Varied terrain in different countries

[DelRock83]

Hello guys I need some insight on the varied terrain in different countries in Africa...I've heard Namibia and some countries in west Africa is mostly scrub desert vs places like Mozambique is mostly wetlands and swamp vs other places that are mixed with thick woodland....I mean I'm in above average shape so ruggedness and fitness isn't an issue on my part but the hunting aspect I assume would be different depending on terrain and I'm from the southeastern US and I guarantee at least ten acres of my property that hunt on is Mobile delta area with swampy patches and a few dry patches here and there but I'm not gonna be as arrogant to think that translates into hunting coastal Mozambique successfully so what are you guys suggestions as where to go for a first time plains game hunt

 

[jimbo1972]

I hunted in the Eastern Cape of South Africa. Lots of elevation changes and breathtaking scenery. I’m not sure what other parts of Africa look like but I don’t think you will find a better first hunt than Frontier Safaris.
Here’s a video I had filmed that will give you a good taste of what they offer.

 

[375Fox]

Take a look at my hunt reports under my name. Seeing new countries and terrain is one of the biggest reasons I go and I include a lot of landscape photos because I enjoy that aspect. There can be a lot of changes even from one area to next in same country or region too. For a first PG hunt I think ranch hunting in central/north central Namibia is difficult to beat. I also really like the eastern cape South Africa. If you can walk a few miles you can generally do any PG hunt in Southern Africa.

 

[Mekaniks]

Hello guys I need some insight on the varied terrain in different countries in Africa...I've heard Namibia and some countries in west Africa is mostly scrub desert vs places like Mozambique is mostly wetlands and swamp vs other places that are mixed with thick woodland....I mean I'm in above average shape so ruggedness and fitness isn't an issue on my part but the hunting aspect I assume would be different depending on terrain and I'm from the southeastern US and I guarantee at least ten acres of my property that hunt on is Mobile delta area with swampy patches and a few dry patches here and there but I'm not gonna be as arrogant to think that translates into hunting coastal Mozambique successfully so what are you guys suggestions as where to go for a first time plains game hunt

It all depends on what you are looking for....

Namibia has large properties, fewer fences and less people.

South Africa has lots of bio diversity from the Eastern Cape to the Limpopo and everything in between.

Many of the other countries can also offer amazing first trip experiences.

There are many excellent sponsor outfitters here on AH. Use the "Resources" tab at the top of the page and have fun exploring

 

[375Fox]

Just because you mentioned Mozambique. I haven’t visited Mozambique yet but it is on my list. I’d advise against Mozambique for a first safari if costs are a concern. South Africa, Namibia, and Zimbabwe are much more consistent on costs and easier travel to those countries. There are very unique landscapes in all of them. Namibia and South Africa have the largest amount of plains game available.

 

[Hogpatrol]

My 2¢, Where to go somewhat depends on your skill level and how you prefer to hunt. Are you a one hundred and inside hunter or able to reach out to five hundred? Do you like to glass and stalk close or take a long shot off the sticks? Having said that, for a first timer, I'd recommend an outfitter in the Eastern Cape of South Africa. It has various landscapes and can provide both types of hunting.

 

[DelRock83]

to be honest I really don't know what my max shooting range is lol.....I have NEVER taken a shot past 300 yards the nearest range that goes past 400 yards is 2 hours away even during my last tour in Afghanistan of all places I never shot past 200 for obvious reasons lol....so in honesty I really can't say how far I place a shot I mean I'm sure I can HIT from farther but I don't know yet if I can PLACE a shot from that far

My 2¢, Where to go somewhat depends on your skill level and how you prefer to hunt. Are you a one hundred and inside hunter or able to reach out to five hundred? Do you like to glass and stalk close or take a long shot off the sticks? Having said that, for a first timer, I'd recommend an outfitter in the Eastern Cape of South Africa. It has various landscapes and can provide both types of hunting.

 

[Hogpatrol]

Representative terrain of the Great Karoo, in the Northern Cape, RSA. Flat as a pancake.

