Where to go for the attached specimens?

[mjhlaw]

I am in the early stages of planning my first trip to Africa. I am interested in the following animals:
-gemsbuck/orynx
-kudu
-blesbuck
-hartbeast
-impala
-njala
-eland (possibly)
-zebra
-warthog

-I am interested in a politically safe enviornment but do not need pampering. I am in good shape and would actually prefer a tent camp environment over luxury. Of most importance would be quality animals and a good PH.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Best Regards, Michael Harrison

[pomoxis]

The Republic of South Africa would be your best bet but you will need to hunt in different parts of the country. It would not be difficult to do but just plan for transfering and spending a few extra days traveling.

Njala also spelled Nyala will have the biggest trophies found in Natal region in its native habitat but have been introduced into other area and found on the game ranches. If Nyala was not on your list Nambibia would also give you another option.

Which 3 on the list are the top priorities? Then pick the area that will give you the best chance for a high quality hunt. There are a number of good outfitters out there so asking the right questions before you book is very important.

[grayghost]

I would agree whole heartedly with pomoxis: South Africa would be a great place to start African hunting adventures. Most of the country doesn't require the usual innoculations and is Malaria free (exception would be the Limpopo river region). Nyala (pronounded; IN-YA-LA, a Zulu word) is my main priority in July, and as pomoxis mentioned, many ranches now have them, and of good quality as well. Every animal on your list can be found in SA. Keep in mind that as far as Kudu goes, there are subspecies to consider. The Southern Greater Kudu is generally found in certain northern areas and the Eastern Cape Kudu is found on many ranches in the Cape regions. The Cape Kudu is slightly smaller, and usually varies a little in coloration (browner cape/face). 50" horns on a Cape Kudu would be very good, with 53" being a dandy. I base this only on my second hand information, research and conversations with fellow hunters who've hunted SA. Most research leads me to believe the larger Southern Greater Kudu's are found in countries north of SA. pomoxis could give us much better details than I could on the matter. Prices vary for daily rates and trophy fee's in SA, but I find it all averages out. Main consideration would be the integrity of your PH, his/her ability and quality of of your hunt. I doubt you would save much on a tent safari, but I could be wrong. Again, ranch style vs tent hunt would most likely average out to be about the same in price, if not more for the tent hunt. Having hunted since childhood, and being a professional Taxidermist for many years (retired) I have dreamed of hunting in Africa most of my life. July will be my first trip, and I have successfully jumped through all hoops; signed many papers, forms and documents in order to go. I think I should write a book on "How to get to Africa for your first hunt." Many T's to cross and I's to dot, but the excitement is worth it! Can't wait till I'm there. Good hunting, grayghost

[pomoxis]

Have you priced the trophy fees for the animals on your list.

Nyala will cost you almost the same a cape buffalo hunt with the ony difference being you are not spending the dangerous game daily rate. If you really want to get back to the basics hunt cape buffalo.

I would avoid getting the Safari Guide by Richard Conrad since it does not give you any real pratical advice.

I can give you the name of the booking agent that I used and he has a couple of places you should at least compare the the prices and ammenities. Send me a PM if you want the details.

[John Duarte]

Michael,
You should also consider Namibia. All the animals on your list can be taken there, except Nyala. I believe there may be a farm or two that has them. However Namibia has both types of zebra: mountain and Burchel's. The firearms entry is a piece of cake. From what I've heard the RSA's procedure is complicated. Namibia is very stable and one of the most beautiful places I've ever been.
I agree with pomoxis about the Safari Guide, it's useless. The author took two trips to Africa. He did a hunt in Zimbabwe and the went to the RSA on one trip. On another he went to the RSA for one hunt. Not only is his experience lacking, but most what he wrote is dated and not current.
John

[BradC]

Michael,

Glad to hear you have decided to try Africa. The species that you have listed are readily available in many areas of South Africa and I can tell you from my experiences in the country that it is a very friendly, stable, and beautiful place to visit. I have been to SA twice in the past two years and have my third trip planed for June of next year to the Eastern Cape. The area I hunt is extremly rich in game and it is not uncommon to see 8-10 species a day.

