Dates -13th to 30th June, 29th September to 16 October

18 day Luangwa lion hunt daily rates US$27,500

Government concession fee US$6000

Bird Licence, GMA, Safari Licence, Firearm permit and local shipping agent handling fee of trophies on export US$1000

Dip and Pack of trophies US$1500

Extra:

All trophies wounded or killed

Air charters/flights

Visa on arrival

Duty on ammo on arrival approx US$2 per round

Lusaka hotel if applicable (our guest wing is available free of charge to our hunters)

All insurances

Air freight of trophies from Zambia

gratuities

Trophies that can be hunted in the Luangwa:

Yellow Baboon

Buffalo

Chobe Bushbuck

Civet (very limited quota)

Crocodile

Common Duiker

Grysbok

Hippo

Hyaena

Impala

Kudu

Lion

Oribi (limited quota)

Puku

Reedbuck (limited quota)

Warthog

Common Waterbuck

Cookson Wildebeest (subject to availability)

Zebra

Can upgrade to 21 day lion and leopard for further US$5000 daily rates.

1 x leopard hunt:

Dates: 17 to 30 June, 16 to 29 August, 29 September to end of October

14 day Luangwa lion hunt daily rates US$16,950

Government concession fee US$6000

Bird Licence, GMA, Safari Licence, Firearm permit and local shipping agent handling fee of trophies on export US$1000

Dip and Pack of trophies US$1500

Extra:

All trophies wounded or killed

Air charters/flights

Visa on arrival

Duty on ammo on arrival approx US$2 per round

Lusaka hotel if applicable (our guest wing is available free of charge to our hunters)

All insurances

Air freight of trophies from Zambia

gratuities

Trophies that can be hunted in the Luangwa:

Yellow Baboon

Buffalo

Chobe Bushbuck

Civet (very limited quota)

Crocodile

Common Duiker

Grysbok

Hippo

Hyaena

Impala

Kudu

Leopard

Oribi (limited quota)

Puku

Reedbuck (limited quota)

Warthog

Common Waterbuck

Cookson Wildebeest (subject to availability)

Zebra

2 x Buffalo hunts  and/or 4 hippo/crocodile plus plains game hunts:

Dates available 16 to 30 June, 28 August to 3 September,  29 September through to end of October

7 day Luangwa hunt daily rates US$6,950 (10 day US$9,950)

Government concession fee US$1000 (10 days is US$2000)

Bird Licence, GMA, Safari Licence, Firearm permit and local shipping agent handling fee of trophies on export US$1000

Dip and Pack of trophies US$1250

Extra:

All trophies wounded or killed

Air charters/flights

Visa on arrival

Duty on ammo on arrival approx US$2 per round

Lusaka hotel if applicable (our guest wing is available free of charge to our hunters)

All insurances

Air freight of trophies from Zambia

gratuities

Trophies that can be hunted in the Luangwa: 7 in one week, 14 in 10 days

Yellow Baboon

Buffalo

Chobe Bushbuck

Civet (very limited quota)

Crocodile

Common Duiker

Grysbok

Hippo

Hyaena

Impala

Kudu

Oribi (limited quota)

Puku

Reedbuck (limited quota)

Warthog

Common Waterbuck

Cookson Wildebeest (subject to availability)

Zebra

7-Day, 1×1 Buffalo or Crocodile or Hippo Safari $8,520 

10-Day, 1×1 Buffalo/Sable Safari $15,120 

10-Day 1×1 Buffalo/Croc Safari $13,620 

10-Day 1×1 Buffalo/Hippo Safari $14,120 

14-day, 1×1 Leopard/Buffalo Safari $18,120 

Included: Day fees, Trophy fees.  (Credits of $2,500 (Buffalo, Croc & Hippo) and $3,000 (Leopard) if no animals taken.  Other game hunted will be charged at 2010 list price.) 

Extras: A standard $2,380 covering a Moz hunting license, 1xRifle permit, Airport taxes, Visa and return flight for one person.  

Observers: $250 per day, plus Airport taxes ($120), Visa ($70) and return flight. ($1,650pp). 

Excluded: Gratuities for the PH, camp staff and field staff, one night in a guest house on the way in (around $150pp) and the dip&pack of trophies (around $750-$1,200, depending on what was hunted) and dogs for Leopard at $5,000 if required.

Elephant Special in Sijarera Area next to Lake Kariba. 

1×1 10-day hunt $17,900 (includes trophy fee) 

1×1 or 2×1 10-day hunt for 2 Elephant $29,999 (includes trophy fee for 2 elephant) 

1×1 10-day Buffalo Hunt $9,999

Our preferred moose guide/outfitter in Alaska has Sept 11-19, ‘10 open for 2 hunters. This is the best date of the season as the rut will be full on making the moose much more visible. 

We only takes 6-8 hunters per years and if two guys booked the 11-19 Sept date they will have the whole area and camp to themselves. 

The hunt is a spot and stalk affair but is not a physically difficult hunt. A Polaris Ranger and a track vehicle are used for the major moving about and meat retrieval. This is the perfect hunt for the hunter with some mobility considerations.
Generally everyone will have an opportunity at a big bull averaging about 58″-60″. 

Our operator makes the hunt seamless from arrival in Fairbanks to departure, which he will handle transport to your bush flight from Salcha to camp, the flight into camp, the hunting, return flight and take care of shipping the meat and trophy. 

Camp is a traditional wall tent affair with comfy cots and wood stove. You will eat well and probably gain weight. 

Below is a bull killed by one of my clients. 

Pricing: 

1×1 9 days – Disounted Price: $12,000 Normal Price: $14,000 

Includes:  hunting, bush flights and any extra flight for meat. 

Extras: 

Transport Farirbanks-Salcha and return $300
AK hunting license $85
Moose tag $400
Hotels in Fairbanks as necessary
Trophy and meat shipping
Gratuities
Flights to and from Fairbanks. 

