First time safari for one year anniversary

[Dylancadby23]

Hey guys, looking to do my first Africa trip, very soon, August-September this year! I know we’re last minute, but my wife knows it’s been my dream and just suggested it. We are newly weds and just bought a house so budget is a factor, but I do have specific things I’m looking for and it may not even be realistic, but I’m new and overwhelmed with planning honestly. I’ve talked to a ton of people who have went and talked to a couple different safaris at sportsman shows.

Here’s what I’m looking for: Trophy kudu 50”+, a big sable 38”+, a nice gemsbok, and a zebra. Those are the animals I for sure want. I may add once I get there, but I want those for sure. I’d also love to try some night hunting for jackals or caracal or other stuff. Since my wife is going and it will be our first anniversary I’d love for it to be a very nice, all inclusive type lodge. Good food, nice place to sleep, and things for her to see and do if she decides to sleep in and not come hunting a couple days. I’d love a surprise candle lit dinner with wine or picnics during sunset and stuff for her on a couple days. Maybe take a day or 2 to go see lions or baby animals or any beautiful places worth going to see. I don’t want to make everything about me, I want her to enjoy herself and be treated like a queen! I know the animals I want aren’t cheap, but I’ve gotten a quote from a couple places. One place named Mount Carmel I met at the sportsman show I’ve been in serious talks with. Everything he’s said and shown me has been great, but not a ton of reviews online. I DO NOT want to travel hours to hunting locations. 30-45 minutes max. I want it to be like a honeymoon for my wife, but I get to hunt dream animals as well.

I don’t want pricing with hidden fees once I get there, I want to know what I’d spend total over there for what I want, both me and my wife’s stay, gun rental, airport pickup/ drop off, trophy fees, cleaning everything. If I add something I get it’ll be extra, and I know I’ll be responsible for flights, and taxidermy. It may be unrealistic and if so I do understand, I may have to wait and put the trip off, but I didn’t want to spend more then $10,000ish before flights and taxidermy, because I know that will add a lot!

This is just a dream trip of mine and thankfully my wife supports the idea of doing it and getting to experience it with me! So I definitely want her to be pleasantly surprised with stuff for her to enjoy herself as well!
Thanks guys!

 

[Mtn_Infantry]

Reviews aren’t everything. I’ve hunted with an outfitter who has zero reviews, no website, no online information, and doesn’t go to a single marketing or Sportsmans show. It’s 100% word of mouth and repeat clients.

That said, have you confirmed the size of the property and location for the outfitter you’re speaking to? Have you confirmed it’s all a single property and their claim of xxx acres isn’t actually 40 places that add up to that amount? Ask if their populations are self sustaining or they’re reintroducing any of the species you’re interested in. Ask if they own the place where you’re staying and will mostly be hunting. The outfitter you’re talking to should be able to provide an all-in price for everything you’ve listed (excluding airfare and tip) and give you a very close estimate on your Dip & Pack or Taxidermy costs. Ask your outfitter straight-up if there are any back end costs they’re not listing. Also ask them for their current Trophy Fee Price List and ask if there is any sliding scale on pricing for certain sizes. You’re going to also want to ask for quotes on the 2 day excursions you’ve suggested.

That said, for the species you’re looking at $10k might be pushing it. IMO it’s really going to come down to the outfitters trophy fees on Sable and Kudu, as well as if they charge to add your wife as an observer. Some outfitters will waive this fee if you’re a couple and sharing the same room/bed. If you include the excursion in your budget I suspect you’re going to need to increase the budget a bit, but who knows, you might find an outfitter with an over abundance of Sable who’s willing to cut a deal, or needs to manage their Kudu, Gemsbok, and Zebra herd so can shave a little off there.

You might also want to talk to a few of the outfitter’s on AH. I can personally vouch for @MATTANJA HUNTING SAFARIS and @KAROO WILD Safaris. There are a bunch of other great outfitters like @KMG Hunting Safaris @BAYLY SIPPEL SAFARIS @Bos en Dal SAFARIS who lots of members have hunted with in South Africa. Namibia might also be an option to look at with similar pricing.

 

[Mekaniks]

Planning is part of the fun! dont be afraid to ask questions. We all have a 1st safari

 

[Rare Breed]

Hey guys, looking to do my first Africa trip, very soon, August-September this year! I know we’re last minute, but my wife knows it’s been my dream and just suggested it. We are newly weds and just bought a house so budget is a factor, but I do have specific things I’m looking for and it may not even be realistic, but I’m new and overwhelmed with planning honestly. I’ve talked to a ton of people who have went and talked to a couple different safaris at sportsman shows.

