You would have read my posts about the disturbances I have incurred at Royal Kafue. A project that was one of a kind in Zambia that was self-sustainable and more importantly communal.

So some fuckers did indeed realize the immense value of the project and my 13-year work. So the following is what I had to endure.

A sector of my community was corrupted and a cartel was formed to oust me. I was subjected to a disgusting smear campaign and accused and investigated by the Government of murder, rape, elephant poaching, ivory smuggling, racism to name a few atrocities. I was quickly exonerated of all charges by high-level Government investigators. It did not stop and a poor attempt of a land grab continued. Again I was attacked. Note I cannot say too much. The corruption was mind-boggling and so fucking blatant.

So what we had was Zambia's first communal Safari Hunting model which was self-sustainable and internationally proclaimed. Listen to this - the communal quota was withdrawn. No excuse and my Trust was told the quota would be reinstated if they chose a new investor? I had to sell everything I own to commit to hunters' deposits and future safaris.

We now have a new Government and a profoundly different President. A gasp of fresh air. Zambia is rejoicing in a brand new era.

The corruption is being eradicated and today I rebuild my camp and project. My community fought the aggressors and my people today are hunting down the cartel and have violently opposed the corrupters.

Interesting that the pawns in this game of chess will suffer but the King will not be checked for he is rich.

The two years have taken their toll. But my spirit remains intact.

The last kick of a dying horse was to burn my camp.

The aggressors have been stoned and beaten. The only white person who can safely walk the streets of Kaindu today is me.

If this project has taught me anything it is that goodwill and my community have prevailed over evil and tyranny.

The bitch about having my camp burnt is it extinguishes the many good memories of folk and friends I have hunted and the cheer that we shared around the bar and table.

Unforgivable. I hope bad karma reigns over the unjust.

quote:

Originally posted by bwanamrm:
Unforgivable. I hope bad karma reigns over the unjust.

Africa comes with thorns.

quote:

The bitch about having my camp burnt is it extinguishes the many good memories of folk and friends I have hunted and the cheer that we shared around the bar and table.

I, along with many others, will always have great memories of time spent with you and your staff!!!

Hate to hear of your troubles, happy that it seems you have prevailed.

Terrible tragedy!

Glad to see the change has improved your amazing country, land and wildlife Andrew. Hard to fathom what evil can do but happy to hear it has changed. I know your determination will again reign over the injustice and return your Royal Kafue to its former glory.
God speed and best to you!

That's horrible Andrew. I'm very sorry to hear you went through this. I hope you get it rebuilt ASAP.

Andrew, we are very glad to hear that the tide has turned for you.

Best wishes in the rebuilding of your fine camp and getting back on solid ground!

They may be able to burn the camp down but they can never take away the great memories all that have hunted with you in your area have. Most can’t imagine the stress you’ve endured in such a corrupt system and glad it’s turned around in a positive direction.

Best wishes

I'm very sad to hear of this evil act brought against you and your staff, not to mention the damage to your camp. I know several people who have hunted with you and they have all spoken well of you and your family, and employees.
It is a very sad news! Hang in there for better days to come for your family, and staff.
.......................................... MacD37

Andrew, you have a pm.

Andrew, I am so sorry to hear and see this!

My memories of hunting with you and spending time at your beautiful camp will not be burned away by some rich POS and his cronies. Time and money willing, I would love to hunt with you again at your rebuilt camp in the future. There are still a number of Zambian game that I would like to add to my collection.

Wow! I feel sadness for what you and family have been through.

really hope its in the past and you can build again better and greater than before an show an example of how things should be.

Kudos Andrew for not letting the bastards beat you down. Stay strong.

Hear hear to all that has been said! Stay Zambian strong!!!

Thank you all for your support. Many Zambians had to endure the wrath of corruption under the old Government. This was to be one small example.

I made the mistake of thinking I was untouchable.

I am really saddened to hear of this Andrew.

My prayers are with and I trust the Lord will hold you up in these challenging times.

Memories

Africa never fails to disappoint in these cases. How many of us in the industry have first hand experiences in these atrocities? Quite a few.

We rebuild, we start afresh, and as Winston Churchill put it, "We shall never surrender"

Belief that what we do is the right thing is ultimately the driving force between standing up and dusting the ash off our backs. Righteousness conquers all.

