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Introduction to the South African Hunting Experience

The old easy way to graciously duck the question “What is the best hunting trip in South Africa” is to reply, “My next one” or if you’re on a hunt, “This one”. The truth really is, the “First One”. I’d say this is true for any big game hunting in South Africa. You made up your mind to do something significant and here you are doing it. We all know that’s the best feeling there is. 

The Allure of the First Safari

It's interesting to learn what sparks different hunters fancy and got them to Africa. The long, rhythmic tracking of an eland, the surprise spotting of the gray ghost in the thorns or the real fetishists, pursuing buffalo or tiny antelope. We read so much in advance of our first safari that images of expectations get lodged in our minds. That’s great as motivation to book and show up for the hunt. But the best hunt, like most things in life, is with a mind free of expectations and ready to savor whatever occurs.

Embracing the Safari Experience Beyond the Game

Beyond jettisoning expectations, to allow your best hunt to occur, avoid lists and tunnel vision. You’ll likely be an experienced hunter by the time you hunt Africa. Take what you’ve learned in your deer stand or favorite glassing spot with you. It may not be the buck you harvested that’s the best memory, it may be the sparring between two bucks just out of range or the grizzly bear you watched below you for an hour that made a season memorable. Smell the smells, taste the food, hear the birds and listen to the tales at the fire. This leads to a better hunt than reviewing your mental list of the critters you did or didn't see. Or what you think should have happened that day.

The Assurance of Quality with Endorsed Outfitters

While your expectations may not all be met, if you book with an outfitter I endorse, the promises they make will be met. Considering it costs you nothing extra to book with an Endorsed Outfitter, this is the first step to your best safari. I don’t lend my name lightly and I know these outfitters. If Stanley Pieterse promises you a family friendly hunt with great tips on photography from his wife Seugnet, you will have that experience. When J.P. Kleinhans tells you, you’ll hunt with intensity and it will likely be tough but rewarding with quite a few laughs, that will occur. If you’re looking for unbeilable luxury and interesting history on your South African safari hunt expect your mind to be blown if you book with Battle Creek. If you ask Alex Thomson with Eland Safaris to put you on a good eland walk, he will. Mike Birch, owner of Hunt the Sun, will deliver on the promise you’ll leave educated on South African natural history. If you want to be sure to see varied wide open terrain in the Eastern Cape, then Carl of John X Safaris is the man to deliver on that promise. The Burchell family of Frontier Safaris will deliver on the promise of passion and enthusiasm on a hunt rich with history. Finally, if the promise of a family oriented safaris in the unique Limpopo region is important to you, then reach out to Chico with Chico and Sons.

Why the First Hunt Remains Unmatched

I’m sure if you do more than one African hunt, you’ll agree your first was the best. You’ll realize big game hunting in South Africa is the same as big game hunting in your backyard. The best you can do is control logistics and hospitality while having a well thought out, long-term game management plan in place. But most importantly, you keep your promises. These are the characteristics I look for before I allow an outfitter to become a member of CRAIG BODDINGTON ENDORSED OUTFITTERS.