Africa

[washingtonmuley]

Looks like we will be planning our first trip to Africa in 18'. Looking for outfitter suggestions. This would be a plains game hunt for at least gemsbok, kudu, and a warthog . I want to be able to combine with a sight seeing safari for the wife as she is not a hunter. This will be for our 25th wedding anniversary so I  would also like nice accommodations. Would love to hear from some that  have done the hunt before. Thanks

[BNAElkhntr]

I've twice Used   Cruiser Safaris  In Limpopo Region Of South Africa Very reasonable prices, class operation, good accommodations  http://www.cruisersafaris.com/

[Bob33]

I've hunted with Kuvhima a few times and had great experiences. I'm planning a 2018 trip. Feel free to PM me for more information.

http://www.kuvhima.co.za/

[washingtonmuley]

Thanks for the info.

[Shooting Stix]

I have several outfitters I work with for South Africa you call me at 352-872-8243

[Zuus]

I just got back from South Africa a few days ago. I have been over a few times, but I hunt with relatives there, so I don't have to use an outfitter or PH.
Couple of things for your info: talk to your outfitter about selling back your meat. You normally don't get to try any, and you can't bring it home. It can offset the price of your animal.
Have your taxidermy done there. They do a great job and are less expensive than having it done here.
The SAP (South African police) want a new/current form from US customs. It's not a big deal, but just another hassle you don't need. Some of the outfitters are using a subcontractor to pre-check your rifle through for you. They like to get $80-$100 for this. It will save you an hour at the SAP desk.
It's a long-ass flight. I flew through Dubai to Johannesburg on Emirates. I watched a lot of movies, and took multiple naps.
The people of South Africa know of us Yanks by what they watch on tv. No fooling!
Try their foods, beers, liquors, etc. It makes for a much better experience. You might avoid the lamb the day before you fly out though. It can be kinda fatty and rich, troubles you don't need on an airplane!
Ask them about their country, their lives and families.
Our dollar goes a long way! Yesterday the exchange rate was 13.5 Rand to one USD. I was drinking top shelf whiskey while there! Keep your money hidden, don't flash it around. They have thieves there just like we do.
You may end up behind a black tracker or guide. Ask what the correct tip is for him, and when to tip him. We as yanks tend to tip too much there, and it upsets the PH's.
 
Take your sunscreen, and if you'll be in the Zimbabwe area, take mosquito repellant. It can be a malaria area.

[OLYTAX]

Do you mean buy back your meat or sell it on the market........been there seven times now.....Buzzi

[Zuus]

Sell it. Doesn't seem like a good idea to buy it twice.
Just my opinion.

[eastcoastguy]

Just had an awesome job done by a taxidermy. Wildlife art taxidermy. Hes a booking agent tp for chamanzi zulu safaris.his name is bruce. You should see his african game room!!!!!!!

[lhrbull]

did you hunt with Johann he is a great PH

[Cat hunter]

Just  back a couple of weeks, hunted with Johann at Chamanzi  Zulu. I would highly recommend him.

[Cat hunter]

 Wife and sister in law went along with their cameras and had a great time! They have said repeatedly they would like to go again! Be forewarned africa can be addicting !!!   

[scree]

My wife and I hunted with Kuvhima as well. Had an Outstanding experience with them.  Kuvhima is also a very strong and long time supporter of both Puget Sound SCI and WA Wild Sheep.  Feel free to PM me if you want any more info.

[lhrbull]

Cat hunter how about some pictures

[USMC86]

Have gone twice with a smaller, family-owed operation in northern Namibia called Sebra Safaris...you can find them if you google that name or Jan du Plessis.  Beautiful country, lot's of animals with plenty of free range options if that is preferred and very inexpensive.  Very responsible, ethical PH...quiet but a good sense of humor, rancher in the off season so a salt of the earth kind of guy. Very nice accommodations and food, and Etosha Game Preserve is nearby...lot's of lions, elephants, etc. 

Would strongly recommend that you work with a hunting travel agency ( I use Gracy Travel) to make a very long flight easier.  If you fly into or through J'burg, it can be tricky with the gun permits and customs....for a minimal fee, they will have someone meet you, quickly get you through customs and will work with the onsite police to complete the paperwork.  That process isn't fun to figure out on your own when you're groggy from travel.  I

I've been to Zimbabwe a bunch too and there is great hunting there, but the infrastructure is poor and their plains game has been hammered since Mugabe implemented land reforms.  For what you want, Namibia and South Africa will likely be the best options.  You'll need to determine if you are comfortable hunting in a high fence environment- which is very common in SA.  I have not hunted with them but have heard great things about Crusader Safaris in SA....all free range if that is important, and you'd be in or near the Cape, which is near the beach and very scenic.

As far as taxidermy, I've had it done there once and had it done in the U.S. the other 5-6 times.   Whatever you might save in Africa on taxidermy you'll more than spend on shipping costs (full mounts versus hides).  My recommendation would be to have them dip/pack/crate and ship to a taxidermist you trust in the U.S. 

From a cost standpoint, you should easily be able to arrange a hunt for the species you've mentioned for $4-$5k, including trophy fees, for a 5-6 day hunt.  Figure one animal every 1-2 days.  Once you add on airfare, tip, dip/pack/crate and miscellaneous, you'll be nudging $10k.