7 Day Hunt:

Overall Impression
The entire Tanzania Bundu Safari crew is outstanding in every way. I have absolutely no complaints and heartily recommend their company and concessions. Equipment, food, lodging, PH and camp staff are all first rate. Hunt conditions were, let’s say challenging. The short rains started, according to Chantelle, Adam’s wife on November 6th. They morphed into monsoons or Texas toad stranglers and it was still going on when Snowy Mountain Hunter (my partner and companion) and I left Kilamanjaro Airport last Friday evening. Prior to the hunt, we spent a couple of days on photo safari in Lake Manyara National Park and Ngorngoro Crater. Outfitter was again, Tanganika Trekkers. EVERYONE SHOULD DESCEND INTO THE CRATER AT LEAST ONCE IN YOUR LIFE. It is a world class destination like my beloved Yellowstone.

The Hunt
We turned off the asphalt at 1:10 in the afternoon and clawed and tugged our way into Lobo at 9:40 that evening. Hmmmmm? I mention it only as it became common place. Each subsequent day out of camp was reminiscent of a bunch of good old boys from down south going to the mud bog races everyday. Whew, what a ride!! My PH, Paul Horsly, drove like a raped ape just to be certain we didn’t get mired in the dreaded black clay. We laughed all the way and shimo kubwa (big hole) became one of my favorite and most used swahili terms. Sometimes I added a little English, like big sumbich, or f— me running, etc., etc.
The first monring I managed to knock down this Coke’s hartebeast. The shot was an honest 275 to 300 yards, but one shot through the front half of the big hairy part and trophy fee tally clock was running.

However, a couple of mud holes later and toward evening, I managed to miss a zebra, TWICE, at not over 200 yards. I quit in disgust and headed for the obligatory sundowner at the Lobo lodge. My devoted crew started to have doubts about this eupe mtu (white man). And it was evening of the first day, and the PH said it was good.

Paul and I spent the next two nights stuck in the bush. The first night was at a place called Kimatoro, a flat plain about 5 miles west/southwest of Lobo camp. The pictures are self explanatory. It is particularly open country with the current depth of mud somewhere below 5 feet or so. Nevertheless, although not tucked away at night sleeping in a land cruiser in a pouring rain enabled me to experience a different side of Africa. Impressions? night sounds, the inquisitive nature and patient helpfulness of the Masai people, the Southern Cross AND the Big Dipper on that first night, billions of mosquitoes and me with the malerone tucked safely away in the tent at Lobo, no lights visible in any direction, hyenas doing their thing, and then next morning while waiting for the tractor to come in and pull us out I killed a nice wildebeast bull that was running with 7 zebras. We walked him down about two miles to close the “deal”. Again, with no cover, it was about 225 yards. Holy Crap!! but the talley book is running. It was about 7:30 a.m.

By the way, this wasn’t where we got stuck at Kimatoro. This was the better part of the road.

When we got back to the Land Cruiser, which I have now christened the Antichrist, a Masai woman had shown up with what appeared to be a yellow mop bucket full of porridge. It was fresh and made from maize and goats milk. Breakfast in bed, so to speak. I sensed that I might be being tested a little bit, as Paul asked me if I wanted any of it. Yep, I accepted. Hell, I’d already had a severe case of Tanzania two step so I didn’t figure it would get any worse. I politely tooked a couple of swigs and noted the muffled guffaws, smiles, furtive looks among the Masai warriors and elders sitting back away from the porridge pot. I guess it meant that I had passed, but I was secretly proud of myself. None of that drinking blood shit though! I’ve go my limits.

WE spent all day with the tractor, pulling and pushing, breaking tow chains, getting the tractor stuck, yada yada yada. Somewhere after dark, we came roaring around a frog pound and some kind of big nasty bush. I hollered at Paul, “Lots of water here.”
Paul, “Huh?
Mike, “Lots of wa—-.” Yep, floated the differentials again and the tractor right on our ass into the same water hole.
O.K. second night in the bush. Impressions? Very vivid, but the most distinguishing was a beautiful full moon floating above puffy white clouds, the deafening croaks of thousands of different frogs, and the Masai village about 100 yards from our dug in position. Paul is half Masai, and I think it really added to this whole safari experience. At 3:00 a.m. we walked over to the boma and sat down with the warriors and elders, spears gleaming in the moonlight, voices muffled and conversation minimal. They were cooking stick meat on skewers over an acacia fire, the wildebeast I had shot the previous morning. Yep, I carved off a hunk with a knife and had a late dinner with the Masai. Whew, what a night, an no bugs.

But did I mention the snakes? I have read ad nauseum for years about you guys who have been to Africa 50 times and never seen a snake. Well, I call bullshit! My tally (without trophy fee) one black mamba, three cobras, and one boom slang on the front porch of my tent. Holy Crap! Don’t forget this was seven days. I won’t detail these encounters, but me and Indy, Why did it have to be snakes? I hate snakes. I went from being known by my faithful native staff as Babu Mike (gray haired old fart) to Mtu Wa Nyoka (White Snake Man) Oh how comforting. There was another they told me about later. Kind of like what Babu don’t know won’t hurt him. Holy Crap! I hate snakes.

The days blend together. I haven’t got a clue what day it is, but somewhere along the way I killed a very nice Grant’s gazelle. We tracked him down, again, out on the Kimatoro plain. Made a hell of a shot, pretty close to 300 yards. The sight picture was good, the let off was crisp, and he dropped like a sack of spuds. Never mind it was some X” distance left of where I thought I was shooting. Old White Snake Man is a killing unit baby!

