South Africa for Australian

[Philip Glass]

I know tipping can be stressful and it's no fun with the uncertainty of who to tip. What I appreciate is the outfitters I've been hunting with allow a batch tip for all the camp staff so it's easy and no one is left out. Then I just tip my PH and tracker.
There are many good outfitters on here so just ask during the booking process how and who they expect you to tip.

 

[Tally-Ho HUNTING SAFARIS]

I know tipping can be stressful and it's no fun with the uncertainty of who to tip. What I appreciate is the outfitters I've been hunting with allow a batch tip for all the camp staff so it's easy and no one is left out. Then I just tip my PH and tracker.
There are many good outfitters on here so just ask during the booking process how and who they expect you to tip.

well said Philip

this is how we prefer to work
this way no one is left out and tips are proportioned correctly

 

[Philip Glass]

well said Philip

this is how we prefer to work
this way no one is left out and tips are proportioned correctly

I like it!

 

[CBH Australia]

Do people already get paid? What about the cook? Or the camp manager? Do i pay the PH more than everyone else? Is a skinner worth more than a tracker? What if a guy is nicer to me, does he get more money?

There are guides on tipping here.
In the end it’s up to you and it’s not something we are familiar with.
I did tip and my hunt was a cull hunt. I left tips and was happy overall with the experience.

You have a couple of good leads here from Aussies that I have met. I can vouch for them but have not met the outtters.

In the end you will have many outfitters offering good service and it just takes time to find the package that suits.

DM me anytime if you like.

 

[Tim Blackwell]

Hi mate
Another Aussie here. I've done 5 safaris in various areas, and have my 6th in under 200 days. Theres a lot of quality outfits, and you'll be inundated with offers.

I've taken a lot of Aussies to KMG Hunting Safaris on the Eastern Cape, they really 'get' Australians and how we like to hunt, and will work in Aussie dollars as well, so no need to worry about the fluctuating $USD.

If I can be of assistance at any stage, feel free to PM me.

 

[Bos en Dal SAFARIS]

@Aus-Lucas

I assume you habe been flooded with messages. If you want to talk about a South African hunt, with limited road travel from touch down to flying back to Aus drop me a pm. Our area is well equiped for both rifle and bow hunters. We have hosted a bunch of AH members at Bos & Dal Safaris.

All the best in planning this trip and booking with any outfitter on here is safe to do so. It comes down to personal expectations of your hunt.

My personal best
Gerrit

 

[JKO HUNTING SAFARIS]

Good day Lucas

We have a package designed for First time South Africa hunters, which I would very much like to send you.

Please let me know if you are interested.

 

[Bob Nelson 35Whelen]

Hello Mr. Lucas
We would be delighted to have you with us.
Over the years we've had a few hunters from Australia.
Exporting trophies is no problem.

We are located in the Kalahari desert.
It is actually only called a desert because there is no surface water but we still get on average 400 mm (16 inches) of rain every year which support a wide variety of wildlife species.
I suppose parts of Australia looks very similar to the Kalahari.

Send an e-mail if you want more information from us.

Sincerely
Hans de Klerk

@DE KLERK SAFARIS
The Kalahari area reminds me of parts of Australia. Infact the first thing I noticed when we dove into our hunting property was the big Australian gum ( eucalyptus) trees at the front gate. The Kalahari is a beautiful area sith plenty of game and some really big gemsbok.
No trip to Namibia is complete without going to Etosha national Park.
Top that off with the really beautiful people and culture of Namibia
Bob

 

[Bob Nelson 35Whelen]

Hey mate
Probably aim for kudu for my first trip and whatever little add ons, warthogs, etc.
I got a ton of messages and im currently sifting through them all at the moment trying to isolate a few top choices of outfitters.

@Aus-Lucas
Mate when you get there you will want more than a kudu .
Black wildebeest a a goofy looking animal you will want, then a blue wildebeest to go with it
Don't forget the majestic gemsbok/ oryx.
Your brain will go into overdrive deciding on game when you get there.
Don't forget a beautiful zebra to go with the others.
Just saying
Bob

Just a few of mine plus kudu and impala. So do just settle for kudu.
Happy hunting Lucus. Half the fun is planning your trip.

