Are you considering an African Hunting Safari for Plains Game? Are you overwhelmed and don’t know how to choose an African Outfitter for an Africa-guided hunt?
This article will help you choose the best African hunting safari outfitter for you by listing a series of questions and considerations you should take into account.
Table of Contents
Introduction to Guided Hunts
Embarking on a guided hunt in Africa is an adventure like no other. With the guidance of a skilled professional hunter and the support of a reputable hunting outfitter, hunters can immerse themselves in the excitement and challenge of an authentic African hunting safari.
The right hunting outfitter makes all the difference, not only in the quality of your African hunting experience but also in ensuring that your hunt is conducted ethically and responsibly. By partnering with a reputable outfitter, you can enjoy a memorable safari that supports sustainable wildlife management and contributes to vital conservation efforts.
Outfitters who are members of recognized associations often demonstrate their commitment to ethical and sustainable practices. Whether you’re a seasoned hunter or planning your first trip to Africa, choosing the right outfitter is essential for a rewarding hunting experience that respects both the wildlife and the land.
Understanding the Role of an Outfitter
A reputable outfitter is the cornerstone of any successful African hunting safari. Their responsibilities go far beyond simply organizing the logistics of your trip—they ensure that every aspect of your hunt is managed with professionalism, safety, and ethical hunting practices in mind.
From securing the necessary permits to providing expert guidance in the field, a quality outfitter is dedicated to delivering a high-caliber hunting experience. Inquire about the outfitter’s operating permits for their hunting areas to verify their legitimacy.
Their deep local knowledge and commitment to conservation efforts help maintain the integrity of African hunting, ensuring that each hunt is conducted in a way that supports both ethical hunting and the long-term sustainability of wildlife populations.
When you choose a reputable outfitter, you’re not just booking a hunt—you’re investing in a safari experience that upholds the highest standards of quality and conservation.
How to choose an African outfitter.
What is the Real Cost of my Safari
Questions to ask when choosing an African outfitter
When planning your African hunting safari, it’s important to recognize that these are comprehensive trips that include various components such as permits, guided hunts, and accommodations. To accurately determine the real cost, you must pay close attention to every detail, ensuring that all aspects of the safari are considered.
Questions to ask when choosing an African outfitter
- Is the hunt cost based on a daily fee plus a trophy fee or a hunting package?
- What is the daily fee for observers and the gratuities policy?
- How many days will my African guided hunt be?
- Should I be using my taxidermist or a taxidermist in Africa?
Be sure to ask about hidden costs, such as extra charges for transportation, permits, or services not included in the initial quote, to avoid unexpected expenses.
When comparing outfitters, it’s essential to consider the value for money, not just the upfront price. Accommodations are a significant part of the overall safari cost and can greatly impact your experience, from comfort and safety to overall satisfaction.
When comparing outfitters, it’s essential to consider the value for money, not just the upfront price. Accommodations are a significant part of the overall safari cost and can greatly impact your experience, from comfort and safety to overall satisfaction.
A reputable outfitter will provide clear, detailed pricing without hidden fees, ensuring transparency and helping you make an informed decision.
Is the hunt cost based on a daily fee or a hunting package?
The cost of hunting in Africa is structured in two ways:
A Day Fee plus an individual Trophy Fee.
- A day fee is paid, and clients select animals and pay the trophy fee for each animal.
- Ask for the day fee and the trophy price list.
A fixed all-inclusive African Hunting Package consisting of trophy animals.
Hunters select a package of animals offered by the Outfitter at a fixed price, including the day and trophy fees. The Outfitter offers hunting packages consisting of trophy animals that occur in significant numbers in that area, ensuring a close to 100 percent success rate. For example, a typical all-inclusive package might include daily rates, trophy fees for specific animals, meals, accommodation, and transportation within the hunting area.
These packages are always the most efficient way to start for first-time African hunter. However, be aware that some packages may appear all-inclusive but could have hidden costs, such as permit fees, taxidermy, or airport transfers, so it’s important to clarify exactly what is included before booking.
