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Tim

Some comments. Will add more when I have a bit more time.

1. Don't limit yourself by specifying must be near Jo'burg. Lots of probably good places in that area to the North of Pretoria, but some very nice places elsewhere.

2. Some of the best hunts I have had were in a very different environment to the fenced places in South Africa. Not talking about difficulty of hunting as the over hunted fenced places, the game can be very wild and wary. But when they know there is ONE hartebeest on the place, it takes the fun out of it a bit.

3. Hunt game native to the area when possible. If there is a "unique" species to that area, consider hunting them. You might never hunt them again. Same as if the property has introduced species to the area, they will probably be more expensive.

4. When hunting, if you get a chance at a nice animal, consider taking it. Yes it hurts the wallet, but almost always we regret not taking it afterwards!

5. Speak to the outfitter and if possible to the PH on the telephone. Get a feel for them. You may find it different from emails.

6. Get references. Speak to the referees. Don't just rely on emails.

7. Get a safari contract. At the very least it should specify the things agreed upon in writing, eg hunting days and prices, whether travel days are included in the days, trophy prices, trophy handling fees, dip and packing and that sort of thing, observer fees. Any special requirements etc.

8. The Afton Guest House is a good place to stay in Jo'burg if needed. Louis takes care of his guests, though he is getting busy with a lot of bookings when I was there last.

9. I can recommend hunting in Zimbabwe and Namibia. I enjoyed them more than South Africa. If you head up to Victoria Falls you will be in Zim anyway.

10. Don't just hunt, visit some of the country as well. Never been to Kruger, but I will one day. The National Parks are good in allowing better game photography.

11. I'm sure the guys here on NE could name some outfitters for you to consider. They are free to name them if they wish.

I've hunted with Karl Stumpfe of Ndumo Safaris. I hunted with Karl in Namibia and can recommend him on that basis. I don't get anything from my recommendation. I believe he also hunts in Zim and South Africa.

12. Be aware there are always touts out there. People whom make recommendations for a commission. Also the instant safari experts whom go on one safari and are suddenly experts and booking agents extraordinaire. Money is the object. I remember checking a so called independent reference for one hunt, and later found out the "independent" referee did a lot of work and banking for the outfitter in the USA.

13. The outfitter should be consulted about what your wife would like to do. Game drives, visits to local markets or other places for souvenirs, craft places, historical sights. shopping, etc. Maybe even participate in some hunting. Also the camp may have a swimming pool and other features she might like. I've never got to use any of those things such as a pool even though they look damned inviting at times.

But check into these activities to see if they are wanted and if they can be accommodated.

14. One thing is to organise taxidermy or dip and packing in advance, plus freight quotations. An area I always seems to get burned on.

15. A safari is great fun and most outfitters work hard for the client. It is in the their interest of course to have satisfied clients. The first safari should be a special one.

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John aka NitroX

...
Govt get out of our lives NOW!
"I love the smell of cordite in the morning."
"A Sharp spear needs no polish"

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