Here’s what I’m looking for: Trophy kudu 50”+, a big sable 38”+, a nice gemsbok, and a zebra. Those are the animals I for sure want. I may add once I get there, but I want those for sure. I’d also love to try some night hunting for jackals or caracal or other stuff. Since my wife is going and it will be our first anniversary I’d love for it to be a very nice, all inclusive type lodge. Good food, nice place to sleep, and things for her to see and do if she decides to sleep in and not come hunting a couple days. I’d love a surprise candle lit dinner with wine or picnics during sunset and stuff for her on a couple days. Maybe take a day or 2 to go see lions or baby animals or any beautiful places worth going to see. I don’t want to make everything about me, I want her to enjoy herself and be treated like a queen! I know the animals I want aren’t cheap, but I’ve gotten a quote from a couple places. One place named Mount Carmel I met at the sportsman show I’ve been in serious talks with. Everything he’s said and shown me has been great, but not a ton of reviews online. I DO NOT want to travel hours to hunting locations. 30-45 minutes max. I want it to be like a honeymoon for my wife, but I get to hunt dream animals as well.

I don’t want pricing with hidden fees once I get there, I want to know what I’d spend total over there for what I want, both me and my wife’s stay, gun rental, airport pickup/ drop off, trophy fees, cleaning everything. If I add something I get it’ll be extra, and I know I’ll be responsible for flights, and taxidermy. It may be unrealistic and if so I do understand, I may have to wait and put the trip off, but I didn’t want to spend more then $10,000ish before flights and taxidermy, because I know that will add a lot!

This is just a dream trip of mine and thankfully my wife supports the idea of doing it and getting to experience it with me! So I definitely want her to be pleasantly surprised with stuff for her to enjoy herself as well!
Thanks guys!

Go with @GAME 4 AFRICA SAFARIS They have a wonderful 5 PG hunt at around $5500 and you will get a kudu, Impala, Black Gemsbok, Zebra and Springbok. They can deliver anything special you want for your bride and both owners, Wyc and Colin are fairly newlyweds as well. The perfect answer to your question. I loved it!!!!

 

[Safari Dave]

I think Mof Venter may be able to accommodate you and your bride.

Home

www.adansonia.co.za

Don't wait around...

 

[Frederik]

There are a bunch of outfitters on here who would gladly help you out.
@HENRY GRIFFITHS SAFARIS @Tally-Ho HUNTING SAFARIS
@DE KLERK SAFARIS
This is what I would suggest do your hunt in the most remote area you can go to in South Africa yes there might not be a lot of sightseeing around for your wife but the magic of being away from it all and be treated is amazing already.

Take 3-4 extra days and fly down to Cape Town, do the garden route or even fly off to Vic Falls in Zimbabwe for 2 days there are a lot of tourist packages you could do. Kruger Park and adjacent parks and plenty more.

 

[Dylancadby23]

I was quoted at $11,950 for my wife and I. Trophies are a sliding scale, but said he’d wave the trophy fee on kudu. Sable he said would be 40+”. Said we will hunt on 30k acres where we stay, that they do inteoduce some animals on, but also have free range farms close by we can hunt that would be a wild card, but chance at some really good kudu. It would be my wife and I only there at once.

I’m open to any place I just want it to be nice for her and catered to not roughing it, she roughs it at deer camp where we hunt, I don’t want that for her for our 1 year anniversary.

 

[MontanaPat]

Welcome to AH, sounds like a good trip for your wife and you. I sent you a PM with thoughts and if you want to discuss anything I’m happy to help

 

[Philip Glass]

Hey guys, looking to do my first Africa trip, very soon, August-September this year! I know we’re last minute, but my wife knows it’s been my dream and just suggested it. We are newly weds and just bought a house so budget is a factor, but I do have specific things I’m looking for and it may not even be realistic, but I’m new and overwhelmed with planning honestly. I’ve talked to a ton of people who have went and talked to a couple different safaris at sportsman shows.

