We have hunted and truly enjoy South Africa’s East Cape. It is an absolutely wonderful place for your first safari or your 10th. Gifted with a huge diversity of habitat and species with some spectacular country and sea coasts, and many things to see and do, it is simply a wonderful place to safari. You can find all of the South African species here including the Big 5, but especially plains game in huge numbers and about 30 species of game overall.
This particular outfitter takes special pains to make Safaris affordable and family oriented. Their pricing is basically all-inclusive from meeting and pick up at the Port Elizabeth Airport, driving you to their concession, to your guiding, hunting, meals, transportation and your return to the airport. Each and every thing is included, except for extra animals or services. Most importantly, Hunt Nation has worked a special arrangement with this outfitter where if you bring a family member or a buddy as an observer (at only $180/day) they can help you shoot your package of animals or as your observer, they can shoot animals off the trophy fee list without paying the hunting rate. That is one heck of a deal. Almost a two for one! Also, this is a small, tightly organized operation that is very personal and is usually limited to a single group at a time so you get a lot of personalized attention.
LODGING depends on which package you hunt. Typically though, you stay at their main lodge, which is a 200 year old converted farmstead, situated in the Central Karoo Region, that has been in their family’s care for 6 generations. It is very secluded at the foot of the mountains, nestled in the wild African bushveld in a mountainous amphitheatre in the Sneeuberg Mountain range, with no modern disturbances. They are also very eco-friendly, with a solar powered electric system in 220 volts, so that they can accommodate all modern conveniences. Their Wi-Fi system will keep you in touch with all your loved ones and business interests. They are a mere 40 minutes drive from the very Historic Town of Graaff – Reinet.
Take a leisurely stroll or guided walk amongst the many tall Acacia Karoo trees that are customary in the riverine bush, with abundant red buffalo grass, creating a blanket along the rivers banks. Be truly “in the bush” relaxing in beautiful and tranquil surroundings. Here only the chorus of birds at day break and the lonesome bark of a kudu bull being disturbed, break the silence of the African bush.
They offer “ALL INCLUSIVE” accommodation, all food, beer and local wine and non-alcoholic drinks.
They use clear spring water of a mineral quality, that is pumped from an underground aquifer. Bottled water is also supplied. The lodge is serviced daily with your laundry ironed and folded on your bed each evening when you return. It sleeps 2 people per room, in double or single beds, all with en-suite bathrooms and modern day conveniences. The lodge sleeps up to 8 guests. The guests are treated to Traditional South African Cuisine, with a large garden and pool area to relax in. This is an ideal getaway for a group of family or friends, or simply that quiet holiday on your own.
Sit and stare at the stars, listening to the hoot of the African Owl, while sitting at the large open fire pit. This is also a great place for coming together at night to socialize with friends and discuss the day’s adventures. After a delicious South African supper with red wine, you can retire to your room which is furnished with a comfortable king size bed or 2 single beds, feather duvets and pillows to ensure a good nights rest after a long day in the bush. Linen and towels are provided. The en – suite bathrooms each have a double basin set, shower and flush toilet, and hot and cold running water.
The outfitter works with other concessions too, so once you know your package we at Hunt Nation can arrange for the appropriate lodging. Price wise, look carefully at the differences in the animals included in the packages.
TRAVEL: Typically clients fly via South African Air or Delta into Johannesburg; then take a connecting flight into Port Elizabeth. Some clients take Lufthansa into Germany, with a 6 to 8 hour layover, then onwards to Johannesburg. Our personal preference has been to fly into Johannesburg, overnight, then fly onward the next morning. But importantly however you go, there is FREE airport pickup and return—MORE SAVINGS!!
HUNTING: The hunting is done in typical safari-style, being a combination of spot and stalk using vehicles and walking to get into range. The outfitter has reliable safari-style vehicles and anyone in reasonable physical condition can do these hunts. The outfitter will tailor the hunt to fit your physical condition and your wishes. As always, being in good physical condition always is an advantage. After a light breakfast, take to the field, and normally you will be seeing game almost immediately. Lunch can be in the field or at the lodge, depending on where you are and what the daily plan is. Dinners are leisurely, often around the fire pit and with a drink in hand. Relax and enjoy!