 

[DelRock83]

My 2¢, Where to go somewhat depends on your skill level and how you prefer to hunt. Are you a one hundred and inside hunter or able to reach out to five hundred? Do you like to glass and stalk close or take a long shot off the sticks? Having said that, for a first timer, I'd recommend an outfitter in the Eastern Cape of South Africa. It has various landscapes and can provide both types of

to be honest I really don't know what my max shooting range is lol.....I have NEVER taken a shot past 300 yards the nearest range that goes past 400 yards is 2 hours away even during my last tour in Afghanistan of all places I never shot past 200 for obvious reasons lol....so in honesty I really can't say how far I place a shot I mean I'm sure I can HIT from farther but I don't know yet if I can PLACE a shot from that far

to be honest I really don't know what my max shooting range is lol.....I have NEVER taken a shot past 300 yards the nearest range that goes past 400 yards is 2 hours away even during my last tour in Afghanistan of all places I never shot past 200 for obvious reasons lol....so in honesty I really can't say how far I place a shot I mean I'm sure I can HIT from farther but I don't know yet if I can PLACE a shot from that far

That's why I'm somewhat jealous of outdoorsmen that live in Texas and other wide open places lol, they have room to stretch out and at least see what thier limits are as far as shooting...but we've got the edge when it comes to fishing lol

 

[375Fox]

to be honest I really don't know what my max shooting range is lol.....I have NEVER taken a shot past 300 yards the nearest range that goes past 400 yards is 2 hours away even during my last tour in Afghanistan of all places I never shot past 200 for obvious reasons lol....so in honesty I really can't say how far I place a shot I mean I'm sure I can HIT from farther but I don't know yet if I can PLACE a shot from that far

300 yards is a long shot in most locations in Africa. If you can shoot 300 you are good. I’ve only taken a handful beyond 300 yards out to 400 yards. The most common range is 100-200 yards I’ve seen. PHs don’t want wounded animals. The closer you get the lower the likelihood of wounding an animal and also a better opportunity to get follow up shots in.

 

[Safari Dave]

For a first time hunt, I would recommend South Africa.

I'm from Georgia.


I would fly directly from Atlanta to Johannesburg on Delta.

Your safari company should be able to make everything easy.


I hunted with Mof Venter of Adansonia Safaris for my first safari.

If you are like me, I was (and still am) used to roughing it on deer hunting trips in the Southeastern U.S..

African safari companies are used to Europeans (no offense intended), so I think you will be surprised at the level of accommodations they offer. (I was)


African PH's are MUCH better than American guides at accommodating hunters.
You can simply tell them what you want to do and expect, and they will accommodate you.

On my first African hunt, I took a .300 Win Mag and a .375 H&H Mag.

The .300 loaded with 180g Nosler Partitions would have been fine for everything. (a .30/06 would have also been fine for everything).

My worst shots were with the .375, because I used a LPVO and really needed a a scope with higher magnification and a larger objective to make long shots (200-300 yards) in low light early and late in the day.


PM me, if you want to, and I will share whatever I know.

 

[grand veneur]

Hello guys I need some insight on the varied terrain in different countries in Africa...I've heard Namibia and some countries in west Africa is mostly scrub desert vs places like Mozambique is mostly wetlands and swamp vs other places that are mixed with thick woodland....I mean I'm in above average shape so ruggedness and fitness isn't an issue on my part but the hunting aspect I assume would be different depending on terrain and I'm from the southeastern US and I guarantee at least ten acres of my property that hunt on is Mobile delta area with swampy patches and a few dry patches here and there but I'm not gonna be as arrogant to think that translates into hunting coastal Mozambique successfully so what are you guys suggestions as where to go for a first time plains game hunt

Africa is a continent, therefore has many different areas and therefore different hunting areas. You don't need a above-average fitness to hunt in Africa. The areas where hunting takes place are easy to access and do not require any special equipment.

If you primarily want to hunt PG, the more or less dry hunting areas of Namibia, southeastern and southern Africa are recommended. If you are looking for a special antelope species like the Bongo or the Sitatunga, then you have to choose wetter to swampy areas. The mentioned Zambezi delta in Mozambique is more recommended for buffalo hunting.

It is not always easy to give advice because you have to take into account whether the hunter who asking the question primarily wants to hunt a special game species, regardless of the terrain, or values hunting in a particular area, dry or swamp, and places less value on the game species.