My fiancé doesn't hunt either but usually tags along with me.  I made sure she had the right clothes (She Safari and Filson are great, Selous boots are comfy), her own binos for watching animals and a headnet (cheap ones from army/navy stores are great) and she has a ball....if you go in May/June/July, the weather should be great, the experience incredible with lots of great food, wine and interesting things to see.  Enjoy and feel free to ping me if you have any more questions.

[youngbull]

Iliwa father and son operation fair prices

[washingtonmuley]

Iliwa father and son operation fair prices

Spoke with them a few years ago. Sent email requesting some info and no reply yet.

[lhrbull]

the photos in the lhrbull topic below are from Chimanzi with Johann

[Rob]

Decide first what species you want to hunt, how you want to hunt (rifle/bow), and what kind of hunting you want (high fence, or free range).  Then select a country based on those two options.  Then select a good outfitter.

Zim is nearly all free range, but travel there can be stressful due to political issues

Namibia has great free range, but some good high fence areas too

South Africa is all High Fence, and has great hunting

Go to this site for some specific questions.  http://forums.accuratereloading.com  Africa is what they specialize in

I have been 3 times, once to Namibia, and twice to Zim.  let me know if you have questions.  Common topics to think about are are:
-outfitters
-Shots
-Rifles/calibers
-Rifles - importing questions
-Species
-trophy import
-taxidermy
-travel schedule (how to mitigate issues)

[OLYTAX]

Contact KEN CHAPLIN...509.485.2077 or kgcfisher@amerion.com.......he's a booking agent and Ihave used him on several occasssions, so have my clients.............both in South Africa and in Namibia..........in fact we are going, on a ten day hunt  to the Limpopo area  of SA in March of 18 for the same type of hunt you are looking for at a price less than $6K.   Give him a call I have clients that have gone with him and me and my friends and on return hunts to different areas.
Buzzi Cook[
OLYMPIC TAXIDERMY STUDIO
NORTH BEND, WA

[Rob]

Good to see you on here Buzzi, I am still enjoying the Elk you did for me back in 2014!

If you need a good local Taxidermist who has experience with African Game, Buzzi would be a great contact - I have seen his work and it is very good.  It is important to get a taxidermist who has experience with African game.  The hair is very short and thin-quite different than North American game.  Hair slip is common due to the way things are treated in the field with the hot weather so it takes a good taxi to repair that kind of damage.  It is also important to get someone who knows how to pose them so they look natural.

Enjoy your trip!

[mad impulse]

Went last year with http://theronafricansafaris.co.za we had the time of our lives.

[hunterofelk]

I thought I would save money by having a taxidermist in South Africa and they mixed up my kudu, gemsbok and springbok with someone else's.  So keep that in mind.

[carpsniperg2]

I thought I would save money by having a taxidermist in South Africa and they mixed up my kudu, gemsbok and springbok with someone else's.  So keep that in mind.

I have heard of that happening on a fairly regular basis. I know there is a few guys on here that have not got the animals they harvested back, rather someone else's.

[washingtonmuley]

Thanks for all the great info. I am currently leaning towards frontier safaris.

[washingtonmuley]

We have decided to go with Iliwa Safaris.

[Ridgerunner]

Solid choice from what my research was able to turn up.  Should be a great hunt, do you have the dates picked out yet?

[washingtonmuley]

August 5th give or take a day for the start of the hunt.

[runningboard]

Contact KEN CHAPLIN...509.485.2077 or kgcfisher@amerion.com.......he's a booking agent and Ihave used him on several occasssions, so have my clients.............both in South Africa and in Namibia..........in fact we are going, on a ten day hunt  to the Limpopo area  of SA in March of 18 for the same type of hunt you are looking for at a price less than $6K.   Give him a call I have clients that have gone with him and me and my friends and on return hunts to different areas.
Buzzi Cook[
OLYMPIC TAXIDERMY STUDIO
NORTH BEND, WA

this is who I went with as well, he recommended Custom travel who gave very good instructions on getting guns through quickly & the gal who worked there saved me a bundle by having me wait a few weeks for the price of airfare to drop which she knew it would. I took my family & had a great time & my 11 year-old girl & 8 year-old boy got to hunt as well.

I thought I would save money by having a taxidermist in South Africa and they mixed up my kudu, gemsbok and springbok with someone else's.  So keep that in mind.

I have heard of that happening on a fairly regular basis. I know there is a few guys on here that have not got the animals they harvested back, rather someone else's.

I went with Black Bear taxidermy in SA who ironically studied taxidermy in Thompson Falls MT. anyway he switched my gorgeous Kudu cape for one that looks like it was drug a ways & my Impala which was beautiful for one that was obviously in more than a few fights. thousands of miles away & no real recourse. but I figured too many mounts I see done here don't look right & he sees them in the bush all the time, he knows what they look like. your decision, but I would take thousands of pictures, dip pack & ship capes & provide pictures to taxi.

[HuntnFishnRyan]

damn good advice runningboard. I'll remember that when I go over there. 

[washingtonmuley]

I will have all my taxidermy done over here for sure as I have guys I trust here. I will be using a travel agency that was recommended and has a very good reputation with hunters traveling to Africa. I am set on Iliwa safaris at this time but thanks for the input.

[Rainier10]

Looking forward to hearing how this goes. Wouldn’t mind taking the whole family over for hunting and photos.