Then there was the buffalo, Nyati, soon to become Mbogo. We waited for the road to dry some so we could get in to where reports had them hanging out. It was worth the wait. The herd was somewhere around 700 head. Spot, stalk, parallel the track, check the wind, watch your flank, feel the thunder under your feet, hear the ominous (to me) bellowing, think of Ruark’s quotes, and finally bare down on the beast. Distance according to Paul was about 110 yards. I have learned to trust him completely and I let drive off those damn sticks. Personally I think it was only 109 yards. First shot was mid ships in the shoulder, probably too far forward. Broke the shoulder and angled into the body cavity somewhere but it cut him out of the herd. Game ON! Walking quickly and reloading the magazine. He’s stumbling and his head is dipping down on occasion. Finally he stops and is broadside facing right, same broken shoulder. Fired, shot over. F—!! Game Still On. Walk and reload and never lose sight of him. Finally, he’s had enough. He turns to face us. Paul says if we take a couple of more steps he’s gonna charge. O.k. so stopping is a good idea. He turns mostly sideways and I let drive, as it turns out with the A Square solid. It went as it’s supposed to through the lungs. He walked or stumbled about 15 feet and collapses, bellowing for all he’s worth. He’s trying his damnedest to get up and continue the fight be he can’t. We close the distance quickly and I spine him at about 20 feet. Death bellow and he lays his head down. Wow! That was incredible! I’m not big on measurements and told Paul right from the beginning that I just wanted mature animals taken fair and square. The deed is done and he measures about 41 3/4″ with bosses at 11 1/2″, about 11 years old and 1200 pounds or so. I won’t go on with the last cobra story. I hate snakes! Now that really scares me.

Time to go home. There are a lot more stories and memories. I will think about all of this often and for much time to come. The safari was everything I ever thought or hoped it would be. Expensive? You bet you bippy and worth every damn penny. Will I do it again? Maybe, maybe not. This was much to satisfying to start thinking ahead. Like a good Merlot, or porridge in a mop bucket, it needs to be savored for its own rewards.

PH’s Wayne Clark and Paul Horsly. As we say in Montana, men to ride the river with

Best advice I can offer

I spent all summer shooting off cross sticks at an 8″ paper plate with an orange target dot on it. I got pretty damn good with too, BUT you need to start at 200 and 300 yards off sticks. The shots were much longer than I anticipated. Remember what Mel Gibson told his boys in the The Patriot when they ambushed the Brits, “Aim small, miss small”. Fortunately, I didn’t have to write a check for animals lost. Lastly, go with the flow and have fun. Leave your Type A personality in the urban world you exist in.

There is no such place as too far, and no such thing as too ready.

Lala Salama,
Yellowstone

This is our 2nd time to hunt with PH Brian Van Blerk (did a 21-day hunt with him in the Selous in 2004)and when I booked with Adam it was under the condition that Brian would be our PH. He is one of the best and my wife and I consider him part of the family.

The Lion was taken on day #2.

My wife struggels to lift his head up for a photo.

Lion skull – notice the left side upper molar is missing and the lower molar has a lot of calcificationn on the tooth. The upper part of the skull also had several teeth marksfrom fighting.
Leopard was taken on day #17.

Buffalo

My wife liked to get in there with the boy’s – she would even help us load some of the bigger animals.

Hartebeest

Grants

Lesser Kudu

Bushpig

Bat Eared Fox

Wildebeest

Dik Dik

Oryx

PH Brian Van Blerk – this was his 26th lion and 106 leopard. Truly a great hunter and great person -can’t say enough about his ability and passion.

Steinbok

Lobo Camp

Lobo Kitchen

Lobo Dining Room

Leopard track w/ 416 Rigby for scale

Dung beattle – they stand on their front legs and push the ball with their rear legs; about every 18″ they stop and crawl on top and look around to make sure they are headed in the right direction.

Walking Stick

Skinning Shed

Salting hides

Lion kill ~1 mile from camp

The hot water tank for our tent – had hot water around the clock

Lokilsale Camp

The bush air compressor

My plans to return to Africa started the previous year when I purchased a Browning take down lever action rifle. A take down rifle chambered for Hornady’s 450 Marlin cartridge seemed ideal for my next safari, a perfect blend of practicality and nostalgia. I readily admit, Teddy Roosevelt’s use of a .405 Winchester lever action rifle on his 1909 African safari strongly influenced my use of a similar rifle almost a century later. While I thought this combination a sound reason for another African safari, my wife was skeptical but relented without undo delay. I purchased the new Browning rifle and a plane ticket to Africa on the same day.

I’ve always liked heavy, slow bullets. Lots of “wallop” and easy on the shoulder. Hornady’s .450 Marlin load at about 2,200 feet per second with a 325 grain bullet seemed ideal for African brush and plains game where most shots are under 150 yards. The rifle’s take down action meant that I didn’t have to travel with a long gun. I always take a shotgun for sand grouse and francolin. Now both firearms fit in a Pelican double shotgun case. I mounted a Leupold 1X4, heavy duplex, scope with quick detachable rings on the receiver. The scope can be quickly removed if the iron sights are needed. The whole package weighs a little over 8 ½ pounds, light enough to carry all day and heavy enough that recoil is manageable.

Next, Adam Clements of Safari Trackers, booked a cape buffalo hunt for me in September 2008 with Tshipise Safaris. Camp is on the Nwanedi River in South Africa. The confluence of the Nwanedi and Limpopo Rivers would be the area I’d be hunting. The Limpopo River forms the boundary between South Africa and Zimbabwe. Mozambique is about 40 miles down river.

I’m not a “crack” rifle shot but, with the Browning 450, I can shoot a 2” group at 100 yards. More than adequate for the distances I typically shoot on safari. The longest shot on any of my previous safaris was 165 yards. The area I was hunting is mostly mopane trees but the last rains were in January so there wasn‘t much cover.

I chose Hornady’s 350 grain Interlock cartridge for cape buffalo and Hornady’s 325 grain LEVER Evolution cartridge for everything else. The 450 Marlin could appear, at first, light for cape buffalo looking only at energy measured in foot-pounds. Energy in foot pounds uses velocity and bullet weight in the calculation. No value is given to bullet diameter.

For African game I think John “Pondaro” Taylor’s formula for “Knock Out Value” is a measure at least as relevant. Taylor, who died in 1969, hunted in Africa for over 25 years and was the author of African Rifles & Cartridges and Big Game & Big Game Rifles. The key difference in KOV is recognizing the importance of bullet diameter. Velocity and bullet weight being equal, the bigger bore will have more “Knock Out Value”. Taylor’s formula includes bullet diameter as well as bullet weight and velocity to calculate KOV. My math, using Taylor’s formula, calculates the 450 Marlin KOV at 45. This falls between two venerable African cartridges, the 450/400 3” NE and the 375 H&H with KOV of 47 and 41, respectively. When I selected the Browning BLR take down rifle in 450 Marlin I wanted a modern, big bore/low velocity cartridge that I was confident could “do the job” as my only rifle on an African cape buffalo and plains game safari. The 450 Marlin had a lot to live up to as my only rifle on three previous safaris was a 375 H&H. I’d taken everything from elephant to springbok with the 375.

