flight itinerary can get a bit confusing traveling internationally especially if you have connections. Also, if you are going to be touring other destinations beyond your outfitter requiring additional air or ground transfers, an Africa travel specialist can be very valuable. Lori with Travel Express is excellent, as is Debbie with Custom Travel. You can't go wrong with either service.

https://www.africahunting.com/threa...tart-planning-your-2018-bow-hunt.36785/unread

 

[sierraone]

Lori @Travel Express who has been a sponsor and part of our community since 2010 will be able to assist you with your travel. See: Our Hunting Travel Specialist on AH: https://www.africahunting.com/threads/our-hunting-travel-specialist-on-ah.2734/.

Have used Lori for European travel and used her to book my upcoming African trip. So far everything has been fast and efficient!

 

[jacques smith]

Jeff
Use lori @Travel Express. In eight trips with probably more legs than imaginable she has repeatedly saved lots more than her service costs. Also last minute changes are part of Africa travel in my experience. She is always there in your corner. Best of luck

 

[billc]

Used lori at travel express for 4 trips now all with no issue and at better pricing then the ones you list for my trips anyway.

If your bow hunting the full moon will not be your friend but rifle it will not be a problem. I would not let the moon decide if I was going but work around it for bow hunting if possible

 

[cpr0312]

Agree with other comments about moon phases, I have hunted all different moons in SA, not a big deal for PG. I have been to SA 3 times and NZ once and always booked all my own flights, not a big deal if you have a little bit of time to do it.

 

[Red Leg]

Lori is great but I am a huge fan of Gracy Travel. Have used them for a decade for both Africa and European travels - both hunting and tourist. They will cost you no extra to use and may well save you ticket costs. They are guaranteed to save you frustration and worry. And do not sweat the moon. I have noticed no effect one way or the other on plains game, and have hunted every possible phase. If a leopard hunt, then we could have a discussion - but don't worry about any impact on antelope and zebra.

 

[jeff]

Lori went out of her way to help me and I didn't even buy my ticket through her! Her service is tops. I've bowhunted in all moon phases and didn't think it made much difference if the hides weren't over hunted.

 

[Buckdog]

Agree with all dont sweat the moon phase. As regards travel agents I specifically dont use them as i like to control my own destiny and with a smart phone today just download the various airline, etc apps and you are good to go, real time track your bags, flights etc, check in re scedule and not have to try and call some travel agent that might be closed, busy etc.
Now that said i am a confident seasoned traveler but if you feel the need for hand holding get a travel agent. but know for a fact that they can do nothing for you you cant do yourself with a smart phone, ipad, etc. do hire a rifle permit service in JNB, or be prepared to drop some money on the floor for SAPS to find

 

[MT Griz]

I used Lori at Travel Express for two hunting trips to Africa. She will take good care of you and make sure your have the best route and travel that fits your plans. Including gun permits and lodging if you happen to need/want them. I highly recommend her! I would not sweat the moon phases it should not really affect your rifle hunt. You will have a fantastic time regardless. Best of luck and don't forget your hunt report when you get back!

 

[jeff]

A good travel agent can change or reschedule your flights much easier than you can.

 

[billc]

If your flying South African airways use lori for sure as they have a way of making you hold for ever if something does come up and see has contacts. She has always beat gracy on ticket prices and normally by enough to make it worth booking with her. Plus she is one of sponsor of the site for a long time now.

 

[Divernhunter]

I have used Lori at Travel Express twice and she has been great even when there was a problem she got it fixed before we got on the plane. She is 1st class all the way.
I tried Gracy but after 4 phone calls and them not returning calls as promised I gave up. Then found this site and Travel Express and never looked back.

We hunted in May in 2013 and I will be again this year. We almost got run over by an Impala chasing a doe. We had full moon last time and it made ZERO difference on our spot and stalk hunting. Others may differ. I was concerned last time and my outfitter/PH said not to worry. He was right. Came home with 9 out of 11 animals making record book on a budget hunt. I got the SCI Gold #48 Cape Impala also

Book with Lori at Travel Express and do not worry about the moon phase. Just worry about bringing more cash for the added animals you decide you want once you get there

 

[Rob404]

Call Lori then start Packing