[JJHACK]

I guess when you think of the romance of African safaris you imagine an old double rifle and elephants, Rhino's buffalos and lions. If we were all millionaires those dreams would come true. The reality is only a small percentage of folks will hunt Africa and few will ever do more then see most of the big 5 in a park or in the bush while hunting other species.

When we consider the "reality" of an affordable African hunting experience. And by affordable I don't mean for the working guy with a few kids a new house and a new car just trying to make ends meet. But maybe for the guy whose kids just finished college and he can finally do something he has dreamed of his whole life. Or maybe the single guy who wants to do this before the future wife has a say about the price tag!

Whatever your situation might be, and everyone has a different perspective on "affordable". What would be the 3 plains animals you would most like to hunt. Pick three and we can tally the results to see what the most popular ones are. Three plains game animals on an 7-8 day hunt should cost about 4500 with airfare. Not cheap but certainly an affordable adventure to the greatest hunting location left on earth. It's not like we are talking about an out of reach price, it is achievable for most working class folks who put their mind to it. I have known people to have twice that much debt on Credit cards, new motorcycle's or two dozen rifles they will never shoot.

I had one guy ( a friend) tell me he would never be able to afford Africa while leaning against his 35,000 Dodge Durango with his new boat on the trailer behind it. He also has a camper, two snowmobiles and a 4X4 honda ATV. I had to laugh, he was thinking I must be rich to go every year. The truth is I have an 8 year old Toyota pickup truck and no boat, ATV, jet skiis, or any other toys. My money goes into the hunting. I only have two hunting rifles and a single 44 mag revolver. It's where my priorities are at. His priority is the shiney new truck and fast boat. For him to say he could not afford Africa while assuming I could was quite funny. He certainly spends far more money a year on hunting and "recreation" then I do!

Anyhow, back to the question! For me the the animals I enjoy hunting most are Bushbuck, nyala, and warthog. However for trophies I would choose Kudu, Nyala, and waterbuck. So which three to pick? From an affordable standpoint of just plains game, I don't think any animal "says" Africa more then the Zebra. So Zebra would have to be on the list. Certainly Kudu which is the most sought after trophy in my opinion. so we have one remaining. I think Impala would be a good rounding out of the trip. It's hard to say which three would be my favorite. My Nyala hunt was to this day the best hunt of my life. The only hunts I have been on which were as good were with my clients. I have had more exciting hunts and more satisfying hunts when clients have been the shooters then when I have been the shooter.

Picking three favorites is really tough. What would you pick from the common plains game animals. If you could only have three?

 

[Matt in AK]

I'm saving for a trip...someday. My three choices?

- A large antelope (Gemsbok or Kudu)
- Zebra
- Warthog (I don't know why but they are "nice" looking)

 

[Yukon Jack]

Guess I would have to say
1. Kudu
2. Gemsbok
3. Nyala

Now if I could find a bongo hunt for less than kings ransom, it'd be No.1.

 

[DesertRam]

This is a good post. I've been doing some preliminary research on African safari hunts. I'm considering one in the (hopefully) not too distant future before my Dad gets too old to enjoy it with me.

If I hadn't already shot a Gemsbok (Oryx) here in New Mexico, it would certainly be on my list. Without going through a major review of my African plains game I'd have to say:
1. Definitely Kudu
2. Impala
3. Nyala/Hartebeest (either/or)

If money were no object - Sable (I understand they're pretty expensive, which puts them out of my reach)

I honestly have no real interest in dangerous game, though if I had a bunch of cash burning a hole in my pocket I would hunt anything except elephant just because I love to hunt.

 

[AKA Craig]

my animals

i am fifteen if there were three animals i could go hunt in africa it would definetly be

1.elephant
2.rhino
3.lion

i dont now just seems exciting to me.....well ttyl


Craig

 

[Holdengr]

Greg from Canada,

1. Gemsbuck
2. That red colored Hardebeast thing
3. Kudu

 

[Rocky]

Picking only three?

Only three? Wow, that's a toughie! For me, the three common (and affordable) animals, I would pick for a South African hunt would be:

1) Kudu
2) Nyala
3) Bushbuck

Gemsbok in the bushy rolling hills around Kimberley would next as it's a fun hunt when they have places to run to and hide. Out in the open desert is a different story. Blue Wildebeest can be a great hunt if they're wise to hunters. Warthog is always good too....

Of course, if one spends the money to go, it only costs a tiny bit more to stay a few more days and chase a few more animals. Hunting South Africa has to be the best value going these days.

Rocky
Four times to Africa and going again 2003!

 

[Boss Kongoni]

I made my first trip there in 2001. It was a trad. bow hunt. I took a Kudu & Wildebeest. The wildebeest was my 1st African animal. The camp skinner, an Northern Sutu man, promptly renamed me Kongoni(wildebbest). Funny I bought him a beer after the hunt & his duties were done, and I became "Boss" Kongoni.

