Looking for advice…

[Hyde]

After 2 failed attempts to make it to Africa, I am once again considering this life long dream. Ever since I was a young boy, I dreamed of going on safari. I made a list of my “must have” animals, but now I am rethinking that strategy. I’ll most likely be hunting in Limpopo, and no dangerous game is planned for my first trip. Kudu has always been my number 1, but a great eland would make me just as happy. I would like the opportunity to take 5-6 animals but what I don’t want is to be rushed in order to fill the “list”. I would like 8 days of hunting. I am wondering if it is best to go with kudu or eland in mind, and then just take what is offered for the remainder, or is it better to pick a package deal that may afford a discounted rate and just hope for the best? Shipping costs could also be a deciding factor, and European style mounts is what I would opt for with the horned animals. I’ve always wanted a warthog, but I’ve been told they are expensive to import to the USA. As for rifles, I would most likely just rent a camp gun to save the hassle, but being left handed could be a problem. Lastly, about the only deal breaker for me is I don’t do well in coach. It’s business class or nothing. 37 years of plumbing have ruined my back and legs, and have to be able to stretch out. Plus at 6’4” tall and 285, I don’t make a great seat mate. I am thinking about finding the best airfare possible and then building the trip around that. Do flights vary by season? I am flying from Seattle and would like the fewest stops possible. I would appreciate comments!

 

[Berettaco]

Welcome Hyde.

I hope you get your trip booked - peak season (higher airfare) is usually June-Aug so it you book a hunt outside those times you’ll save a bit. I recommend calling Travel Express to help you find a deal and best times of the year.
The left hand rifle situation might be a bit struggle - I’d definitely check about that with any potential outfits.
Most of the time I opt for euro mounts - I did get shoulder mounts on sables and a Nyala - not a crazy amount to just pick and choose. Warthogs are not expensive to get back - they are an opportunity animal tho, all of mine have been shot while looking for other critters.
If possible, I fly out of Atlanta instead of the northeast. I’ve found it much easier when traveling with rifles.
I’m not sure of your situation but if this may be your only safari - I’d try to hunt a buff while you’re there.

 

[Mtn_Infantry]

Packages can save you a little money, but I think it also puts a little pressure on you to “hunt” what you’ve already paid for. If kudu or eland are your top targets I’d suggest planning a hunt specifically around one of them, or a package that includes them.

As previously mentioned flights are shortest from the east coast and most expensive during June-Aug. You might consider flying to one of the cities with direct flights and spending a day or two there, then flying to Johannesburg or Cape Town. You might be able to break the flight up some where you could get by with comfort+ or premium economy vs springing for Business or First Class which are often similar price as a majority of the rest of the hunt. You can also utilize an airline credit card to build miles/points and redeem them for your flights.

 

[JimP]

Find a 10 day hunt with a package that has the animals that you want. Talk to the outfitter and see if you can swap out some on the package for others.

Then tell your PH the animals that are on your priority list, he'll work his tail off trying to get you those animals. But remember that when hunting Africa that most of the animals are ones of opportunity in that you might be looking for a kudu and a big gemsbok comes into range. If it is on your list don't pass it up.

 

[Neophyte]

Hello fellow right brained humanoid.

I am looking at it as a shopping list. I picked eight animals, three are non negotiable, and got a quote. I’ll add or subtract from there. Instead of Gemsbok maybe I’ll get a Sable for example but I'm concentrating on my three.

I’m taking my rifle. One of them at least. I prefer my own stuff. I’ll share the old lady but not my guns.

 

[375Fox]

I’d contact outfitters and tell them what you want and ask for a specific quote. Not necessarily a package deal but a specific day rate and trophy fee list for what you plan to hunt. I don’t like the stress a package hunt puts on you and being your first trip you’re likely to add some species you didn’t originally plan on after seeing them. Warthog are great trophies. They are a little more difficult to bring home but if you have taxidermy in South Africa do a professional euro mount it’s considered a finished product and not additional trouble to bring home. I’d also tell you to look at eastern cape over Limpopo. Limpopo is very developed and more similar to fenced exotic ranches in Texas to me. Eastern cape is much less developed and larger farms. It doesn’t have commercial feel Limpopo does to me and I think you get a lot more for your money and a better experience.

 

[Hyde]

Packages can save you a little money, but I think it also puts a little pressure on you to “hunt” what you’ve already paid for. If kudu or eland are your top targets I’d suggest planning a hunt specifically around one of them, or a package that includes them.

As previously mentioned flights are shortest from the east coast and most expensive during June-Aug. You might consider flying to one of the cities with direct flights and spending a day or two there, then flying to Johannesburg or Cape Town. You might be able to break the flight up some where you could get by with comfort+ or premium economy vs springing for Business or First Class which are often similar price as a majority of the rest of the hunt. You can also utilize an airline credit card to build miles/points and redeem them for your flights.

I never thought about that. Good idea. I can easily get to Atlanta and survive comfort + for that short flight. But if I can’t get affordable Business class for the long hauls, I don’t think I can make it. I used Jennifer on my last attempt, and will give them my business again this time.