All the animals on your list can be hunted in the Eastern Cape, however, as Grayghost noted, the Kudu we hunt there are the smaller Eastern Cape variety. If I may, I would recommend that you also consider hunting a bushbuck when you go. These spiral horns are extremly wary, hang out in some of the most challenging terrain, and are truly a challenge to take. They are number one on my list next year.

Feel free to drop me an email if you would like and I will be happy to share some of my experiences or just talk African hunting with you. One thing is for sure, once you go, you will return.

Brad
bcoffey45@yahoo.com

[bornhunt]

Michael,

I am an African outfitter. I hunt in several southern African countries. I would advise you hunt in South Africa. I have found quite a number of clients change their wishlist once they arrive in the country and experience the hunting area. For instance, one gentleman mentioned bushbuck. A lot of clients decide to take bushbuck after hunting other species for a few days, or vaal rhebuck, or bushpig. You have all that variety in the Eastern Cape of South Africa. Do not be concerned about the firearm permit procedure. Your outfitter of choice should supply that to you, so getting through the airport will be a piece of cake.

Toby
safari@bornhunt.co.za

[Andrew McLaren]

mjlaw made a list of trophies he would like to hunt and asked where he should go to get these. South Africa is definitely the ONLY country in which he can get both Nyala and Blesbok in their natural environment. Namibia never had Nyala, maybe now some farms are stocked with them. If he hunts an animal artificially introduced into an environment where the species never occurred, then he could equally well hunt one on a ranch in Texas!

I quite agree with grayghost on the two kudu subspecies.

If you need any help I would gladly assist with the planning of your safari.

In good hunting.

Andrew McLaren

[Bwana White Hunter]

I can offer all the desired animals at very good rates all in one area, without the need to travel.

See your PM

Cheers

Charl van Rooyen

www.infinito-safaris.com

[Rapier]

Might I throw another RSA chip on the fire. Was in Free State in May and had a good hunt.
Ed

[Erdeslee86]

user has been banned

[MacD37]

Originally posted by Erdeslee86
user has been banned

To the powers that be, I never saw Erdeslee86's post, and have no dog in this fight, what was the crime that got him banned? Being a very infrequent poster here, I don't want to make the same mistake he made! If you don't want to answer this question on a public forum, please PM me.

[Calif Hunter]

I hunted with Jim Hackiewicz in the Limpopo province of RSA, and saw all of those animals in your list. You can see my post and trophies on this forum titled "My 2007 Africa trip" or some such. Jim has a book, "Africa - The First Time" that is excellent. Even if you do no go with him, buy the book! His website is http://www.huntingadventures.net/ and I'm sure you can contact him via the website. Tell him "Rick" sent you...

Jim held our hands through the whole thing, and we were through the police process and out the door while other folks were still going htrough regular customs!

It was not tent camping, and the services were excellent - but don't hold that against him. I am told that his new concession is a little more rustic, as 2008 will be the first time it has been trophy hunted for several years. We were well-treated, food was great, etc. but it was not like staying in a resort.

[grayghost]

Members: the original post was made back in May of 2006. He never left another post, nor replied to any other posts. It is highly possible that his post was more than likely spam. I do not remember why he was banned, but spamming fellow members, the board, or violating board rules could have gotten him banned. Petey won't ban anyone easily. You have to do something fairly serious to have that happen. Sorry I can't answer your question Mac, but it was over a year ago when it happened. Good hunting, grayghost

[pcdurkin]

mjhlaw

I agree with the other posts. Nyala is pretty much confined to SA and blesbok have been introduced all over SA and a few places in Namibia since it was almost extinct at one time. If you don’t have your heart set on these two species let me give you some food for thought. You can hunt Ghanzi District in Botswana for the rest of the species listed for pretty much the same cost as SA or Namibia but, in a my opinion, in a “wilder” setting with less pressured game and excellent trophy quality (big kudu and plenty of eland). Botswana is just as politically stable and corruption free as SA and Namibia. Nothing against the other two countries, I never had any trouble in either and your hunt anywhere in southern Africa will be tremendous and an experience of a lifetime, I just wanted to let you know about another option. I used to live in Ghanzi and know most of the game farmers in the area. If you’re interest in knowing more email personally.