The interesting thing about Africa is that until you get there you don't really know what you want on your list. I wanted a Blis Bok, The group I saw remined me of forrest preserve deer, and I let them walk. I never consider Zebra until I saw them. Zebra are nobody's striped donkey! I watched two mares battle it was intense. They are alert & very cagey. A Trophy to be proud of.

Only three huh?

Then in no special order:

KUDU
Warthog
Impala

Another interesting point. In most package hunts the Warthogs & Impalas are the lower cost animals. DO NOT take this to mean they are easy animals to hunt.

 

[UMFAN1]

Hopefully I'll get the chance in a few years.

1) Waterbuck
2) Kudu
3) Gemsbok

 

[Chesapeake Troller]

Africa Wish List

I like most have the impression that a hunt to Africa is out of the question, however after some basic research a general plains game hunt would cost less than a trophy elk hunt in the the west or a bear hunt in Alaska. Now add a cape buffalo, lion, or other big 5 then it gets pricy in a hurry!

My choice today would be:

1) Sable Antelope (To quote Capstick; " My vote for the noblest, fiercest, most handsome, horned game goes to the Sable")
2) Gemsbok
3) Greater Kudo

The Troller

 

[JJHACK]

Unfortunately the Sable is in that elite catagory of expense. They will cost upwards of 7500.00 for one animal not including the other costs. They are not common in RSA and where they are common and inexpensive they are in areas where daily fees will be 600 buckjs a day and up.

 

[Lawdog]

My top three choices are;

1.] Cape Buffalo 44" or better would be great - a life long dream

2.] Lion - Doesn't have to have a black mane just a good mane

3.] Greater Kudu 60+" would be a dream come true

I reality a buffalo over 40" or more is what I'll most likely get. As far as a lion goes I don't want one that looks like a lioness having a bad hair day. And a Kudu near 60" will make me happy. Lawdog

 

[JJHACK]

Lawdog don't book a hunt anyplace but Tanzania or Botswana for that wish list, except for the Kudu. The biggest Kudu bulls are found in the northern Provionce of RSA

 

[JOE MACK]

African plains game

I've been lucky enough to hunt Africa three times and it's really addicting. The three plains animals I'd still take are: a Lord Derby eland, a southern greater kudu larger than what I've got, and a spectacular Nyala. I've got Alaska coming up in '05, but plan on Africa (cape buff) in '06 if the area's still stable. 8)

 

[Omega]

Africa is a real source of dreams for me. The plains game I'd like are eland, kudu and waterbuck. But the real critter I'd like is a big old cape buf. I've no interest in shooting an elephant or rhino but a lion lepoard or buff would be great.

 

[DirtyHarry]

1

2

3

 

[ihuntbucks]

My three would be the impala,warthog,and white/blk rhino.Not in that order,but I figure the rhino is probably protected somewhat.Rick

 

[500grains]

My hunting career goal is 30 elephant.

 

[Florida Jim]

I just ordered a Left hand 375 H&H, should be in Wed, or Thurs. I've got the Dies and brass, and some Hornady 270'gr's. Looks like IMR 4350 will be a good powder. I'll pick up a Leupold VX111, 1.75 X 6 X 32 scope, with Leupold QR mounts this morning.
I'm in the advanced planning stage.
My dream is a Cape buffalo.
If I forgo my out of state hunting for a couple of years I should be able to afford my dream of a "buff" plus any plains game incuded in a package.
This gives me time to get really proficient with the rifle.

P.S. Dirty harry, you have a way with words.

 

[JJHACK]

Jim, consider the 2.5-8 scope instead. I have used several and the 2.5-8 power range really makes the 375HH brighter and more versatile. The bottom end is nearly the same. Actual power ratings differ from advertised check their site. The next best thing you can do is send it off the Premier reticles to have them change the reticle to a 4A style. That scope with those reticles is really the ultimate hunting scope for a 375HH. It's what has been on mine now for over 10 years. The reticle change is 65 bucks and does not effect your warranty with Leupold. www.premierreticles.com

I have also mounted my scope in WarneQD rings and I still have the open sights. The final touch is getting an Ashley outdoors ghost ring Peepsight which will slide onto the rear bases when you remove the scope. This gives you a Leupold scope/ factory open sights/ and a Peepsight. Plenty of backup for scope or sighting problems.

I have used about every powder possible over the 20 plus years I have been using a 375HH in Africa and Alaska. My suggestion is to get RL-15 and use 75 grains with the 270's and a federal large rifle not magnum primer. This will get you about 2800fps and every gun which has used them has managed wondeful accuracy. You did not mention what make gun but get it professional bedded if you don't know how to do that and have the trigger set to 2.8 pounds. This will be a dandy hunting rig for you anyplace on our planet!