Here’s what I’m looking for: Trophy kudu 50”+, a big sable 38”+, a nice gemsbok, and a zebra. Those are the animals I for sure want. I may add once I get there, but I want those for sure. I’d also love to try some night hunting for jackals or caracal or other stuff. Since my wife is going and it will be our first anniversary I’d love for it to be a very nice, all inclusive type lodge. Good food, nice place to sleep, and things for her to see and do if she decides to sleep in and not come hunting a couple days. I’d love a surprise candle lit dinner with wine or picnics during sunset and stuff for her on a couple days. Maybe take a day or 2 to go see lions or baby animals or any beautiful places worth going to see. I don’t want to make everything about me, I want her to enjoy herself and be treated like a queen! I know the animals I want aren’t cheap, but I’ve gotten a quote from a couple places. One place named Mount Carmel I met at the sportsman show I’ve been in serious talks with. Everything he’s said and shown me has been great, but not a ton of reviews online. I DO NOT want to travel hours to hunting locations. 30-45 minutes max. I want it to be like a honeymoon for my wife, but I get to hunt dream animals as well.

I don’t want pricing with hidden fees once I get there, I want to know what I’d spend total over there for what I want, both me and my wife’s stay, gun rental, airport pickup/ drop off, trophy fees, cleaning everything. If I add something I get it’ll be extra, and I know I’ll be responsible for flights, and taxidermy. It may be unrealistic and if so I do understand, I may have to wait and put the trip off, but I didn’t want to spend more then $10,000ish before flights and taxidermy, because I know that will add a lot!

This is just a dream trip of mine and thankfully my wife supports the idea of doing it and getting to experience it with me! So I definitely want her to be pleasantly surprised with stuff for her to enjoy herself as well!
Thanks guys!

First of all asking for specific measurements will get you sent to small farms with pen raised animals. You don't want that for your first safari. Secondly your budget will likely be difficult to pull off with big Kudu and Sable. It seems you mostly want a nice trip with your wife so why not buy a package hunt that fits your budget? This will likely put Sable off until the next safari. I know you can get a big 10 Day package for under $10,000.
Have fun planning!

 

[AZDAVE]

We did our first safari with @BLAAUWKRANTZ safaris and they have everything you are looking for. Another outfitter that we have hunted with that can put together a nice package is @KMG Hunting Safaris. As @Philip Glass said you will most likely need to put the Sable off till your second trip to keep the package under your budget.

 

[KMG Hunting Safaris]

There are a bunch of other great outfitters like @KMG Hunting Safaris

Appreciate the mention, sir. Thank you.

Another outfitter that we have hunted with that can put together a nice package is @KMG Hunting Safaris.

Thank you Dave!

Hey guys, looking to do my first Africa trip, very soon, August-September this year! I know we’re last minute, but my wife knows it’s been my dream and just suggested it. We are newly weds and just bought a house so budget is a factor, but I do have specific things I’m looking for and it may not even be realistic, but I’m new and overwhelmed with planning honestly. I’ve talked to a ton of people who have went and talked to a couple different safaris at sportsman shows.

Here’s what I’m looking for: Trophy kudu 50”+, a big sable 38”+, a nice gemsbok, and a zebra. Those are the animals I for sure want. I may add once I get there, but I want those for sure. I’d also love to try some night hunting for jackals or caracal or other stuff. Since my wife is going and it will be our first anniversary I’d love for it to be a very nice, all inclusive type lodge. Good food, nice place to sleep, and things for her to see and do if she decides to sleep in and not come hunting a couple days. I’d love a surprise candle lit dinner with wine or picnics during sunset and stuff for her on a couple days. Maybe take a day or 2 to go see lions or baby animals or any beautiful places worth going to see. I don’t want to make everything about me, I want her to enjoy herself and be treated like a queen! I know the animals I want aren’t cheap, but I’ve gotten a quote from a couple places. One place named Mount Carmel I met at the sportsman show I’ve been in serious talks with. Everything he’s said and shown me has been great, but not a ton of reviews online. I DO NOT want to travel hours to hunting locations. 30-45 minutes max. I want it to be like a honeymoon for my wife, but I get to hunt dream animals as well.

I don’t want pricing with hidden fees once I get there, I want to know what I’d spend total over there for what I want, both me and my wife’s stay, gun rental, airport pickup/ drop off, trophy fees, cleaning everything. If I add something I get it’ll be extra, and I know I’ll be responsible for flights, and taxidermy. It may be unrealistic and if so I do understand, I may have to wait and put the trip off, but I didn’t want to spend more then $10,000ish before flights and taxidermy, because I know that will add a lot!