They have a huge variety of game here, and can even arrange for the Big 5 if you wish. Their trophy fee list and their packages are set forth at the end of this information And realize we can customize the packages by changing or adding animals. Just ask us!
They also have a concession in Mozambique, one of our favorite destinations. Just inquire if interested.
Here is a report from the outfitter on some of our recent hunters that we sent to him:
“We have just finished up a hunt for Butch Manasse’s HUNT NATION clients, Earl and Mark from Michigan. They had a highly successful hunt, taking 9 animals on their first hunting day. In total 44 animals in 10 days! A record in our books! The picture in the middle on the right is of all the animals taken during the 10 hunting days. Middle left, is a picture of Earl and his Black and Blue Wildebeest, taken merely minutes apart from each other. Bottom row, first pic is Mark with his Trophy 28” Waterbuck, then Father and son with their white springbuck, again, father and son with their spotted genets. Both genets were taken on the same night, this is a very rare occurrence. Last pic is Earl with his magnificent Nyala bull. We thoroughly enjoyed having them with us, they were a real pleasure. Highlights, obviously being, 90% SCI Gold medal animals, a springbuck slam, with common springbuck in the 15” class, and 2 copper springbuck in the 14 and 14 ½ range.”
MEDICAL: This is a malaria free area; so normally just make sure your regular shots for things like tetanus and hepatitis are up to date.
WEATHER: If you simply think about their seasons being reversed from ours, that will help you. So our April is their October, being the beginning of the fall safari season. Our June is their December, and you can expect temperatures in the 30’s and 40’s in the morning, warming to 60 to 80 during the day. Rain is possible, but sunshine is the rule. We suggest layering, perhaps as an outer jacket a lightweight camo Goretex rain parka (un-insulated); with a wool sweater and then a shirt. That way you can adapt as the day warms. Ask us for our detailed equipment list. Also please ask any questions you wish. Hunt Nation always wants your trip to go smoothly. Better to ask than guess! And please ask for our Equipment list, if you want it. It avoids forgetting that one thing!
WEAPONS: Your normal deer rifle or elk rifle will suffice with premium quality bullets. Anything from a .270 on up is fine, or you can rent a rifle if you prefer. If you bring a rifle, there is a permit process, which is not terribly complicated. Hunt nation can assist you thru it.
SAFETY: Simply put, stay away from the rough city areas at night. If you do that, you should have no problems. Cities are just not good places for you to be out in, at late night. The Rural countryside where you stay and hunt though, is settled, very safe and American friendly.
2024-2025 PRICING AND PACKAGES:
(All packages include airport pickup, guiding, lodging, meals and specified game). WE CAN PUT TOGETHER ANY PACKAGE OF ANIMALS THAT YOU MIGHT WANT. JUST ASK US! All their hunts are operated out of either their Main lodge, or out of one of the numerous Luxury lodges situated around Southern Africa but mainly in the Eastern Cape.
Most plains game Safari’s utilize their many Concessional Hunting areas around the lodge with short trips to neighboring game farms not exceeding 40min to an hour. A much larger part of the country is seen and experienced in this way. The accommodation is as comfortable as any of our local 3 star hotels.
