African Safari: The Local Perspective

For this section I interview a local South African about Safaris. Here I am talking to Berron Fuhri, who has been a friend of mine since my very first safari and has tons of experience hunting in South Africa.

Tim: “What happens to the meat from a safari?”

Berron: “Many safari companies will serve you some of the meat from your animals. Often a safari company will keep many different types of game meat on hand for you to try. Some will be used to feed the staff and their females. Some may be sold to a local butcher and turned into Biltong (super good jerky). Some safari companies will donate your meat to schools, orphanages, or other local food distribution centers. If they do that you may be able to get a tax write off for your meat.”

Tim: “Shikwaru, where I went hunting on my safari donated my extra meat and I got 30% off my bill as a tax write off. Which animals are the best tasting in your opinion and which are the worst?”

Berron: “Most South African's favorite is Eland because it is very close to beef. If you are looking for a gamy meat, Impala is very good. Gemsbock or Oryx filet deep fried is one of my favorites as well. Organ meat is popular among meat hunters which are also called Biltong Hunters by locals. Fried liver with onions is a hunt camp special. Wildebeest is great for making Boerewors (sausage). Waterbuck, if handled properly is excellent, but is often messed up because of its oil glands and super oily coat. Pheasant is also good.”

Tim: “I agree with Pheasant being very good. While I was there, I really enjoyed the Ostrich Filets I had.”

Berron: “Ostrich is good, but so lean that often pig fat is added to filets, or they are wrapped in bacon. In South Africa no one eats carnivores because they eat rioting meat. Guineafowl are also very bad. A lot of people do not like eating Zebra because of its yellow bitter fat. The fat over powers the taste of the meat and is pretty bad.”

Tim: “What caliber(s) would you recommend for plains game?”

Berron: “Depends on what you want to hunt. For the Tiny Ten (see article linked https://www.wideopenspaces.com/hunting-tiny-10-africa-pics/ ) you should use a 375 Holland and Holland with solids so you do not damage the hide, and since you will probably be doing a full mount on them. For most other game, from Springbuck to Eland I recommend a .308 Winchester because its plenty of gun, it’s accurate, and easy to find ammo for. For Jackel, baboon, and other varmints I recommend a .223 with 40 grain Barnes Varmint Grenade bullets. Most varmint hunting is done at night with night vision and that round is pretty flat from 100 to 300 yards, so holding dead on with night vision usually works.”

Tim: “What caliber would you recommend for dangerous game?”

Berron: “.375 Holland and Holland, it has been used forever and continues to prove it is one of the best rounds for all types of dangerous game.”

Tim: “What items are absolute must haves for a safari?”

Berron: “Good ankle high or taller hiking boots with brush gators. Wool hiking socks and a hat are very important too. Lightweight camo is helpful if you have it. A good camera is extremely important. Any and all Medicine you might need especially proscriptions you might need. If you are willing to do the paperwork and not going to Cape Town or anywhere else during your trip, I recommend bringing your own rifle. You know your rifle and how it shoots. If bow hunting, bring your own bow because it is very likely to be a better bow than what you are able to rent.”

Tim: “If you had $5,000 to spend on hunting, not counting airfare, taxidermy, and shipping animals back to the US, what would you hunt?”

Berron: “Well hunting plains game should have a daily rate of $300 to $500 per day for the PH, food, drinks, and a place to stay. To compare if hunting dangerous game, it will cost $800-1200 per day for the same. I would look at a few different animals. One would be a Baboon which usually range $100-300, but require extra permit fees and export fees. A Warthog about $500, an Impala ($500ish) which every hunter needs to take at least one while in South Africa. Then I would pick one of the next three; Wildebeest, Gemsbuck, or Zebra which should run about $1,500. Then a Blesbok or Springbuck which should be about $800. If you wanted a nicer animal, a Waterbuck would be a good sub for 2 or 3 on the list, they are about $2,500 usually.”

Tim: “I agree with that list. I passed on a huge Waterbuck while I was on my safari and continue to second guess that choice. As for taxidermy any tips or ideas to save some funds?”

Berron: “I would recommend only shoulder mounting large animals of a species. For example, large Impalas have 23" or longer horns. I see a lot of Americans shoulder mounting a 20 inch Impala for what it will cost to mount it and ship it home you could have your flight and a couple days lodging covered on your next safari.”

Tim: “Agreed, shipping on my Impala was just over $500, another $500+ in import permits, and about $1200 for the shoulder mount.”

Berron: “Yeah, another option is European Mounting, also called Shield Mounting here. Usually it’s about 1/3rd the price of shoulder mounting.”

Tim: “What other suggestions do you have?”

Berron: “Have list of what animals you would be willing to shoot. Then shoot what you see. You may say you want a World Class Impala and spend the whole week looking for it, only to never find it and have passed other great animals. I suggest hiring a guy to film your hunt or having your friend or family member with you do so. The mount you can share with people in your home. The video you can share with many more people. Also make sure to understand proper shot placement for each animal you plan on hunt. It is very different than most American Animals.”

Tim: “I agree, I was really surprised where shots should be placed. Especially on an Ostrich. Anything else you want to add?”

Berron: “Right now, the news makes South Africa seem like a really dangerous place, when it’s not. Any Safari company worth visiting will pick you up at the Airport and take you to camp. They will help you explore the city if you want to. Also look into going to Cape Town while you are here.”

-Tim Berges, Fall Obsession Pro Staff