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10 Life-Changing Lessons I Learned From My First Africa Safari

By Tyler Freel

Posted on Nov 22, 2019 8:16 PM EST

8 minute read

The author with a mature blesbok ram, a common antelope species in South Africa. Tyler Freel

There is no place in all of hunting lore as iconic as Africa. Talk to anyone who has been fortunate enough to have hunted there and they will wear your ears out telling you about it. Because it seemed such a remote possibility, Africa never really made my bucket list. I wasted no time daydreaming about it. That all changed when I received an invitation to go on a hunt on the Eastern Cape of South Africa for plains game with Frontier Safaris. It was to be a completely new world for me, and literally almost as far on land as I could get from my home in Alaska. With some initial reluctance, I went, and had the time of my life. I was a complete greenhorn in a strange new land. I learned a lot. Here’s some of it:

1. Africa Is Incredible (even if you don’t know it yet)

I was that guy—the one who was perfectly satisfied with the hunting that I had at home. Although I had nothing against hunting in Africa, I would not have never gone out of my way to go there. Impala, zebra, wildebeest all seemed cool, but I didn’t much care, frankly.

The travel definitely sucks—I knew that. But once there, my perspective quickly changed. A whole new world of animals and things to be learned was opened up to me, and I had an absolute blast. There is something for just about every hunter in Africa. Multiple varieties of plains game and dangerous game abound. If a person can go to a quality outfitter and not have an incredible experience, they need to do more research.

2. Borrow A Gun (if possible)

I can’t give you firsthand stories of traveling to Africa with guns, because I haven’t done it. However, I have heard some terrible ones. I can tell you that traveling without them is a cinch. Granted, many of us want to use our own rifles on a hunt, because that’s a special part of the hunt to us. But if you aren’t particularly attached to using a particular firearm, ask your outfitter whether you might be able to rent or borrow a gun once you get there. That means no lengthy waits in customs, no routing your trip through the most firearm-friendly airports, no BS, just travel. Should you wish to bring your own guns, any quality outfitter should be able to tell you exactly what you need to bring your gun into the particular country, and sometimes even which airports to avoid and whether or not to plan long layovers while booking your flights. Whatever you do, have all your ducks in a row long in advance so that there’s are no surprises and you can relax and enjoy your trip.

3. Snakes! I hate Snakes!

I would imagine that I fall somewhere toward the middle of the spectrum when it comes to Ophidiophobia. I wouldn’t say that I’m terrified of snakes, but Africa has lots of poisonous ones and their abundance varies upon the area and time of year that you go. On my trip, we encountered two cobras and a puff adder—both are deadly. Typically, the cobras get out of your way long before you see them. Puff adders, though, are a lazy snake and tend to get stepped on, and thus, bite more people. Even if snakes don’t terrify you, learn what snakes are present in the region you visit, pay attention to where you walk, sit down, and where you put your hands, and you’ll be just fine. Probably.

4. Bring Comfortable Boots—And Leather Gaiters

Most of the hunting I do in Alaska requires knee-high rubber boots, hip waders, or technical mountain boots. None are well-suited for Africa. The area I hunted on the Eastern Cape of South Africa was comprised of rolling hills with some steep, rocky country. Everything was solid ground, and amazing to walk on for a tundra slogger like myself. I took a set of Lowa Zephyr TF boots, which have some support and protection from rocks, but are very lightweight and cool. The boots were great, but one thing I wished I’d brought were ankle gaiters. These aren’t the tall, mud, shale, and water gaiters many of us wear in the mountains of North America, but short little gaiters that just cover the top of your boots. They’re made of leather and are quiet. Most importantly, they keep all the bits of brush, grass seeds, and other junk out of your socks. I wish I had brought some.

Read Next: Grand Slam: Africa

5. Be Honest With Your PH

On any new hunt, a person naturally brings their own expectations and preferences. If you want the most out of your hunt, be sure to communicate your hopes with your PH and tell them what you want out of a hunt. Each hunt and species varies in terms of how they are hunted. PH’s are usually highly effective at helping you get your animals, but if you prefer to walk all day and glass or track, or you prefer to travel to vantage points to glass and plan stalks, they are usually happy to accommodate you when possible. If you’re bowhunting and would rather spot and stalk than sit on a water hole or bait, you can have that experience, just speak up. If you say nothing, your PH will help you get your animals in the most efficient way they can. If you’re looking for a different kind of experience, make your wishes known and they will most like be accommodating.

6. Push The Envelope

A big part of the experience of hunting in Africa, especially your first time, will be learning. Learning about new animals, a new place, and how things are done in another part of the world. Although you should tell your PH what you want to get out of a hunting experience, don’t be afraid to ask questions and be willing to try a style of hunting or hunt an animal that you may not be used to. As hunters, we tend to limit ourselves with preconceived notions and biases. In Africa, I found it most rewarding while trying something new and different. Many times that meant hunting an animal differently than I ever had previously.

7. Cannons Aren’t Necessary

Contrary to popular belief, for many animals in Africa you don’t need a Nitro Express double rifle. Sure, there are a few animals that might require a big gun, but if you’re hunting plains game use the rifle you are most comfortable with. African animals have a reputation of being tough, but put a decent hole through both lungs, and its game over. The biggest animals I took on my trip were zebra and wildebeest, and everything I shot was taken cleanly with a .308. In fact, my PH told me that one of his favorite rifles for everything up to and including Kudu is his .22-250, and he’s seen lots of eland (almost the size of a moose) killed cleanly with .308s and 7mm-08s. If nostalgia prescribes that you bring your .375 H&H, that’s just fine, but don’t feel like you need to. You’re best suited using a rifle that you can handle and shoot very well.

8. Shoot Like It Matters

Of course, you want to practice shooting before you go to Africa, but this doesn’t mean burning through half a box of ammo on a shooting bench and calling it good. Perhaps the biggest adjustment will be shooting off sticks from a standing position. Sure, you have a rest, but it’s not a bench. If you don’t practice, it’s not the easiest thing to get used to on the fly. If possible, practice with a buddy (acting as the PH)—give yourself a little pressure—and have him call out targets for you. This can be a lot of fun with a few steel plates at varying angles and distances. It will help you prepare to make a shot on a specific animal when the time comes. You will often not have much time to shoot. You’ll have to strike while the iron is hot. Be sure and practice other improvised positions as well, I had shots off shooting sticks, but also kneeling next to a termite mounds, sitting against rocks, and lying prone.

Read Next: How to Plan a Hunting Trip to Africa

9. Squirrel Away Extra Money

Another bit of advice I received before I left was that it’s a good idea to save a little extra money and set it aside for something that’s not on your chosen animal list to hunt. Typically, when you book a hunt, you’ll have an agreed-upon list to hunt on your trip. Sometimes species that are valued similarly can be exchanged, but it’s nice to have a little extra cash set aside for something special. One cool thing about hunting in Africa, is that you might be on a stalk for one species and bump into another that is totally unexpected. When you’ve made the effort and been through the travel to get to Africa, it’s nice to be able to go ahead and hunt something you might not been expecting to hunt.

10. Cherish Every Moment

Although you’ll hear the term ‘trophy’ used frequently with regard to the hierarchy of animals you’ll be hunting, the real trophy you bring home is the experience of being in a new place and hunting animals you may have only ever seen on TV. Learn from my experience. I got on a plane with tempered expectations, but was blown away by how amazing and how much fun the it all was. I was fortunate to hunt some very cool animals, but more than what I did get to do, it opened up a whole new world of possibilities and interests that I didn’t know I would ever have. Make sure that you savor every minute of your hunt. Learn as much as you can, try all the food, and enjoy at least one good African sunrise over a cup of coffee. There’s a reason almost everyone who has hunted Africa longs to return. Now that’s me.

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The Ultimate Guide to Understanding African Hunting Safaris

Hunting safari in africa.

Hunting in Africa is an experience unrivaled anyplace on Earth for those wanting a vast range of game species, stunning scenery, century-old hunting customs, and the spice of risk. A hunt on the African continent will leave you with lifelong memories, whether you decide to go after plains game in southern Africa or go for Cape buffalo and elephant in the wilds of East Africa.

In some form, hunting is available in more than a dozen African countries. The majority of hunters travel to the southern African nations, particularly South Africa, Namibia, and Zimbabwe. These nations provide excellent hunting opportunities that are both accessible and economical, especially for beginners. Large wilderness regions and significant populations of dangerous game species, including lions, buffalo, leopards, and elephants, are found in East Africa, particularly in Tanzania, Ethiopia, and Mozambique.

Hunting in Africa offers something for everyone due to the broad range of geography, nations, and game species available.

Table of Contents

• Hunting Safari Costs
• Best Hunting Destinations
• How Hunting is Conducted
• Allowed Hunting Weapons
• What to Hunt in Africa
• The Most Challenging Hunts
• Types of Hunting Areas
• Trophy Taxidermy & Shipping
• Hunting Law & Regulations
• African Safety Concerns
• African Health Concerns
• Who can Hunt in Africa

Planning & Packing for a Booked Safari?

In this post we are not focusing on planning, packing, and getting ready for your Safari. If that is what you are looking for, we have an extensive African Hunting Safari Planning Guide for that exact purpose. You can find it by clicking here. 

In this article, we focus on the research part of African Hunting Safaris, giving hunters all the info you could ever need to understand Africa, African Hunting Safaris, and find the best hunt for you!

What does it Cost to Hunt in Africa?

An African Hunting Safari can cost anything from $1 500 to upwards of a $100 000.

So, why such a broad spectrum of hunting costs? Well, Africa offers the most diverse range of species in the world, with some being more abundant and less regulated than others. Another key factor is that many outfitters are not fully transparent and additional costs stack up once you are in country (more on this later).

But, to answer this question in full we need to first consider that there are four main components to the African Hunting Safari cost:

• Your flights and accommodations en-route not during your Safari period.
• The all-inclusive rate per day, per person. 
• The cost of the animals you will be hunting. 
• The cost of the Taxidermy & shipping, or the dipping, shipping & taxidermy in your home country.

Now, let’s look at these more closely to give you a good idea of what to expect, and why prices often differ:

1) Travel Cost to Africa Whether you book first class or economy is entirely up to you, however you need to get to Africa. There isn’t much to elaborate on this point, other than to say the average cost of flights to South Africa from the USA is around $1500 – $2500 , depending on your ticket and route. We have also found that a good route to fly, irrespective of your home country, is via Dubai. Your port of entry, most of the time, will be OR Tambo International in Johannesburg, South Africa. You may also click here to find up to date airline tickets.

2) The Safari Day Rate To keep things simple, most African hunting outfitters offer an all-inclusive day rate, which covers your in-country transport, your accommodation, your meals, your drinks, your hunting guide, your hunting vehicle and other gear, and more . Here, the terms “most outfitters” & “and more” is key. When looking for a hunt, make sure to check, and if it is not available, ask for a complete list of included & excluded costs, and explicitly ask for a list of any additional charges that might apply. 

3) The Animal Cost This is where most of the differences in price come in to play. An Impala trophy might cost you as little as $300 depending on the outfitter, whereas a standard Leopard tag costs an average of $30 000. As you can see, the costs of your animal tags are completely dependent on what you want to hunt, and what you are prepared to pay. For an up-to-date Hunting Tag Pricelist, you can click here. An important note on animal tags is to make sure that the price quoted is for a trophy animal, if that is what you are going for. We have caught outfitters, more than once, offering clients extremely low tag costs only for the client to discover that they were purposefully obfuscated. The most popular tactic is to quote clients on cull-animals, and then pretend they didn’t know any better once you are in camp; forcing you to pay any amount they so wish for the trophy variant of said animal. 

4) Taxidermy & Trophy Shipping A good rule of thumb is that your Taxidermy costs will be around 50% of the trophy animal cost . You may also work on an average of $2 000 for shipping of the trophy to your home country. Please note that this is only averages, and exceptions apply. We will speak more in detail about taxidermy later in this post. 

As you can see, there are a couple of functions which all come in to play for your final Safari cost. The only costs relevant to your chosen outfitter are the day-rates, and the trophy tag costs. But even then, many factors come in to play.

At Pioneer, we always recommend that hunters who visit Africa for the first time make use of a pre-made hunting package. Hunting packages are usually cheaper than custom made Safaris, but even more important is the convenience of knowing what the final amount is and knowing everything is included. 

Where are the Best African Hunting Destinations?

South Africa is the best Hunting Safari destination in Africa, and doubly so if this is your first hunting Safari.

Every hunter will give you a different answer to this question. Usually, this is because of an exceptional experience they had, and fairly so! Africa is an incredible destination, and each country or hunting block tends to offer a completely unique experience. Asking an outfitter this question is also of no help, as the answer will be whichever country they are more familiar with. So, let’s tackle this question as objectively as possible by breaking it up into the various components that make for an excellent Safari. 

Logistically South Africa is the closest thing to a first-world country you will find on the dark continent. In addition, South Africa is consistently voted in the top 10 best countries to visit for tourists. The nation hosts over 15 million tourists each year, with the majority of which enters through OR Tambo International, the same port of entry as for hunters. All this accumulates to one thing: a country overly prepared to accept, transport & protect tourism. The importance of efficient coordination in South Africa can be appreciated when you consider that tourism often contributes over 10% of South Africa’s GDP. That said, you should not expect the same transport network as you may be accustomed to at home. Nonetheless, out of all the countries hunters visit in Africa, South Africa is the clear leader.

