Where to go, where to go?

[RichD]

Starting to plan my 2nd trip to Africa, but really want to fill my list with one-stop place to hunt. Being retired, a budget is always up front, so not necessarily looking for Gold class game. Would like to fill: Nyala, bushbuck, impala, springbok, and zebra. Maybe add blesbuck, black wildebeest, and steenbok. Lastly, really has to be inexpensive, cape buffalo. Any ideas?

 

[CJW]

For a specific list of animals in one go I would think your best bet is to contact several outfitters in the area you wish to hunt to see if they can supply an opportunity at all of them. Several will probably chime in here.

Inexpensive buffalo? Either a cow as an add on to a pg hunt in RSA or end of season special bull which will still be several thousand more than a cow.

 

[375Fox]

For the PG you are interested in, I think eastern cape South Africa would be your best option.

I’d be very cautious with an extremely inexpensive buffalo bull in South Africa. Self sustaining herds in proper areas cost money. I’d hate to take a buffalo that has or previously had an ear tag or is one of the few buffalo bulls stocked on a small property. If you want a buffalo in South Africa spend the money for the right hunt or don’t hunt one.

 

[RichD]

I'm hoping to go to SCI in January to talk with outfitters there. In the meantime I'll do some research. This site always has so much depth of experience that the input is very welcome. I'm not a computer guy, but wish there was a site with Venn diagrams where you could input game names and would narrow to some specific areas.

 

[ActionBob]

Starting to plan my 2nd trip to Africa, but really want to fill my list with one-stop place to hunt. Being retired, a budget is always up front, so not necessarily looking for Gold class game. Would like to fill: Nyala, bushbuck, impala, springbok, and zebra. Maybe add blesbuck, black wildebeest, and steenbok. Lastly, really has to be inexpensive, cape buffalo. Any ideas?

With those criteria I would definitely go to the East Cape of South Africa and personally I would specifically spend a few days in the Karroo for the animals available there just because the properties are so big and the views are awesome. However the EC in general is really beautiful and if you stick to large properties and even low fenced areas it can be a great hunt.

Just not so sure about Buffalo.

 

[meigsbucks]

I’ve only been to Africa twice, so my experience pales to many here, but IMO, the problem with your list is “inexpensive” buffalo. As others have said the Eastern Cape of RSA would be great for all the PG. I’d be cautious about cheap buffalo.
This is a little out of the box, but consider a separate strictly buffalo hunt while over there.

 

[MontanaPat]

With the game species you listed I would agree that the eastern cape in RSA would be your best bet. I would suggest reaching out to Marius at KMG, Game 4 Africa or Crusader Safaris for good options on larger free ranging properties.

 

[375 Ruger Fan]

@RichD take a look at @GAME 4 AFRICA SAFARIS

Lots of AH members have hunt reports. I have hunted with them twice and think they are an excellent value for a great hunting experience. I have not hunted cape buffalo with them (yet), but I know they do offer it. All your PG list will be available and then some.

 

[PARA45]

I would also recommend Game-4-Africa. I've hunted with them, and going to hunt with them next year. On the "inexpensive" buffalo, I believe anywhere you look in SA, you will be looking at a minimum of $10,000, unless it's a cancellation or maybe a non-trophy bull.

If I was you, I'd go and hunt plains game and get all the animals on your list. I would save my Pennies and go on a separate buffalo hunt.

 

[ru4elk]

Highly recommend Nick Bowker Safaris in Eastern Cape. Outstanding animal quality and many various concessions to hunt.

 

[RichD]

Thank you all for you responses - I appreciate the positive feedback. Several safari operators have also DM'd me and I will shortly review all and hopefully make a decision soon. I've also reached out to a couple friends to see if they would like to join me.

 

[Sika98k]

@RichD take a look at @GAME 4 AFRICA SAFARIS

Lots of AH members have hunt reports. I have hunted with them twice and think they are an excellent value for a great hunting experience. I have not hunted cape buffalo with them (yet), but I know they do offer it. All your PG list will be available and then some.

I’d second @Game 4 Africa as a destination. I hunted my first buffalo there this year. My buddy took a buffalo cow which was not overly expensive.
In fact the cow hunt was very exciting. Up close and personal to the herd for nearly 45 minutes waiting for a shot to present.
It got the juices flowing !
Wik is a great PH to hunt with, experienced,calm and gives clear concise instructions.
The lodge is superb as are the staff. Be prepared to slide on a few pounds of weight. The food is excellent.

 

[ActionBob]

Crusader Safaris for good options on larger free ranging properties

I've hunter with Crusader Safaris and highly recommend them. Their specialty is free range hunting. No high fenced properties. They do hunt operating low fenced cattle, sheep, and goat farms as well as undeveloped hunting land that may have some low fence. Some is falling down as it hasn't had domestic livestock on it in many years. I found it to be a lot like hunting in Minnesota and Wisconsin except way bigger properties