The day fee or all-inclusive African hunting package should include the services in the list below without any additional costs.
- Your Professional Hunter at all times
- Accommodation, meals, and drinks
- 4x-4 hunting vehicles and fuel for the duration of the safari
- Transport for pick-up and drop-off at the final destination airport
- Daily laundry
- Skinners, trackers, and dogs for retrieval of wounded animals
- Use of rifles, scopes, and ammunition (Most outfitters will require payment for the use of rifles)
- Field preparation of trophies and delivery to the taxidermy
- All taxes and permit fees
Inquire if there are any services that will incur an additional cost.
What is the daily fee for observers and gratuities policy?
- If you bring an observer, you must determine the day fee for observers on your African guided hunt.
- Also, find out the expectation for gratuities for the guide, trackers, and camp staff from your Africa outfitter.
Choosing your African Outfitter -How many days will I be hunting?
Choosing your African Outfitter – How many days will I be hunting?
When planning your African hunting adventure, the number of days you spend in the field is a crucial factor that can shape your entire experience. A reputable outfitter will take the time to understand your goals, the species you wish to hunt, and the unique characteristics of the hunting area to recommend the ideal duration for your safari.
Understanding the length and difficulty of daily hunts is important for properly gauging physical preparedness. Flexible and customized hunting packages allow you to maximize your chances of success while enjoying a truly unforgettable safari experience.
By working closely with your African outfitter, you can ensure that your hunting experience is tailored to your needs, providing ample opportunity to pursue your chosen species and create lasting memories.
The right outfitter will help you determine the optimal length of your hunt, balancing quality, success, and enjoyment for a truly exceptional African hunting experience.
- Ascertain if the arrival and departure days are billed at the agreed day fee or are excluded from your African guided hunt.
- Is there sufficient time to obtain all the required trophies, and what are the Outfitter’s success rates? How many clients did not complete the package in the last three years?
Should I be using my taxidermist or a taxidermist in Africa?
Another key consideration is which taxidermist to use. Should you utilize a taxidermist in your home country or a taxidermist in southern Africa?
You may want to support your home country’s taxidermist. Nevertheless, taxidermy has come a long way in South Africa, and many South African taxidermists have trained in North America.
Taxidermy is far cheaper in South Africa, and local taxidermists work exclusively on plains game.
Obtain a quote from your Outfitter and check that against both your home country and South African taxidermists. Be aware that it is common practice for South African taxidermists to give brokerage for a referral.
How to Determine the Suitability of the Outfitter
Researching Potential Outfitters
Thorough research is the foundation of a successful African hunting safari. Before booking your trip, take the time to evaluate potential outfitters by checking their credentials, reputation, and commitment to ethical hunting practices and conservation efforts.
Look for outfitters who are properly licensed and have a proven track record of delivering high-quality African hunting experiences. Reading online reviews and testimonials provides firsthand insights into past clients’ experiences with outfitters.
Online reviews, references from past clients, and testimonials can offer valuable insights into the reliability and professionalism of an outfitter. Don’t hesitate to ask questions about their conservation initiatives, ethical standards, and the quality of their hunting areas.
By carefully researching potential outfitters, you can confidently select a reputable partner who will provide a safe, ethical, and rewarding hunting safari in Africa.
When selecting an African outfitter, it is crucial to choose one that employs professional hunters with the right qualifications and experience. Skilled hunters as guides can make a significant difference in the quality, safety, and ethical standards of your hunt.
Clear communication between you and the outfitter throughout the booking, planning, and in-field experience ensures transparency and helps set accurate expectations. Attention to detail in the outfitter’s planning and organization is also essential for a seamless and satisfying safari.
Questions to ask when choosing an African outfitter
- Shall I deal directly with an African outfitter or an agent?
- How long has the African Outfitter been in the hunting business?
- How many hunts does the Outfitter do in a year?