Winner: South Africa

Frankly, you cannot rely on African public healthcare. Please make sure that you always have travelers’ insurance which includes medicare whenever you embark on a hunting Safari. Once you have done this, and private healthcare is considered, the clear leader in this field is South Africa. South African private medicare is world-class. This point needs no further explanation, there is no comparison to be made. Healthcare will be discussed in further details later in this post under the African Health Concerns section.

If you start looking for safety concerns in Africa, you might not ever embark on this adventure. We will discuss African Safety Concerns in its own section later in this post, but the truth of the matter is this: You will be met by your hunting guide at the airport, and you will not leave their side until you are dropped off at the airport again. We are Africans, born and bred in Africa, and understand the African way. As long as you stay with your guide, you are as safe as you will be in your very own home.

Winner: Draw

Hunting Quality

The quality of the animals, facilities & general service you receive is an obvious and massive factor in choosing your hunting destination. We understand that. The fact is that South Africa and Namibia surpass any other hunting destination by a mile when it comes to facilities and service. This is mainly due to much better infrastructure, and the fact that most hunting areas in these two countries are generational family estates. This availability of resources and time. 

When it comes to trophy quality however, the answer is not so clear. South Africa has a definite and clear advantage over other destinations in the sense that it has a very developed game breeding industry, which has the direct result of exceptional trophies. What South Africa, nor Namibia, has to offer though, is free range hunting. Free range hunting does not deliver the best trophy quality on a consistent basis, this is a fact. What it does offer however is the rare opportunity at a pure natural beast. It is hunter’s choice, but if you are looking for the best combination of quality facilities, service & consistent trophy quality, the clear leader is South Africa.

Hunting success is dramatically improved when you hunt on estates. Namibia and South Africa are renowned for their exceptional hunting estates and as such can nearly guarantee success on the animals you are looking for. 

Winner: South Africa & Namibia

You are welcome to scour the internet for months at end but allow me to save you the time. South Africa offers the best value hunting in Africa. Period. Being the oldest, best developed and most popular hunting destination in Africa, South Africa offers the most bang for your buck. 

Adventure to me is anything that sets your soul on fire. That makes you feel alive and makes you believe you are ten years younger. Like something akin to being a character in a novel. If this definition works for you, let’s roll with it. 

As mentioned, South Africa and Namibia do not offer free range hunting. All hunting is fenced. However, some of these hunting estates are larger than life and you can be mistaken for categorizing them as free range. Take Pioneer’s Battlefields concession as an example. A famous area, once the battle grounds of the Anglo Boer war against the British Empire, this 20 000 Acre hunting estate has not seen a gunshot (apart from a select few Pioneer clients) since 1993. This is a place where hunters, unaccompanied by a guide familiar with the area, can get seriously lost. 

Other countries such as Tanzania and Mozambique offer clients true free range. No fences, migrating animals, and an experience where even your guide is surprised at what can be found. If you consider all this in combination with a lack of modern infrastructure and a feeling of being truly disconnected form the world, then no other hunting areas on earth can compete. 

In truth, a hunting Safari in Africa is always a fantastic adventure! It is up to you which type of adventure you are looking for. 

We cannot say that one country is better than any other. When it comes to hunting many people value the adventure over anything else, and as you can see, all of Africa’s popular hunting destinations offer adventure in abundance. That said, if you are looking for an objective answer to which country is the best, if you could only choose one, the clear answer has to be South Africa. 

How is Hunting Typically Conducted in Africa?

African hunting is done “safari-style,” with hunters being driven in open-topped trucks scouting for animals or game trails. Once spotted, you disembark the truck to follow your prey on foot.

Although the “Safari Style” hunting is by far the most popular hunting style in Africa, especially outside of South Africa & Namibia, other styles to exist. Let’s look at them in more detail. 

Safari Style

Whether hunting in South Africa or the Congo, the Safari Style hunt is by far the most popular and successful choice. Most hunting areas in Africa are massive, flat, open areas with game in abundance around every corner. Africa also offers a wide range of species, with each hunter looking for something a little different. This means that we need to cover a lot of ground during your limited time here. The best way to do this is by making use of our modified trucks, geared with all the hunting equipment you could need. Accompanying you on the back of the track is usually your tracker, and sometimes even your hunting guide if a dedicated driver is available. The task of those on the back of the truck is to make use of their elevated position to scout for any signs of animals and tracks. When a promising opportunity arises, all conditions (sun / wind / cover) is considered, and an on-foot stalk is planned. If the hunt was successful, the required amount of field dressing is done promptly, and the trophy is loaded on the truck to be taken back to the lodge for proper hide care, skinning, and the preservation of the meat. 

Sit hunts are most popularly done via blinds, and by bow hunters. Blinds in Africa, as in any other place, vary in size, style and objective. Sometimes outfitters may also put out some form of bait to lore animals in (such as a carcass for leopard) or have the blinds built originally on natural game paths or over water holes. 

Driven Hunts

Driven hunts are less popular in Africa, and most common in the Western Cape Province, and Northern Cape province of South Africa. They differ from sit hunts mainly due to a less concealed waiting spot (often with the hunter’s location not being concealed at all in stark contrast to sit hunts which uses blinds); and the animals being driven to the hunter by horses or two-wheeler motorbikes (again, in contrast to blind hunts where a hunter waits for an animal to naturally walk past the blind). 

Wing Shooting

Wing Shooting in Africa is rarely an outfitters primary business focus, but opportunities are available in abundance! Wing Shooting in Africa is conducted by packing enough supplies (ammunition and snacks) to satisfy hunters for a half-day, or sometimes a full day – hunter’s choice. You will be assisted by your hunting guide and the trackers who will help with reloading, managing the retrieving dogs, and offering you drink fill-ups and snacks. 

Other Hunting Styles

All other hunting styles also exist in Africa but are less common and are usually only used due to circumstances. Ask your outfitter for more details if you have a particular hunting style in mind. 

With What Can I Hunt in Africa?

On your African Hunting Safari, you are allowed to hunt with rifles from .243 calibre all the way to your .500 of choice and beyond. You are also allowed to hunt with longbows, crossbows, compound bows, handguns, muzzle loaders and many other weapons. 

Every country has their own laws and regulations, along with minimum calibre requirements. For example, in South Africa the law allows hunting of Impala with anything from a .243 rifle, but hunting Cape Buffalo requires at least a calibre of .375 H&H. 

When it comes to bow hunting most hunters prefer a compound bow. Here, the law also dictates minimum draw weights for various species. Our recommendation is always to choose an outfitter and a hunting area specifically focusing on bow hunting. One such an example is Pioneer Safari’s Berchtesgaden estate , which has not only developed infrastructure specifically with bow hunters in mind, but also has a dedicated team who are bow hunting fanatics. 

To answer this question directly: You will find a location in Africa, particularly in South Africa, where you can hunt with any reasonable and effective weapon. The best thing to do however is to speak to your outfitter directly and ensure your weapon meets the minimum requirement to hunt the species on your wish list. 

What Should you Hunt in Africa?

Every outfitter offers a different array of huntable species, but with Pioneer Safaris you have a choice of over 45 species. 

You’ve heard us say this before – Africa truly is a target rich environment. Dramatic and varying habitats and ecosystems mean that species have adapted over millennia to now offer hunters the most diverse range of species found anywhere in the world. Many species are also found in various sub-species, making for an even greater challenge. Did you know, for example, that four distinct and visibly differentiable species of Zebra exist? In addition, up to six species of zebra are debated among the scientific and hunting community. Another example of this is the clear scientific evidence indicating that the two highly debated species of bushbuck, are indeed two species and not even sub species. With the so-called Eastern Cape bushbuck being more closely related to Nyala, and the so-called Limpopo Bushbuck being more closely related to the Bongo and Sitatunga. 

Most species however are in abundance in South Africa where many hunting estates accommodate them for the specific purpose of allowing hunters the opportunity at each. Many of these South African species are either naturally occurring, or in many cases introduced via the nations extensive and well-established game breeding industry. 

When a hunter moves outside the realm of introduced species, the conversation becomes remarkably interesting. South Africa still holds the most diverse natural occurring species, but for hunters who are regulars to Africa, this extensive list is exhausted in four or five Safaris due to the effective and near perfected hunting methods of South African hunting guides. These hunters then start looking North to central and Eastern African nations which offer species not available in the Southern tip of the continent, such as the aforementioned Bongo & Sitatunga, and more species such as the Topi, Gerenuk or Grants Gazelle. 

Another point that makes hunting in Africa so fun, is the relationship between animals, and also the colloquial classifications which has been established over the years. Terms such as big 5, dangerous 7, or spiral slam is of the most popular of these groups. In short, many species have been lumped into various “groups” which introduces an exceptional challenge for hunters. The Spiral Slam for example is a collection of four species which feature spiral shaped horns, namely the Eland, Kudu, Bushbuck & Nyala. 

The answer to what you can hunt in Africa, is that you can hunt enough species to keep you busy for more than a decade worth of Safaris without ever hunting the same species again.

Popular African Species:

What is the Most Challenging Hunt?

The most challenging hunt in Africa is the Tiny Ten antelope, which include Blue Duiker, Suni & Damara Dik Dik.

However, what does a challenge mean to you? Let’s explore how various species pose different challenges to help you find the answer you are looking for. 

Most Difficult

The most difficult hunt in Africa is considered to be on the species belonging to the Tiny Ten group of animals. These small beauties are not only physically small, with some weighing as little as 5kg (11lbs), but extraordinarily clever. In fact, one of the species beloning to this group is the Duiker. Duiker is directly translated as “Diver”, and earned its name due to its instinctive behaviour to dive its small little body inside the nearest thick bush the moment they are alerted to any disturbance in the veld. Hunters will often walk right past these antelope if you are not vigilant enough. 

Most Dangerous

Featuring many nicknames, among which, “The Black Death”, the most dangerous hunt in Africa is without a doubt the Cape Buffalo. The Buffalo is the animal most responsible for hunting accidents and the primary on-duty cause of death for professional hunters. This is due to the Buffalo’s extremely stubborn nature, physical prowess, and of course their infamous desire for vengeance. At pioneer we are well aware of this fact and our Professional Hunters, your hunting guides, are well aware of this fact. Rest assured that irresponsible actions will not be taken and with a backup .500 in hand, your guide will ensure you remain as safe as possible. 

Perhaps Robert Ruark said it best: “But I have a fear, a constant, steady fear that still crowds into my dreams, a fear that makes me sweat and smell bad in my sleep. I am afraid of  Mbogo , the big, black Cape buffalo . . . I don’t know what there is about buffalo that frightens me so. Lions and leopards and rhinos excite me but don’t frighten me. But that buff is so big and mean and ugly and hard to stop, and vindictive and cruel and surly and ornery. He looks like he hates you personally. He looks like you owe him money. He looks like he is hunting you . . . He makes me sick in the stomach, and he makes my hands sweat, and he dries out my throat and my lips.”

Most Adrenaline Rushing

If you are looking for a hunt that will get your blood flowing, Lion. Lions in their prime cover 100 yards in 3.5 seconds and have been recorded to keep this pace for up to 8 seconds – all while being dead silent and low to the ground. What can be more exhilarating than that? An animal with 4x the strength-to-weight of humans charging at you covering 100 yards in the time it takes you to shoot and reload. Combine this with the 4-inch canines you find on this 550-pound beast, and you have a formidable killing machine. Not to mention the deafening roaring and panting that accompanies an aggravated Lion, which is sure to send chills down your spine. 

Luckily not all Lion hunts result in a charge, and the fact that you will have not one, but at least two experienced backup rifles standing by your side should give you some peace of mind. However, the knowing that this apex predator could turn and charge at any time earns hunting Lion the spot of the most adrenaline rushing hunt in Africa.

Most Physically Challenging 

Any hunt in Africa can result in a physical challenge. Depending on location, circumstances and events, all African animals can take one on a tour to see the countryside. That said, some animals are notorious for hiding out in spots where vehicles can’t go, and the hike their and back is strenuous. Not to mention the spots these animals are located when you get a shot. So, which will it be, the Bushbuck? Reedbuck? 

In my opinion. The Bongo has to be right up there as one of the most physically challenging hunts in Africa. That is, when you hunt it in its natural habitat. Bongo, commonly hunted in the Cameroon, requires a hunter to first travel to the forgotten parts of our planet. Once in camp, a large team of trackers meets you, all dedicated to finding Bongo in forests so thick and wild that it makes the Amazon look like a household garden. For days on end, you walk through the forest as it is simply not possible to drive through them. Your hike will not only be long, but you will be making new paths more than you are taking old paths. This is not even mentioning the unpredictable tropical forest weather, where heavy rain seems to come out of nowhere, drenching your already heavy hunting gear. After a successful hunt after a couple of days, the work is far from done. The Bongo now needs to be field dressed and recovered from these thick forests. Luckily though, you have a large team of local villagers standing by to assist with this task. 

Is there Public Hunting Land in Africa?

Government owned, public land hunting is available in Africa, but regulations make for a completely different concept to what American hunters are accustomed to back home. 

Each country in Africa has different laws and regulations making this question difficult to answer. We get into hunting laws in a later section of this post. As a quick examples however:

The South African government passed a series of legislation in the mid- to late 1900’s in an effort to protect and preserve wildlife. Effectively these laws turned any animal on private land into the property of the landowner. In a country where four fifths of wild habitat is privately owned, it is clear that hunting on public land is extremely rare and expensive, subject to extreme government-set quotas. 