 

[Sabre]

If you are in above average shape, as you say, I would book for South Africa eastern cape with an outfitter that has concession areas with some mountain type terrain. It's a beautiful area and even if you find out it is harder than you thought, they have out of shape people show up all the time. They will be able to accommodate someone that is in decent shape struggling with some elevation.

I second what someone else said about them being much more accommodating than North American outfitters. So if you get there and are a bit out of your depth, don't worry, they will still help you to have a good time and be successful.

 

[375Fox]

If you are like me, I was (and still am) used to roughing it on deer hunting trips in the Southeastern U.S..

African safari companies are used to Europeans (no offense intended), so I think you will be surprised at the level of accommodations they offer. (I was)


African PH's are MUCH better than American guides at accommodating hunters.
You can simply tell them what you want to do and expect, and they will accommodate you.

On my first African hunt, I took a .300 Win Mag and a .375 H&H Mag.

The .300 loaded with 180g Nosler Partitions would have been fine for everything. (a .30/06 would have also been fine for everything).

My worst shots were with the .375, because I used a LPVO and really needed a a scope with higher magnification and a larger objective to make long shots (200-300 yards) in low light early and late in the day.


PM me, if you want to, and I will share whatever I know.

It’s off topic for this thread, but I have to disagree with you on the reason for better accommodations in Africa. It’s as much for the PH as the client. Long seasons and low labor costs in Africa lead to nice accommodations and good food. A guide in North America might rough it 3-4 months for a few years before moving on to something else. A PH in Africa will hunt 8 months a year as a career. It creates a different environment. It also leads to much more professional PHs than the average North American guide.

 

[TSALA HUNTING SAFARIS]

Good Day Sir

If your first hunt is for plains game I would recommend South Africa or Namibia.Across South Africa you would find more varied terrain and different vegetation than the more arid Namibia.Limpopo would differ from the Eastern Cape or the North West Province especially the Kalahari area.Both countries offer excellent plains game hunting and facilities.

You would also find different areas in Mozambique as our area bordering Gonarezhou National Park of Zimababwe is a lot drier than the area's up north.No swamps , rolling savannah grasslands , Mopanie Forrests and some thicker areas.These areas are predominately for Big 5 hunting with some plains game.

Below a picture of our Mozambique area overlooking Gonarezhou National Park in the distance.

 

[FlyGuy]

In terms of geographical and game species diversity, South Africa blows the rest out of the water. No contest!
BUT… for a first time African hunt, I would point your compass to Namibia.
It’s spectacular!
Desert and mountains in the West. Bushveld in the central regions. Lush and green in the Caprivi. Dry and arid in the South.
Take your pick!

 

[grand veneur]

There are no absolute rules and therefore recommendations. West Africa and in particular Burkina Faso, was also a very good hunting area for buffaloes, lions and various PG. Unfortunately the areas are been lost.

 

[fourfive8]

You mentioned Mozambique… likening it to swampy parts of SE US? I can assure you only the delta or swampy parts of Mozambique are like that. Other parts can be rough as a cob with interlaced dry rocky river beds with thick scrub and woodland mixed within large rock kopjes. RSA has widely varied vegetation and terrain types. Much of Zimbabwe and Zambia (away from the wetlands) are mixed terrain with some heavy woodland and large expanses of scrub/woodland dotted with rock kopjes especially in parts of Zimbabwe. Botswana, especially the southern areas of the Central Kalahari, are relatively flat with vast areas of Kalahari sand mixed with scrub. There is no comparison between the fine, ancient sand of the Kalahari and most other hard scrabble rocky areas of southern Africa.

Much of the dry scrub area in all parts of commonly hunted southern Africa has thorns, both hooked and straight Knock yourself out if considering flip flops or sandals and shorts as “proper” footwear and clothing for hunting

Where to go first time PG hunt? Most go to RSA or Namibia I think. My favorite is Botswana, but that is me and not necessarily any one else’s. It’s a very subjective call.

Pic shows some typical expanse in south central Zimbabwe- thick scrubby woodland dotted with rock kopjes.

 

[USN]

Here is some pics of East Cape, varies in really short drive times. No bad choices, pick a sponsor here. Ask questions and practice off of sticks at 100-200 and trust your PH.
Good luck and looking forward to your hunt report!

 

[grand veneur]

Coutada 9 / Mozambique

Zambezi delta / Mozambique