Hunting Safari’s Are Exciting!

And as much as the planning process is part of the excitement, you need to ensure you choose the right hunting professionals for your requirements.

This can sometimes be overwhelmingly. Especially because there are so many to choose from.

So, who do you choose? Well, what is it you require? How big of a group do you want to book for? Are you looking for a specific trophy? How tight is your budget? Are you open to travelling around the province?

We’ve put together a few Africa hunting tips we think you might benefit from reading when choosing your hunting outfitter:

Are The Professional Hunters Licensed?

This is probably the most important question. “Are you licensed?”. Unfortunately, there are hunting companies out there who are not qualified to run or guide hunts.

Hunting Client References

Does the company have references from previous clients? And are the legit? We suggest requesting some references and contacting those individuals to get honest feedback. This will put your mind at ease.

Hunting Safari Contract

Make sure that whoever you decide to support, that both you and the outfitter company sign a contract. The hunting contract should state all costs involved, service offered, details of facilities, any hidden costs, all exclusions, what the client is responsible for, what the PH is responsible for and so on.

Ask The Right Questions

Instead of being concerned about trophy size, ask the professional hunters if someone of your physical ability level will enjoy the hunt and terrain. Be honest about your shooting experience and skill. Ask for all hidden costs or cost exclusions and deposit amounts.   

Feel Comfortable About Your Choice Of Outfitter

You should feel excited when you have made your final decision. After all, they are about to plan the experience of a lifetime for you! Don’t agree to any guidelines or contracts unless you are 100% happy with your choice. If it doesn’t feel right to you, then either ask more questions or look for an alternative professional hunting company.

At the end of the day, we want to ensure you have the best hunting experience. Whether it is with us at VK African Adventures, or with another outfitting company. Therefore, if you ever have any questions or concerns regarding hunting in South Africa, please do not hesitate to reach out to us.

Victor@vkafricanadventures.com

Kedaf@vkafricanadventures.com

Africa hunting tips to make your African safari hunt that much more unforgettable!

Going on an African hunting trip is one of life’s last greatest adventures. Once you have experienced the thrill of a charging Cape Buffalo or the adrenaline rush of coming face to face with King of the Plains (Lion), your perception of hunting will change forever.

To make your trip that much more enjoyable, and less stressful, we have put together a list of hunting tips that could benefit you.

Weather

Hunting season in South Africa is during the winter months. Therefore, days are sunny but mornings and evenings are cold. Not Chicago winter cold but temperatures can reach minus. Bring warm jackets, socks, pants(trousers) and beanies.

Hunting Boots

Although our PH’s will always try get you in a comfortable position to take your shot, do not underestimate the South African terrain. Walk and stalk requires you to be on your feet for a long time. Therefore, make sure your boots are comfortable.

Trust Your Professional Hunter

Your professional hunter will know the terrain and the game better than you. Hence why they are professional hunters. Make sure to follow their instructions. They have you, your experience and your safety in their best interests.

Don’t Have Any Expectations

Time waits for no one. And sometimes time runs out before you are able to make it through your list of animals to shoot. Be sure not to have any unrealistic expectations and remember to absorb the experience itself instead of trying to rush through your list of “To Do’s”.

Don’t Shoot Unless You’re Certain

An unsure shot is a dangerous one. Especially when hunting dangerous game or big five game. Make sure you are shooting with a rifle you know and are comfortable with. Remember, if you shoot, you pay. Regardless of whether the animal goes down or not. Additionally, an uncertain shot can put you and your entire team in danger.

Study The Anatomy Of The Animals You Are Pursuing

Now here is a fun task to do before your South African hunting trip. Expand your knowledge of the animal you have on your hunting list.

Know What Costs Are Covered

Make sure you are confident in what charges are covered and what aren’t. For example, taxidermy fees are almost never covered by any hunting safari unless specifically requested. Although we can organize a taxidermy for your trophy requirements, our hunting packages do not cover taxidermy costs unless otherwise discussed.

At VK African Adventures, we are proud to uphold the reputation we have. Our clients’ testimonials and our high rate of returning hunters convey to our excellent and trustworthy hunting experiences. We hope you took something out of the above Africa hunting tips we have put together for you.

We look forward to welcoming you to VK African Adventures!

Cape Buffalo Hunting – Most Popular Dangerous Game Hunt in Africa

Cape Buffalo hunting is a true dangerous experience! An absolute bucket list hunt for all hunters across the globe.

The Cape Buffalo has an unpredictable temperament. Hence why it makes the top of the list for Africa’s most hunted dangerous game species. The tank of an animal will charge if you do not put it down with the first shot. It is said that if the animal is not put down on the first shot, the next dozen will only irritate him further as his adrenaline runs through his veins.

This is what attracts hunters throughout the globe.

More About The Behaviour Of The African Buffalo

The Cape Buffalo (Syncerus caffer), also referred to as the African Buffalo often come into conflict with humans. These creatures can weigh up to 1,000 kgs and grow up to 1.7 meters tall.

They are often referred to as ‘widowmaker’ or ‘the black death’. Now if that doesn’t give you the heebie-jeebies, I don’t know what will!

Gathering in large herds is one of their techniques to protect one another, especially the calves. Large herds are mostly made up of females and their calves. The males spend most of their time in bachelor herds. However, the much older bulls (12 years and older) prefer to be on their own.

Fun Fact: A buffalo does not regulate their body temperature very well. Hence why they graze in the evening.

Buffalo Trophy

We’ve heard it time and time again, a buffalo hunt is more about the experience than it is about the trophy itself. However, the quality of a buffalo trophy depends on the base, a hard rough and solid boss.  

The most important aspect of a Cape Buffalo hunt is that the hunter knows their rifle. When adrenaline and excitement kick in, especially with an African Buffalo nearby, hunters MUST be aware and comfortable with their rifle handling.

For more information on our Buffalo hunts, email us at info@vkafricanadventures.com.