In contrast, Mozambique is a nation where very little land is privately owned, but is either national reserves, or government land entrusted to the local tribes. Here, you will hunt almost exclusively “public land”, but it is not as easy as buying a hunting tag and off you go. Similarly to South African efforts, to ensure that hunting is well regulated and both habitats and animal populations are professionally managed, the governments of countries like Mozambique allow a limited number of registered hunting outfitters to hunt in these areas, each assigned a hunting block, or concession. 

If you are looking for a public land, truly free-range hunting experience in Africa, Pioneer Safaris is one of the few outfitters who can take you into Mozambique for such an experience. Learn more about this opportunity here. 

How Do I get My Trophies Home?

Animals hunted in Africa can be sent to African taxidermists, or the raw hides & skulls can be treated and shipped to your local taxidermist. 

Hunters have two options when it comes to getting you trophies hunted on your African Hunting Safari home. The cost of these two options are more or less the same. Doing taxidermy in Africa tends to be cheaper, but the shipping is more expensive due to a larger freight. Having your taxidermy done by your local taxidermist tends to be more expensive, but the shipping costs are dramatically reduced to to a smaller physical size of the cargo. Let’s discuss your taxidermy options and explore the shipping process. 

African Taxidermists

Having your taxidermy done in Africa has one big advantage: the local guys have more experience and a deeper understanding of the animal’s true expression and the feeling the trophy needs to express. Most outfitters also have special arrangements with the local taxidermist and might be able to negotiate a better price on your behalf if you request it. 

Your Local Taxidermist

The main advantage of having the work done by your local taxidermist is that you know and trust them already. You can also physically visit them to inspect the work, or easily communicate with them at will without being a literal ocean apart. 

Export Permits

Permits are not something you need to worry about. Between your outfitter and the shipping company / taxidermist, this will be handled on your behalf. During your Safari you will frequently be asked to confirm the entry made into a “hunting register” by your hunting guide. This hunting register is an official government issued book which makes four carbon copies of each entry. Each entry contains the hunter’s name, location hunted, species hunted, date hunted, and animal parts to be exported. It also contains some legal information such as the hunting permit number and registration numbers of the companies involved. 

One copy of the hunting register information is given to you the client, another is kept by the outfitter, a third is sent to the government for official record keeping and the final carbon copy of your hunt entries accompany your trophies wherever they might go. This paperwork is used to verify all processes and ensure an easy export of your trophies. 

Shipping Your Trophies

If you make use of an African taxidermist, they usually have an inhouse team who takes care of the shipping on your behalf.

If you wish to take the raw materials back home to your local taxidermist, you will need two things: First, you will need to have your trophy parts “dipped & packed” which is in short, the process of treating the hides and skulls to avoid hair slip and to remove any bacteria and parasites. The second thing you will need is a shipping company. Again, usually the companies who treats your raw hides & skulls will also be able to help you here, but if not there are plenty of companies who specialize in trophy shipping. 

As in all cases, your outfitter should be able to assist you with information on the above and contact details to their preferred partners. 

What is the Hunting Law, and Regulations, in Africa?

The most important African Hunting Law is that clients are not allowed to hunt without a Professional Hunter, who on their turn must operate under the license of a Hunting Outfitter. 

If you’ve ever hunted in any country other than your own, you are familiar with the fact that each nation tends to legislate and regulate wildlife in quite different ways. Africa is no exception. However, as a client this is a non-issue for you as one law ensures that you are always covered under all conditions. The only law that you as a client need to know, is that in Africa you must always be accompanied by a qualified & accredited Professional Hunter, who operates under the license of a registered Hunting Outfitter, when you are hunting. Foreigners are not allowed to hunt in Africa without these conditions being met and doing so may lead to your prosecution as a poacher. The hunting Outfitter with whom you have booked is then responsible for ensuring that all hunting activities are legal and legitimate. 

That’s it, chapter closed. Right? Well, yes, but the point of this post is to inform you as much as we can. So here are a couple of other laws and regulations to consider. As mentioned before, every African nation have different laws so we will be focusing on South Africa for now. Do note however that everything we say here is also a law in some shape or form in other African countries, so you may use this as a broad African guideline:

Rule #1, Always:

Foreign tourists hunting in South Africa is classified as a “Hunting Client”. Hunting Clients are under no circumstances allowed to hunt without being accompanied by a qualified Professional Hunter, who is himself, or otherwise operates under the employment of a registered Hunting Outfitter.  

Hunting Permits

All animals hunted in Africa requires a hunting permit. Many animals such as Impala is covered under the so-called “P3 exemption”. If the hunting area on which you hunt has P3 exemption, Impala and other species do not require an individual permit by may be hunted under the P3 permit. Ask your outfitter about specific species if this is a concern. 

Export permits

Export permits deserves an article of its own. However, it is important that you know one thing. Only make use of companies with a proven track record, and who comes highly recommended by your outfitter, to handle your hunted trophies. Irrelevant of whether it is dipping, taxidermy or shipping, do not take chances on an unproven company. If you are unsure and your outfitter cannot help you, feel free to reach out to us, or ask on the forums on popular hunting sites such as Let’s Hunt .

Most African outfitters will treat you fairly and honourably. That is the one wonderful thing about this industry. However, if any disputes do arise, try to solve it calmly and professionally while in camp. Most African outfitters do not have the resources to fight clients in the courts of their home countries, and therefor explicitly states that any legal action will be taken in the country of their registration. Although recourse is possible, this puts an unnecessary burden on you as a client. It also taints the memory of what should be the greatest adventure of your life. Most hunting outfitters will not take it personally if you have any concerns, and in fact welcome any dialogue towards fixing your concerns. So, make sure to chat to them the moment you are unhappy about anything. 

Firearms and Caliber Requirements

The Ordinance only forbids the use of.22 rimfire ammunition and contains very few other caliber restrictions or directives. Shotgun use is not allowed while hunting “Game” animals other than birds or hares. Semi-automatic or self-loading rifles may not be used to kill common or protected species, although they may be used to hunt “problem animals” and “wild animals that are not game.” Although your professional hunter will not permit the hunting of any animal with a weapon with insufficient killing capability for the particular animal, there are no limits on using muzzle-loaders or pistols for hunting. Almost any weapon may be used for hunting on P3-Exempted farms, where the majority of hunting by foreign tourists is done. 

Bows and other String Weapons

African hunting law is slightly behind the curve when it comes to bow hunting. So make sure to ask your outfitter. As for South Africa, we can give you a quick roundup. South Africa allows bow hunting and crossbow hunting for plains game and dangerous game hunting except for elephants, black rhino, white rhino and crocodile.

Obviously, many other laws exist, but these are the most important as it pertains to your discovery and decision-making process of booking your next African Hunting Safari. As mentioned above, if you have any questions, feel free to ask your outfitter, they know the law. You are also more than welcome to contact us with any questions you might have. 

Is it Safe to Hunt in Africa?

Africa is a safe hunting destination. As you will be traveling with your hunting guide, you are very unlikely to witness, and less so fall victim to any crime.

If all the popular hunting destinations, you will find the most news and reports on crime in South Africa. However, it must be noted that South Africa is by far the most efficient in reporting crime statistics. So if the statistics aren’t reliable, how do we figure this one out? 

Allow me, an 8th generation, born and bred African, to chime in here. I have travelled across the vast majority of Africa via the commercial routes and via self-driven overlanding. Much more the latter. Central Africa is as familiar to me as my brother-in-law, and Southern Africa is printed on the back of my hand. You can wake me up at three in the morning and I’ll happily create a Safari itinerary for you by heart. I know this place.

Here is my personal experience: South Africa is an extremely safe place to be if you refrain from going to the places you won’t be going on a Safari anyway. The same can be said for Botswana and Namibia, however these countries are extremely sparsely populated and as such I tend to feel the most comfortable to turn my back here, no matter what I am doing. Zimbabwe, Tanzania, Mozambique & Zambia are fantastic destinations, but can be unpredictable. 

But the truth of the matter is that you will be accompanied by your hunting guide wherever you go. We know where the hotspots are and will under no circumstances take any client near them. Couple your physical separation from dangerous areas with good old common sense, and you will not be in danger at any point more than you would be back home. 

A small caveat: Some destinations as mentioned are unpredictable. Tribalism and poverty are very real issues in Africa and as you might have read elsewhere, tensions do flare up from time to time. If you are hunting in any of the above-mentioned unpredictable areas, please speak to your outfitter first and specifically enquire about current unrests in these countries. 

What are the African health Concerns?

If a hunter takes the necessary precautions, like taking Malaria medication if you visit a Malaria area, you will not fall ill to any exotic diseases – Africa is a safe place to visit. 

Due to poverty, a lack of general hygiene knowledge and the lack of proper public healthcare, Africa is a place with more health concerns than your home country. Another concern to you might be dangerous animals, snakes and parasitic diseases such as Malaria. However, taking the correct precautions and using common sense, you will not fall ill to any strange & exotic diseases. Let’s look at these concerns: 

Going on an African hunting safari during the continent’s winter months will reduce your chances of coming into contact with a snake (June – August). You shouldn’t let your fear of snakes keep you from going on safari if your schedule requires you to go at a different time. Hunters seldom get snakebites, so don’t let that stop you from taking advantage of Africa’s fantastic hunting.

You won’t necessarily run the danger of getting malaria, or even being in an area where Malaria exists. Although those pesky mosquitos are found across Africa (as in the rest of the world) the areas where they carry Malaria is limited. To find out if you will be hunting in a malarial region, it is best to consult your outfitter. We are not medically trained professionals, and this does not constitute medical advice. Before visiting malaria areas, please seek medical advice from your doctor regarding medication. To put your mind at ease however, if you are visiting a Malaria region, your guides and outfitter will be well acquainted with the disease, with many of them having had it themselves multiple times.

Yellow Fever

South Africa does not require vaccinations against yellow fever. In countries where there have been outbreaks of yellow fever, vaccination records are required, and entry will likely be refused without them. According to the CDC, yellow fever vaccination recommendations vary by country. View the CDC’s recommendations here.

Sorry, we are all tired of it. As COVID regulations tend to change regularly, please check with your outfitter on what the latest requirements are for your destination country. 

Who can Hunt in Africa?

Africa caters to all hunters, including children, senior hunters & disabled hunters. 

Anyone can hunt in Africa due to the variety of hunting styles and types of hunting areas. 

Amazing information. Thanks guys! I do have one question with regards to pricing. It seems like there is, more often than not, a major variation between the prices of one species among outfitters.

Where can I go to find the “actual” price to make sure I am not over paying?

Hi Kevin, that is a great question and probably worthy of another post all on its own. However, and in short: In Africa there is no such thing as an “actual” price.

In South Africa, the various species have the lowest price in the areas which have historically been their home range. The same species would be slightly more expensive in an area which is not historically their home range. This is due to the difference in local breeding stock that outfitters use to improve genetics on the various animals.

In other African countries, animals tend to be more expensive than in South Africa because of how difficult it can be to recover them, and because of more expensive government levies.

In all cases, a big factor is also the availability of the number of tags on that species.

You will find that when an outfitter is slightly more expensive on one animal, they are also slightly less expensive on another animal.

As always, talk to your outfitter and ask them what they can do with the price for you. But also remember that they do run a business and have dozens of employees, so there is only so much that they can do.

I hope that answers your questions.

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Hunting Safari in Africa

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Africa is probably one of the best destinations for hunting safari because of the abundance and diversity of wildlife. But that is not all! The lush landscape and vast plains of Africa make this continent an ideal destination for hunting safari and an adventurous getaway. 

There is simply nothing as exciting as trying to outwit incredibly clever and cunning wild animals.

Now, if hunting in Africa has always been on your mind for a while, this article will provide invaluable information that will make the process of planning an African hunting safari seamless and straightforward.

Ready? Let’s dive in!

A Rudimentary Guide on Africa Hunting Safari Regions

Safari hunting experiences vary greatly based on the region and it’s important to have at least a rudimentary picture of what to expect. Here is a quick safari hunting  guide: 

Southern African countries such as Namibia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa are the most popular countries among hunters ( source ).

Not only do these countries provide hunters with outstanding experiences, but they’re also affordable and ideal for first-timers. 

Eastern Africa – especially Ethiopia, Mozambique, and Tanzania, on the other hand, boast vast wilderness areas. These places are packed with wild-game animals like buffalos, lions, elephants, and leopards.

These regions are fantastic if you desire a comfortable safari spiced up with a thrilling hunting adventure.

Central and Western African countries are the most appealing to experienced hunters, who are after challenging games – giant eland and bongo.

With such a wide range of terrain, diverse destinations and different species of animals to choose from, hunting safari in Africa offers something for everyone.

Packing List for Hunting Safari

Note that clothing may vary depending on the length of your stay, the location, and your preference.

The general rule of thumb is to make sure you pack suitable colors (like neutrals) for your hunting days. Most of the time khaki or jungle green is recommended.

Items to consider packing are:

• 2 long trousers 
• 2 walking shorts 
• 1 lightweight hunting jacket 
• 1 wool sweater 
• Wide brim field hat 
• Medium weight socks 
• 1 pair of sturdy boots 
• One pair of camp slippers 
• Sunglasses  
• Sunblock cream 
• Power adapter  

African Hunting Safari Packages

African hunting safari is certainly not a cheap hobby. The price varies depending on the country and the exact animal species you intend to hunt. 

Generally, non-exotic species such as gazelle, impala, kudu, wildebeest, eland warthog, zebra, and so on of plain games are the most considerately priced. 