All pricing is in US Dollars and subject to change*
PACKAGE 1- PIONEER PACKAGE
7 Hunting days, 8 night’s accommodation, 4 trophy animals
• Impala or Black Springbuck
• Blesbuck
• Common Springbuck
• Warthog or Mountain Reedbuck
1×1 $3600
2×1 $3300 per hunter
Observer rate $250, per person, per day/night
PACKAGE # 2- PRIME PLAINS GAME
• Kudu or Gemsbuck
• Impala or Black Springbuck
• Blesbuck
• Common Springbuck
• Warthog or Mountain Reedbuck
1×1 $5700
2×1 $5500 per hunter
Observer rate $250 per person, per day
PACKAGE #3- MIGHTY PLAINS GAME
10 Days hunting, 11 night’s accommodation, 6 trophy animals
• Kudu or Gemsbuck
• Blue or Black Wildebeest
• Impala or Black Springbuck
• Blesbuck
• Warthog or Mountain Reedbuck
• Common Springbuck
1 x 1 $7790
2 x 1 $7490
Observer rate $250 per person per day/night
PACKAGE #4- LOADED PLAINS GAME7 Days hunting, 8 night’s accommodation, 5 trophy animals
• Choose 2 – Gemsbuck, Kudu, Zebra, Black wildebeest, blue wildebeest, red hartebeest
• Choose 3 – Impala, Warthog, common springbuck, blesbuck, mountain reedbuck
1 x 1 $5900
2 x 1 $5600 per hunter
Observer rate $250 per person per day/night
EASTERN CAPE FREE RANGE MOUNTAIN SLAM
7 Days hunting, 8 night’s accommodation, 4 trophy animals
This hunt will be conducted on our free-range, low fence areas in the Sneeuberg mountains, at an elevation of 5500 – 7000ft above sea level. This is the ideal habitat for the very elusive Vaal Rhebuck. This hunt is completely free range and fair chase, for the species listed. Cape Eland can also be added to this hunt.
This hunt is strictly for June and July months, for permitting reasons.
Our Vaal Rhebuck have consistently been over 7”, averaging 8-10”.
• Vaal Rhebuck
• Mountain Reedbuck
• Black Wildebeest
• Klipspringer
$7500
VAAL RHEBUCK PACKAGE
7 Days hunting, 8 night’s accommodation, 1 Vaal Rhebuck
$3 900
Observer rate $250 per person per day/night
SPIRAL SLAM
7 Days hunting, 8 night’s accommodation
• 1 Nyala
• 1 Cape Eland
• 1 Cape Kudu
• 1 Cape Bushbuck
$9 900
Observer rate $250 per person per day/night
SPRINGBUCK SLAM
7 Days hunting, 8 night’s accommodation
• 1 Kalahari Springbuck
• 1 Black Springbuck
• 1 White Springbuck
• 1 Copper Springbuck
$5 100
Observer rate $250 per person per day/night
SABLE PACKAGE
7 Days hunting, 8 night’s accommodation
7 hunting days for a Mature Sable Bull.
These hunts are conducted either on our low fenced properties, where the sable have grown up, and move around unhindered by the low fences, or on one of our large, 65sq mile private reserves, wherever quota is available. This is a fair chase hunt.
$4500
$6 900 – 44″+ guaranteed
Observer rate $250 per person per day/night
SOUTH AFRICAN BUFFALO HUNT
7 Days hunting, 8 night’s accommodation
7 days buffalo hunting. This will be on one of our exclusive 65 sq. mile private reserves in the Free State province of South Africa, or in the Mpumalanga Province, near Kruger National Park, depending on availability. These buffalo will be hunted on large areas in a fair chase manner. Bulls will be over 40”, and we have been consistently averaging 40-43”.
$15 000
$10500 – hard boss bull up tp 40″
Extra Buffalo – $13 500
Observer rate $250 per person per day/night
The Management Hunts
7 Days hunting, 8 night’s accommodation, 10 management animals
• Kudu cow
• Blesbuck Ewe
• Impala Ewe
• 7 Common springbuck (Driven hunt) Or walk and stalk – $120 each
• Add Eland cows for $600
• Add Kudu cows for $300
• Add Wildebeest cows for $300
• Add Impala or Blesbuck ewes for $200
• Add Springbuck ewes for $100
• Trophy animals can be added as per our list price
• Prices
• 1X1 $3900 2X1 $3700/hunter Observers $250
Springbuck Management hunt
5 Days hunting, 6 night’s accommodation, 10 management animals
• 10 Springbuck (Driven hunt)
• Extra springbuck – $120 per animal
• Trophy animals can be added as per our list price
1X1—$3200
2 x 1 $2 550 per hunter
Observer rate $250 per person per day/night
ADD A MANAGEMENT CULL HUNT TO YOUR SAFARI !!
Specialized Bird hunting also available @ $850/day per gun.
Species offered are Egyptian geese and Guinea fowl, Pigeons, Quails, Francolins and Doves.