- Will you be the only hunting party in camp?
- Will the Outfitter be present with you in camp, and who will be your guides?
- Does the Outfitter hold the required licenses?
When checking references and reputation, remember that highly recommended outfitters are more likely to provide a reliable and quality experience.
Shall I deal directly with the Outfitter or an agent when choosing an African outfitter?
An outfitter is a licensed business that provides services for African guided hunts.
Guides are hunting guides who scout and accompany hunters on guided hunts.
Some prospective hunters deal directly with outfitters to evaluate African outfitters’ offers and decide which best fits them.
Agents are being used in the United States by many African outfitters. The agent helps the client in choosing an African outfitter.
There is nothing inherently wrong with using an agent. Prospective hunters who use an agent should understand the relationship between the agent and the Outfitter.
Clear communication is essential, whether dealing directly with the outfitter or through an agent, to ensure all expectations are met.
How long has the African Outfitter been in the hunting business?
Any hunter wishing to visit Africa for the first time should be considered an Africa outfitter with a good track record. Make sure you get a list of references, as outfitters who are highly recommended by past clients are more likely to deliver a quality experience. It is also valuable to check if the outfitter employs professional hunters, as their expertise and ethical standards contribute greatly to a successful and safe safari.
Also, consider asking for the names and contact details of the last three hunting parties in the camp. Contact those hunters and ask them to share their experiences. For example, you can ask, “Would you book with this outfitter again based on your experience?”
Another good source of reference is www.africahunting.com
This is the largest African hunting forum and allows hunters to ask the community for private feedback to choose an African outfitter.
The forum consists of well-informed people who hunted in Africa before and can give you impartial advice for choosing an African outfitter.
Many additional resources and blogs are available, discussing how to go about planning an African safari and choosing and selecting an African guided hunt.
How many hunts does the Outfitter do in a year?
An overhunted area is not what you will be looking for. Ask your Outfitter how many hunting parties are hunting the core area in a season. Ideally, it should be between 10 and 20 hunting parties per season.
Will you be the only hunting party in camp?
This is an important question. Many hunters will want some exclusivity to enjoy the hunt as a closed group. Being the only hunters in camp ensures that you will not see any other hunters while out in the field. There are different types of camps available, such as tented camps and luxury lodges, each offering various amenities that can affect your overall hunting experience.
For some of the large outfitters, it will not be possible to have any exclusivity. This may be an essential aspect for some hunters for choosing an outfitter for an African-guided hunt.
Will the Outfitter be present with you in camp, and who will be your guides?
You may also want to consider if your Outfitter will be present at camp or if there will be only your guide with you. It is an advantage to have the Outfitter in camp with you.
He will have a good feel for what’s happening and will be able to meet the hunting party’s expectations. It’s also not unusual for the Outfitter to be the guide for one of the hunting parties.
Also, establish if each hunter will have their guide or if two hunters will share a guide. This will have a cost implication. Will your Outfitter be one of the guides?
When selecting a guide, prioritize those who are skilled hunters and professional hunters, as their expertise and qualifications are crucial for a safe and successful hunt. Guides who adhere to ethical practices help ensure a responsible and sustainable hunting experience.
What experience do the other guides have, and how long have they been guiding? How long have the guides been working for the Outfitter, and how much of their guiding has been in the area you will be hunting? Who your guide will be is essential for choosing an outfitter for an African guided hunt.
Does your chosen Outfitter hold the required licenses?
A valid and up-to-date outfitter license is a requirement. Ask for the certificate. It is not unreasonable for you to expect that the Outfitter is also a qualified guide. This qualification is referred to as a professional hunter or “PH” for short in South Africa.
My Outfitter and professional hunter license for South Africa.
Did the Outfitter grow up in the area?
Another factor you may wish to consider is if the African Outfitter grew up in the area and is part of the local community, he will know the adjacent area and landowners.
This has many benefits, including gaining access to the nearby farms at short notice and following up with wounded animals.
