376: Africa Hunting 101

376: Africa Hunting 101

Author: John McAdams June 19, 2025 Duration: 53:46

Interested in hunting Africa but don't quite know where to start? This is an "Africa Hunting 101" episode aimed at answering many of the basic questions first time hunters have prior to booking a hunt in Africa like: where to go, what animals they should focus on, the pros and cons of hunting at various times of year, how to pick a good outfitter, etc. John also shares a few examples of what animals are good for that first time hunt, stories from previous hunts, and a few cautionary tales of how things went off the rails for those who did not follow these principles.

Sponsor: Get in touch with me to make your Africa hunting dreams come true on a hunt in South Africa. We offer outstanding hunting safaris, simplified hunt logistics, assistance with many of the pain points associated with a hunt, and up front pricing with no extra fees. We are full for 2025 and June, July and August 2026, but still have some openings remaining otherwise next year. Visit bestsafarihunt.com or email me at john@thebiggamehuntingblog.com to learn more. 

In this episode of The Big Game Hunting Podcast, host John McAdams discusses the basics of hunting Africa and recounts some stories from previous hunts, provides recommendations on places and animals to target on that first trip over, and shares a few stories of how things went right (and wrong) on various hunts. John also discusses rifles, cartridge, and other gear recommendations that can help make that first trip to Africa a memorable one.

The big takeaway? An African safari for plains game is a fun and cost effective way to experience a trip to the dark continent, but it's also essential that you prioritize what's important to you and choose an outfitter who will deliver the experience you want.

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Resources


Ep 254: The Logistics Of Hunting Africa Part 1 – Episode referenced in the podcast

Ep 264: The Logistics Of Hunting Africa Part 2 (Taxidermy) – Episode referenced in the podcast

Ep 252: How To Become A Professional Hunter With Kevin Robertson – Episode referenced in show

Ep 373: Hunting Africa With Unusual Rounds: 45-70, 50-110 & More – John's interview with his father about some previous Africa hunts


John McAdams hosts the Big Game Hunting Podcast, a conversation grounded in the realities of pursuing game across continents. Each episode feels like a detailed campfire talk, moving from the technical specifics of terminal ballistics and caliber selection to the raw, unforgettable narratives from the field in Africa, North America, and beyond. McAdams brings together a global community, with voices ranging from seasoned industry professionals to fellow hunters who call in with their own experiences. The focus is always on practical knowledge and authentic stories, stripping away any pretense to get to the heart of what hunters actually want to discuss. By sharing his own journey of learning and improvement, McAdams creates a space where curiosity and respect for the wilderness drive the dialogue. Tuning into this podcast means joining a serious yet accessible exchange where the complexities of the hunt are explored without filter. New conversations are released every Thursday, offering a consistent dose of insight and camaraderie for anyone passionate about the pursuit.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Big Game Hunting Podcast - Hunting Africa, North America, & More!
Podcast Episodes
410: Best Cartridges For Hunting Africa [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 47:27
We're talking about the best cartridges for hunting Africa in this episode: plains game, thick-skinned dangerous game, cats, etc. The cartridges I list in this episode are based off the results of surveys I've recently c…
409: 49 Years Of African Safaris With Craig Boddington [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:12:47
Craig Boddington joins me on the show today as we discuss trends he has observed since his first African hunting safari nearly 49 years ago. Craig and I talk about countries that have opened and closed hunting since his…
408: Best Bullets For Hunting Plains Game In Africa [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:28:47
We're talking about the best bullets for hunting plains game in Africa in this episode. I've hunted a lot of plains game with a wide spectrum of bullets, so I'll talk about some of my noteworthy experiences with those di…
407: New 35 Whelen & 9.3x62mm Rifles From Ruger [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:01:20
Lipsey's and Ruger have teamed up to release a couple of new Hawkeye and No. 1 rifles in 35 Whelen and 9.3×62. Those are outstanding rifles (especially in 9.3x62mm) for hunting the whole spectrum of game ranging from whi…
406: Gemsbok Hunting 101 With Kevin Robertson [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:10:32
Kevin Robertson shares some insights on gemsbok hunting in this podcast interview, focusing on gemsbok biology, where they live, what they eat (and how that affects their behavior), how trophy quality varies from region…
405: 405 Winchester-Roosevelt's Medicine Gun For Lions [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 47:13
We're talking about the 405 Winchester today, which is President Theodore Roosevelt's legendary medicine gun for lions. To this day, that statement remains one of the most effective presidential endorsements of any produ…
404: 404 Jeffery With Phil Massaro [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:10:14
Phil Massaro shares some insights on the 404 Jeffery in this podcast interview, focusing on the history of the cartridge, its performance specifications, and some fascinating stories about his hunts equipped with the 404…
403: Muzzleloader Elk In Arizona With Andrew Marlin [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:19
I got the chance to sit down with Andrew Marlin from The Dove Guy podcast in this episode and he shares the story of his successful, muzzleloader self-guided elk hunt in Arizona this year. Sponsor: Go to BigGameHuntingPo…
402: Worst & Best Creedmoor-22 vs 6mm vs 25 vs 6.5 Creedmoor [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:58
Here are my thoughts on the entire Creedmoor family: the 22 Creedmoor, the 6mm Creedmoor, the 25 Creedmoor and the 6.5 Creedmoor. We'll discuss how they stack up next to each other on paper, how they perform afield on ga…
401: Best Cartridge for Hunting Darn Near Anything With Richard Mann [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:17:41
Richard Mann is back on the show and we discuss a subject I know you'll enjoy: our favorite cartridges for hunting virtually any species of big game. We're play little game where Richard and I each list our favorite cart…