Planning first africa trip

[Technologist]

What we (2ppl) are looking for is hunting enough to get 3-6 kills each, with a few trophies and photos to bring home. We're not trophy collectors, rather we're looking for a great stalking experience in a for us completely new environment. I don't know what kind of time frame is appropriate for us. To me a high kill frequency equals less challenge and higher cost, but I've never been to Africa with hunting in mind so I only have a vague idea of what to expect.

What/ who can you recommend ?

Originally we were dead set on a ten day Transvaal trip with a PH that dad has prior experience with, but after reading a report/review we're getting the feeling that some people are very well could make twenty kills in ten days. I would prefer making 3-4 kills, and I'm not particularly concerned with trophy size or exclusivity. What I'm paying for is the memory of a challenging but successful stalk.

Any guidance appreciated!

Edit to add: I'm also paying for and looking forward to a pleasant time between hunts and plenty of biltong.

 

[Bobpuckett]

What we (2ppl) are looking for is hunting enough to get 3-6 kills each, with a few trophies and photos to bring home. We're not trophy collectors, rather we're looking for a great stalking experience in a for us completely new environment. I don't know what kind of time frame is appropriate for us. To me a high kill frequency equals less challenge and higher cost, but I've never been to Africa with hunting in mind so I only have a vague idea of what to expect.

What/ who can you recommend ?

Originally we were dead set on a ten day Transvaal trip with a PH that dad has prior experience with, but after reading a report/review we're getting the feeling that some people are very well could make twenty kills in ten days. I would prefer making 3-4 kills, and I'm not particularly concerned with trophy size or exclusivity. What I'm paying for is the memory of a challenging but successful stalk.

Any guidance appreciated!

Edit to add: I'm also paying for and looking forward to a pleasant time between hunts and plenty of biltong.

Technologist give us just a little more info when are you wanting to hunt and the 2ppl father son/daughter husband and wife or just 2 hunting buddies? This will make it easier to work up a deal for you. Thanks Bob

 

[Technologist]

Father and son. I am the son. We're looking at first half of 2014.

 

[Cliffy]

The fun starts now with the planing. This will be half the fun of the trip'
Read all you can in the archives on this forum about first trips to Africa. Search for my threads under 'cliffy".
There is a lot of information and you have a lot of learning to do in a few months. 6 month lead time on booking a hunt is a very short time but it can be done.
All animals are not in all places so learn what you want to collect and then let that be your guide to where you want to go. South Africa and Namibia are the best for your first hunt. Both are very good and both are different. You can ask any questions you want right here and they will be answered by some of the best and nicest hunters on the forum. There are no stupid questions here and no one will stab you for asking questions here.
We all have our favorites of who and where to hunt with but you will have to decide what is best for you. I'll gladly share my thoughts with you if want.
Enjoy the ride and welcome to the best forum on the net.

 

[BnC 04]

Excellent advise Cliffy. I will add that if you are sending out info requests to outfitters now, be patient as most are in the heart of their hunting seasons.
We have several good folks on here that can lead you in the right direction with what you are wishing to get out of your first trip over (one already posted in your thread-BobP). Best of luck and enjoy the ride.

 

[Code4]

Technologist,

I have had two payed hunting trips to South Africa and like you prefer a good stalk with 1-2 nice trophy 'target' animal. I usually add a few (cheaper) cull animals to round out my time there. These are usually available at reduced prices but provide just as good a hunt.

It is very easy to drive around some properties and concessions and collect 20 animals in 10 days. I usually view these opportunities as less than fair chase, but I don't begrudge others for doing so. If you are aged, hurt yourself or become sick, often it is the only way to get your moneys worth.

When planning your safari be very specific that you want to get off the truck and stalk your animals. The PH is not a mind reader and even the smallest detail has to be communicated. You can request anything you like and usually a compromise needs to be reached with the P/H outfitter. Spotting the animal from a vehicle and then 'walking them up' is a common practise.

Don't be put off by smaller areas that are fenced. If you are going to stalk, the 'wee beasties' they can be well educated to hunting and very elusive.

There can sometimes be a generic quality to hunts for sale, so pick somewhere that visually appeals to you. If the Lowveldt 'looks like Africa' to you, then hunt there. During correspondence, usually a few outfitters will leap out as being your kind of person you want to hunt with. Pick your target species, where you want to hunt and then send out emails of enquiry.

When you leave don't worry to much. The plans are made, things will go wrong as it is Africa, just relax and enjoy the experience with your father.

Try Chris Troskie. A few here and myself recommend him.

Edit: Side trips are a great idea. Cape Town is spectacular, avoid Sun City like the plague (very Kitsch). Your PH will have a travel contact to help you. A ten day split hunt (in two locations) can be done as long as they aren't geographically too far apart.

 

[Bobpuckett]

PM sent to you.

 

[Patrick R]

PM send.

 

[KMG Hunting Safaris]

Hi Technologist,
Welcome to the forum! Hope that you enjoy your time here with us. Great Community!

Take Care,
Marius Goosen

 

[Technologist]

Hello,

THANK YOU to everybody who has sent me an offer! I'm sorry for not replying to each individual offer, let's just say I've gotten quite a few!

The trip is now booked! In the end a major deciding factor, right or wrong, ended up being that the outfitter we picked had had quite a few of our nationals as customers. Thus, there were reviews in our own language by people with the same hunting customs and hunting culture as ourselves. Perhaps if my father and I had been more experienced or daring, we would have taken one of the other very generous offers.

 

[KWALATA SAFARIS]

Welcome to AH enjoy the planing it is almost as good as the true safari experience itself.....

My best always