Most packages of African hunting safaris are primarily based on two things; 

• Daily rates – this covers lodging, meals, transportation, service of a professional and qualified hunter
• Trophy rates – this is the price you’ll need to pay for any animal killed on the hunt 

That said, a 5-day or more African safari hunting expenditure can cost upwards of $3000 to $10,000 depending on the outfitter, type of safari hunt, and the country of the hunt.

This is no different for African hunting safaris. 

Factors that Influence Costs

There are a few factors that are taken into consideration in determining the cost of any African safari. Some factors include:

• Country plus the specific hunting areas 
• Length of the hunting period (days)
• Availability of trophy animals 
• Quality of the trophy
• The method used in hunting 
• Travel and accommodation arrangements 

Whether you’re new or a seasoned hunter, you need to dig a little deeper to get a close estimate of how much your adventure will cost.

This will spare you from unpleasant surprises of hidden fees as these quickly add up to a significant amount.

Before you set out on a hunting safari, be sure to ask if the price quoted includes permit fees and local taxes.

Mostly, African hunting safari pricing tends to fall under the following structure: 

• All-inclusive hunts excluding trophy fees plus client-dependent extras

• Hunt packages including the trophy fee for a particular list of animals 

• Self-tailored hunt packages with a discount on trophy fees 

• Itemized hunt prices with all the necessary fees and the daily rates 

Classes of Hunted Animals in an African Hunting Safari

Basically, there are several game classifications;

• Plain games

Dangerous big game hunting safaris are common in various Eastern and Southern Africa countries. Some of the species available to hunt include; Cape buffalo, Elephant, Lion, Rhino, Leopard, Crocodile, and Hippo.

There are different hunting methods for each animal.

For instance, Cape buffalo and elephants are usually hunted on foot which mostly involves lots of walking and tracking.

Sometimes there is use of traditional bowhunting weapons.

On the other hand, leopards are hunted with dogs or on bait, while lions are either hunted on bait or tracking method.

Again, the method used highly depends on the hunting outfitter of your choice.

List of Animals that Are Likely to Be on Your Hunting List

• Bat Eared Fox
• Black Wildebeest 
• White Blesbuck
• Blue Wildebeest
• Duiker Common
• Eland Cape 
• Gemsbuck/Oryx 
• Honey Badger 
• Hyena (Brown) 
• Klipspringer Kudu
• Red Hartebeest
• Kalahari Springbuck
• Black Springbuck
• Burchell’s Zebra –
• Hartman’s Zebra
• Jackal (Black-Backed)
• Damara Dik-Dik
• Giraffe Caracal

5+ Days South African Hunting Itinerary

Package Includes 5 Hunting Days, 6 Nights ($4000)

• Kudu, Cape x 1
• Bushbuck, Cape x 1
• One Blesbuck or 1 Impala

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7-Day Safari Itinerary Guide

• Day 1: pickup from PE from morning till noon  
• From day 2 to day 6: Day 2 through to day 6 are full hunting days 
• Day 7: return to PE 

• Rifle – this will cost you US$ 30 per rifle per day including ammunition.

Safaris Include

• Daily rates
• Hunting transportation
• Professional hunter 
• Transfers to and from the airport
• Your hunting licenses
• Trophy skinning
• Hunting permit fees and VAT tax
• Catered meals and beverages (in moderation)
• Daily laundry service during your trip
• Accommodation boasting all amenities, all included

Not Included

• Other animal fees for game taken over and above animals included in the package
• Taxidermy fees
• Any additional days you may decide to add to your hunting safari (beyond what the package covers)
• More personal trips and tours,
• Additional people(hunters/non-hunters) added to the package,
• Flights and gratuities
• One pre-safari night
• Airport pick up 

A Typical Hunting Day 

Your day will begin early, at dawn with breakfast after which together with your PH, you’ll board a hunting vehicle and drive to the hunting area.

Most African hunts are done using the ‘spot and stalk’ method whereby a potential game is spotted.

Then you get out of the vehicle and commence on stalking.

Stalking can take anywhere between a few minutes to a couple of hours and you’ll be guided by your PH on how to approach the potential trophy.

Mostly, it gets hot by noon especially during summer which makes it unbearable to get any spotting under the scorching sun

It is during this period animals go into hiding from the sun. 

Around this time you’re likely to be directed back to the hunting lodge for lunch and a short rest.

You’ll later commence on an afternoon hunt which takes about the same form as the morning hunt.

The hunting will go on till dusk where you’ll enjoy a magnificent sunset before calling it a day and getting back to the hunting lodge.

There you’ll enjoy your dinner while reminiscing about the wonderful day’s adventure.

This cycle is repeated for the whole period of your stay.

Information about African hunting safari is scarce and not readily available. We hope this comprehensive African hunting safari guide is everything you need to plan an epic adventure and a memorable hunt in Africa. From the best counties to visit and what to pack for your safari to a sample hunting safari guide.

For more safari-related posts, refer to our other posts on:

• Best camera for safari
• Safari packing list for Botswana
• Kilimanjaro packing list

Frequently Asked Questions on an African Hunting Safari (FAQ)

Simply put, safari hunting is an adventurous excursion taken by an individual to hunt wild animals for recreation.

An African safari hunt can be an expensive affair but that’s based on a couple of factors; which includes the areas do you want to see? How do you want to get around? (Fly or drive) and of course, the species that you want to hunt down.

Trophy hunting costs can range anywhere between $500 and $ 8,000 but again, the total cost will depend on where and what you’re hunting, plus the available quality of the trophy.

Kenya is one of the African countries that have banned trophy (and any other form of hunting). While other countries like Botswana do allow hunting but taking trophies home may be restricted.

In addition to other personal items that you’d take on a normal safari, some essentials of an African hunting safari include; binoculars and bug repellent especially if you’re visiting around summertime.

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Kaiwhai Safaris

Africa’s Trusted Hunting Outfitter “Since 1999"

Kaiwhai Safaris is a leading African Outfitter that specialises in tailor-made luxury African Hunting Safaris. We’ve been in operation since 1999 and have hunted with hundreds of clients over a 25 year span.

Each Safari is custom designed to your personal preferences to ensure that each client get the best African hunting experience, with a bit of luxury… Just because we are in Africa doesn’t mean we have to rough it. Our lodges are world-class and come standard with wi-fi, air-conditioning and all the extras you need, to enjoy your stay in style and comfort.

We hunt only the best quality trophy animals and our guides have many years of experience, hunting with guests from many parts of the world. 

We own the land in South Africa and Namibia that we hunt on, totaling over 300,000 acres. Over and above that, we have 2 further concessions in Botswana and the Caprivi that covers over 890,000 and 500,000 acres respectively. Combined our private land and concessions offer over 45 species of African animals to hunt. 

Whether you prefer rifle hunting or bow hunting, we have the perfect safari for you.

As a testament to our great service, the largest number of our clients each year are returning clients, who hunted with us before. We do not have any clients….. we only have friends!!

GETAWAY TO AFRICA

Our “ Getaway to Africa ” Hunting Show on the Sportsman Channel is a huge success and we regularly film new episodes in Namibia and South Africa. If you interested in being on the show feel free to contact us for more information.

Here is a short introduction to the show.

“In a civilized and cultivated country wild animals only continue to exist at all when preserved by sportsmen.  The excellent people who protest against all hunting, and consider sportsmen as enemies of wildlife, are ignorant of the fact that in reality the genuine sportsman is by all odds the most important factor in keeping the larger and more valuable wild creatures from total extermination.” – Theodore Roosevelt

Our Hunting Areas

Kaiwhai Safaris have exclusive hunting concessions for rifle and bow hunting in South Africa and Namibia. Click on the below links for more information on each area.

SOUTH AFRICA – HUNTING CONCESSIONS

NAMIBIA – PLAINS GAME CONCESSIONS

NAMIBIA – DANGEROUS GAME CONCESSIONS

Kaiwhai Safaris is owned and operated by Francois Els and Erik Potgieter, and between us we have more than 40 years of hunting experience. We have a team of professional guides that we have hand selected, with many years of experience hunting the wilds of Africa.

Hunting in Africa is our absolute passion and we have a great wealth of knowledge to pass on to our clients and ensure that each hunt is a lifetime experience. We have some of the most prolific concessions in Southern Africa with more than 45 species available to hunt. 

We tailor-make each and every safari to the specific needs of our guests and ensure that the best possible animals are harvested.

We assist with the planning and booking phase of your hunt, make all the necessary arrangements, get all permits and licenses in place, and the then personally guide each and every hunt. 

We also have many years of experience in the tourism industry and can plan and assist with luxury photographic safaris all over Africa.

Give us a call so we could escort you on your next hunting trip to Africa.

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2024 usa roadshow.

Hi guys. We are exhibiting at quite a few hunting conventions in January and February 2024. DSC (Dallas)    –   January 11-14 HSCF (Houston)   –    January 19-21 GHC (San Antonio)    –    January 26-28 SCI (Nashville)    –    January 31 – February 3 Texas Gun Ranch    –    February 9-10 WHE …

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Kaiwhai Safaris Office – Carmyn Schoeman Tel:          +27 79 695 6749 Email:    [email protected]

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Our events are more than just gatherings; they are immersive experiences where hunters from around the world come together to share stories, exchange expertise, and foster camaraderie. From prestigious hunting expos to specialised workshops led by seasoned professionals, our events offer a unique platform to delve into the world of ethical hunting practices, conservation efforts, and the latest innovations in hunting gear.  Join us in these vibrant celebrations of the wild, where passion meets expertise, and every event becomes a memorable chapter in your journey.

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Step into the extraordinary world of JKO Hunting Safaris, a realm where passion meets precision, and every adventure is an epic saga written in the untamed wilderness of Africa.

Since our establishment in 2004, we have been crafting unparalleled hunting experiences, guided by a profound respect for nature and a dedication to ethical hunting practices. What sets us apart is not just our decades of expertise but our relentless commitment to curating safaris that transcend expectations. Under the expert guidance of Jacques Spamer, a seasoned connoisseur of the wild, we meticulously design each expedition to be a symphony of thrill, challenge, and awe-inspiring moments. We don’t just organize safaris; we craft narratives of exploration and camaraderie.

Our expert team of trackers, guides, and outfitters bring an intricate understanding of the African terrain, ensuring every hunt is a testament to skill and strategy. Whether you aspire to conquer the formidable Big 5, savor the pursuit of plains game, or delve into the nuances of bow hunting, our safaris are tailor-made to fulfill your aspirations. But beyond the thrill of the chase, we are champions of conservation, stewards of wildlife, and advocates for sustainable practices. With us, you’re not just a participant; you’re a partner in the preservation of Africa’s natural heritage.

Join us in the heart of the wilderness, where the echoes of ancient landscapes harmonize with the stories of hunters and the roars of majestic beasts. Embrace the spirit of adventure, where every expedition is not just a hunt; it’s a saga, waiting to be written in the annals of your life’s adventures.

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Ep 184: First Africa Hunting Safari With Brant Benoit

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I talk about hunting in Africa all the time on this podcast. This ranges from me talking about my experiences over there to interviewing guys like Kevin Robertson who have way more knowledge and experience in Africa than I do. Today, I’m taking a slightly different tack and interviewing a podcast listener who went on his first hunt in Africa in late 2021.

Brant Benoit is a long-time podcast listener from Georgia and he contacted me in 2020 about booking a hunt in South Africa through my company Big Game Hunting Adventures. He hunted in August-September of 2021, had a great safari, and has some excellent stories and lessons learned to share with you guys. We talk about the process from start to finish from that initial email enquiry, to booking flights, preparing mentally and physically for the hunt, doing rifle import paperwork, to the hunt itself. We also talk about a few lessons Brant learned along the way and some things he wished he knew before he went over there.

Follow me on Instagram ( @thebiggamehunter_ ) to see the photo of Brant’s bushbuck with the missing hoof.

Show Sponsor:   Big Game Hunting Adventures The special offer mentioned in the podcast is valid for all hunts that take place during the 2022 calendar year at our new camp. We have availability during May, October, and November 2022. We also have plenty of openings in 2023. Visit bestsafarihunt.com to learn more or contact me directly at [email protected] to take advantage of this special offer. Make sure you say you heard about Big Game Hunting Adventures through The Big Game Hunting Podcast!

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African hunting safaris

Dawie Wiesner stands out as a professional hunter who not only brings a wealth of experience and skills but also a commitment to providing a unique and safe hunting experience for his clients.

Dawie Wiesner is not just a professional hunter, he’s a seasoned adventurer with a deep-rooted passion for the outdoors and conservation. With a foundation laid during his early years as a hunter and later serving in the South African Defence Force and diving commercially in the rivers of Africa’s jungles. Dawie brings a unique blend of skills and experience to the world of professional hunting.

After an illustrious career as a Commercial Diver, including daring expeditions to the South African and Namibian West Coast and the rivers of Northern Angola and the Central African Republic, Dawie transitioned to the business world in 2000, when he purchased a business in Sasolburg, Freestate, which he still owns today.

However, the call of the wild and his love for hunting never waned. In 2018, Dawie pursued his dream by qualifying as a Professional Hunter, leveraging his experience as a Close Protection Officer. His specialty lies in catering to high profile international clients who seek both a professional hunter and a close protection officer. Dawie goes the extra mile, personally ensuring the safety and satisfaction of his clients from airport pickup to where the safari ends at the airport’s boarding area.

Dawie is experienced in still photography as well as filmmaking and editing. On request, Dawie can provide a videographer to capture the entire Safari experience as well as offer a complete editing service up to the final video.

