Need Outfitter Advice on 1st Safari

[BSO Dave]

Looking at outfitters in limpopo area for my very 1st PG safari. I am looking into Tsala, Eland Safaris, Maartens Safaris for a 10 day safari to cover 8-10 species.

How did you come to your list of these 3..?

 

[PROHUNTER001]

How did you come to your list of these 3..?

Spoke to many. Also with recommendations from my Friends @ HSCF, my friend Craig B. Did some research on all. Why these 3? Well as noted by another i could care less of a 6 star lodge with a pool. I'm a hunter. I am seeking trophy animals and adventure. For an experience of a lifetime with a well experienced PH vs a rancher if that makes sense. I wish I could afford a $50K Tanz hunt in wild Africa, but thats not reality. So I'm shooting for the closest thing in RSA. Appreciate everyone's feedback and experiences. It certainly helps.

 

[Flipper Dude]

My $.02 worth? Just pick a reputable outfitter that meets your criteria on animals desired and size of area. Go hunt. Have a wonderful time. Don’t sweat minute details. Paralysis through analysis.

It won’t be your last rodeo


But that’s just me

 

[BRICKBURN]

Thats the million dollar question as the Pricing is @ the same between them all. My question is, does once offer a better experience than the other? Is the property the difference? The hospitality? The experience in the PH? The heard size of the animals? I.e.: age and available shooters? That's what im at a crossroads with. Contacting each with these questions as well as since its my 1st experience its true to say, I don't know what to expect. Just wanting to ensure that its truly as we all long for "the experience of a lifetime" as a 1st experience.

Is the Outfitter your PH?

Get the locations of the property- properties.
Have a look on google earth. It is amazing what you can see. Does it match the story you are being told.

Is your party the only one hunting when you are there? If the entire place is booked for you and your party then great. If you are one of "cast of thousands", maybe you are an extrovert and will love it.

Size of property- properties. Depends on the species how much this matters, but very small enclosures can be disappointing.

How hard is the property hunted? How many hunters? How many per year?

Be specific about what you are expecting. Clear communication will aid a successful hunt.


Here are some questions for you to ponder.
https://www.africahunting.com/threads/better-questions-to-ask-when-looking-for-a-hunt….23825/

 

[Rare Breed]

Looking at outfitters in limpopo area for my very 1st PG safari. I am looking into Tsala, Eland Safaris, Maartens Safaris for a 10 day safari to cover 8-10 species.

Any recommendations for me being a newbie? I've gone over the testimonials for each, all good. Spoken to each, all good. Just lost on whom I should choose and why? Lol From what im hearing from references, all 3 outfits only harvest quality trophies not just a mediocre specimen as that is what im looking for not the 1st thing we see of that makes sense.

Any and all feedback is very welcomed and sincerely appreciated as this decision is a very tough one...hands down.

Thanks everyone.

I can only speak of TSALA. Outstanding experience with a family feel. If this is your first having the family feeling can be important traveling so far from home if you are by yourself. I took a great Buff and 4 PG

 

[AZDAVE]

You have received some good advice from many here.

There are some great outfitter/PH's on AH. Contact several and compare them till someting just fits you.

In limpopo I have hunted with Phillip at Intrepid safaris and Pieter at Motsomi safaris and highly recommend either.

Feel free to PM me and we can set up a call if you would like.

 

[outwestidaho]

When all is said and done, if all things are equal and you cant decide, say animals you want, they all have prices that are close and a location in Africa you want to hunt, than start looking at the lodge and the terrain. We like a lodge that's more rustic or tents even and not just a house. Thatched roof and all. Plus we start looking at the terrain. Is it what you like, more open , more brushed in. Start looking at the fine details of everything and you will have one you like better than the others when your done.

 

[Andrew62]

My $.02 worth? Just pick a reputable outfitter that meets your criteria on animals desired and size of area. Go hunt. Have a wonderful time. Don’t sweat minute details. Paralysis through analysis.

It won’t be your last rodeo


But that’s just me

Paralysis of analysis, great quote and great thing to remember!!I

 

[BSO Dave]

I wish I could afford a $50K Tanz hunt in wild Africa, but thats not reality.

It's not reality for the vast majority of hunters who venture Africa.. If it wasn't for the affordability and logistical convenience of the safari options offered in RSA, Namibia, and similar destinations, most average working folks would never get to experience Africa... You are in good company..!

The only reason I asked about how you came about your list is that how you source your selections is significant in getting the type of experience you are looking for. First-hand recommendations from experienced hunters who have hunted with multiple outfitters are, by far, the best references to rely upon when selecting your outfitter. It seems you have that covered with the personal recommendations you have been given, so I'm sure you will be happy with any of the options you have on your short list.

Some here have also suggested excellent questions to ask along with other valid points to consider in making your final decision that will best fit your personal desires and expectations. Best of luck to you and get ready to make plans for your return before your first trip is over..!

 

[PROHUNTER001]

Thanks everyone. I sincerely appreciate everyone's insight and wisdom. I'll be making my final decision this weekend to lock in dates etc on Monday.

Appreciate it guys.

 

[matt vejar]

Hi,
If all is equal go for the property that is largest. I’ve hunted a 77k fenced property in Namibia. In ten days your going to start seeing the same areas even in a property that large. Also I would go to the place that only hunts one group at a time. You really want free run of the home ranch and all the concessions in my opinion no matter how large!

