We leave in three weeks for our first safari in South Africa (Plains Game Hunt) and our PH told us for the 2nd half of the hunt that we will be hunting the Songimvelo government reserve for the 2nd half of our Safari.

For those of you that have been or have more knowledge, what can you tell me about the reserve. I have been given information about the terrain, animals (i.e no lions, but yes on Elephants, Hyena's, et cetera). Thanks for any information you have.

Your first time over is always a little overwhelming. Take it slow and remember you can not do it all in one trip.

Try this Google link: http://www.equitour.co.uk/ridedetails.asp?rideid=161&countryid=102

Can't tell you anything about the reserve except that it's near Barberton, so you won't be too far from White River and Nelspruit. You might like to try to find time to visit Sabi Rifles in Nelspruit and then go on a few miles further to Lifeform Taxidermy in White River where you'll see some of the best taxidermy available..... and if you get there, you might even call me on 0832777114 and I'll meet you for a beer!

We were told the winter is a bit late this year and the grasses are pretty high where we were initially going to hunt. They thought it would be a tough hunt which is why the 2nd half will be in the Songimvelo.

I was hoping to see Lifeform Taxidermy while we were there. I have heard so much about it and I knew we would be close.

I did a management bull elephant hunt and my hunting partner did the same and a darted rhino hunt in May of 2006 in the Songimvelo. You are in for a real treat as the Reserve is beautiful and pristine. Terrain varies from wide, flat valleys to very mountainous and deep ravines. The game was plentiful and even with high grass in the valleys we saw abundant PG every day. Most of the PG that we saw were in the flat valleys or at the base of the foothills which should lend itself to excellent spot and stalk.

The elephants, on the other hand, were in the most rugged deep valleys on the Reserve with no access to vehicles. Hiking in and out each day where every step seemed to land on a baseball size rock turned out to be one of the most physically demanding hunts I have every been on. If your PH suggests a hike into "Noisy Valley" be afraid.....be very afraid!

Take some good boots. Walking in rocky terrain kills my knees and ankles.

TexasHunter,

Good luck on your safari! I just wanted to let you know when I hunted RSA in 2001, I had all of my trophies taken to Life Form for taxidermy. They did a fantastic job, kept me informed throughout the process, built a great crate for shipping, etc., etc. As for price, I found them to be reasonable and the decision of whether to have the taxidermy done in RSA or the states appeared to be a toss up on price. Having it done there (I think) will spare you certain inspections on this end. You will however pay a VAT. All in all, I think it was the right way to go.

The trophies from my hunt last fall in Tanzania were shipped to Houston for taxidermy. Apparently there are no taxidermists of Life Form quality in Tanzania. It seemed senseless to ship from Tanzania to another African country and then to the states.

Again best of luck.

P.S. If you get a shot at a spotted hyena, take it. They're pretty scarce in RSA outside the parks but make a really cool rug.

I just returned from there. I wasn't hunting, but on a horseback safari after a tuskless hunt in Zim. The grass is high, but you will still see plenty of quality plains game. We rode for seven days and saw lots of zebra, blesbok, warthog, red Haartebeast, tssebe, kudu, duiker, waterbuck, giraffe, springbok, impala and high in the hills Mountain Reedbuck and baboon. They have 45 white rhino that you are sure to run into along with a herd of about 75 Cape Buffalo. The buff and elephants have been hunted and stay in the mountains and valleys. The mountian terrain there is high, rocky and challenging to hunt in. We did not see an elephant the whole trip although we did see some fresh sign of a lone bull. I would not book an elephant hunt there as success would be difficult. It is a beautiful area and I will sure you will enjoy your hunt. Good luck.


You can borrow money, but you can't borrow time. Go now.

who are you hunting with- which outfitter?