Dawie ensures a client’s experience is as authentic, ethical, and original as possible observing hunting traditions. His preferred mode of hunting is walk and stalk or spot and stalk whenever possible, yet he adapts to any habitat. He also caters to clients with special needs making it possible for everyone to share in the thrill of a hunt in Africa. Dawie’s interests include a love of history, horseback riding, scuba diving, reloading, and firearms ballistics and he stays up to date with global current affairs.

Professional Hunter & Outfitter

As a skilled and experienced professional hunter, I am confident in providing top-notch services to those seeking an unforgettable adventure. With a range of equipment rental, transportation, meals, and lodging options available, you can trust that your needs will be met to the highest standards. As your guide, I will be with you every step of the way to ensure your safety, while also bringing my expertise to the table to facilitate a successful hunting experience. Don't hesitate to contact me now to start planning your next adventure with utmost confidence!

The Ultimate African Safari Adventure: A Thrilling Hunt for the World's Most Magnificent Wildlife.

Join our professionally guided hunting expedition for an exhilarating experience in the South African plains or mountains. With our expert guides, state-of-the-art equipment, and proven hunting strategies, you’re guaranteed to have a successful hunting trip. Here are some of the benefits you can expect when you choose our services: 1. Experienced Guides: Our guides have extensive knowledge of the hunting game in South Africa and can help you identify potential target locations, set up safe hunts, and provide you with insider tips to increase your chances of success. 2. Quality Equipment: We use the latest precision hunting equipment and technology to guarantee optimal accuracy and ensure a seamless hunting experience. 3. Customized Hunting Packages: We tailor hunting packages that suit your needs, whether solo, in groups, or special hunting requests. 4. Accommodation: We can provide comfortable accommodations in the heart of the country, including meals prepared by a professional chef. 5. Licensed and Insured: Our services are officially licensed and insured to ensure your safety, and security and enjoy your hunting trip without any worries. Book with us now for an unforgettable hunting expedition!

Book your African hunting safaris now!

Are you ready for an unforgettable outdoor experience? Book a hunt now and immerse yourself in the thrill of the chase. With expert guides and top-notch gear, you'll have everything you need for a successful and rewarding hunt. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a first-timer, there's something for everyone. Don't miss out on this opportunity to get up close and personal with nature and create memories that will last a lifetime. So what are you waiting for? Book your hunt today!

Experience the Thrill of a Lifetime with Our Professional Hunter and Outfitter:

Your ultimate african hunting safari adventure awaits, introduction.

Are you ready to embark on the adventure of a lifetime? If you’re a passionate hunter seeking an unforgettable experience in the heart of Africa, look no further. Welcome to Hunting with Dawie Hunting Safaris, where we specialize in providing top-notch hunting experiences that combine affordability, professionalism, and the thrill of the hunt. Whether you’re a seasoned trophy hunter or a first-time visitor, Dawie, our qualified outfitter and professional hunter is here to make your African hunting safari dreams come true.

Affordable African Hunting Safaris

We understand that hunting safaris can sometimes be perceived as a costly endeavor. However, at Hunting with Dawie Hunting Safaris, we’re committed to offering affordable hunting packages that don’t compromise on quality. Our goal is to make your dream African hunting safari accessible to a wide range of hunters without breaking the bank. We believe that everyone should have the opportunity to experience the beauty and excitement of hunting in Africa.

African Hunting Safari Adventures

Africa is a continent renowned for its diverse landscapes, unique wildlife, and rich hunting traditions. At Hunting with Dawie Hunting Safaris, we offer a wide range of African hunting safaris, including South African hunting safaris, trophy hunting safaris, and affordable hunting safaris tailored to your preferences. Whether you’re interested in plains game hunting or you’re ready for the challenge of mountain hunting, we have the perfect safari for you.

Experienced Professional Hunter and Outfitter

Dawie, our professional hunter and outfitter is the backbone of our operation. We take pride in the expertise and knowledge he brings to every safari. With years of experience in the field, Dawie, our professional hunter are skilled in tracking, stalking, and ensuring a safe and ethical hunting experience. He will guide you every step of the way, making your African hunting safari not only thrilling but also educational.

Trophy Hunting Safaris

For those seeking the ultimate hunting challenge, our trophy hunting safaris are designed to deliver. Africa is home to some of the world’s most coveted trophies, and we are dedicated to helping you secure your dream trophy. Whether it’s a majestic kudu, a striking impala, or any other prized species, our professional hunter will assist you in your quest for the perfect trophy.

Hunting in Africa: An Unforgettable Experience

Hunting in Africa is unlike any other hunting experience in the world. The breathtaking landscapes, the adrenaline rush of the chase, and the opportunity to witness incredible wildlife in their natural habitat make it a journey you’ll treasure forever. At Hunting with Dawie Hunting Safaris, we are honored to be your guide through this remarkable adventure.

Book Your African Hunting Safari Today!

Don’t miss out on the chance to embark on an affordable African hunting safari of a lifetime. Whether you’re interested in plains game hunting, mountain hunting, or trophy hunting, Dawie is your trusted partner for an unforgettable experience in the heart of Africa. Contact him today to learn more about his available packages and start planning your dream hunting safari. Your adventure begins here!

Tollies African Safaris

HUNT IN AFRICA

Tollie's african safaris.

The ultimate hunt in Africa awaits.

Join us for your own unforgettable hunting experience.

HUNT WITH US

With over 30 years in the hunting safari business, Tollie’s African Safaris knows exactly what it takes to make your dream hunt a reality.

Because we take pride in maintaining fair chase and ethical hunting standards. We offer more than 30 different species on over 200 acres of hunting grounds.

Besides exciting hunting expeditions, we also offer all-inclusive family tours & safaris.

Some of our most popular activities are hiking, game drives, horse-back riding & trout fishing.  Custom tours and day trips can include your choice of sights like historic towns, shopping & world renowned game parks.

Get the most out of your hunting experience with our range of services. Our team caters to every detail of yourAfrican Safari experience.

At Tollie’s African Safaris we value exceptional customer service. Our hunting packages are fully customized to suit your unique requirements.

With that in mind our services have been developed to cater to every aspect of your ultimate hunting safari experience.

Enjoy your adrenaline packed hunt in Africa, while also getting the most out of your trip.

Explore the beautiful surroundings with the activities of your choice. Whether you prefer a luxury winery trip or hiking and shark cage diving. 

We have taken care of the planning, so you can just enjoy the adventure. Our step-by-step guide takes the hassle out of everything from booking to shipping and everything in between.

ADD MORE TO YOUR

Hunting experience.

Lots of adventure calls for a bit of recharging. At the end your hunting day enjoy a luxurious room with a stunning view and fine cuisine to satisfy the hungriest hunter.

After choosing from our all-inclusive packages and extensive hunting lists, finish of with our own taxidermy service. Easily preserve your hunt and the memories you made. One less thing you have to worry about.

ACCOMODATION

HUNTING PACKAGES

TOURS & ACTIVITIES

In the know, hunt in africa blog.

Join us on all the latest adventures as we journey through the breath taking South African landscapes. See the thrilling hunting and photo safaris.

Enjoy the expedition and tips we share along the way.

GET IN TOUCH

Start planning your ultimate hunting safari today.

Our team is on stand-by with all the assistance you need. Reach out and get a quote on your dream trophy list. 

Adventure Unlimited, Inc.

Telephone 1-361-852-0537  Email: [email protected]

SCI Booth #3473 Worldwide Safari Outfitter

Safari Consultants and Outfitters

While we offer trips all over the world, we specialize in Africa Hunting Safaris, and pride ourselves on being the premier safari outfitter for dangerous game and plains game hunting safaris.  Adventure Unlimited offers classic African hunting safaris in Zambia, Tanzania, Botswana, South Africa, Namibia, Cameroon, Mozambique, Benin, Burkina Faso, Ethiopia and Zimbabwe.

We search the world for the best places and the best people to help make your dreams come true.  Whether it be a high volume dove hunt in Argentina or a classic hunting safari in Africa, we have personally scrutinized and screened the areas, outfitters, guides, and professional hunters to make sure that they exceed the highest standards in terms of trophy quality, healthy game populations, excellent accommodations, and that they can provide our clients with the very best experiences and opportunities.

Adventure Unlimited offers everything from big game hunting in Europe, wing shooting in South America, and fishing in exotic destinations, but their specialty is the Big Five in Africa. John has made over 30 trips to Africa, and is considered one of the safari industry’s foremost experts in the field of big ivory and big cats. John is a member of Safari Club International, the International Professional Hunters Association, Dallas Safari Club and several other sporting and conservation organizations.

Testimonials

“Booking a safari today may be done directly or through an agent. My first hunt was with a friend who had booked several hunts through Adventure Unlimited, with whom I booked all eights of my African hunts. Adventure Unlimited has many options to offer depending on your budget and the type safari. Many details must be worked out after you make your decision. Adventure Unlimited shines in this area. They have many years of experience with outfitters and PHs all over Africa. Any questions you have will be answered. They work closely with your travel agent, outfitter, PHs and export agent for your trophies. They are on your side from beginning to end and their fee is a great value for what you get. The advantages of using Adventure Unlimited as your agent far outweigh any possible drawbacks. I give John and Merrona my highest recommendation.”

[email protected]

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Reserve Now for the Early 2024 Launch

At Kalahari Safaris we offer a customized luxury hunting experience. We also offer Photographic adventure opportunities on our private properties, situated on thousands of acres of remote and unspoiled wild-land for you to bask in during your stay. We directly border the Central Kalahari Game Reserve. This massive natural park is over 20,000 thousand square miles in size and one of the largest game reserves on the planet. Our area holds some of the purest genetic quality available anywhere today as it relates to trophy and animal quality. This is why people keep choosing to experience a Hunting or Photographic Safari with Kalahari Safaris in Botswana, Africa.

Our location in the center of the Kalahari means our area is an open brush land with large savannahs. This allows you to see large herds of game such as Wildebeest, Gemsbuck, Impala and Springbok – just to name a few. We offer African Plains Game Safaris and African Dangerous Game Safaris with opportunities in, pursuing the elusive honey badger all the way to the famous Botswana Elephant, from luxury camps to remote old style east African tented camps with packages offered at all levels.

For those who enjoy great meals, Kalahari Safaris Botswana is a culinary delight that promises not to disappoint. Our lodge places a paramount emphasis on every meal, curated by the finest chefs in Botswana. From international delicacies to local flavors, our menu boasts a top-tier selection that includes specialties like the iconic and delectable Kalahari acacia wood-fired pizza. 

For our African Photographic Safari clients this adventure blends photography and relaxation together. From meals prepared by brilliant chefs, to full luxury camp accommodations including massage and spa services. In addition we have high-tower game viewing blinds, which set you up for the best opportunity at seeing some of Botswana’s, and Africa’s, nature at its best. we guarantee you will not be disappointed.

To get to us, you will fly into Maun, Botswana.  You will most likely be arriving from Johannesburg, South Africa. Our team will meet you at the airport and then drive to our lodge which is only 1.5 hours from the Maun Airport. This way you have a simple itinerary and an exciting start to your Safari Adventure in Botswana!

Adventures With Kalahari Safaris Botswana

Embark on an unforgettable journey with Kalahari Safaris Botswana – your ultimate destination for Hunting, Photographic Safaris, Family Safaris, Plains Game Safaris, Dangerous Game Safaris, or a General Vacation Getaway. Whether you’re a first-time explorer of the African Safari or a seasoned enthusiast, our intimate and secluded luxury camps await, ready to ensure an exceptional stay for you and your family. Nestled in the heart of nature, our brand-new lodge and guest houses offer breathtaking views of wildlife right from the camp areas.

Our property borders the Central Kalahari Game Reserve which is over 20,000 square miles in size, since its establishment in 1961. The open savannahs hold thousands of animals, including Elephant, Giraffe, Lion, Leopard, Wild dog, Cheetah, Hyena, Big Kudu, Eland, Gemsbuck, Wildebeest, Duiker, Steenbok and many other species of African wildlife. With the park being a no-hunting zone, it hosts some of the purest genes in trophy-quality game animals.

In the heart of the Kalahari, our region is home to the largest population of the San Bushmen, one of Africa’s oldest surviving cultures. Partnering with these indigenous hunter-gatherers, our African Hunting Safaris and Photographic Safaris include skilled Bushman trackers, offering an unparalleled experience in game tracking. As you explore, immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of the San Bushmen, and don’t miss the chance to witness their famous trance dance – a spiritual ritual of healing led by the Shaman.

At Kalahari Safaris, we go beyond safaris. Experience the thrill of a San Bushman Dance during your stay, a unique and mesmerizing event. Engage in this communal activity around a fire, as the Shaman and fellow tribesmen perform the trance dance, surrounded by the clapping and rhythmic beats of women and children on the outer circle. It’s a night of unparalleled energy that everyone should witness.

Our African Hunting Safaris and Photographic Safaris are not just extraordinary but also reasonably priced and affordable. For inquiries about lodge availability and to make your adventure a reality, contact Kalahari Safaris Botswawa  today.

Our Areas & Camps

Our areas expand all across Botswana, although our headquarters and base camp borders the Central Kalahari Game Reserve – this is where most of our clients will stay. Depending on the species and activities you decide to participate in, such as Cape Buffalo or Elephant hunting – or our River Tours & Tiger Fishing we would be using other camps. Each one of these areas being luxurious and enjoyable places to experience.