This is just a dream trip of mine and thankfully my wife supports the idea of doing it and getting to experience it with me! So I definitely want her to be pleasantly surprised with stuff for her to enjoy herself as well!
Thanks guys!

Good day Sir! Will you please be so kind to drop me a Private Message. I will be happy to present you with an offer for you and your bride. Simply click on the Envelope in the top right hand corner of the yellow bar and take it from there.

Take Care,
Marius Goosen

 

[jomw10]

Reach out to @GAME 4 AFRICA SAFARIS they will get you an honest quote. No surprises on the bill. Great accommodations.

 

[Ma Baker]

Suggest you reach out to Dave Freeburn Safaris - they are sponsors on this site. Dave runs a great operation.

 

[MATTANJA HUNTING SAFARIS]

You might also want to talk to a few of the outfitter’s on AH. I can personally vouch for @MATTANJA HUNTING SAFARIS

Thanks for the mention my friend @Mtn_Infantry

Hey guys, looking to do my first Africa trip, very soon, August-September this year! I know we’re last minute, but my wife knows it’s been my dream and just suggested it. We are newly weds and just bought a house so budget is a factor, but I do have specific things I’m looking for and it may not even be realistic, but I’m new and overwhelmed with planning honestly. I’ve talked to a ton of people who have went and talked to a couple different safaris at sportsman shows.

Here’s what I’m looking for: Trophy kudu 50”+, a big sable 38”+, a nice gemsbok, and a zebra. Those are the animals I for sure want. I may add once I get there, but I want those for sure. I’d also love to try some night hunting for jackals or caracal or other stuff. Since my wife is going and it will be our first anniversary I’d love for it to be a very nice, all inclusive type lodge. Good food, nice place to sleep, and things for her to see and do if she decides to sleep in and not come hunting a couple days. I’d love a surprise candle lit dinner with wine or picnics during sunset and stuff for her on a couple days. Maybe take a day or 2 to go see lions or baby animals or any beautiful places worth going to see. I don’t want to make everything about me, I want her to enjoy herself and be treated like a queen! I know the animals I want aren’t cheap, but I’ve gotten a quote from a couple places. One place named Mount Carmel I met at the sportsman show I’ve been in serious talks with. Everything he’s said and shown me has been great, but not a ton of reviews online. I DO NOT want to travel hours to hunting locations. 30-45 minutes max. I want it to be like a honeymoon for my wife, but I get to hunt dream animals as well.

I don’t want pricing with hidden fees once I get there, I want to know what I’d spend total over there for what I want, both me and my wife’s stay, gun rental, airport pickup/ drop off, trophy fees, cleaning everything. If I add something I get it’ll be extra, and I know I’ll be responsible for flights, and taxidermy. It may be unrealistic and if so I do understand, I may have to wait and put the trip off, but I didn’t want to spend more then $10,000ish before flights and taxidermy, because I know that will add a lot!

This is just a dream trip of mine and thankfully my wife supports the idea of doing it and getting to experience it with me! So I definitely want her to be pleasantly surprised with stuff for her to enjoy herself as well!
Thanks guys!

@Dylancadby23 I've send you a DM here on AH!

Cheers
Dieter

 

[DERIAN KOEKEMOER SAFARIS]

Good day sir.
We have what your looking for, will send you a DM.
Regards
Derian

 

[BJH65]

I highly recommend Derian Koekemoer Safaris. We recently hunted with Derian last September in 2024 and had a very successful and wonderful hunt! We’re hunting with Derian again in 2026. Feel free to message me if you need any information I’d be happy to give you my number. Best of luck in choosing your hunt!

 

[mneilh]

Hey guys, looking to do my first Africa trip, very soon, August-September this year! I know we’re last minute, but my wife knows it’s been my dream and just suggested it. We are newly weds and just bought a house so budget is a factor, but I do have specific things I’m looking for and it may not even be realistic, but I’m new and overwhelmed with planning honestly. I’ve talked to a ton of people who have went and talked to a couple different safaris at sportsman shows.

