Introduction to Possumtooth

[possumtooth]

Hello to all! Iv been reading threads on this forum since I was 15 im 19 now and am really hoping to go on my first African hunt in 2026 and I need some advice I really want to go on a cow Cape buffalo hunt that's my dream just a Cape buffalo nothing fancy I just want the experience! 1. How much roughly should I save.
2. What is a good way to prepare for a dangerous game hunt gear, practice etc.
3. I'll take really any advice you got thank you!

 

[Mekaniks]

 

[Certus]

Hello to all! Iv been reading threads on this forum since I was 15 im 19 now and am really hoping to go on my first African hunt in 2026 and I need some advice I really want to go on a cow Cape buffalo hunt that's my dream just a Cape buffalo nothing fancy I just want the experience! 1. How much roughly should I save.
2. What is a good way to prepare for a dangerous game hunt gear, practice etc.
3. I'll take really any advice you got thank you!

Talk to the outfitters who advertise on here would be my advice. And keep an eye out for the specials they list sometimes, can be very good deals if you can go at somewhat short notice.

 

[Beck]

Step one, buy a dangerous game rifle - practice, and get good with it. Cape buffalo hunts are usually around 15k when you include airfare

 

[Rare Breed]

Hello to all! Iv been reading threads on this forum since I was 15 im 19 now and am really hoping to go on my first African hunt in 2026 and I need some advice I really want to go on a cow Cape buffalo hunt that's my dream just a Cape buffalo nothing fancy I just want the experience! 1. How much roughly should I save.
2. What is a good way to prepare for a dangerous game hunt gear, practice etc.
3. I'll take really any advice you got thank you!

There are always several cow buff hunts for $2750 to $3000 in SA. This past April I paid $2750 for one as a perfect example. I would not pay a penny more. Trust me on this save a budget to take some PG as follows as well given the cost to get to Africa. Impala $350, Wart Hog $350, Zebra $700 depending on type, Springbok $350. There are other low priced animals that would be exciting for your first safari and so you could take your buff cow and 5-6 animals for under $5,000. Airfare to JNB $1500-$1800 main cabin, Tip $700-$1,000 means total cost for the above $7-$8000

 

[Rare Breed]

Practice shooting of tripod sticks and you will be ready. Once your gun is sighted in no more off a sled only off sticks

 

[Mark Biggerstaff]

Welcome!
Buff cow hunts can be exciting. I have done several. Budget enough for some plains game also. Blue wildebeest, Impala, Blesbuck and zebra are all relatively inexpensive. Plenty of AH sponsors here can accommodate what you are looking for. I think you should budget a minimum of $8000 for a 7 day safari. You should also ask about culls, it will save some money and allow more hunting. I have more fun hunting culls now than trophies.
You will need min of 375 for buffalo cow hunt. See if the outfitter has a loaner for that if you don't have instead of buying one for your first one. Take a rifle you are comfortable with for certain.

 

[possumtooth]

There are always several cow buff hunts for $2750 to $3000 in SA. This past April I paid $2750 for one as a perfect example. I would not pay a penny more. Trust me on this save a budget to take some PG as follows as well given the cost to get to Africa. Impala $350, Wart Hog $350, Zebra $700 depending on type, Springbok $350. There are other low priced animals that would be exciting for your first safari and so you could take your buff cow and 5-6 animals for under $5,000. Airfare to JNB $1500-$1800 main cabin, Tip $700-$1,000 means total cost for the above $7-$8000

Thank you so much!

 

[WAB]

Wow, to be 19 and planning a Cape Buffalo hunt! You are the future of our sport. Rest assured, we will help you in any way possible.

 

[Tundra Tiger]

The 2 biggest things I read - and did before my first hunt: practice off a tripod and leave your ego at home. Somewhere online I read those were 2 of the biggest mistakes American hunters make - not being ready for shooting from sticks, and thinking they know better than the PH.

 

[Tally-Ho HUNTING SAFARIS]

Welcome welcome welcome

 

[Velo Dog]

Greetings possumtooth,

Khomas Highland Hunting and Fishing Safaris of Namibia, welcomes you to the greatest forum on earth.

When you can spare a minute, I invite you to have a look into the Khomas Safaris website.

Best Regards,
Velo Dog.

 

[AfricaHunting.com]

Welcome to AH possumtooth!

 

[EXECUTIVE HUNT AFRICA]

Good day! Welcome to AH!
We specialize in Buffalo Cow hunting! If done the right way, it's just as exciting with a adrenaline rush as hunting Bulls!
You're welcome to reach out!
www.executivehuntafrica.com
Best regards
Johan

 

[Beck]

There are always several cow buff hunts for $2750 to $3000 in SA. This past April I paid $2750 for one as a perfect example. I would not pay a penny more. Trust me on this save a budget to take some PG as follows as well given the cost to get to Africa. Impala $350, Wart Hog $350, Zebra $700 depending on type, Springbok $350. There are other low priced animals that would be exciting for your first safari and so you could take your buff cow and 5-6 animals for under $5,000. Airfare to JNB $1500-$1800 main cabin, Tip $700-$1,000 means total cost for the above $7-$8000

That's a good point I had not thought about a buffalo Cow.

 

[Beck]

I would give some serious thought to a Ruger 77 in either .375 Ruger or .416 Ruger. I took my first buffalo, and only hippo with a .416 Ruger African - those are fine rifles. I also own a .375 ruger, and .416 Ruger in Ruger Alaskan - I like the Alaskan model more because it has a shorter barrel, and it's stainless. I don't have a Ruger Guide gun, but I am sure that would be a fine choice as well. PM me if you need any help.

https://www.gunbroker.com/All/search?Keywords=.375%20ruger&Sort=13&PageSize=96

https://www.gunbroker.com/All/search?Keywords=.416%20ruger&Sort=13&PageSize=96

 

[Nyati]

 

[FIELD ETHOS]

Welcome to AH! Glad to have you on board.

 

[RIGBY]

Welcome to AH, this place is full of enablers!

 

[Sabre]

Welcome! As some others have said, it would be worth it to save some extra budget for a few plains game animals. They are very fun to hunt and wouldn't add a lot to your overall trip. As a very rough example:

Flight and hotels: $2,500
Tips: $1,500
Cow Buffalo Hunt: $3,000
Total: $7,000

Add 3 plains game animals for $500 each, say, Impala, Warthog, Blesbok.

Now the total is $8,500. But, you got to hunt 4 animals for that price vs. 1 for $7,000.

To save money and get to maximize the animals you hunt, look at adding cull animals instead of trophy animals.