I don’t care of about “trophy” animals and would be happy with culls or smaller Animals. Would do all European mounts.

cbump, I felt the same way you do about trophy's and culls. I went on 4 cull/management hunts with Kowas and killed 10 animals at least each time not including jackals which you could shoot all you wanted. A couple of times I added a couple of animals to that hunt...kudu (killed a 55" bull), and a Mountain Zebra. The zebra hunt was a fantastic adventure, taking us up into the hills and mountains for 10 hours before we finally got a good opportunity. If I go again, I'll do the same thing....cull and bunch and maybe kill a trophy or two, but with the high cost of getting the trophy's back it's not worth it to me anymore. I'm happy with the memories and a bunch of pictures.

It’s been awhile since I’ve seen one advertised but I’ve seen them where it was a cull hunt where you could shoot like 10-15 animals for $2500 or so. Mainly Impala, springbok and smaller antelope species. Basically would be a blast fest and probably would be a ton of fun. They don’t do the per inch game like we do with whitetail so it’s typically a flat fee per animal with some price reduction available on broken horn animals. Small or large you typically pay the same price, no sliding scale.

I would as Jgraider suggested treat yourself to a legitimate trophy or two for your troubles. A Kudu makes a nice euro mount.

Man I’ve always wanted to go as well. I hope ya’ll get a chance to make it happen!

You missed the DSC, which ended on Sunday. You should really make a point to go to the smaller Houston Safari Club convention in 3 weeks. Talk to a bunch of outfitters to hone in on what you are looking for and what's available for your budget.

Been 5 times and absolutely love hunting Southern Africa. Looking for an outfitter is a tough job with so many to choose from. I would not base your decision on somebody else’s experience. People have different expectations and budgets. A lot of outfitters offer packages that are very well priced especially for the first timer. Figure out what your looking for and start talking to outfitters. Make sure you communicate exactly what you want and expect. There are a lot more considerations if your bringing a spouse who wants to be entertained while your out hunting. I personally know that lodging and meals are very low on my priority list, but it’s top of my wife’s list if she is going. So I have to take that into consideration.

To me the planning is a significant and fun part of the Africa hunting experience. My first safari I looked and looked and finally decided to go with the outfitter that was most helpful and answered my questions. Not the cheapest. Have fun and good luck with the planning.

I 100% second the idea at looking at a packaged deal for your first hunt. Not only do they include the one or two glamour animals...they package in three of four additional animals that they have an overabundance at a drastically lower price...free in some instances. Another thing an outfitter can do in a package is an option like 2 out of a list of 4 animals. This typically means that they have plenty of all 4 and you can just pick out whichever one fits your fancy (or the biggest one that walks out first!). Also if budget allows....you can always add an additional animal off the outfitters standard price list (I took a second Eastern Cape Kudu...and was one blown stalk from shooting the third!)

PS I also 100% second TXTrophy 85's fence description. I would focus more on the size of the property than the fence. The way my outfitter described it to me was that he was required to have the high fence to be able to get permits to bring in foreign hunters. They had over the years bought many adjoining properties and had simple dug up cross-fencing and nailed it on top of the old border fencing. I would have been a pain to crawl through but almost any animal that wanted too would have been able to leave.

Good luck....I promise you that you will ONLY regret not going!

Bucket List

Going is all I’ve been thinking about.

Been looking at these outfitters

https://www.craigboddington.com/endorsed-outfitters/location/africa-12

You owe it to yourself to visit with Kowas Safaris in Namibia, IMO.

I am sure you will have a great time sir. I recently did a podcast on how to go about choosing the right Outfitter for you and what type of questions you should ask them. I hope it helps, you can use the link below if you want to give it a listen.

Episode 22: 6 Steps to booking a hunting safari

Lots of good advice here, but a warning. Once Africa gets in your blood, you wont be able to quit it, lol.

'Lot of great destinations on that site.

I understand about "all you think about." After my first trip, my family was telling me to shut up about Africa, almost daily, for a full year.

Yes very true.

Man, that's the truth. You have to see and experience it to believe it. I remember when we (mainly the PH) spotted a 55" kudu bull coming down off of a mountainside. The PH said he was headed for water and thought he knew where he would go. Problem was, there were probably 30 other animals in the way, impala, hartebeest, oryx, a few wildebeest.....we had to plan our way around them and still try and head off the big kudu bull. It worked, and I'll never, ever forget it. Hunting kudu bulls will definitely get in your blood.

If you went recently, how much were flights?

I haven't been back in about 4 years now, but you will find that "off peak season" flights are way cheaper than the "busy" season. IIRC I got round trip flights for around $1200 if I flew before May 1, or after August 1. Routes and schedules have changed alot since then though. If I were going again to Namibia, I'd try and dodge Johannesburg completely if I could. I'd also enlist the aid of a seasoned travel agent like Steve Turner at Travel With Guns. He knows the ropes, to say the least and his small fee is worth it.

Flying out April 22 our flights were $3,250 each first class. We're flying United Dallas-Newark-Joberg and back. Just looked the same flights in economy are $989.

That long of a fight, you will be glad you spent the extra when you get off the plane.

No doubt! Made the trip a few times and its well worth it.

Did that flight back in June, 2021. I flew premium economy and it was great. Make sure you give yourself plenty of time on your way back in Newark to your connecting flight back to Dallas if your traveling with firearms. It took 4 hours to get through get through customs with firearms. Have fun on your trip.

Does this look like permission?

Another topic to consider.....I've taken my own rifle in the past, but I'd strongly consider borrowing/renting the outfitters rifle nowadays. It's not worth the hassle anymore, makes connections etc much easier and faster, therefore scheduling flights much easier. Good outfitters have good rifles for you to use. Some are emotionally attached to taking their own, but that's a poor reason IMO, IME.

I agree, took my own rifle on the first trip and even though I had a good experience I haven't taken it since. As mentioned any good outfitter will have quality firearms and optics and the outfitter I've used the last couple times have suppressors on all their rifles.