Here’s what I’m looking for: Trophy kudu 50”+, a big sable 38”+, a nice gemsbok, and a zebra. Those are the animals I for sure want. I may add once I get there, but I want those for sure. I’d also love to try some night hunting for jackals or caracal or other stuff. Since my wife is going and it will be our first anniversary I’d love for it to be a very nice, all inclusive type lodge. Good food, nice place to sleep, and things for her to see and do if she decides to sleep in and not come hunting a couple days. I’d love a surprise candle lit dinner with wine or picnics during sunset and stuff for her on a couple days. Maybe take a day or 2 to go see lions or baby animals or any beautiful places worth going to see. I don’t want to make everything about me, I want her to enjoy herself and be treated like a queen! I know the animals I want aren’t cheap, but I’ve gotten a quote from a couple places. One place named Mount Carmel I met at the sportsman show I’ve been in serious talks with. Everything he’s said and shown me has been great, but not a ton of reviews online. I DO NOT want to travel hours to hunting locations. 30-45 minutes max. I want it to be like a honeymoon for my wife, but I get to hunt dream animals as well.

I don’t want pricing with hidden fees once I get there, I want to know what I’d spend total over there for what I want, both me and my wife’s stay, gun rental, airport pickup/ drop off, trophy fees, cleaning everything. If I add something I get it’ll be extra, and I know I’ll be responsible for flights, and taxidermy. It may be unrealistic and if so I do understand, I may have to wait and put the trip off, but I didn’t want to spend more then $10,000ish before flights and taxidermy, because I know that will add a lot!

This is just a dream trip of mine and thankfully my wife supports the idea of doing it and getting to experience it with me! So I definitely want her to be pleasantly surprised with stuff for her to enjoy herself as well!
Thanks guys!

I have read your post with interest and can highly recommend Derian Koekemoer Safari’s as an outfitter that can provide what you are looking for. I hunted with Derian in August 2024 and within a week of returning home had booked a return hunt for July 2025.

Derian and his wife Johlene run a really good operation and they can offer a great range of top quality trophies. We took excellent Cape buffalo bulls, sable, zebra, wildebeest, impala, nyala, warthog and spotted hyena. We passed up opportunities on really good kudu while hunting the aforementioned game. It was great to sit around the campfire at night and hear the whoop of hyena and rasp of leopard (which were on the other side of the fence which surrounds the camp). The accommodation is top notch and the food is really good. Also, Kruger Park is very close by and Derian can easily take you there if that appeals.

Derian is straight up and down with all fees and charges - nothing hidden. I believe he offers great value. My trip in July will be my fourth Africa trip. We fly out to South Africa in 108 days - not that I am counting…

Very happy to answer any questions you may have.

 

[DE KLERK SAFARIS]

There are a bunch of outfitters on here who would gladly help you out.
@HENRY GRIFFITHS SAFARIS @Tally-Ho HUNTING SAFARIS
@DE KLERK SAFARIS
This is what I would suggest do your hunt in the most remote area you can go to in South Africa yes there might not be a lot of sightseeing around for your wife but the magic of being away from it all and be treated is amazing already.

Take 3-4 extra days and fly down to Cape Town, do the garden route or even fly off to Vic Falls in Zimbabwe for 2 days there are a lot of tourist packages you could do. Kruger Park and adjacent parks and plenty more.

Thank you for the kind reference Frederik.

Dylancadby23 we have all the animals you mentioned in your e-mail.
We own 8 ranches in total (all of them bordering each other).
We do not lease the properties we own them outright so you are dealing with the land owner directly.
Four of the ranches are open cattle ranches with lots of free roaming animals (including monster kudu) and 4 of the ranches are high fenced with the lodge situated in the middle of the hunting area.
So no long drives every morning to get to the "concession" and no gates to open and no fences in sight apart from the perimeter fence around the 30 597 acres game reserve.

We have harvested several 58 to 64 inch kudu on the free range ranches.
They border on to the Botswana border (4 foot fence which is nothing for a kudu to jump) where there is no hunting pressure allowing the kudu bulls to get very old (and very big).

I think your budget of $10 K is a bit optimistic for say 7 days of hunting with sable, kudu, gemsbuck and zebra and a couple days excursion plus some night hunting thrown in, etc.
My advice will be (as other members have also suggested above) to leave out the sable for a later safari and then you will be able to make the budget work.

If interested send me an e-mail and I can work out a detailed quote for you with all expenses listed.

Sincerely
Hans de Klerk

 

[BSO Dave]

@Dylancadby23

I recommend Limcroma Safaris. My first African Safari ever was family safari they set up and it was one of the best trips of our lives! The main reason we went with them is that they specialize in catering to families and couples. 5-star everything at very reasonable value...

 

[Spear Safaris]

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