This seemed to be a plan worthy of execution. In the back of my mind I couldn’t help but wonder if I wasn’t just rationalizing what I was going to do anyway. My wife reminded me that many men, especially hunters and gun enthusiasts, have a way of doing this.

My PH was Gerrit Kleinhaus. Gerrit is a licensed dangerous game PH in South Africa and his clients had taken eight buffalo so far this season. We had been hunting cape buffalo for three days. Awake at 5 am, out of camp at 6, back at noon, out again at 3 pm and retuning by 7 pm in the evening. My safari was in late September and early October and for the first few days the temperature was over 100 degrees. The pattern was always the same, we would find a herd, stalk, but could never get close enough for a shot before the herd spooked.

On the third day we tracked a herd but the lead bull would always sense some danger and run away before we could get close enough for a shot. By the afternoon of the third day Gerrit realized we needed to do something different. The cover was to open and the buffalo were to spooky for a stalk to be successful. The first day I could have taken a head on shot at about 120 yards but that was not a distance I was comfortable with so I passed. Gerrit decided to try to ambush the herd. We moved to where he thought the buffalo would pass on their way to the river for water. It worked except we were late. The last of the herd was passing through as we arrived. We then made a mad dash to move ahead and try another ambush. This time we were waiting as the herd came down a dry wash. The bull that had been causing us trouble all day was leading the herd. He would pass through an opening about 80 yards away. Up went the shooting sticks and I was ready. It was 5:45 pm, late in the day if I wounded the buffalo. Gerrit said he was 98% sure the buffalo was mature. He said he would whistle when the bull passed through the opening. Gerrit whistled and I fired. The buffalo made the classic jump from my shot then ran away with the herd. We ran to where the buffalo had been hit and found his tracks where the front hooves came back down after bucking. My PH was surprised I had fired. He whistled to stop the buffalo and be sure it was one I would want to take. I thought Gerrit whistled so I would have a standing, broadside, shot. Too late for any second thoughts then, it was going to get dark quickly. The trackers quickly found blood and then where my buffalo, and two others, had left the herd.

We followed the blood about 100 yards and saw a buffalo glaring at us about 40 yards away. The only problem was a small tree right in front of his chest. Gerrit could not be absolutely sure this was the buffalo I had shot since the tree obscured his chest. We walked towards the buffalo with both of our rifles ready. The bull ran out and we saw the blood on his chest. We both fired as he ran into some thick brush. We heard the death bellow and I was jubilant! The buffalo was down just inside the cover. Gerrit had me put two “insurance” shots in the spine. It was almost dark and everyone was relieved. The bullets were recovered later by the skinner. My first shot went just behind the shoulder and passed through both lungs breaking the far ribs without exiting. That bullet was in one piece, retaining 85% of it’s original 350 grains. Expansion ranged from .620 to .744 inches. The “insurance” bullets both separated, copper jacket from the lead core. Glad I didn’t hit one of the big shoulder bones. Great cartridge and rifle but someone needs to load a bonded bullet, ideally 400 grains.

We celebrated at dinner and expected the “hard work” to be finished and we would have fun for the remaining eight days of the safari. I wanted a crocodile, lioness, waterbuck, hyena, bushbuck and most of the “usual suspects” on a safari. Also, I wanted to devote some part of each day to bird shooting. There were lot’s of doves plus sand grouse at dusk. The shotgun shells provided by the outfitter were from Zimbabwe. I didn’t know much was still being manufactured there but they worked very well in spite of the shot size being a mix of 5’s and 6’s.

We spent the next three days shooting impala for crocodile bait, hunting plains game and dove and sand grouse shooting. The hunting proved to be very tough. We did not see a lot of plains game and what we did see was very spooky. The outfitter thought the problem was wild dogs moving into the area and harassing the game.

The PH thought it was the drought weakening the game and making them extremely weary. I thought it might have been from poaching and over hunting this season. We saw an impala and ostrich with wire snares around there legs.

On the seventh day, three teams of trackers were looking for lioness tracks. Gerrit received a radio call from one of the trackers saying they had found tracks. Gerrit took us to meet them. Gerrit had been licensed for dangerous game for several years but I would be his first lioness client. He was more excited than me, I thought.

The trackers followed the tracks and I followed the trackers. We came upon the lioness at about 50 yards. I had chambered the 325 grain Hornady cartridge. Up went the shooting sticks and one shot in the shoulder killed the lioness. She was beautiful. Peet Bezuidenhout, the outfitter, estimated her at about 360 pounds.

She was sure big to me. The bullet retained 77% of it’s weight and expanded to .700 inch.

I wanted a waterbuck. We had seen some very nice males since the first day but we could never get close enough for a shot. Most of the time they would just run. On the tenth morning we were all disappointed at not having any success on plains game. I had shot some doves earlier that morning and we were moving towards camp when Joe, Gerrit’s tracker, spotted a nice waterbuck. We stopped, got out of the Land Cruiser and Gerrit said hurry and run. The waterbuck was moving down a ravine and would soon be out of sight. Gerrit put up the sticks and said shoot. I shot just as the waterbuck was moving behind a tree. No one could tell if I had hit or missed. When we arrived at the spot where we had last seen the waterbuck there wasn’t blood or any sign of a hit. The three trackers started following the tracks. After about 25 yards Gerrit and I stopped to let the trackers work when I glanced down and saw a few drops of blood. The trackers followed the blood and found my waterbuck, dead about 50 yards away. My bullet had hit something, probably a small tree branch but did not deflect and made a large entry wound in the chest.

