Hi Ben:

I agree with what's been said about getting what you pay for in African safaris. On the other hand, there are some good deals to be found with highly reputable companies and PHs. If you're looking for a great cape buffalo safari for an outstanding price – and with a world-class PH – I've got a recommendation for you. In the past two years I've hunted twice with Mark DeWet in Zimbabwe and I couldn't have been happier: once in the Zambezi Valley and later in Matetsi 4. On the first hunt I shot a great buff with a 42.5" spread, and this past September I got an even better and older bull with massive bosses.

If you're interested, I posted a hunt report with Mark on this board: http://forums.nitroexpress.com/showflat....amp;Main=111355

I brought my wife with me on both safaris. Like many wives, she was dubious about the whole 'dangerous game hunting' business. However, she was so impressed with Mark and the safari he arranged for us that she wanted to hunt zebra on our trip the following year. (She came away with a fine stallion complete with lion scars on its haunches) Mark is an intelligent, witty, and throughly enjoyable fellow who has a solid reputation as a PH in the classic sense. He works very hard for his clients and is dedicated to 'fair chase' principles. You'll learn a lot from Mark.

I just checked his website and he has the following deal for 2009:

ZIMBABWE - ZAMBEZI VALLEY

10 Day Safari: 1 x 1 - TOTAL COST: $12 750
7 Day Safari: 1 x 1 - TOTAL COST: $10 500

INCLUDED IN THE ABOVE PRICE
• Daily rates
• Trophy and license fees - one buffalo
• Air charter - from either Harare or Victoria Falls to hunting area and return
• Dipping and packing of trophies
• Community fees
• Concession fees
• Government levy
• MARS (Medical Air Rescue Service)

NOT INCLUDED IN THE ABOVE PRICE
• 2% Government levy as charged by shippers
• PH and camp / field staff gratuities
• Shipping of trophies to client's final destination
• Any taxidermy related costs
• Additional species (refer to current price list on his website: www.markdewetsafaris.com)
• Limited plains game depending on quota

When you consider that this is pretty much all inclusive – with a charter flight no less – it's a pretty good deal for a first class hunt. If this is the same as my hunt, you'll stay at Geoff Broomes camp near Binga. I included several photos in my hunt report so you can see what you'll encounter. If I could, I'd be going again this September!