 

[Hyde]

Welcome Hyde.

I hope you get your trip booked - peak season (higher airfare) is usually June-Aug so it you book a hunt outside those times you’ll save a bit. I recommend calling Travel Express to help you find a deal and best times of the year.
The left hand rifle situation might be a bit struggle - I’d definitely check about that with any potential outfits.
Most of the time I opt for euro mounts - I did get shoulder mounts on sables and a Nyala - not a crazy amount to just pick and choose. Warthogs are not expensive to get back - they are an opportunity animal tho, all of mine have been shot while looking for other critters.
If possible, I fly out of Atlanta instead of the northeast. I’ve found it much easier when traveling with rifles.
I’m not sure of your situation but if this may be your only safari - I’d try to hunt a buff while you’re there.

I had that same thought about buffalo, but I didn’t want to rush things, and I wanted an excuse to return. I’m guessing I would want a little longer trip if I were considering buffalo too. Thanks for your reply!

 

[Hyde]

I’

I’d contact outfitters and tell them what you want and ask for a specific quote. Not necessarily a package deal but a specific day rate and trophy fee list for what you plan to hunt. I don’t like the stress a package hunt puts on you and being your first trip you’re likely to add some species you didn’t originally plan on after seeing them. Warthog are great trophies. They are a little more difficult to bring home but if you have taxidermy in South Africa do a professional euro mount it’s considered a finished product and not additional trouble to bring home. I’d also tell you to look at eastern cape over Limpopo. Limpopo is very developed and more similar to fenced exotic ranches in Texas to me. Eastern cape is much less developed and larger farms. It doesn’t have commercial feel Limpopo does to me and I think you get a lot more for your money and a better experience.

ll look into eastern cape. Thanks for that.

 

[Doug Hamilton]

After 2 failed attempts to make it to Africa, I am once again considering this life long dream. Ever since I was a young boy, I dreamed of going on safari. I made a list of my “must have” animals, but now I am rethinking that strategy. I’ll most likely be hunting in Limpopo, and no dangerous game is planned for my first trip. Kudu has always been my number 1, but a great eland would make me just as happy. I would like the opportunity to take 5-6 animals but what I don’t want is to be rushed in order to fill the “list”. I would like 8 days of hunting. I am wondering if it is best to go with kudu or eland in mind, and then just take what is offered for the remainder, or is it better to pick a package deal that may afford a discounted rate and just hope for the best? Shipping costs could also be a deciding factor, and European style mounts is what I would opt for with the horned animals. I’ve always wanted a warthog, but I’ve been told they are expensive to import to the USA. As for rifles, I would most likely just rent a camp gun to save the hassle, but being left handed could be a problem. Lastly, about the only deal breaker for me is I don’t do well in coach. It’s business class or nothing. 37 years of plumbing have ruined my back and legs, and have to be able to stretch out. Plus at 6’4” tall and 285, I don’t make a great seat mate. I am thinking about finding the best airfare possible and then building the trip around that. Do flights vary by season? I am flying from Seattle and would like the fewest stops possible. I would appreciate comments!

I flew from Seattle in 2022. I took Qatar and flew over the pole to Doha, then changed planes and down to Johannesburg. The airline is very good, and they take good care of your guns. You might want to contact Travel Express to book your flights. Jennifer can tell you the best routes. If you are planning any side trips to say Chobe National Park and Victoria Falls she can put that together for you. My wife a he I dud that before moving up to Bulawayo. It is a long trip, and so found it was a help to get a little rest, and show my wife the animals so she would know what I was talking about. I would stay sway from any airport in the North East US. They are not gun friendly. I had a serious problem in NY once and I won't give them another chance. A flight to Atlanta, and then down to SA might be a good way to go but I haven't done that one. As far as animals goes, see what is available after you talk to some outfitters, then decide on who you're going with. Maybe decide which animals are most important to you, then see what Africa offers up.

Good luck!

 

[Mtn_Infantry]

I’d contact outfitters and tell them what you want and ask for a specific quote. Not necessarily a package deal but a specific day rate and trophy fee list for what you plan to hunt. I don’t like the stress a package hunt puts on you and being your first trip you’re likely to add some species you didn’t originally plan on after seeing them. Warthog are great trophies. They are a little more difficult to bring home but if you have taxidermy in South Africa do a professional euro mount it’s considered a finished product and not additional trouble to bring home. I’d also tell you to look at eastern cape over Limpopo. Limpopo is very developed and more similar to fenced exotic ranches in Texas to me. Eastern cape is much less developed and larger farms. It doesn’t have commercial feel Limpopo does to me and I think you get a lot more for your money and a better experience.

I’d second @375Fox advice on the Eastern Cape. I absolutely loved my time there, and he’s right about it feeling a little less commercial. Kudu from the EC can be a little smaller on average compared to Limpopo and a few other areas but a mature bull is still an impressive sight to hold. My experience is their colors and markings tend to be a little more striking.

 

[Ridge Runner]

@Hyde,

Welcome to AH
 
I've imported 2 warthogs and 1 baboon along with several other pieces of taxidermy and haven't had any problems getting my animals into the US.