(Depending on the season) or just do some walk on birding at $250/gun
FISHING CHARTERS.
Fishing trips are offered at $150/person boat min $1000 and 8 people max per boat.
(Depending on the season) This includes transfers.
Mozambique hunts
10 day Buffalo Safari $ 15 500
We offer a 10 day Buffalo safari in southern Mozambique from our Nyari camp, meaning Buffalo camp. This area is a communal area adjacent to the world-famous Kruger National Park.
There are large amounts of buffalo in the area that come through from Kruger during the wet season into the hunting area, where there is standing water. On 90% of our hunts you will be on fresh Buffalo tracks daily.
Hunt will start in South Africa at Johannesburg International where we will drive you to the Pafuri gate in Kruger National Park.
On entering Mozambique we will get your Visa. The camp is situated through the Limpopo river on the banks of the Nuanetsi.
This is a true wilderness camp where there is no electricity or Wi-Fi. Very comfortable tented camps exist with battery operated / solar lights and a generator to keep the beers cold. This is a true wild African hunting experience.
7 day Hippo and Croc Hunt $17 000
We have some fantastic river systems to hunt on our areas in Mozambique. From Southern Mozambique to central and northern areas, and have crocodiles available on the world-famous Cahora Bassa Dam. Hippo also have finally got CITES export permits.
This exciting hunt will show you how sly the great crocodile is to hunt. Hunting will take place on foot or by boat on the larger of the systems. Very unique Safari style and exciting hunt to experience shooting some monster crocs of up to 15- 16 feet
14 day Leopard Hunt – $34 000
With leopards becoming more and more difficult to hunt due to anti-hunting pressure and permit restrictions, now is the time to book that leopard hunt!
We have permits to hunt leopards in northern Mozambique as well as in central Mozambique, bordering Gorongosa National Park. Price includes 14 days of hunting as well as Leopard’s tag fee. Includes rifle import, hunting permits and visa etc. The only extra costs will be bait animals or pre baiting
INCLUDES –
• 1 rifle import permit, 1 hunters licence for 1 concession.
• Includes road transfer, pick up and drop off.
EXCLUDES –
• Niassa concession community conservation fee $100 per person per day, if hunting in the Niassa reserve.
• Pre baiting -$250 per day.
• All bait animals
• Multi area licence- $600. If hunting more than one concession.
• Any charter flights or air travel
• Any accommodation pre, post, or during a transfer.
• Concession transfer costs from one camp to another.
*All prices are in US$ and are subject to change.
FISHING: (PER OUTFITTER)
The fishing is dependent on good weather so it’s difficult to book any particular day but usually if I know people are interested I let the charter guys know and they normally give me a day. The fishing is usually from about 7 in the morning till 12 midday and we will have a BBQ with the fish caught. I have had a group of guys spend 3-4 days at the coast fishing every day. In summer Nov, Dec , Jan, Feb if the water gets to 20 degrees ’C you have a good chance of game fish.
We normally fish with hunting clients in May-July. In May we get a Yellow fin tuna run, we also get Cape salmon ( pictured on my Face book page) We use a 21ft cat and do a river launch and beach exit and mainly fish for Reef fish about a mile or 3 out. We can also fish for ragged tooth shark. I’m not sure on international names as I only know the local names of fish red Romans, Daggerheads , cape salmon, sand fish, Miss Lucys, black muscle crackers, occasionally Yellow fin and steenbras.
A client’s recent comments:
Butch: Let me start with the owner/operator of this fine Safari company. He turned out to be a young fellow that is well educated, articulate and pleasant to be around. He was my personal PH when I hunted. I tried to adopt him for a son. I met his parents and tried to adopt them, also. Wonderful people; country farm/ranch people… I can’t imagine anyone getting anything but a fair and honest safari with this outfit. The game was more than plentiful. Dave knew where to go to find the best of the species and most of all to provide a quality experience… He will not shoot your game either and I know that he has many returning clients. Butch, three of us old timers plan on hunting again with Dave this coming spring… and having a lot of fun to boot. Thanks,
Jim Haselton
