I know that several posters on AR hunted Chewore North in 2005, utilizing Big Five Safaris facilities, and I had a few questions for them. I am about to book a fourteen day Hunt, for this September, and would be staying in their Main camp on the Zambezi. I was wondering if there are any activities, other than hunting, that could keep my Beautiful Bride occupied while I am out with my Bwana-Sitter. This is the first time that she has agreed to come with me, and needless to say, I want to make it a positive experience for her. Any and all information about your Big Five-Chewore North experience would be greatly appreciated. I thank you in advance for your assistance.

Mau Mau,

I spent some days in the Big5 main camp last year, and found it to be very pleasant. And far more luxurious than I am used to living in Africa.

Granted, I was out hunting all day, so I only spent the early mornings and late evenings there. I don't recall any other activities besides fishing, but then I didn't ask since it wasn't a topic for me.

I am sure you can organize some nice walks in the bush etc for her with one of the Big5 staff if you tell them of your needs ahead of time.

The rooms were comfy, the food good and showers warm.

If I were you, I'd try to get her to join you out hunting a couple of days. Try to convince her that she should see for herself what it's all about.

Good luck!

While it's been 15 years since I hunted that camp I'll have to bet she will be bored out of her mind. There was little to do except let the croc's nip at your toes while wading (NOT RECOMENDED) down by the waters edge. Many Hippo's and Impala close by, but God man take her out to see what reality is all about.

She could do catch and release tiger fishing or just ride up and down the river taking in the sights.

If she likes laying in the sun all day there's plenty of that. The chalets are nice but not a lot of day time activities going on.

Sounds like the makings of a really fun trip.

quote:

I was wondering if there are any activities, other than hunting, that could keep my Beautiful Bride occupied...

YES, just hire one extra PH...I'm sure he'll be more than willing to keep her busy.

Best and Congratulations,

John

Well. There's the fossilised forest. The dinosaur footprints. The hot springs on the Tusa River....

If in doubt dial up one of the cannoe guides and do a one or two day trip down the river...

We were there last year on our honeymoon and had a great trip. The camp is super and Cathy who runs the camp is a very nice lady. PM me if you want to talk about it.

If you can afford it, I would get someone to drive her around part of the day and maybe go with you part of the day. The dino tracks would be a full day of it alone.

No way in hell would I let my wife or anyone else in a canoe in the Zambezi...too many crocs, and yea, they eat people. Just ask Doug Carlisle/Jack/Carol/Mandy/etc.

quote:

Originally posted by Will:

No way in hell would I let my wife or anyone else in a canoe in the Zambezi...too many crocs, and yea, they eat people.

You are nonplussed by an elephant that charges at 6 yards, but afraid of a lizard who only eats once per month?

how is her interest in photography? Picture taking is my wife mainstay & she really enjoys it. I don't think there are canoe trips anymore. My wife & i took on about 10 years or so ago & it was a fun thing. I believe the firm was safari par ex that ran the trip. If they're still around it was a 3 day trip, But i believe the hippos attacked a boat or 2 and they closed the trip down.

Butchloc,

There is definatly still canoe trips on the Zambezi. I went canoing myself there last year with "Stretch" Ferrera. I didn't however see any canoes in Big5s maincamp. But they may be able to bring one in if asked beforehand.

Thank you for all of your assistance. My wife viewed the Big Five-Chewore North DVD I picked up last year at Reno, Sans the shooting scenes, and is very exited to go. I hope this will be the first of many Safaris that we can both enjoy together.

Does Wayne Grant hunt for Big Five?

The Big Five camp is awesome. The camp was lush and green in August. The place was clean, and the river setting is beautiful. There was a lot pof activity down the way at the fishing camp, and it looked like people where there all day hanging around.

I'm sure with all the sights, fishing, river boats and such, you'll have a great time.

My wife (non-hunting) and I spent 7 days there in 2001. Wife loved the camp and went fishing everyday. She also joined me one morning on a drive/hike/hunt. However, we were there in late October and it was HOT!!!! Much cooler in camp along the river, so the wife stayed in camp. We also hunted out of the boat a couple of times in the afternoon and the wife came along for that as well.

Facilities, food & staff are all great. It is a first class operation.

Tim

Often times my wife will stay in camp to relax and watch the local fauna. She doesnt need to be entertained as she is happy to hang around and have the camp staff take care of the daily chores like cleaning and cooking. In her words just not having to cook dinner each night is worth the ride on the airbus.