I had shot two impala for crocodile bait. A big croc ate both impala during the hunt but we only saw it once and Gerrit thought it would be at least 13 feet long. The trackers put up a blind and we used it one morning but the croc never came. We were seeing crocodile and hippo everyday during the safari so the outfitter was pretty sure I could take one late in the safari, if I had to, from a boat. I would not be able to be very selective, size wise, though on a crocodile on the last day. This was OK with me since I had not yet taken a crocodile on any of my previous safaris. We left camp in the boat late in the afternoon of the last day. We found some crocodiles sunning on the bank very close to the river. I was very nervous since I knew one shot would have to kill the crocodile or it would be in the river and lost. Gerrit was going to back me up with his 375 H&H and the outfitter was ready with his 416. My shot hit the crocodile about 2 inches behind the “smile” and his body did the “crocodile rock” but never moved. No backup required! We did photos and were off to try for a nice kudu we had tracked the afternoon before. Kudu had not been on my “wish list” but since game had been so scarce and a man can never too many kudu, I would take one if I had an opportunity.

Peet had joined us for the crocodile hunt so was with us as we drove to the area where the trackers had seen the kudu the previous afternoon. The only animal we saw in abundance was Nyala. Nice Nyala were everywhere. Murphy’s law when you are not hunting Nyala. I had not taken one before and had never had interest in a Nyala. Both Peet and Gerrit had been trying to get me to try for one most of the safari. Peet saw one about 5 pm and said I should try for it. Gerrit said the best one had his rump to us. I had a lot of confidence in the big 450 bullet and for the first time did a “Texas heart shot”. The nyala dropped where it stood. Again, Gerrit was surprised when I shot so quickly. He was only identifying the best nyala and I thought he was ready for me to shoot. A beautiful animal and I’m glad I took the opportunity Peet offered.

This was a hard safari because of how difficult plains game was to come by and how spooky the game we saw was. Offsetting this was how satisfying each animal taken was. The PH, outfitter, trackers and camp staff were wonderful. The camp was luxurious, beautiful and comfortable. Food was gourmet. My favorite was crème brulee on three nights. Dove shooting almost everyday was a nice distraction. I also shot francolin, sand grouse and guinea fowl. Delta flights were on time and guns and luggage arrived in good order. All in all a good safari with a fun and unique rifle and cartridge that performed well.

Just got back from Tanzania where I hunted in our Lolkisale Area all of July. I had the privilege of hunting with two of my clients during this time and we had a great time taking some great trophies. I will NOT post all of the pictures from the entire month, but will post a lot of the ones that I thought were the best.

Gilberto and myself with a fantastic Lion

Another picture of Gilberto’s Lion

Here a couple of other male Lion’s we had on bait.

Gilberto’s nice 43″ Dugga Boy

Steve Bass and myself with his 2nd day Leopard

Here are few other Leopards on bait in July.

Here is Steve and myself with his Elephant that went 58 pounds with 6′1″ Tusks

Steve with an excellent Steinbuck

Steve with his Grants

Chantelle my wife with Masai and children at one of our school projects.

Steve with a monster 15″ Warthog.

Steve with a very nice 30″ Lesser Kudu

Steve with a pair of Zebra.

Just to show that Lions do get up into trees

Hunting Vehicle

Gilberto with his Cokes Hartebeest

Leopard cub on bait

I completed another safari in Cameroon with Faro West who I have represented for the past 7 years with great success to all of my clients who have gone to Cameroon. Faro West has always provided first class hunts to my clients with 100% success rate, so it was not a hard decision for me to go back to Cameroon to hunt one of Africa’s most sought after trophies the Giant Lord Derby Eland.

I always mix business with pleasure so besides a little hunting for myself; I also took two of my clients from Dallas along as well for them to hunt some of the special animals of Cameroon as well.

Cray and Kenny in Camp enjoying cold drink

This trip was extra special for me as I also managed to talk my wife Chantelle into going along, but only because I assured her of the comfortable camp which is right on the Faro River where she could enjoy the water, sun and then rest in air conditioned chalet.

The girls out for a swim

I could not get off of the hook that easy though with Chantelle, and to keep me in her good favor, I arranged for us to spend a week in Paris on the way back. As I am writing this now, can tell you that it was a costly decision, but worth while as well for putting up with me in the bush.

This was to be a very special hunt with Faro West with Pierre Guerini the owner and Charlie Dugas a PH. For the last 10 years Faro West has managed to keep 100% success for the clients taking 10 Eland every year, which no other outfitter in Central Africa has been able to accomplish, nor will they. I booked my hunt just for the fact that this hunt would be a milestone in that we would take the number 99 and 100 Eland to complete a 10 year journey for Faro West. I do not know of any outfitter in Central Africa that can say they have taken 100 Giant Eland in a row for the last 10 years. Pierre and Charlie have worked very hard and put a lot of money into their area to make it the best in Cameroon, which is a very hard country to operate in. I always thought that Tanzania was a hard country to operate in, but Cameroon takes the prize and do not envy those that operate there. Cameroon is also a country that I believe is going down hill fast with hunting and would be very surprised if hunting is still worth while in the next 10-20 years. Any areas that are anywhere remotely close to a main road is just about devoid of game due to human population and poaching.

Faro West is lucky in that it is more remote and not near a main road, but the reason why Faro Rest has such an excellent area with good numbers of game is a number of things. Pierre is a very well connected person in Cameroon which is important in any African country. Second reason is that they have put a lot of money into their road net work within the area and this is the number one reason why their success rate is so high. They have well placed graded roads throughout the concession which enables them to hunt the entire area and pick up tracks very easy, and one is able to see more game as you cover more ground by vehicle. They also have a full time anti-poaching team which work 365 days out of the year. They have 4 motorcycles and 2 vehicles that patrol the entire concession on a daily basis. Poaching still occurs, but as we all know a strong presence will automatically reduce poaching

The camp at Faro West is a beautiful camp that sits right on the Faro River which is a huge bonus in the hot weather in March especially. There is a very big main dinning and sitting area which is fully air conditioned. There are 4 client chalets which are made of concrete with thatch roof, and also fully air conditioned. Each chalet has a very nice ensuite bathroom. The skinning shed and trophy handling area is also excellent. All the equipment is either brand new or in excellent condition. There was no expense spared in building this camp and turning this area into the number one area in Cameroon.