Most land is privately owned in South Africa. He will also have an intimate knowledge of the whereabouts of animals outside the immediate area being hunted.
Your Outfitter should be able to speak all the local languages, including the local African dialect.
This is important when dealing with camp staff and the trackers.
When an animal is wounded, clear and effective communication with the trackers can make a difference.
Expert trackers working in the area can be important, from spotting trophies at a great distance or in a thick brush and leading the stalk.
This is an overlooked aspect of the African outfitting business.
How to Evaluate the Hunting Area and plains Game
When planning African hunting safaris or trips, evaluating the hunting area is crucial for a successful and ethical experience. The location of your hunt directly impacts the type of game available, hunting conditions, and adh
erence to local regulations, making it a key factor in your decision. Assessing trophy quality is also important, as it reflects the caliber and management of game specimens in the area. Additionally, ethical hunting practices should prioritize fair chase principles, ensuring that animals are pursued in a natural and unrestrained manner, which supports responsible wildlife management and conservation.
Questions to ask when choosing an African outfitter
- Who owns the hunting area, and what size is it?
- Is the area you will be hunting in low-fenced or high-fenced?
- Where is the lodge situated in respect of the hunting area?
- What is the nature of the terrain you will be hunting?
- Are you looking for real wilderness hunting?
- How many animals of the species you want to hunt for are on the property?
- What is the trophy quality of the game available in this location?
- Are fair chase principles followed during these safaris and trips?
Who owns the hunting area and what size is it?
Enquire if the core area is owned or leased by the Africa outfitter. This is an essential aspect of choosing an African outfitter.
The hunter conducting his due diligence should understand the size of the home property. A reasonable minimum size would be around 20,000 acres.
The size and location of the hunting area are essential for choosing an African outfitter. The location within different African countries can significantly affect the hunting experience, as each country has its own legal, regulatory, and hunting conditions. Understanding the specific regulations and land ownership laws in various African countries is crucial for a successful and compliant hunt.
Hunting will be mostly in the core area. Access to adjacent and surrounding areas is essential.
There will always be one or two trophies you might be struggling with; access to the nearby area will increase the probability of getting your trophy wish list.
Where is the lodge relative to the hunting area?
The lodge should ideally be situated in the middle of your hunting area. The location of your accommodations is critical—not only should they be close to the hunting grounds for convenience, but the quality and comfort of the accommodations can greatly impact your overall safari experience.
Driving an hour to and from your hunting area should be avoided. The hunter should also understand how long it takes to get to the African outfitter’s other areas. This is also a crucial point when you are choosing an African outfitter, as both the location and standard of accommodations play a significant role in the success and enjoyment of your trip.
Are you looking for true wilderness hunting?
If you are looking for a true wildness safari, you must hunt in areas like Zimbabwe and Tanzania. Different African countries offer unique wilderness safaris, each with their own regulations, licensing requirements, and hunting experiences. In these areas, you will be hunting without any fences or human-made obstacles like a barrier in the form of public roads.
This remoteness comes at a cost, with expensive day fees being mandatory and extra time and cost to get to these wilderness areas. These costs come before you have even seen an animal. For many, the cost and time are prohibitive.
Is the area you will be hunting in high-fenced or low-fenced?
Most first-time African hunters on a budget will end up in Namibia or South Africa. You will struggle to find a property in South Africa or Namibia with no fences.
Hunting properties are high-fenced or low-fenced.
Areas that do not have high fences but four-foot barbed wire fences.
Designed to stop sheep and cattle movement, most wild animals can move and roam at will.
Certain species will be held in check. Typical examples are Wildebeest and Blesbok.
These low high fenced areas belong to the local farming community.
Outfitters with a low-fenced core hunting area are farmers with a dual income.
The majority of hunting in South Africa is done behind high fences.
The size of the high-fenced areas varies greatly. High fences are necessary for outfitters from an economic standpoint.
