How to Plan a Multi-Species Safari for Perfect Trophy Collections

Multi-species safari trophies offer hunters one of the most rewarding African experiences: the chance to collect a diverse selection of plains game, big game, and iconic African species in a single adventure. Planning your hunt with purpose ensures that your multi-species safari trophies are not only successful, but also preserved perfectly for taxidermy. At Collett’s Wildlife Artistry, we work with hunters worldwide to help them design trophy collections that tell powerful stories.

Start with a Vision for Your Trophy Collection

Before booking flights or choosing dates, decide what kind of collection you want to build. Do you want a group of antelope species? A mix of plains and dangerous game? A symmetrical trophy wall? Or a curated set of African shoulder mounts?

Your vision becomes the blueprint for choosing which animals to prioritize during your safari.

Choose Species That Complement Each Other

The beauty of multi-species safari trophies is how each animal contributes different shapes, colours, and character to a collection. Some popular combinations include:

• Kudu + Impala + Warthog — a classic plains game trio
• Sable + Roan — stunning symmetry and elegance
• Buffalo + Kudu + Wildebeest — rugged, powerful statement mounts
• Zebra Rug + Shoulder Mount Set — perfect for lodge-style décor

Choosing species that complement each other visually helps you build a cohesive trophy display once you return home.

Select the Best Regions for Your Target Species

Different regions of Africa are known for specific species. To maximize your results, plan your destinations around your target multi-species safari trophies:

• Zimbabwe — superb kudu, buffalo, sable, and bushbuck
• South Africa — wide variety of plains game species and colour variants
• Zambia & Mozambique — excellent for waterbuck, sable, and big game

By matching your safari location with your trophy goals, you significantly improve your chances of collecting every species on your list.

Organize Your Hunting Order Strategically

Some animals are best taken early in the safari, while others can be hunted later. Organizing your plan ensures your multi-species safari trophies arrive in the best condition for taxidermy.

• Early in the hunt: fragile-hided species like kudu, impala, and bushbuck
• Mid-safari: zebra, wildebeest, and larger antelope
• Later in the hunt: buffalo or other dangerous game

Starting with softer-skinned species reduces the chance of slip, tearing, or heat damage.

Communicate Clearly with Your Professional Hunter (PH)

Your PH is your greatest ally. Share your trophy goals before the safari begins so the entire team knows your priorities.

Key topics to discuss:

• Your top 3 must-have multi-species safari trophies
• Preferred sizes or horn lengths
• Mount types you plan to order
• Field preparation expectations

When everyone is aligned from the start, the hunt flows smoothly and efficiently.

Understand Mounting Options for Multi-Species Displays

The best multi-species safari trophies are the ones that look exceptional together in your trophy room. Common display strategies include:

• Symmetrical wall displays — matching shoulder mounts facing opposite directions
• Pedestal groupings — two or three species combined on custom bases
• European mount walls — stylish, minimalistic, modern
• Mixed displays — shoulder mounts around a zebra rug centrepiece

At Collett’s Wildlife Artistry, we can help design a layout that suits your space and your chosen species.

Plan for Proper Field Preparation

Every part of a successful multi-species safari begins with trophy care in the field. Poor handling can ruin an entire collection. Essential tips include:

• Cool capes immediately and keep them out of direct sunlight
• Use the correct skinning method for each mount style
• Label every hide clearly
• Re-salt capes daily if freezing is not available
• Handle horns carefully to prevent scratches or fractures

Correct field preparation ensures your multi-species safari trophies arrive in top condition for mounting.

Plan for Dipping, Packing, and Shipping

Before leaving Africa, your trophies will undergo dipping and packing for export. Organizing this step early prevents delays and confusion once you return home. Choosing a trusted facility, such as those we coordinate with in Zimbabwe and South Africa, ensures your entire collection is handled professionally.

Create a Collection That Tells Your Safari Story

Multi-species safari trophies allow you to build a display that reflects your adventure from start to finish. Whether your goal is a wall of plains game, a carefully curated dangerous-game lineup, or a complete African gallery, planning with intention makes the difference between a random assortment and a museum-quality collection.

At Collett’s Wildlife Artistry, we help hunters design, prepare, and preserve their trophies with world-class craftsmanship and expert guidance.

Ready to build your dream collection of multi-species safari trophies? We’re here to help you plan every step of the journey.

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