Main dinning and sitting area

Client Chalets

My wife and I left San Antonio on March 7th and flew to Atlanta then to Paris on Delta. We met Cray and Kenny our two clients from Dallas in Paris and then boarded on Air France for Douala, Cameroon. I had checked with Delta about traveling with rifle and ammo in the gun case which they said was fine, and it was fine with Delta, but not with Air France. Before boarding onto Air France in Paris they called for me and they took me to a ware house where they wanted me to remove the ammo from my gun case, which I did then everything was fine with them. So, always check with both airlines if you ever use two different carriers when traveling with guns. What is funny though is that last year when I went to Cameroon for my Bongo hunt the exact same way there was never any problem with the gun and ammo, so go figure and never expect the same as your last trip.

We arrived in Douala at 5:00 pm the 8th of March where our trust worthy Emile was there to meet us and get us cleared through customs and swiftly got us to the Le Meridian Hotel. We checked into our rooms and took a welcome shower after traveling for 24 hours. Made a few phone calls to my office on my cell phone to check in with Jamie to make sure she still had everything under control. You basically have two options for hotels in Douala and that is either the Meridian Hotel or the Ibis Hotel. The Meridian will cost you 250 Euro per night and the Ibis will cost you around 100 Euro. There is a big difference in the quality and personally would not stay at the Ibis if at all possible. We met Pierre and Charlie at 7 pm in the hotel lobby as they had finished their previous hunt early as usual. We went to the Sonat restaurant for dinner and then made ourselves comfortable in the bar. In all the places I have traveled in Africa and living in Africa I must admit that the music they have at this little bar in downtown Douala is the best singing and musical talent I have seen anywhere in Africa. We had a great time catching up on everything and finally left to go back to the hotel around 2 am.

March 9th was a day that we had planned on staying in Douala just in case our luggage did not arrive which I learned the hard way last year. We took Cray and Kenny for some real African shopping and took them to the local market which was an experience in itself, and you pretty much have to run for your life when you decide to leave as everyone is trying sell you something and it is hard to get the car doors shut from people pushing their specials on you. Spent the afternoon out by the pool area and bar at the hotel and just relaxed and socialized. We did not go back to any bar as we were still hurting from the night before and called it an early night around 10pm.

Chantelle with kids

March 10th we left hotel at 9 am and took our private charter from Douala to Garoua
We landed in Garoua after a 2 hour charter where we were all met by 2 double cab pickups and one single cab Landcrusier. We then took the 3 hour drive to camp which was a pleasant ride thanks again to Pierre grading his roads. Arrived in camp unpacked and set off to the shooting range to site in the rifles. My scope was about a foot off, so got it back in the center after 3-4 rounds and we were set to go. I would be hunting with Pierre and Cray and Kenny hunted with Charlie. This is a normally a 2 week safari, but we put the pressure on and had planned to only hunt for a week and leave regardless of the outcome. I was also not there to be very picky with my trophies and would be very happy with a representative as I am not that much into scores, but more into the adventure and the experience and just having a good time while I am there.

Another side note is that I did spend the extra money and hired Opsrey Film company to film my hunt which I think is a great investment in ones memories. Lauri flew up from Zimbabwe and would be filming the hunt and it was a pleasure having him along, and very glad that I spent the extra money to do so. I can not express how special it is to be able to go back home then have a full story done on your hunt that you will have for many years to remember that special safari. There are so many things that a cameraman will get on film that you did not even realize or that you had already forgotten about. Will have the edited DVD in about 2 months for any of you interested in a Cameroon safari in the future.

Lauri always taking notes of the footage

Day 1 – We were woken up at 5 am and we all had our breakfast and climbed into our hunting vehicles and headed out around 6 am. We saw a lot of Kob, Hartebeest, Roan and Duikers, but we were busy looking for Eland tracks. When hunting Eland that is the main priority and each morning is spent looking for fresh tracks and you pretty much ignore everything else, until around 10-11 am. We saw some Eland tracks from a big herd during the night sometime around 10 am and the trackers thought it was too old and too late to start tracking, so we made our way back to camp and managed to shoot a nice 21” Western Kob on our way back.

Western Kob

Ate lunch and then made a trip to the River in front of camp and lay in the cool water for about 2 hours with my wife. It is very refreshing in the heat of the day and became a daily routine. Once Chantelle figured out that there were no crocs or hippos in the shallow pools in front of camp, that was about it for her hunting days and she spent most everyday down in the water with Charlie’s girlfriend who was in camp sun bathing and drinking cocktails all day. March is very hot and it was normally 105-112 each day in the shade. The mornings were pleasant up until around 9am then the heat set in. Back out hunting around 4 pm and we drove into a small herd of around 20 Eland. The dust was thick for awhile from them running, but they seemed confused and stopped in the middle of the road and we looking quickly to see if there was any big bull in this herd. Pierre knew this herd and said that if it was the herd he thought it was there were no big bulls. Sure enough we looked them all over and there was a nice young bull that would have gone 45” but still way to young and did not have the big black neck that an older bull would have. We got some great footage though and was exciting to see these beautiful animals so close. Returned to camp for a great meal and shower. Cray and Kenny did not shoot anything this day, but saw lots of animals and could have shot a Buffalo, but they wanted a Roan instead. After dinner everyone retired to bed around 10pm and boy is it nice to have air conditioning in your room to cool off and get to sleep. If it is a very hot night they will leave the generator on all night for the air conditioning, but it normally cools off by 11 pm and they turn it off.

Female Buffalo

Day 2 – Same schedule and out hunting at 6am looking for Eland tracks. Saw several tracks from the afternoon before, but too old to get excited about to follow. Found some tracks that the trackers thought they knew where the heard was headed to a salt lick. So, the decision was made to try and flank the herd and see if we could catch them at the salt lick or bump into them on the way. We loaded up and walked for about 2 hours towards this salt lick. Saw a lot of Kob, Hartebeest, Duikers and Bushbuck while walking.

Red Flank Duiker

Western Bush Duiker

We even bumped into a small herd of Buffalo that had a nice bull, but I as well was more interested in a Roan and did not have much desire for one of these small buffalo. I am too spoiled from Tanzania, and just did not know what I would do with a small Buffalo like this. Maybe next time when I go back.