All of our camps have the most comfortable beds and linens with daily laundry service which means you do not need to overpack when it comes to clothes. Everyday you spend in one of our areas is a dream-like experience. As our areas are remote and beautiful, teaming with wildlife, food and drinks that can not be duplicated anywhere in the world. Our acacia wood fires and sunsets are to die for, not to mention the sounds of the African Doves cooing all day long. All of these different sights, smells and adrenaline-pumped adventures are sure to give you the experience of a lifetime! 

Once you book your first African Safari with Kalahari Safaris Botswana, you will be compelled to come back year after year.

Latest News & Blogs

Wildlife photography tips on safari.

Embarking on a Safari adventure can be an extremely exhilarating and meaningful experience. Going on Safari with places like Kalahari Safaris Botswana, offers the avid photographer an expansive canvas of impressive landscapes, wildlife and nature. It gives you the opportunity to view magnificent animals like Leopards, Lions and Elephants in

Tips for a Successful Safari with Kids

Embarking on a Safari adventure with the little ones can be an exciting and enriching experience. However, it could prove to be a disaster with inadequate planning and knowledge about where you are going beforehand. It is essential to plan carefully to ensure your, as well as their safety and

Seasonal Highlights in African Safari Regions

Embarking on an African Safari is an unforgettable experience and it is best to ensure that you are informed about the best time and season to visit each of the regions. Each region has its own diverse and unique tapestry which evolves and changes with each season, offering new and

Night Safari Adventures

Night Safaris have historically been overlooked by many safari camps and lodges, however, in recent years this spectacle has grown immensely in popularity. Going on African Safaris during the day offers a great experience, allowing you to see the commonly sought-after animals you often hear about from travelers. However, a

Newsletters & Adventure Updates

If you like the idea of getting away from it all, without even moving from your seat. sign up to our newsletter.

Quick Links

• Our Partners
• U.S.A. Office contact John (810) 602-9343
• Botswana Office Contact Jaco +276 75 342 886
• [email protected]
• Terms of Services
• Privacy Policies Kalahari Safaris located in the Batawana Tribal Area, Hainaveld-Ranch OL-8(C16) Village/Ward
• @2023 Kalahari Safaris. All rights reserved.

Dangerous game packages

Plains game packages

Best caliber to hunt South Africa

How to fill out SAPS 520

First Timer African hunting safari package first time hunting in Africa

The First Timer African Hunting Safari Package is for you if you are looking at making sure you will enjoy African hunting. This is a low cost hunt that will never be cheap.

You will be treated the same as any other hunter just because you are not an interruption of our work, but rather you are creating work for us. Thank you.

The only way your hunting trip will happen is if you make it happen. Go ahead, take the first step towards an unforgettable journey in life and contact us.

Get in Touch

Whatsapp  and Telegram on

+27 82 824 7681

What to expect on your First Timer African hunting safari package

The First Timer African hunting safari package is designed for the hunter who has not been on an African hunting safari yet. This Africa hunting safari trip is for the hunter who has limited hunting time and would like to hunt African plains game species that are normally associated with hunting in South Africa.

The game species selected for this First timer African hunting safari package was done to accommodate first time African hunters. The game species are commonly found in most parts of southern Africa. This allows you to be relatively sure about collecting the animals in this package.

What we offer on your First Timer African hunting safari package

Another reason for hunting this particular package is the steady and easy pace at which hunting is conducted. This allows you to bring a wife, father or partner along to enjoy the African outdoors with you. Mkulu African Hunting Safaris have no problem with a family member joining us on stalks.

We also realize that you may be travelling between multiple countries before arriving here. Therefore, you are welcome to use one of our company hunting rifles.

It is our policy to rent you the rifle at a very reasonable rate on the premise you replace the ammunition used at our cost.

Thank you in advance for taking good care of our rifles.

Included in your First Timer African hunting safari package

a zebra OR a blue wildebeest

Daily rates for 5 hunting days included!

Terms and conditions of your First Timer African hunting safari package

A US$ 500-00 deposit secures your hunting spot

Should you cancel the hunt, half of the deposit is refundable 

Wounded animals not retrieved are bought and paid for

Observers are welcome to come along at $ 150 per observer per day

Please note this is a rifle hunt only

First timer African hunting safari package price

Cost for the First Timer package on a 1 X 1 basis the price is $ 4 450. This includes daily rates and trophy fees as stipulated.

The total hunting package cost for the First Timer package on a 2 X 1 basis is $ 4 050. This includes daily rates and trophy fees as stipulated.

Observers are welcome to tag along at $ 750 all-inclusive for the duration of the hunt.

Depending on time of arrival we would suggest an overnight stay. The additional cost for this is $ 150 per person.

Animals included in your Fist Timer African hunting safari package

Blue wildebeest

Important information

Exluded from your first timer african  hunting safari package.

Items of a personal nature

All flights – international or otherwise

Taxidermy work

Dipping, shipping and crating of trophies

Cost of any trophy animals wounded and not recovered

Cost of trophy animals hunted outside and additional to the initial package

Other trophy animals available to hunt

If there are animals you would like to hunt in addition to your First Timer African hunting safari package, we have them available on a different concession close to where we hunt. On all of our hunting concessions you can hunt the following animals in addition to your kudu hunting packages South Africa:

We are one of the top professional hunting companies in South Africa.

Frequently Asked Questions

Children under the age of 18.

This is a critical piece of information you need to adhere to BEFORE you even leave for the airport. It became law in South Africa that any children travelling with you under the age of 18 must have an unabridged birth certificate with them. If the unabridged birth certificate of the minor cannot be produced the minor will not be allowed entry to South Africa.

Also make sure you have at least two open pages in the back of everyone’s passport. Your passport needs to be valid for at least six (6) months   after   your departure date from South Africa.

We will assist in any way to make sure your children can hunt with you.

How to import your rifle

Follow this link for a comprehensive explanation   on how to import your rifle to South Africa .

When you book your hunt with us we will supply you with a completed example on how to fill out the SAPS 520.

Is it legal to wear camouflage

It is legal to wear camo hunting clothes when hunting in South Africa. In Zimbabwe OR Mozambique you may NOT make use of camouflage clothing.

The most commonly used hunting clothes for both Zimbabwe and Mozambique is khaki.

Health concerns

During our winter months (May-August) you will hardly see any bugs. All of the plains game hunting on our package deals take place in regions within South Africa that are malaria free. Some of the dangerous game hunts can take place in malaria regions in which case it is required to take relevant precautions. Consult your doctor about malaria precautions prior to leaving. Locally we rely on bug spray a lot.

Purchase health insurance with a reputable, internationally known company before leaving your country of origin.

Visa requirements

Hunters from the USA and some European countries do not need to apply for a visa for an African hunting safari.

What happens on a typical hunting day

Follow this link to see what can be expected on a  typical hunting day in South Africa .

Get In Touch

Email Address

+27 82 824 7681 on Whatsapp and Telegram

[email protected]

Mon – Fri: Early – Late Saturday: Early – Late Sunday: Open during hunting season

Cull Hunt Package

Experience the thrill of a Cull Hunting package in the rugged landscapes of South Africa. Our cull hunts are a responsible and ethical way to manage wildlife populations, ensuring the health and balance of the ecosystem.

During your cull hunt, you'll be guided by experienced professional hunters who will take you to areas where overpopulated species need to be managed. This may include animals such as impala, blue wildebeest, blesbok, warthog, or other species, depending on the specific needs of the hunting area.

The Cull Hunt Package includes:

5 Days - 6 Nights Hunting with us at Africa Hunt Lodge

(6) Cull Animals which may include broke horn Impala, Blue Wildebeest, Blesbok, etc. (These are chosen in the field by your professional hunter)

Guide Fees, License, Meals, Accommodations, Drinks, Care of Trophies

Not Included: Airfare, Gratuities, Taxidermy

The price of this hunt is per person.  You can save $200 if there are (2) two hunters whom will be hunting together with (1) Professional Hunter (PH).   The Cull Hunting Package is perfect for the African Hunter whom wants to just spend time in the African Bush and let the lead fly!  Some Hunters will add-on an animal or two to this package based on time they have remaining in their South African Safari.  

Your Cull Hunt Safari Package includes our bespoke accommodations, delicious meals, and expert guidance throughout your hunting experience. It's a unique opportunity to not only enjoy the thrill of the hunt but also to contribute to the conservation efforts in South Africa.

Join us for an unforgettable cull hunt adventure and make a positive impact on wildlife conservation in South Africa.

About this Package...

African cull hunt package.

$2,950 per Hunter 1x1

$2,750 per Hunter 2x1

Includes Guide Fees, License, Meals, Accommodations, Drinks, Care of Trophies for 5 Days / 6 Nights

Fees for hunting (6) Cull Animals (may include Impala, Blesbok, Blue Wildebeest, Warthog)

Days may be added for $295 per hunter, per day and Additional game may be taken at listed trophy fees.

Observers may accompany for $150 per day

Ground transportation to/from Johannesburg Tambo Airport is $250 due to inflated fuel prices.

Focus on Hunting, Not Just Logistics

The Hunting product that we offer to our clients is the best in the world. We specialize in Trophy Animals, including many World Record class African Game including Kudu, Cape Buffalo, Sable, Blesbok, Wildebeest, the Big 5 and much more.  We plan the hunt to suit the requirements of our clients, with a large variety of game that is available. Our trophy hunting rates include professional hunter services, care of trophies and delivery to taxidermy, transfers from Johannesburg International Airport, as well as a memorable stay in one of our 4 or 5 Star South African Hunting lodges. Non-hunting guests are welcome to accompany the Hunters. 

Included with Package

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

1st Class Accommodations on our South African Concession

Guided and Licensed Professional Hunter for your Hunt

Services of Trackers, Drivers and Skinners

Hunting License and Permits

Beer, Wine, Non-Alcoholic Drinks

Daily maid and laundry services

Care of your trophies to include Capping and transportation to Taxidermist for Export

Package Options

Additional Hunting for other Game Animals

Extra Nights at the Hunt Lodge with Family and Guests

Fishing and Bird Hunting

Trips to Pilanesberg and Marakele National Parks for Photo Safaris

Pick up/Drop off from Johannesburg (Tambo) Airport $250

Additional Safari Excursions in our Area

Visits to Local Orphanage

Other Packages You May Like...

Safari Plains Game Package

Our most popular All Inclusive Hunt Package

Sable & Cape Buffalo Package

Black Death and the Black Antelope

Impala Slam Hunting Package

Hunt all 4 Impala Color Variants

Ready to Book your Adventure? Let's Go!

Take the first step to a lifetime of African Excursion memories.

Two Incredible Lodges. World Record Game. Bespoke Experiences. Concierge Level Service

We plan our African Safaris to suit the requirements of our clients. With over 60 Species to hunt with us in Southern Africa, there is a hunting package for everyone from the 1st-time Africa Safari Hunter to the most experienced Trophy Collectors. Our trophy hunting packages basically all-inclusive: Services of an experienced Professional Hunter and Trackers hunting on multiple concessions, private suite accommodations, chef prepared meals, open bar, care of trophies and preparation for taxidermy, transfers from Johannesburg International Airport, as well as daily excursions to National Parks in our area to view the Big 5. Non-hunting guests are also welcome. 

We now have (2) Lodges in Limpopo. Witklip (Whitestone) is the main lodge we've been using since 2010. This 4 Star lodge has 9 Bedrooms and can accompany up to 15 guests at once. Kudu Valley Safari Lodge, is our new 5 Star property, that is 2nd to none in all of South Africa. Check out Hunting Accommodations Here!

Award-Winning Outfitter and Guides

Africa Hunt Lodge and our Professional Hunters have won over 100 awards in the past 14 years. We know Africa hunting.

Personalized Safari Excursions

Our team will help you plan other daily Excursions... not just your Safari!

Luxury Accommodations.

Two Bespoke Lodges in South Africa and top-rated staff take care of our clients like family. Learn More>>

Personalized Travel Experiences.

Let our Team advise on the Best Flights and travel times for your Safari

Join the Silver Bullet Circle

Be the first to get news, special promotions, and more in your inbox. Not too little, not too much. And we'll keep your email to ourselves.

Hunting & Fly Fishing Safaris

Africa First custom hunting and fly fishing safari’s is a “new age” outfitter. We have been in business since 1999, excelling in giving our clients the best experience during their time spent with us.  We can assure you of a once in a lifetime experience! 

We inspire life long friendships, transfer advanced knowledge and strengthen ethical hunting in Africa.

Our base camp/lodge is situated just outside of the small town known as Douglas in the Northern Cape of Southern Africa on the bank of the Vaal River. The Vaal River being the second biggest river in Southern Africa. This is probably the best area for superior genetics in the plains-game arena. We have secured concessions and relationships over thousands of hectares across Southern Africa. This enables us to customize a trip for both the novice hunter and the trophy collector.

• Fly Fishing

On the fly fishing side, Africa First uses world class destinations in Southern Africa, and the Seychelles. We are proud to introduce clients to our indigenous yellow fish species. Often mistaken as a carp species, these yellows as we call them in South Africa are game fish at its best, targeting them on sight with dry flies is not uncommon. Out of the nine species found in South Africa, the two most common species are the Smallmouth and Largemouth yellow fish. We also specialize in Tiger-fishing packages on the mighty Zambezi in Zambia. Africa First is proud to have added the Seychelles to this list after many years of being in this industry.

The Africa First difference

Latest videos, get in touch.

• (+27) 82 256 0966
• [email protected]
• Where there is great fishing and unforgettable hunting

37 episodes

Welcome to the Safari Trails Podcast, hosted by passionate worldwide hunter McKenzie Sims. On this podcast you will hear a mix of interviews from some of the worlds greatest hunters known and un-known, you will get hunt reports, hear crazy stories, and learn more about how to make your dream hunts happen with tips on the right gear for specific hunts, best times of the year for the hunts, and much more.

