Species

Trophy Cape Buffalo (plains game and other dangerous game also available)

Background

This hunt takes place on a private concession bordering the Kruger National Park and has some of the best trophy potential of anywhere in Africa. Clients will fly into Johannesburg and typically stay overnight before connecting to Nelspruit the next morning and driving to camp (roughly 3 hrs of driving). Hunting is for 7 full days and plains game is available at other locations if take your buffalo early in the hunt. Additional dangerous game (elephant, lion, etc.) may also be available on a case by case basis (please inquire if interested). This is generally a malaria and disease free part of South Africa, but please contact your personal physician for his/her recommendation on required immunizations.

Lodging and Food

The lodging is modern and comfortable with running water, electricity, etc. Guests will stay in private rooms and enjoy outstanding gourmet cooking each day as well as daily laundry. Guests do not need to bring many clothes as laundry will be done daily. Meals will be prepared each morning and evening and hunters will typically take a field lunch with them and eat in the field.

Terrain and Hunting Style

The concession you will be hunting is fairly flat with some moderate hills, but it not very physically demanding. That being said, the better the shape you are in the better your chances of getting a big buffalo as you may need to walk for quite while after cutting tracks. Hunting is conducted by driving in safari vehicles until buffalo are sighted or tracks are cut, followed by stalking on foot.

Clothing

Depending on the time of year you come to Africa, the temperature can vary widely. You should be prepared for everything from temperatures hovering around 30 degrees in the morning all the way up to the mid 80’s during the day. Dark or camo colored layers of clothing that can be removed as the day warms up are ideal as are good hiking boots and ankle gaitors. You don’t need to bring a lot of clothes as laundry is done every single day by the camp staff. Once you send us your deposit, a complete list of gear will be sent to you.

Travel

Once you book your trip with us, we can assist you with all the details of booking flights and hotels required for the inbound and outbound trip. Depending on your arrival time into Johannesburg and your connection to Nelspruit, you may need to arrange for an overnight stay in Johannesburg. Our travel agent will assist you in booking this room as well as transportation to and from a B&B. The cost for this transportation as well as the cost of the B&B will be determined precisely when you book your hunt.

All hunters and guests must have a current passport with 6 months remaining before expiration. Additionally, your passport must have four blank pages available for visas (this does not include the last four pages that are reserved for amendments and endorsements). If your passport doesn’t meet these criteria, has expired or you have never owned a passport, you should start the process as early as possible as it can take a very long time. 

Guns and Ammunition

Minimum caliber for a dangerous game hunt in South Africa is .375. We recommend that you bring at least 20 rounds of solids and 20 rounds of soft points for a Cape buffalo hunt. If you plan on hunting plains game after your hunt, you may also want to bring a smaller caliber rifle that is flatter shooting than your dangerous game rifle. Our travel agent will help you with all the paperwork required to bring your rifles and ammunition into South Africa.

Dates

Hunting is available from April until November.

Additional Considerations

• When travelling long distances such as the flight required for this trip, you may want to speak with your doctor regarding sleeping medication. 
• We have a variety of touring packages available that non-hunting guests can attend (at extra cost) while the hunters are in the field. If you are interested in these activities, please let us know in advance so we can make arrangements for transportation, guides, park entries, etc. We also have the ability to coordinate touring, sightseeing and photographic safaris before or after your trip. Please let us know if you have interests along these lines and we will put you in touch with people that specialize in these areas. 
• Meat from your trophies cannot be brought home to the United States or Canada.

Getting your trophies home

Your trophy will be caped and salted in camp for a shoulder mount and delivered to either a taxidermist or “dip and pack” operation before coming back to the United Sates or Canada. There are a number of options to consider regarding trophy preparation which we will discuss with you after you send a deposit, but one important thing to keep in mind is that you need to budget a fairly significant amount of money for shipping and customs importation fees. This is true whether you have your taxidermy done in South Africa or simply have the capes “dipped and packed” for return to your taxidermist.

Cost

• 7 day trophy Cape buffalo hunt including all licenses, daily rates and trophy fees - $28,500
• Plains game available after buffalo hunt for trophy fees only (see attached pricing)
• Additional days of plains game hunting can be added to your safari at $450/day
• Observers are welcomed at $750 for the buffalo hunt and $250/day for additional plains game days
• Additional non-hunting activities available on a case by case basis

Deposit

A 50% deposit is required to hold dates. The remaining 50% is due 90 days before the start of your trip. All deposits are non-refundable for any reason. Requests for date changes once deposits have been paid will only be honored solely at our discretion and are subject to a 10% processing fee.

Refunds

Included

All lodging, food and beverages while on the ranch (including alcohol in moderation), transportation from Nelspruit airport to the ranch, professional hunting guides, trackers, skinners, field preparation of animals.

Not included

Commercial flights, any accommodations or food before arrival at the ranch, trophy fees (see below), dip and pack of trophies, taxidermy or shipping of trophies. Also not included are any fees for transportation or entry into parks/attractions.

Licenses

Licenses are included as part of your package – there is no additional charge.

Plains Game Trophy Fees

Other animals – rhino, lion, leopard, hippo, crocodile, African wildcat, Civet, Serval - may be available with advance request notice.

* Any animal that is injured in any way is considered to be fatally wounded and will be charged at full price

There is a 14%VAT added to the trophy fees listed above. All trophy fees are to be paid directly to the outfitter at the conclusion of your hunt. Please bring a check book, travelers checks or cash to settle your bill at the conclusion of your safari.

TO BOOK A HUNT OR FIND MORE INFORMATION: 

Contact: Dan Goodenow

Phone: 248-613-7549