 

[Rubberhead]

All things being equal, good tie breakers could include how many other folks will be in camp in the evenings. You may want just a handful of other hunters or you may enjoy more of a family experience. There's some down time in the midday so a waterhole in or near camp can provide some photography opportunities. Some folks like to hunt in a Big-5 area so you might ask how many of the Big 5 or Dangerous 7 you will likely see while hunting PG. I'm a birder and photographer so the waterhole in camp was a big deal for me. I'm also not very gregarious so I'd rather only have one or two other hunters in camp in the evenings. Travel time between the airport and camp and the various concessions can start to matter if you really want to maximize your time afield.

 

[buckshot85]

Don't overlook Chivic African Safaris.

 

[Ozishooter]

Hi
I can say you should look at Karoo Wild Safaris . We had a great first hunt with Victor and are going back again this September.
You can read mates(GeoffB) hunt report

 

[Buffalo1]

According to Boddington you can figure 1 1/2 days per animal with a gun. I would go for no less than 10 hunting days. That would equal about 6-7 animals for a good hunt.

I would be discussing expectations and animal quality with the outfitter before I would book a hunt. I would also find out how close hunting concessions are located. "Travel" time takes away for "hunting" time.

I would narrow my list down to 3 solid, reputable outfitters and then pull the trigger on selection. The "hunt of a lifetime" (1st trip) is always the most challenging because of the unknown because of lack of experience. Your second hunt will be much easier decision.

Take a good camera and keep a daily journal. They will both prove to be invaluable for memories and recording experiences.

Wishing you the best !

 

[Berettaco]

To me the biggest factor was and is property size. I’ve only been on two safaris, the first was with a very commercial outfit who churns through dozens of hunters per week and tend to hunt smaller properties about 1 to 2 hours outside Johannesburg. I had a good time but didn’t know what I was getting into. To me, it wasn’t really hunting….
my second trip was with Thaka safaris and couldn’t ask for a better experience. I wanted to hunt larger properties (sticking point this time around) and some free range hunting and they did just that. We hunted the northern end of Limpopo (a few miles from Zim), and multiple properties- at my request- and each was phenomenal. Most were 10,000 plus acres and one was 30,000 acres (That’s where I spent the majority of the time). We did get to hunt a lot of farmers properties which was super fun, met tons of locals and helped them with their warthog control in the crop fields. These guys grew up there and have access to lots of cool places.
All of the animals we hunted were about as free range as it gets in RSA. I’d love to head north for the next trip but it gets super expensive….

 

[Cam Moon]

You've got yourself a "problem" that I wish I had! I am excited for you for your first African safari experience. Believe it or not, all of the comments that you are getting on here are people that are genuinely and honestly excited for you! I think that is absolutely amazing, and the biggest reason I love this site as much as I do!
When I read that you were hunting Limpopo, I wanted to throw another 'hat into the ring' so to speak. But then after thinking about it, I hesitated because you already have it narrowed down to 3 very reputable outfits....and me giving you more choices may just make things more difficult for you! LOL But as it turns out, @Andrew62 already mentioned them. One thing I can guarantee you (from first hand experience) is that Tyron and Annamarie of @MORETLA SAFARIS will go well above your wildest expectations as far as trying to please you, and they are two of the nicest, most genuine people you will ever meet!
That being said, others have also chimed in with other very reputable outfits as well, and I'm not sure that any will be the "wrong" choice. As @Flipper Dude said "It won't be your last rodeo". I will be surprised if you aren't aching to go back long before you even write up a hunting report! .......Which we WILL be waiting for by the way!! LOL (Please be sure to add a link to it in this thread so that I don't miss it) So with that in mind, and with the many quality outfits already mentioned, you can always try another the next time, the time after that, etc..... Some very good advice that has been mentioned to help in your decision is direct and specific questions about what YOU want YOUR hunt to be like. As @matt vejar and @Berettaco mentioned, property size can make a huge difference in your overall satisfaction. (Although I have hunted a smaller property with wonderful people and had an outstanding time!) Another important factor (as many have mentioned) is how many others will be there. As @Rubberhead said, this may be your tiebreaker. What one person prefers may be quite different from another, and in reality it's only you who can really say what's best for you.
One thing for certain, I truly believe that 'whomever you choose, you're not gonna lose!' You had some good choices with the three you had initially inquired about, and you've had several other good choices recommended.
Be prepared to have your life be changed. You are very fortunate indeed!

 

[booker]

Do not know the outfits you have listed. But if you want another suggestion I would recommend Somerby Safaris https://somerbysafaris.com/ I have hunted with them 3 times and will be back in July for Buffalo. Top notch outfit top to bottom.
PM me if you have questions.

 

[Osama Mahdi]

The size of the property play a role.
The outfitter and the PH

 

[Rick HOlbert]

Looking at outfitters in limpopo area for my very 1st PG safari. I am looking into Tsala, Eland Safaris, Maartens Safaris for a 10 day safari to cover 8-10 species.

Any recommendations for me being a newbie? I've gone over the testimonials for each, all good. Spoken to each, all good. Just lost on whom I should choose and why? Lol From what im hearing from references, all 3 outfits only harvest quality trophies not just a mediocre specimen as that is what im looking for not the 1st thing we see of that makes sense.

Any and all feedback is very welcomed and sincerely appreciated as this decision is a very tough one...hands down.

Thanks everyone.

First time trip can be a hair puller, LOL. You're on the right track though by contacting different outfitters. Lots of folks here that can help you with personnel experience. Also contact people on the reference list each outfitter has. Attend the next SCI or similar expo if possible that way you can talk to the outfitter face to face and don't be bashful asking questions. Good luck on your hunt and do let us know how you came out.