Safari Trails With Mckenzie Sims McKenzie Sims

036 what should your safari expectations be.

What Should you Expect on a hunting Safari? As I see lots of people preparing for their very first African Safari or even planning that first future safari, I believe some expectations can get too high and ruin the trip with the slightest hiccup. Hear my thoughts on this subject and how I think you can make your first safari a very memorable one! For more FREE content just like this check out my full video library here on my YouTube as well as visit Sims Safaris .com to see my blog, get my FREE safari help, my FREE planning safari e-book, and my FREE safari 101 course. Lots of FREE stuff. Visit Sims Safaris to help you learn more about hunting world wide with a primary focus on the great continent of Africa. Find gear list, hunting tips, and trusted outfitters. 100% FREE! https://www.simssafaris.com     Safari 101 Course: in this 100% FREE course I want to be able to bring to you the knowledge I’ve learned from 16 years of Africa hunting with 15 plus Safaris all across Africa. This is no way the gold standard or do I know everything but I do know what has worked for me over the years. I hope this 100% FREE course can help you when planning your first or next Safari to Africa. https://www.simssafaris.com/safari101   Planning A Safari FREE eBook: Get this short eBook I wrote on planning your Safari. I think this short downloadable PDF file eBook can be very helpful for you when wanting to get into planning your first Safari or looking for better tips to book your next Safari. https://www.simssafaris.com/safariplanningebook   Follow Sims Safaris on Instagram to see the best Africa hunting content daily! https://www.instagram.com/sims_safaris/   Sims Safaris STRONGLY RECOMMENDS THAT YOU ENROLL WITH GLOBAL RESCUE PRIOR TO EMBARKING ON YOUR TRIP. Medical and security emergencies happen. When they do, we rely on Global Rescue, the world's leading membership organization providing integrated medical, security, travel risk and crisis response services to our travelers worldwide. Without a Global Rescue membership, an emergency evacuation could cost you more than $100,000. That's why over 1 million members trust Global Rescue to get them home when the worst happens. Don't travel without Global Rescue. https://partner.globalrescue.com/simssafaris/index.html       If you're looking for some of the best supplements to keep you going strong and feeling better than ever, head over to 1st Phorm Supplements and give your body the performance it deserves. https://1stphorm.com/?a_aid=mckenziesims  

035 What to expect on a Cape Buffalo hunt

Going on your first Cape Buffalo hunt or looking to plan one? In this video i'm going to share with you what i've learned from my 5 buffalo hunts and many others I have been apart of. This is not the end all be all of buffalo hunting, I dont know everything but I know enought to get you thinking of what to excpect for that first Cape Buffalo hunt. For more FREE content just like this check out my full video library here on my YouTube as well as visit Sims Safaris .com to see my blog, get my FREE safari help, my FREE planning safari e-book, and my FREE safari 101 course. Lots of FREE stuff. Visit Sims Safaris to help you learn more about hunting world wide with a primary focus on the great continent of Africa. Find gear list, hunting tips, and trusted outfitters. 100% FREE! https://www.simssafaris.com     Safari 101 Course: in this 100% FREE course I want to be able to bring to you the knowledge I’ve learned from 16 years of Africa hunting with 15 plus Safaris all across Africa. This is no way the gold standard or do I know everything but I do know what has worked for me over the years. I hope this 100% FREE course can help you when planning your first or next Safari to Africa. https://www.simssafaris.com/safari101   Planning A Safari FREE eBook: Get this short eBook I wrote on planning your Safari. I think this short downloadable PDF file eBook can be very helpful for you when wanting to get into planning your first Safari or looking for better tips to book your next Safari. https://www.simssafaris.com/safariplanningebook   Follow Sims Safaris on Instagram to see the best Africa hunting content daily! https://www.instagram.com/sims_safaris/   Sims Safaris STRONGLY RECOMMENDS THAT YOU ENROLL WITH GLOBAL RESCUE PRIOR TO EMBARKING ON YOUR TRIP. Medical and security emergencies happen. When they do, we rely on Global Rescue, the world's leading membership organization providing integrated medical, security, travel risk and crisis response services to our travelers worldwide. Without a Global Rescue membership, an emergency evacuation could cost you more than $100,000. That's why over 1 million members trust Global Rescue to get them home when the worst happens. Don't travel without Global Rescue. https://partner.globalrescue.com/simssafaris/index.html       If you're looking for some of the best supplements to keep you going strong and feeling better than ever, head over to 1st Phorm Supplements and give your body the performance it deserves. https://1stphorm.com/?a_aid=mckenziesims  

034 Soft Boss vs Hard Boss Cape buffalo

Do you know how to tell the difference between a hard boss and a soft boss cape buffalo? If not that’s ok because in the video or on this audio podcast I’m going to explain it to you. Now if you can watch the video and see the visual it will help you much more. This should be something you know before going on your first cape buffalo hunt or even booking your first cape buffalo hunt.   For more FREE content just like this check out my full video library here on my YouTube as well as visit Sims Safaris .com to see my blog, get my FREE safari help, my FREE planning safari e-book, and my FREE safari 101 course. Lots of FREE stuff. Visit Sims Safaris to help you learn more about hunting world wide with a primary focus on the great continent of Africa. Find gear list, hunting tips, and trusted outfitters. 100% FREE! https://www.simssafaris.com     Safari 101 Course: in this 100% FREE course I want to be able to bring to you the knowledge I’ve learned from 16 years of Africa hunting with 15 plus Safaris all across Africa. This is no way the gold standard or do I know everything but I do know what has worked for me over the years. I hope this 100% FREE course can help you when planning your first or next Safari to Africa. https://www.simssafaris.com/safari101   Planning A Safari FREE eBook: Get this short eBook I wrote on planning your Safari. I think this short downloadable PDF file eBook can be very helpful for you when wanting to get into planning your first Safari or looking for better tips to book your next Safari. https://www.simssafaris.com/safariplanningebook   Follow Sims Safaris on Instagram to see the best Africa hunting content daily! https://www.instagram.com/sims_safaris/   Sims Safaris STRONGLY RECOMMENDS THAT YOU ENROLL WITH GLOBAL RESCUE PRIOR TO EMBARKING ON YOUR TRIP. Medical and security emergencies happen. When they do, we rely on Global Rescue, the world's leading membership organization providing integrated medical, security, travel risk and crisis response services to our travelers worldwide. Without a Global Rescue membership, an emergency evacuation could cost you more than $100,000. That's why over 1 million members trust Global Rescue to get them home when the worst happens. Don't travel without Global Rescue. https://partner.globalrescue.com/simssafaris/index.html       If you're looking for some of the best supplements to keep you going strong and feeling better than ever, head over to 1st Phorm Supplements and give your body the performance it deserves. https://1stphorm.com/?a_aid=mckenziesims  

033 My First Safari

My First Safari. Here is the story of how my very first African Safari came to be. This was 15 years ago and 16+ safaris later and I tell you it’s become the greatest passion in my life. This Safari has led to some incredible experiences in Africa and into other parts of the world. It has provided me with incredible learning experiences and some lifelong friendships. It is also what started the passion that has brought me to creating all this content for you to learn more about a continent I love so much. I hope you enjoy this story and that it shows you even having some minor hiccups on a trip it’s not the end of the world and just rolling with the punches is far better than losing your mind and running the entire trip. Remember if you enjoy it please share it with a friend and cheek out all the links below to a lot more free content and some of the products I truly believe in. Visit Sims Safaris to help you learn more about hunting world wide with a primary focus on the great continent of Africa. Find gear list, hunting tips, and trusted outfitters. 100% FREE! https://www.simssafaris.com     Safari 101 Course: in this 100% FREE course I want to be able to bring to you the knowledge I’ve learned from 16 years of Africa hunting with 15 plus Safaris all across Africa. This is no way the gold standard or do I know everything but I do know what has worked for me over the years. I hope this 100% FREE course can help you when planning your first or next Safari to Africa. https://www.simssafaris.com/safari101   Planning A Safari FREE eBook: Get this short eBook I wrote on planning your Safari. I think this short downloadable PDF file eBook can be very helpful for you when wanting to get into planning your first Safari or looking for better tips to book your next Safari. https://www.simssafaris.com/safariplanningebook   Follow Sims Safaris on Instagram to see the best Africa hunting content daily! https://www.instagram.com/sims_safaris/   Sims Safaris STRONGLY RECOMMENDS THAT YOU ENROLL WITH GLOBAL RESCUE PRIOR TO EMBARKING ON YOUR TRIP. Medical and security emergencies happen. When they do, we rely on Global Rescue, the world's leading membership organization providing integrated medical, security, travel risk and crisis response services to our travelers worldwide. Without a Global Rescue membership, an emergency evacuation could cost you more than $100,000. That's why over 1 million members trust Global Rescue to get them home when the worst happens. Don't travel without Global Rescue. https://partner.globalrescue.com/simssafaris/index.html       If you're looking for some of the best supplements to keep you going strong and feeling better than ever, head over to 1st Phorm Supplements and give your body the performance it deserves. https://1stphorm.com/?a_aid=mckenziesims

• 25 APR 2024

032 What Does A African Hunting Safari Cost?

What does a Safari cost is a very common topic I see and get asked, and it is a huge misconception that going hunting in Arica is only for the rich and you have to be ultra-wealthy. In this video I break down some price comparisons between hunts here in the west and a Safari than I go in and walk you through the cost factors that make up a Safari and what cost to look for. This video was done in April of 2024 so please keep in mind if you are watching this at a future date prices changes and these prices might be out of relevancies. Disclaimer this video is just to give you an idea about what a hunt cost at no point am I giving financial advice. These prices are not set in stone it is a ballpark figure. I hope this video helps you out when planning your first or next Safari. Visit Sims Safaris to help you learn more about hunting world wide with a primary focus on the great continent of Africa. Find gear list, hunting tips, and trusted outfitters. 100% FREE! https://www.simssafaris.com     Safari 101 Course: in this 100% FREE course I want to be able to bring to you the knowledge I’ve learned from 16 years of Africa hunting with 15 plus Safaris all across Africa. This is no way the gold standard or do I know everything but I do know what has worked for me over the years. I hope this 100% FREE course can help you when planning your first or next Safari to Africa. https://www.simssafaris.com/safari101   Planning A Safari FREE eBook: Get this short eBook I wrote on planning your Safari. I think this short downloadable PDF file eBook can be very helpful for you when wanting to get into planning your first Safari or looking for better tips to book your next Safari. https://www.simssafaris.com/safariplanningebook   Follow Sims Safaris on Instagram to see the best Africa hunting content daily! https://www.instagram.com/sims_safaris/   Sims Safaris STRONGLY RECOMMENDS THAT YOU ENROLL WITH GLOBAL RESCUE PRIOR TO EMBARKING ON YOUR TRIP. Medical and security emergencies happen. When they do, we rely on Global Rescue, the world's leading membership organization providing integrated medical, security, travel risk and crisis response services to our travelers worldwide. Without a Global Rescue membership, an emergency evacuation could cost you more than $100,000. That's why over 1 million members trust Global Rescue to get them home when the worst happens. Don't travel without Global Rescue. https://partner.globalrescue.com/simssafaris/index.html       If you're looking for some of the best supplements to keep you going strong and feeling better than ever, head over to 1st Phorm Supplements and give your body the performance it deserves. https://1stphorm.com/?a_aid=mckenziesims

• 23 APR 2024

031 Do you know the difference between a Cape Buffalo and a Water Buffalo?

Do you know the difference between a Cape Buffalo and a Water buffalo? If you don’t that’s perfectly fine because in this video I’m going to explain the differences and how you can learn to tell them apart. Visit Sims Safaris to help you learn more about hunting world wide with a primary focus on the great continent of Africa. Find gear list, hunting tips, and trusted outfitters. 100% FREE! https://www.simssafaris.com Safari 101 Course: in this 100% FREE course I want to be able to bring to you the knowledge I’ve learned from 16 years of Africa hunting with 15 plus Safaris all across Africa.This is no way the gold standard or do I know everything but I do know what has worked for me over the years. I hope this 100% FREE course can help you when planning your first or next Safari to Africa. https://www.simssafaris.com/safari101 Planning A Safari FREE eBook: Get this short eBook I wrote on planning your Safari. I think this short downloadable PDF file eBook can be very helpful for you when wanting to get into planning your first Safari or looking for better tips to book your next Safari. https://www.simssafaris.com/safariplanningebook Sims Safaris STRONGLY RECOMMENDS THAT YOU ENROLL WITH GLOBAL RESCUE PRIOR TO EMBARKING ON YOUR TRIP.Medical and security emergencies happen. When they do, we rely on Global Rescue, the world's leading membership organization providing integrated medical, security, travel risk and crisis response services to our travelers worldwide. Without a Global Rescue membership, an emergency evacuation could cost you more than $100,000. That's why over 1 million members trust Global Rescue to get them home when the worst happens. Don't travel without Global Rescue. https://partner.globalrescue.com/simssafaris/index.html If you're looking for some of the best supplements to keep you going strong and feeling better than ever, head over to 1st Phorm Supplements and give your body the performance it deserves. https://1stphorm.com/?a_aid=mckenziesims

• © McKenzie Sims

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How to spot it – on safari with the world’s first smart binoculars

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Fergus Scholes . Photography by Carl van der Linde

Roula Khalaf, Editor of the FT, selects her favourite stories in this weekly newsletter.

