Planning An African Hunt

Planning an African hunt can be an overwhelming project, not only because of the pressure from the often hefty financial commitment but also because of the huge number of things to be organised.

Many veteran hunters of Africa may find planning a trip fairly easy but first-timers particularly may need some help.

"Good plans shape good decisions. That's why good planning helps to make elusive dreams come true" Lester R Bittel, The Nine Master Keys of Management

We will go into the nuts and bolts of planning an African hunt from how to choose a company, whether to use an agent or not, how to budget a hunt and many more topics on further pages. We will point out what to look for and how to avoid the pitfalls so your hunt will be everything you dreamed of and what you really deserve.

Start planning an African hunt by asking yourself the following questions....

We have added a few pointers here but you will find more in-depth answers as you visit more pages.

Q: Which African hunting country do you want to go to?

A: This question is closely linked to what African animals you want to hunt. If you have no special animal preference and are looking for mixed bag of general plains game, you can look at several countries based on other factors. If you are looking for specific species then you may have to go to a particular country and area. A complete list of the huntable animals can be found on each African hunting country page.

Q: When would you like to go hunting and for how long?

A: You will need to match your vacation dates to the hunting season in the country of your choice. If you are after a specific animal such as Cape Buffalo in a wilderness area, for example, you may want to tie your dates to the peak time when buffalo hunting is somewhat easier due to lower vegetation and reduced surface water. Similarly, if you are after leopard, a hunt of less than 14 days is unrealistic given the habits of tom leopards. Also hunting leopard at the time the ungulates are dropping calves may make it tougher to attract them to bait.

Q: Will an African hunt fit your budget?

A: Assuming you know what you want to pay for your hunt itself, look for a hunt where the bottom line is clearly the true price and there are no 'hidden extras' or provisos about the price changing if the exchange rate changes by the time you go. Give hunts with unclear pricing a very wide berth. We have listed all the possible hunt costs involved, so ask about all the items that may apply to you and may not been mentioned by the outfitter. Don't forget all the additional costs around the actual hunt like taxidermy, trophy shipping, hotel accommodation and the myriad of other possible expenses.

Q: What level of travel and accommodation would you be comfortable with?

A: If this is a priority for you and any possible non-hunters you may take, make a point of asking detailed questions about the hunting camp facilities. Get extra photos sent to you. You may want a camp with all mod-cons or conversely, having a TV, pool table and jacuzzi may spoil the magic of your hunt.

Q: Do you only want to pursue a variety of plains game species?

A: Try to prioritise the animals you want to hunt. You will have plenty of choice for where to go for the 'common' African plains game species (impala, warthog etc) if they are what you want to hunt. If you want to add a 'special' antelope as well, such as nyala or gemsbok, carefully compare the trophy fees. If you want record book-sized trophies, research areas that may deliver more than others.

Q: Do you want a primarily dangerous game hunt with the opportunity to take some plains game?

A: Decide whether you want to hunt behind a fence or in a wilderness area. Taking a Cape buffalo hunt as an example, behind a fence you are likely to be successful with an often-predicted horn spread measurement. The daily rate will be lower than for a wilderness hunt but the trophy fee will be higher. The reverse will be true in a wilderness area. Again, prioritise the species you want and look for the best areas and outfitters to suit your budget.

Q: Do you want to hunt alone or with a companion?

A: Hunting 2x1 is cheaper but you get only half the time - in theory. On most full-bag dangerous game hunts the 2x1 hunters won't be able to take a key species (lion, leopard, elephant) each. They will have to decide who will hunt what between them.

Q: Do you intend bringing your spouse/family/friends?

A: Everywhere non-hunting observers are very welcome. Prices vary for their accommodation. Check out the standards of accommodation and camp facilities to keep them happy.

Q: Do you need additional activities to be available for your spouse/family during the hunt?

A: There is not a lot for a non-hunter to do in a remote wilderness area short of going out hunting with you, rest and relaxation. On a hunt in South Africa, for example, it is usually easier to arrange sight-seeing trips at extra cost.

Do you have any other activities you want to pursue?

A: If you want to wingshoot or fish in addition to hunting, check the availability first. Some outfitters do not allow wingshooting in their hunting areas. Some offer informal wingshooting but if it's 'proper' wingshooting with dogs that you prefer, select a specialist wing-shooting outfitter.

Planning an African hunt starts with the big question... 'What do you want to get out of your African hunting experience?'