For these typically larger high-fenced outfitters, outfitting is their only source of income.
These larger high-fenced outfitters need to replenish trophies due to hunting and genetics.
The presence or absence of high fences can impact fair chase principles, as low-fenced areas allow for more natural animal movement and pursuit, while high-fenced areas may limit the elements of fair chase that many ethical hunters value.
This has made South Africa the most affordable safari destination in the world.
Nowhere else can you hunt as many species at a cost not dreamed about two or three decades ago?
What is the nature of the terrain you will be hunting in?
You should consider the nature of the terrain from two different angles. The first relates to the hunting parties’ physical capabilities.
Ask for the length of the stalks and how much walking will be required each day. Enquire as to the difficulty of walking. Are there steep canyons and rocky hillsides to climb?
It would be best if you inquired about the variability of the terrain. It’s always good to have different types of topography to hunt with your African outfitter.
A mixture of thick bushes and canyons as well as savanna and rolling plains.
This will make the safari more exciting, and the area will contain more endemic species, which always makes for the best hunting. Many hunting areas are plains or very thick bushes.
How many animals of the species you want to hunt for are on the property?
Ask the Africa outfitter how many animals of individual species are in his hunting area and if the species are endemic to the area.
If the animals are endemic, the quantity and quality will be higher, which can directly influence trophy quality and ensure memorable hunting opportunities.
It is also good to ask for the ratio of females to males. A high male ratio would suggest a “put and take” practice.
For animals that are not endemic, you should understand when the family group was introduced.
How widespread are these animals, and how many are there? Ideally, there should be a few hundred for a great hunting experience. Practicing ethical shot placement is essential for animal welfare and supports sustainable hunting practices.
Red Flags to Watch Out For
As you evaluate potential outfitters for your African hunting safari, it’s important to be vigilant for warning signs that could indicate a less-than-reputable operation. Watch out for hidden fees, vague pricing structures, or a lack of transparency about costs and services.
Poor or inconsistent communication can also be a red flag, as can an outfitter’s reluctance to provide references or proof of proper licensing. Be cautious of outfitters who focus solely on trophy hunting without regard for sustainable wildlife management or conservation efforts.
The right outfitter will be upfront about all costs, committed to ethical hunting practices, and actively involved in conservation initiatives. By staying alert to these red flags, you can avoid potential disappointments and ensure that your chosen outfitter delivers a safe, ethical, and memorable African hunting experience.
Best African Hunting Safari Outfitters
Here is a list of hunting outfitters in the Eastern Cape, South Africa, that can provide hunting experiences for various species:
- Nick Bowker provides over 30 plains game species and offers unique free-range hunting
- Bluecliff Hunting Safaris: Bluecliff Hunting Safaris specializes in providing top-quality trophies with a professional hunter guiding each hunt.
- Andri Fox Safaris: Andri Fox Safaris offers access to a vast area of private hunting land with a variety of animals.
- McDonald Safaris: McDonald Safaris provides a professional and experienced hunting service in the Eastern Cape.
- Lalapa Hunting Safaris: Lalapa Hunting Safaris is a family-run outfit based at Langverwacht ranch, home to Lalapa Safari Lodge.
- Huntershill Safaris: Huntershill Safaris offers a unique hunting experience on a large 55,000-acre game farm.
- Glen Safaris: Glen Safaris specializes in hunting and other outdoor activities.
- Likhulu Safaris: Likhulu Safaris focuses on tracking and encountering wildlife in vast terrains.
- Trek Africa Hunting: Trek Africa Hunting provides premium hunting safaris with big game, plains game, and bow hunting options.
- Dries van Coller Safaris: Dries van Coller Safaris offers a variety of hunting experiences across South Africa.
- Tam Safaris: Tam Safaris provides personalized service with high-quality trophies and the true spirit of hunting.
- Belvedere Safaris: Belvedere Safaris is a family-owned ranch with over 40 species of game and authentic hospitality.