Roan Antelope

Anyway, did not see any Eland, but saw a ton of tracks, but nothing really fresh, so we headed back to the car for another hour walk. Now I must mention here before I get too far along about the terrain and walking conditions. The walking can be very hard or cumbersome as the ground is made up of dried worm mounds and the only level walking is on animal trails. Apparently during the rainy season the ground is covered with worms that make mounds and when it dries it is like concrete. For those that are not used to hunting, you need to be very careful as it is very uneven walking and if you can sprain an ankle especially when you are behind Eland and the trackers and PH are moving at a very fast past. Did not bother me at all, but could see how it would be very hard for someone who has not hunted Africa that much. Okay, back on day 2. Went back to camp for lunch and a rest in the air conditioning. Back out at 4 pm to make our rounds. Took a very nice Red Flanked Duiker and started making our way back to camp when we saw a very nice old Harnessed Bushbuck which I also took.

Nice old Red Flank Duiker I took

Beautiful Harnessed Bushbuck

Back in camp Cray and Kenny had taken a nice 22” Kob.

Day 3 – Out hunting by 6am and seemed like a slow morning until 9am when the trackers tapped and got out of the truck all excited about some fresh Eland tracks. I looked at the tracks and they looked to be about 2 hours old to me. Everything is in French here so you never really know what is being said until you ask your PH or they tell you to grab your rifle. Because I am also a PH in Tanzania they did not have to say much to me as it is probably easier for me to figure everything out and know what to do before they even tell me to. When hunting with other companies or other PH’s I make it a strong point not to act like a PH or get involved and am strictly there as a client to hunt and let them do their thing and I say yes sir and do not interfere at all. My conclusion was right when Pierre told me that the Eland were about 2 hours ahead and we should take these tracks.

Now anyone who has hunted Eland anywhere in Africa know that these animals can walk very long distance and a fast pace and you will not catch up to them until they decide to rest in the shade. The trackers loaded up with their back packs full of water and we were off at a pretty fast pace. It is not too hard to follow a big herd of Eland either with fresh tracks. These Giant Eland also do a lot of feeding and tear down big branches which can be seen a long way off, so you can also follow tree signs as well if the tracking gets hard on hard ground. Surprisingly we caught up to the herd in about and hour as they were feeding very slowly and resting in the shade. The problem was that it was in very thick forest and brush and almost impossible to get close. We could hear them and get a quick glimpse every so often, but almost an impossible situation as we knew if we pushed too close we would blow the whole hunt as there is always some female standing there looking at you. So we stayed back and hoped that they would feed into a more open area, but as usual the wind changed on us and swirled as the heat kicked in. You are standing there with the sweat flies all around your face, you can not swat at the flies as the Eland would surely pick up the motion, you are sweating, you are standing on uneven ground, then you feel the back of your neck get cool and you know that the forest is about to come alive with Eland running everywhere and the hunt is over. The forest came alive and Eland started their trot with billowing dust behind them. We ran after the Eland hoping to catch them in an open area. Running after the Eland with all the dust is very hard as it is very hot and you are thirsty and does not help when you have to stop and be quiet again and trying not to cough. The herd ran into a very big open area and stopped mingling around confused. We got a good look at the herd and saw that there were 4 very nice bulls in this herd and worth pursing. The herd took off again, so we took a 20 minute break to drink water and let the herd settle down although it would be much harder now as they would be very alert. We washed the dust down our throats and started off again at a very fast pace to catch up. We caught sight of the herd about 500 yards in front of us in more open terrain, so we started a jog towards the herd as they were walking away from us, and a good time to cover some ground. We used some long grass to use as cover as most of the block had been burned and not much for cover in the more open areas. Going through the long grass about 200 yards from the Eland herd we bumped into some Buffalo which spooked and ran straight towards the Eland. Lucky though they turned left and headed away and the Eland did not notice any of this. We got back in on the Eland trying to find one of the nice bulls, but they managed to get into more thick stuff which was again impossible to find a bull and get a good shot. We are patient though and hoping the wind stays true as it is now 12pm and the worst time for swirling wind. One of the females must have seen use though as the herd took off again, and again we made a mad run after them hoping for a mistake. We can over a ridge where they had run and the dust still not settled yet, and we saw them going into another big open area. We ran further hoping that the dust from the running Eland would conceal us enough to get in closer. I was running behind Pierre and one of the trackers when Pierre abruptly stops throws the shooting sticks up and tells me to shoot the bull standing to the right of the tree between 2 females. I put the gun on the sticks and because I do this for a living it was not hard for me to know exactly which Eland he was talking about. I did not ask what size nor did I really care as the bull I was looking at in my scope looked beautiful and had been a great challenge to get. I did not have long though to enjoy looking at this bull in my scope as the herd was on the move and this bull had stopped with 2 females to look back to see what was following them. He was quartering away at about 200 yards and I took the shot aimed right behind his should. The shot was good and the bull jumped in the air spun around and took off. All we could see was dust, but I knew that the shot had been placed well and we would find this Eland. Funny thing though is that the bullet passed through the Eland spitting up dust on the other side of him, and Pierre thought I had missed. I assured him that the shot was good and the trackers told him it was a good hit. Off running again after the Eland in the cloud of dust waiting to see my Eland lagging behind the herd. We ran about another 200 yards and found the Eland down on the ground to trying to put forth one last time a fight. I gave the honorable bull a final shot for a quick finish to his great challenge. I was humbled by this beautiful creature and thank him for a great challenge and will cherish the memories for my lifetime. This bull was 47” and although not what would be considered a monster, it was a great representative and one that I am very happy to have. Trackers went back to get the vehicle while I sat and just stared at this Giant Lord Derby Eland and just enjoyed the feeling of success and being privileged enough to be able to experience one of Africa’s great adventures. It is now around 1:30pm the vehicle arrives, we take our pictures, cut the bull in half and load him on the Landcruiser for the 2 hour drive back to camp. It is bloody hot, the flies are about to get to my last nerve and I am ready to get to camp to cool down in the river. One side note here is that this was the only day that I really noticed the sweat flies and did not have any problem with them on any other day. The breeze on the back of the vehicle feels good, even though it is a hot breeze, but at least there are no flies. We are all in camp mode racing down the small dirt road when we come around a corner and there is the biggest Roan that I have ever seen. I did not wait for the trackers or Pierre to see or react and tapped on the cab roof surprising everyone. I think everyone was in a tired daze with tunnel vision for camp, and if this Roan had not started running I may not have seen him either. The car came to a skidding halt and then Pierre saw the Roan running and before he could react I was already out of the car loading my gun. Pierre was yelling shoot, which I already knew to do at the size of this Roan, but it was running away. I jumped off the truck and took a couple of steps to where I could get some view of the Roan running. I put the cross hairs on his backside and let him have it. He dropped immediately which was a good sign that I had hit my mark on the spine. Everyone else was still in the truck, and I ran closer to this huge Roan and placed another shot in his shoulder for a quick finish. The trackers and Pierre ran up and could not believe how big this Roan was. We took our pictures of this beautiful animal and I knew that I had taken a trophy of a lifetime. This roan was pushing 31” with 10” bases which for those who pay attention to sizes know that this is a monster Roan. According to Pierre and Charlie this was the biggest Roan they had ever taken in the 20 years Pierre has had the area, and should be the 2nd or 3rd largest taken in Cameroon. They have taken several in the 29”, but none over 30”. I was very excited to get this exceptional trophy. Now we had the 2 largest antelopes in Africa in the back of the Landcruiser and I could not have asked for a more successful day of hunting. Finally made it back to camp around 4 pm for some celebration and then for a nice cold shower to wash off the 1” thick dust layer on me. We took the rest of the afternoon off as everyone was beat. Cray and Kenny managed to find a very nice Eland bull by himself that afternoon around 5pm, but Cray made a bad shot on the bull and wounded it. They tracked it until dark and returned to camp.

