Is there a hunting destination that stirs the imagination more than the mention of “Africa?”

I doubt it. And if you are like us a few years ago, you probably think the cost of an African safari is out of your reach.

That’s what we thought when we received flyers advertising a 10-day African safari, the price of which included five animals. It sounded too good to be true, so we placed an international call and discovered the safari owners were in the states and we were able to set up a meeting. After touring one of their client’s trophy room and spending the afternoon together, we signed up.

The hunt didn’t meet our expectations…. it exceeded it. In fact, we went back to Africa eight months later.

This organization employs numerous professional hunters with years of experience. The owner has more than 23 years hunting experience and is a trained ecologist with a degree in natural sciences from the University of Pretoria.

Hunting safaris are conducted in concessions all over southern Africa, though the primary areas are the Limpopo Bushveld and the Eastern Free State of the Republic of South Africa. These two areas differ substantially in terms of vegetation and geography, and offer a great diversity of species. The Limpopo area is characterized by thick brush and challenging terrain, while the Eastern Free State is a vast landscape of rolling hills, sandstone cliffs and wide-open areas similar to the American West. Hunting is also done in Zululand, South Africa, for specific species, and most hunting for Big Five animals takes place in Zimbabwe and Tanzania, where there is often better trophy rates.

A recently added safari is a seven-day hunt followed by a three-day tour of Kruger National Park, one of the premier national parks in the world. For those interested in shooting with a camera or just having the opportunity to see the Big Five, this is a great way to relax after seven days of hunting.

For those interested in Buffalo Hunting, a safari can be arranged in a recently-opened area of the Selous Game Reserve, Tanzania. Reports are 100-130 Buffalo a day are being spotted in this area, which opened for the first time in 2005.

More than 40 species of game animals are available across the various hunting concessions, from the diminutive duiker to the magnificent spiral horned kudu, up to and including the Big Five. Success, though not guaranteed, is almost 100 percent on species sought.

Accommodations during safari give an entirely different meaning to the term “hunting camp.” Upon arrival in South Africa you will be met at the airport and driven to the main lodge, just completed in 2003. The lodge features eight guest rooms, each with its own bath. The towering walls in the main room are lined with trophies and artwork from around the country. The lodges in the various hunting concessions all offer excellent accommodations with daily maid service, and laundry service provided almost daily. Meals are always excellent, with opportunities to try the various game animals you will be hunting. The equipment used is in good working order, hunting camps are always comfortable and the staff ranging from professional hunters to camp staff are all well trained and dedicated to the success of your safari.

The plains game package prices are all inclusive, and include in-country transportation, lodging, meals, alcohol in moderation and the services of professional hunters, trackers and skinners. Want a soft drink during a fuel stop? Your professional hunter will do the buying. This organization takes great pride in providing a service with no hidden costs. They treat each client like it is the hunt of a lifetime, and at the end of your hunt you will want to go back to Africa.

The only additional costs to budget for are tips for your professional hunter and skinner, and fees associated with preparing your trophies for shipment home.

In addition, at the end of your hunting safari, tours can be arranged to Victoria Falls, through Kruger National Park and to visit South African entertainment and cultural areas. During our last visit we added a tour of Kruger National Park and spent three relaxing days viewing and photographing a variety of wildlife.