The outstretched arm of our tracker gestures towards some treetops a few hundred yards away: his ability to spot the seemingly invisible is astounding. Luke, our guide, cuts the engine of the Land Cruiser and turns around: “Can you see? Just through that clearing to the left.” 

Following his direction through my binoculars, I pick out the majestic-looking bird: dark brown head with tufted crown, white breast and piercing yellow eyes. Luke fills me in: “Sometimes nicknamed the ‘leopard of the air’, it’s a martial eagle, with a wingspan of up to 2.5m, one of the world’s largest birds of prey, and the largest in Africa.” This apex predator remains on its perch for a precious few minutes, then suddenly takes flight and disappears into the distance.

I’ve come to andBeyond’s Phinda Mountain Lodge in eastern South Africa on a birdwatching safari. The lodge sits in an elevated position with views across Phinda Private Game Reserve ’s 73,800 acres; its seven ecosystems offer an unusually varied habitat, from lush greenery to open savannah. The foothills of the low‑lying Lebombo mountains stretch 500 miles north into Mozambique, and the azure waters of the Indian Ocean lie just 20 miles east. 

Most guests are here for the big game, but an impressive 436 bird species also makes the reserve a popular birding destination, so andBeyond’s specialist itinerary allows me to indulge a lifelong hobby. 

Much of our first morning is hijacked by my enthusiasm to identify every bird we see, which means we get no further than 200 yards from the lodge in the first hour. But in the afternoon, we head directly to the dry sand forest, which is home to unusual endemic species.

A bright colour flashes by before perching on a small branch

Surrounded by an elephant exclusion fence, we leave the vehicle and set out on foot – as strict protocol dictates, our guide leads from the front with a high-calibre rifle in hand. Orchids and lichen grow in profusion, and some of the Lebombo wattle trees are believed to date back over 1,000 years. The dense vegetation makes getting a good view of the birds more challenging, but we still spot plenty, including African green pigeons, the paradise flycatcher with its unmistakably long tail feathers, and the crested barbet. Then we’re treated to the endemic pink-throated twinspot, a distinctive waxbill with a bright head and black chest with white spots. Extant in just a handful of other locations nearby, this is a favourite for many visiting birders.

My bird knowledge – largely limited to the British Isles – is of little help here in South Africa, so my guide has been invaluable. However, I’ve also been given access to the world’s first AI-supported binoculars, released this year, which enable me to make positive IDs myself. The Swarovski Optik AX Visio (£3,820) combines high-end optics (10x32) with bird identification software. You get the desired bird in your sights, and at the press of a button a suggested species appears on the heads-up display. Behind the scenes, the binoculars are cross-checking the image and GPS coordinates against Merlin Bird ID’s extensive database of more than 8,000 bird species (Merlin’s app is divided up into groups, allowing you to download extra information on the species found in a given region; I installed the South Africa pack of 712 birds.)

Making our way in the vehicle once again, we come across zebra with red-billed oxpeckers picking ticks and parasites from their backs. A little further on, we glimpse a southern fiscal; a black-and-white shrike that also goes by the name of butcher bird due to its habit of impaling its prey on acacia thorns for later consumption. Then, as we pass a small water source, a bright colour flashes by before perching on a small branch; it’s a malachite kingfisher. Meanwhile, a three-banded plover moves busily along the water’s edge, foraging for insects. Luke then spots its nest, which is little more than a shallow depression on the beach containing two small grey mottled eggs.

Over the course of three days, the binoculars help me correctly identify 68 species of bird. Although there are a few, around 30, with which the technology struggled. Sometimes the bird is too far away, or it is obscured by twigs, or the image was blurred – but more often than not, with a good, clear view, the binoculars do an impressive job of identification. Moreover, because a photo is saved with each press of the button, I have a comprehensive photographic diary for later scrutiny.

On my last day, as the sun drops low on the horizon, we stop at a clearing next to the waters of the Mvubu dam, which makes a sublime setting for sundowners. A handful of blue-cheeked bee-eaters flutter above the still waters, a flock of white-faced whistling ducks complete their final flyby, and the nearby hippos quieten their grunting for the night. Biltong and drinks polished off, we hop back in the vehicle and make our way under a starry night sky. Sitting back, I reflect on my first birding safari experience – spotting more than 100 bird species, taking in the big five along the way and myriad other wildlife, it’s been as rewarding a trip as I could have hoped for.

Fergus Scholes travelled as a guest of andBeyond , on an abbreviated version of its nine-night Beyond Average Birding in South Africa experience, which costs from £9,200pp sharing. Includes internal flights, dedicated safari vehicle and specialist birding guide, accommodation, laundry, meals and drinks, andbeyond.com. Guests will be able to book a pair of Swarovski Optik AX Visio binoculars from July, POA

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Winchester Model 70 Safari Express 375 HH

• Thread starter Rocco490
• Start date Friday at 1:50 PM
• Friday at 1:50 PM

Ontario Hunter

• Friday at 5:35 PM

Very nice.  

• Friday at 6:07 PM

Anybody looking to get into the 375 H&H game, you would be hard pressed to beat this deal. I’d be surprised if this lasted long. Good luck to the seller.  

• Friday at 6:33 PM

If only you had posted it three days ago. Great deal.  

• Friday at 7:23 PM

Haha 1 week late gun broker got the better of me and I over paid  

• Saturday at 2:37 PM

How old is this rifle  

Osama Mahdi

• Saturday at 6:13 PM

Where are you located?  

• Today at 10:14 AM

Possible sale pending. Rifle is newer production from the Portuguese factory. I would have to look on the box for date of manufacture. I do not know it offhand. I purchased it within the last 5 or 6 years. I believe 2018 but may have been 2019.... Located in Virginia USA  

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• About ProfiHunt

ProfiHunt Ltd is one of the top professional Russian outfitters . We organize hunting trips all over the world since 1989. ProfiHunt has both the Hunting and the Fishing Departments ready to serve your individual needs.

Whether you would like to enjoy your hunting holidays within traditional Russian spring Capercaillie hunt or to go for the Big Game adventure – we are ready to welcome you.

The vast variety of our Russian hunting destinations include Kamchatka, Caucasian Mountains and Siberia; our Asia hunting in Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan; Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan; Pakistan, Turkey and Mongolia .

We operate in the best hunting areas and work with best local partners and professional guides. Our Team consists of professional wildlife biologists and booking managers who do their best to provide you with unforgettable hunting experience for your Russian and Asian trophy hunting trips. We will meet you upon arrival at the airport, help with all the custom formalities and make sure your trophy hunt goes smoothly and brings great results. Our services include visa invitations, gun permits and necessary international veterinary certificates.

Our hunting camps vary from the comfortable base lodges and traditional Asian houses to the spike camps used to hunt particular animal or area. Depending on the specifics of the hunting destination, helicopter, jeep or horseback transportation to the camp is organized.

Welcome to the beautiful savage scenery destinations of Asia and Russia. Enjoy your real fair chase experience with ProfiHunt!

Vladimir Melnikov Founder

Vladimir has established ProfiHunt Ltd together with his father, Vladislav Melnikov. His farther Vladislav Melnikov was a wildlife biologist, professor and academic of biology and hunting economy. Over 200 his articles and booked were published in Russia and foreign countries. He was votary of hunting and started to take Vladimir out hunting from the very childhood. Vladimir graduated from the Game Management Department of Irkutsk State Agricultural Academy and completely tied his life with hunting, wildlife biology and researches. In 2003 he got PhD degree. In 2005 the Hunting Department of Russia was illuminated. It was a disaster year for outfitters, Russian and overseas hunters because a spring bear hunt was not opened and the same situation was expected for summer/fall hunting 2005. Thousands of hunts were cancelled. Vladimir was able to report about this situation to the Government and save a summer/fall season. In March 2006 Vladimir was invited for official job and able to restored the Hunting Department. In December 2006 he was appointed as a director of this Department, in 2010 by Mr. Putin as Deputy Minister of National Resources. In 2014 he quit his official job and joined ProfiHunt Team.

Artem Veselov General director

Artem is General Director of ProfiHunt. He has been working for ProfiHunt since 2004. He deals with agencies and clients from all over the world. Artem speaks fluent German and French and very good English. He was born on 2 December 1978 in Tolyatti, Russia. In 2001 he graduated from the Department of the Foreign Languages of the Vladimir State University. In 2010 he fi nished his education at the Moscow Financial Academy, Department of Finances and Credit.

E-mail: [email protected] Skype: Profihunt-Jagd

Denis Shadow Hunting department specialist

Hunting department specialist. Works mainly with Foreign and Russian clients for Russian and Asian hunts, but is knowledgeable a lot about African and European destinations. Denis joined Profi Hunt in June 2008 and have already proved to be responsible and eager to work out every single detail of each journey he arranges. His clients are sure to occur in good and friendly hands!

E-mail: [email protected] Skype: Profihunt-Asia

Alexey Pavlov Hunting department specialist

A member of Hunting Department staff, deals with Russian and english speaking hunters. In the year of 1995 Alexey completed his studies at Moscow Teachers Training University in the field of Geography and the English Language. Since 1993 Alexey is a member of Russian Geographic Society. He is friendly and outgoing person, deserved brilliant reputation in hunting society. Joined ProfiHunt in 2011.

E-mail: [email protected] Skype: Profihunt-Africa

Alexander Petrushenko Professional Hunter

Alexander is our experienced English-speaking Professional Hunter. Alexander began hunting when he was 12 years old and made hunting his main occupation. He has graduated Vyatka State Agricultural Academy as a game biologist and started working for ProfiHunt as a PH in 2011. Right from the beginning he proved himself as a hardworking cheerful professional hunter. He guides over 50 days a year in Kamchatka for snow sheep, bear and moose and 60 days for Tur, Ibex and Marco Polo sheep.

Maxim Lyamenkov Professional Hunter

Maxim is our English-speaking guide dealing with Russian and English-speaking hunters. Besides that, Maxim has a high education in the field of computer engineering and film producing and is a professional filmmaker. The streamline of filming is action sport and outdoor activities. Maxim has a travel professional experience throughout the world including Europe, Asia, Africa and North and South America. He is a friendly and an outgoing person.  He joined ProfiHunt in 2019.

Rifat Dianov Meet & greet manager

Rifat is a city manager and joined ProfiHunt in 1995. He responsible for meeting our guests in Moscow airports, transfers and many more. He is very well known by major part of our hunting guests. People like Rifat for his accuracy and good help upon arrival and departure.

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Tel: +7 (495) 980 02 70 , Fax: +7 (495) 980 04 80, E-mail: [email protected]

Privacy Overview

SCI To Open Business Offices In San Antonio

By John McLaurin, SCI President

Originally published in the May 2024 edition of Safari Times.

Safari Club International currently is making more progress on more fronts than ever before in its history. One example is moving the business offices from Tucson, Arizona, to San Antonio, Texas.

We expect the new offices in San Antonio to be operational before the new fiscal year begins on July 1, with the Grand Opening Ceremony to take place on June 29. Details to follow. But if you are in San Antonio at that time, please come by.

This is much more than merely a geographic relocation of operations. It is a necessary part of long-range strategies that are intended to keep SCI at the forefront of protecting the freedom to hunt and promoting sustainable use of wildlife conservation worldwide.

When viewed historically, this move is a continuation of what began over a half-century ago in Southern California when SCI Founder C.J. McElroy personally handled club operations out of his house in the Los Angeles suburb of Inglewood.

SCI’s operations moved with Mac when he relocated to Tucson, first into an office building downtown and later to the International Wildlife Museum, where operations have been conducted until now.

As much as that was an interstate move eastward, so too is the move now from Tucson to San Antonio. There are myriad advantages to this move. Bottom line: It makes sense for the future of SCI.

For openers, Texas is a hunter-friendly state and that matters. Also, SCI already has Texas Trophy Hunters Association in San Antonio, so combining offices for both organizations makes sense, both financially and operationally.

Certainly, Texas is more centrally located in the country and easier to access than Tucson. This means there are logistical reasons for relocating to Texas beyond simply where the professional staff reports to work each day. Succinctly stated, San Antonio is where SCI needs to be today.

SCI is not just creating its business offices of the future, we are rewriting how effective hunter advocacy is done as we begin to make full use of the Hunters’ Embassy SCI World Headquarters in Washington, D.C. Government officials, as well as the world at large, are taking note of SCI’s enhanced presence — all indicative of our growing advocacy effectiveness on behalf of hunters and wildlife.

Concurrently, SCI’s expanded presence in Europe heralds a new era of cooperation and effectiveness there. This ranges all the way from partnerships with entities there like the Cinegética hunting convention in Spain to a renewed level of excitement among all European members and Chapters. SCI is also growing in presence and effectiveness within the European government and hunting organizations like FACE (European Federation for Hunting and Conservation).

Additionally, SCI is expanding its efforts and presence in South America, Africa and Oceania. SCI is becoming a more vibrant positive force for hunting and wildlife all the time. These are exciting times!

As much as SCI can look back proudly upon its history, we also proudly look forward as we boldly address the challenges that lie ahead. We are doing that by taking the steps necessary now to ensure that structurally, we are able to capitalize on all opportunities to create a bigger and more powerful footprint around the globe.

Never before has the “International” part of SCI been so important and so real.

I thank all members and SCI for the opportunity to serve as your President during such a crucial, yet exciting, time. TOGETHER we are taking SCI to places not even imagined a few years ago, with the end result that SCI is the leader in protecting the freedom to hunt and sustainable use wildlife conservation here in the U.S. and globally!

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