Since I live East of the Mississippi and roughly an equal distance from Dulles and Atlanta airports and have flown out of and into both airports. I prefer traveling out of Dulles. Flying out of Dulles has been less expensive on Qatar than Qatar and Delta via Atlanta.

Package deals: I figure the number of days I want my trip to be and plan my animals accordingly.
When checking out outfitters I recommend an outfitter that doesn't charge for both your arrival and departure days, only for your hunting days.

Example:
The outfitter I hunt with in the East Cape, RSA offers 7 full hunting days, and doesn't count my arrival or departure days; roughly 7 full days, 2 half days (depending on arrival and departure flight schedules), 8 nights at the lodge. A 9 day total trip.

Some outfitters offer a 7 day trip but you only hunt 5 or 5 1/2 or 5 and 2 half days depending on your arrival and departure flight schedules.

Talk with outfitters, vet them though the forum, ask who has hunted with the particular outfitters, get members opinions and experiences, "The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly."

Figure out your budget: ie
Flights, surcharge for taking weapon(s) or gun rental plus ammunition.
Daily Rates
Trophy Fees
Taxidermy deposit
Tips, if you choose to tip
Souvenir shopping
Snacks, meals, drinks, etc. between flights or while traveling to and from hunting areas or just out and about away from the lodge.

Then discuss with your outfitter what kind of package deal they can offer you. You might be able to add an extra day and/ or another animal.

As previously mentioned TIA expect the unexpected. You'll definitely want to discuss with your outfitter about being able to substitute /exchange animals on your package list for animals on your Animals of Opportunity list. Because you and your PH may see a lot of a species on your list, but not a trophy quality animal.

IMO the easiest Pg trophy size animals to hunt are impala, springbok, blesbok, duiker and giraffe. Warthog depends on the area. The hardest of the PG animals: bushbuck, bushpig, the tiny ten, kudu, eland, gemsbok, lechwe, sable, hartebeest, zebra, and wildebeest.

Good luck with your planning and Happy Hunting.

 

[KMG Hunting Safaris]

Welcome to the forum @Hyde

 

[MATTANJA HUNTING SAFARIS]

Welcome to AH @Hyde!!

 

[USN]

East Cape is mostly free range hunting and several great sponsors here. Check out Nick Bowker hunting. I have 2 hunt reports here, first straight package and second was whatever bush provided. 2nd was kudu and wart hog and filled the rest with animals not on first trip. Feel free to DM with any questions.

 

[fourfive8]

I believe once you have been there, the perception about any “must have” species list may change. The Limpopo RSA is only one among endless choices for Africa.

Which ever long haul flight route or routes you choose, that will prove your biggest physical challenge. Any regional flight that continues from JNB is no different from most any relatively short domestic flight and is a breeze after a good night’s sleep after the long haul. Cannot stress enough using a hunting oriented travel agent like the two most often mentioned here. Also, consider using outfitter’s guns For further stress relief and simplification, especially first trip. Practice shooting off sticks. Ask outfitter the kind of sticks they use, then borrow, buy or make comparable ones to practice with. No need to overpack gear. Daily laundry is common. “Winter” in Africa can be cold so a mid weight jacket is advised for mornings and comfortable footwear is a must. Slightly longer time there is better. The hard part is getting there, the easy part is being there- take advantage.

 

[Hyde]

Thanks for the reply and tips!

 

[Andrew62]

As I sit here in Johannesburg waiting to board my flight back to Dulles in Washington DC, please know this. I generally fly Pittsburgh to Newark then direct to JNB on United. The long flight is about 14-15 hours. This trip, to get a cheaper business seat, I am flying Qatar. That’s an 8 1/2 hr flight from JNB to Doha, 3 hr layover, then 14 1/2 flight to Dulles. The fact that they changed planes and there are no Q-suites on this flight home, nor any Q-suites on the flight over, that is disappointing, then I have to endure several hours of additional flight time. I’ll go back to flying United or you can consider Delta through Atlanta.

 

[wesheltonj]

As I sit here in Johannesburg waiting to board my flight back to Dulles in Washington DC, please know this. I generally fly Pittsburgh to Newark then direct to JNB on United. The long flight is about 14-15 hours. This trip, to get a cheaper business seat, I am flying Qatar. That’s an 8 1/2 hr flight from JNB to Doha, 3 hr layover, then 14 1/2 flight to Dulles. The fact that they changed planes and there are no Q-suites on this flight home, nor any Q-suites on the flight over, that is disappointing, then I have to endure several hours of additional flight time. I’ll go back to flying United or you can consider Delta through Atlanta.

I actually prefer the old business class seat to to Qsuite. I find the leg room when sitting upright poor, and I am a short person. I prefer the BA suite over the Qsuite for sitting up. That said Qatar is upgrading their Qsuites. Most likely the same seat manufacturer at the BA seats for more leg room.

 

[Nyati]

Done 8 safaris, never taken a package.

Daily rate and pricelist, then you choose in the field. If your PH is a decent guy, he will point to you those animals worth shooting.