 

[ActionBob]

Do people already get paid? What about the cook? Or the camp manager? Do i pay the PH more than everyone else? Is a skinner worth more than a tracker? What if a guy is nicer to me, does he get more money?

I think the simple answer is "yes".

 

[Bob Nelson 35Whelen]

Do people already get paid? What about the cook? Or the camp manager? Do i pay the PH more than everyone else? Is a skinner worth more than a tracker? What if a guy is nicer to me, does he get more money?

@Aus-Lucas
Different staff different rates. Discuss it with your outfitter/ PH.
One thing to remember is don't over pack like I did. Your washing is done daily so you don't need a lot of clothes. Good COMFORTABLE BOOTS are a must as you will be doing some good walking.
The food is brilliant so expect to put in some weight despite all the exercise you will get.
The people in Namibia are beautiful and very friendly and hunting rates are reasonable.
Be cautious of those that want to charge more for kudu of various sizes. 48-52",52-55" and over 55". Some charge more for bigger. The outfit we hunted with was one price regardless of size.
Just saying
There's a lot of good outfits out there so choose what suits YOU. There's also a lot of good advice on the forum and even a post on tipping that may interest you to read to understand how things work .
This is YOUR HUNT and I'm sure you will have fun planning it along with a few headaches and head scratching trying to decide. Just don't try and overthink it. Decide on your budget then plan your trip but add in a bit extra for that unexpected animal you want
Bob

 

[Bob Nelson 35Whelen]

Hi mate
Another Aussie here. I've done 5 safaris in various areas, and have my 6th in under 200 days. Theres a lot of quality outfits, and you'll be inundated with offers.

I've taken a lot of Aussies to KMG Hunting Safaris on the Eastern Cape, they really 'get' Australians and how we like to hunt, and will work in Aussie dollars as well, so no need to worry about the fluctuating $USD.

If I can be of assistance at any stage, feel free to PM me.

@Tim Blackwell
Working in Australian dollars certainly make planning your budget a lot easier. If more outfitters did it it would make it easier for us Aussies.
Most do us dollars and euro but not Australian which is a shame.
Working in other currencies with the way our dollar is can add more depending on the exchange rate in the day and can quickly add up to a lot more $$$.
Rates and tipping in Australian dollars makes life easier.
When my family went we worked out it budget after deposits and took the rest in Namibian dollars and south African Rand to pay staff and other expenses. Made life easy as.
Bob

 

[CBH Australia]

Bob, you mentioned the Gemsbok. I didn’t hunt one but we ate some. I think it will be on my list if I get back.

Did they take that big bloke along to keep you inline?

 

[Bob Nelson 35Whelen]

Bob, you mentioned the Gemsbok. I didn’t hunt one but we ate some. I think it will be on my list if I get back.

Did they take that big bloke along to keep you inline?

View attachment 645293

@CBH Australia
No mate. He is actually standing forward in the photo and he is only about 5"10.
They are a beautiful animal so get one and have it mounted
Bob

 

[NIGHTHAWK]

@CBH Australia
No mate. He is actually standing forward in the photo and he is only about 5"10.
They are a beautiful animal so get one and have it mounted
Bob

So that makes you 5’ - 6”? Now I know why that Gemsbok looks big…

 

[NIGHTHAWK]

Hey guys
Ive hunted everything in Aus/NZ and I’m looking for the next adventure.
Im looking for an outfitter in South Africa who will cater to Australian hunters.
Someone who wont confuse me with the American tipping system, happy to pay, but just make it clear and upfront.
I’m aiming for plains game animals on my first trip. Looking at a 2025 trip. Will bring bow or hire rifle.
Also having knowledge on getting trophies in to my country is a bonus.
Thanks in advance,
Lucas

Tipping is important for a lot of reasons. Go through the tipping guide threads and you glean some real insight…

 

[Bob Nelson 35Whelen]

So that makes you 5’ - 6”? Now I know why that Gemsbok looks big…

@NIGHTHAWK
No I'm the same height as @sgt_zim 5'-18"
Only a little fella.
Bob