Late Season hunting in South Africa?

[Outdoorbound]

Well, was scheduled to arrive in SA on July 19th, obviously plans have changed dang it. My question for the group is how many have hunted late season say, September, October or November? SAA is currently allowing those with purchased flights to re-book, with completed travel, before February 28, 2021. This leaves me in a weird spot. My scheduled trip is paid in full and with a fear of serious economic impacts to the SA region i'm seriously considering a late season hunt this year (If folks from the US are allowed in). Are there some members that have hunted late that wouldn't mind sharing their experiences so i can make a better educated decision. I have always hunted early season, Mid April to mid May and was wondering what the difference might be. Thanks in advance for information you can provide.

 

[Albert GRANT]

I hunted in mid sept, not really late season I'd say, and it was great. They had gotten a little rain just before I got there and everything had greened up. Unfortunately I brought the hot weather with me and it was 95 degrees for half the week which brought the snakes out. They said is was very unusual though and the hunting was still good.

 

[BRICKBURN]

@Outdoorbound I am glad you are doing some positive planning around this damned virus.

 

[Outdoorbound]

@BRICKBURN Need to find the best possible way to socially distance myself right into the heart of Kudu country!

 

[Hogpatrol]

It depends on what part of RSA. Some areas are very hot, in the 90's during the daytime. BTDT in the Great Karoo and wouldn't hunt there in our fall, their springtime.

 

[sierraone]

I'm scheduled to depart on 13 Sep. I paid up back in November, so I leaving everything as is for now and hope for the best.

 

[shark_za]

If you get here before the rains it can offer good visibility. Like others have said it can be a bit hot at midday and there will be more snakes around.
All can be managed.

 

[Nyati]

I am planning for September, if....we are allowed to.

I have hunted in late September/early October four time, no issues.

 

[gillettehunter]

If it was me I wouldn't get in too big of a hurry to cancel your hunt/flights in July. There is a chance that this virus acts a lot like the flue and recedes in the summer. I am praying that we have stabilized and are somewhat normal by then. For a July 19th hunt I'd wait until at least June to worry about it at all. But thats me. YMMV
Bruce

 

[Outdoorbound]

Should have proof read my original post a little better. Our scheduled Arrival is April 19, 2020, not July 19, SAA direct out of JFK. I have a million dates in my head as we are trying to figure out the best time to attempt to reschedule.

 

[Hogpatrol]

If it was me I wouldn't get in too big of a hurry to cancel your hunt/flights in July. There is a chance that this virus acts a lot like the flue and recedes in the summer. I am praying that we have stabilized and are somewhat normal by then. For a July 19th hunt I'd wait until at least June to worry about it at all. But thats me. YMMV
Bruce

July is winter in the Southern Hemisphere and in some areas temps down in the 20s F at night.

 

[cls]

I have hunted both Limpopo and the Eastern Cape at the end of September and enjoyed both hunts, in the mountains you can expect cool mornings 0C and mild afternoons, the Karoo was mid to high 20s C. The hunting was exceptional.

 

[Hogpatrol]

For late year hunting in RSA, think deer, antelope and elk hunting in the summer here. Animals are pregnant and birthing. BTDT, never again.

 

[Outdoorbound]

For late year hunting in RSA, think deer, antelope and elk hunting in the summer here. Animals are pregnant and birthing. BTDT, never again.

I never even thought of that. Definitely something to consider.

 

[cls]

In most cases you wouldn't be targeting females anyway unless you were on a cull hint and the outfitter would strictly regulated that.

 

[mdwest]

If it was me I wouldn't get in too big of a hurry to cancel your hunt/flights in July.

Ive got mid july dates this year as well..

Im not canceling anything just yet.. I think we'll wait until early May at least.. might even wait until early June before we call any shots.. and just watch what both the US govt and the SA govt do in the meantime...

I think its still very possible that the world will be back to normal by July.. and that we'll be back on a path to normal within a month or two..

 

[jduckhunter]

I'm scheduled to depart for Joberg April 12 so I'm making alternative plans a while.

 

[Hogpatrol]

Supposed to go in May to RSA but from what I'm deducing, they'll be on lockdown until the whole virus thing blows over completely. Realistically I don't see that happening until mid summer here in the U.S. I did check with my outfitter/PH and a reschedule won't be a problem.

 

[IA diver]

Hunted with Karoo Wild Safaris early October 2018 and it was wonderful. They had had some rains, flowers were blooming, grass was greening up and it was great shorts weather but never hot. We were supposed to go to Bos en Dal mid May for 2 weeks for a change of scenery other than the EC for a change but this of course is doubtful at present time. November would be my only backup dates.

 

[sestoppelman]

Be there in September myself the latest I have gone before, looking forward to it. Hope it works out and hope you can get your hunt in.