Lord Derby Eland

My huge 31″ Roan

Day 4 – We were not in any big hurry today as we had taken my 2 main animals and everything else would just be a great bonus. Cray and Charlie left extra early to get back on the track of the wounded Eland. They tracked the Eland all day where he then joined a herd which made it very hard to follow. We went out for a couple of hours and found a nice Western Hartebeest that I wanted to add to my trophy bill. Went back to camp for lunch and enjoyed the cool air conditioning and just plain relaxed.

Western Hartebeest

Cray and Kenny enjoying a pre-lunch drink

Around 4pm we drove to a near by spot to do some fishing and really enjoyed being on the river in the cool part of the day and catching some Nile Perch. I could really kick myself though for not taking my own fishing tackle with a lighter rod. There is superb fishing in this river for Nile Perch, Tiger Fish and Yellow Fish. A fly fisherman would have a blast with the Yellow Fish and could be a safari in itself for the avid fisherman.

Fishing on the Faro River

Day 5- This morning we went fishing for some more Nile Perch which by the way is excellent eating and we enjoyed the fish dinners.

Chantelle trying her luck at fishing

Cray and Charlie went out again looking for the wounded Eland and were now just hoping to find him at least dead to recover the horns. Cray was feeling terrible, but it happens to all of us and just encouraged them to keep at it. That afternoon we took a short drive to see what we could see and saw several Buffalo and other animals. Came across a very big Civet cat and decided to take him as well for a beautiful mount.

Civet Cat

Cray, Kenny and Charlie returned to camp with a Red Flank Duiker and a nice 28” Roan. We saw plenty of Roan on a daily basis along with Kob, Duikers, Hartebeest and Bushbuck.

Cray with his Red Flank Duiker

Kenny, Charlie and trackers with Roan

Day 6 – My crew went fishing again down at a hippo pool and caught some more Nile Perch and returned to camp. The other crew with Charlie return to camp around 11am beeping the horn and singing, so we knew they had finally found the wounded Eland. They had been staying on the tracks for 3 days now, but the tracks kept going in circles and impossible to track, but they stayed in the same area hoping for miracle and they finally got it. They bumped into a hyena and saw a few vultures in a tree, so they narrowed down their search until they saw even more vultures which was both a good and bad sign. Good in that they would find the Eland, but bad because it would already be dead and the skin and meat ruined. They finally found where the old bull had decided to lay down and die, and it was in a spot that they had already walked by several times never seeing him. It was still a happy ending though as Cray still had the beautiful horns and an adventure that he will never forget.

The Eland when found after 3 days

Kenny with his Harnessed Bushbuck

Day 7 – Same program for my crew and we did some more fishing in the morning and I took a nice Western Bush Duiker. Cray, Kenny and Charlie went out looking for some of the Hartebeest that were always numerous everyday. As the hunting Gods often do, they could not find a shoot able Hartebeest all day.

Kenny with a Baboon

I also took a Western Bush Duiker

We had a great 7-days hunting and fishing and enjoyed every part of the safari. We heard lions almost every night along with Hyena. I enjoyed sharing a camp with Cray and Kenny as they were a hoot to be around. They hunted hard and got some excellent trophies and more importantly memories that they will never forget. I highly recommend this hunt to anyone who is looking for something different and a challenge. It is not an easy hunt, but the trophies you do take mean even more with the challenge. West Africa is nothing like Eastern Africa or Southern Africa, and you will not see as much game as you would in most other good areas in Africa. Although I will say that I saw a lot more game here in this area than what one would see hunting in Western Tanzania. There are so many Kob, Duiker, Bushbuck and Hartebeest that you can expect to see some sort of game or wildlife on a regular basis. It is not a cheap hunt, but nothing with quality is cheap these days, and the great Giant Lord Derby Eland or Bongo will not be around forever for us to enjoy, unless West Africa drastically changes. I would not hesitate in going back again and strongly suggest to anyone who is interested in the West African species not to delay in going on one of these great hunts.

Here are some other pictures from the safari.

Cray and Kenny trying to figure out the water system from this root.

You would bump into lions every now and then.

No shortage of Kob in this area and we found out why.

Harnessed Bushbuck

Skinning shed

Oribi

Bridge in front of camp over the river.