........and who can't be driven, motivated and enthused when you see pics like these two above.

There's a song by Belinda Carlyle with the lyrics, "Heaven is a place on earth... "

.

Andrew, Pleased that it looks like things have turned the corner and the bad time are behind you. Knowing you and your team, you will rebuild and it will be better with a bigger bar and bigger braai / fire pit! Stay safe, stay in the game and continue hunting my friend! Kindest from Anja and myself.

.

Andrew:

Am very sorry to see and hear this.
When was the fire?

Hang in there and keep in mind:

"this too will pass"

Best wishes for a great future.

George

quote:

Originally posted by Neil-PH:
Africa never fails to disappoint in these cases. How many of us in the industry have first hand experiences in these atrocities? Quite a few.

We rebuild, we start afresh, and as Winston Churchill put it, "We shall never surrender"

Belief that what we do is the right thing is ultimately the driving force between standing up and dusting the ash off our backs. Righteousness conquers all.

Neil, it has made me harder and more resilient. If anything it proves the value of my project and the land.

The community themselves are hunting down the perpetrators as we speak. One day I will return the pain.

Terrible!
But also promising to see how quickly things turn around with a new president.
A democratic election was won by the opposition and the reigning president handed over his power without any real struggle and within days. In Africa! Obviously, that wasn't reported anywhere in the world in the news, which is sad, it would be some good, positive news for Zambia. Hopefully the new president will make some good changes.

quote:

The aggressors have been stoned and beaten. The only white person who can safely walk the streets of Kaindu today is me.

If this project has taught me anything it is that goodwill and my community have prevailed over evil and tyranny.

Its hard to keep a good man down Andrew! Cheers to you and your community.

The thing about mob justice in Africa is that it is usually brutally effective and a fair solution to the problem.

Glad that things are looking up, Andrew.

Andrew, may you and your crew rise high above the ashes!

quote:

Originally posted by georgeld:
Andrew:

Am very sorry to see and hear this.
When was the fire?

Hang in there and keep in mind:

"this too will pass"

Best wishes for a great future.

George

A couple of weeks ago. My scouts were lured out of camp and anything of value was looted or burnt. We know who did this and presently the arson is being investigated at the highest level.

Personal items of sentimental value I cannot replace but they are just things at the end of the day.

Andrew, I'm so sorry to hear of this. I have always admired you and what you have done. I hope they get the bastards that did this to you. Best of luck with rebuilding. Hard to do, but it will be great in the end.
Bruce

quote:

Originally posted by fairgame:

quote:

Originally posted by georgeld:
Andrew:

Am very sorry to see and hear this.
When was the fire?

Hang in there and keep in mind:

"this too will pass"

Best wishes for a great future.

George

A couple of weeks ago. My scouts were lured out of camp and anything of value was looted or burnt. We know who did this and presently the arson is being investigated at the highest level.

Personal items of sentimental value I cannot replace but they are just things at the end of the day.

Andrew, disgusting to see what has happened and hope you build back even better than it already was. Perhaps if the perps can be caught, you could have some new croc bait.

Andrew: Sorry to hear about the cowardly acts of the scumbags that have perpetrated these crimes against you. You'll arise out of the flames like the mythical Phoenix, bigger and better than before.

This pic sits above my beds headboard, a memory I never want to lose....

quote:

Originally posted by 505 gibbs:
This pic sits above my beds headboard, a memory I never want to lose....

Love that pic.

So sorry Andrew

But on a positive note, perhaps you could take this opportunity to install the shit paper holder on the correct side of the toilet?

quote:

Originally posted by 505 gibbs:
This pic sits above my beds headboard, a memory I never want to lose....

Memories...

quote:

Originally posted by 505 gibbs:
But on a positive note, perhaps you could take this opportunity to install the shit paper holder on the correct side of the toilet?

My first job

Hi Andrew,
Sorry to hear about all this.
Like my grandfather used to say keep you head up, even if your neck is dirty boy!


Here are pictures from 2012 (9 years already) when we built the camp and shared a rum&coke (maybe 2-3).
I loved that piece of wood we used for the bar!!








Let me know when you built again and want me to drink your rum.

Cheers,
Dennis

I loved that camp. The dirty sonsabitches!

quote:

Originally posted by 505 gibbs:
But on a positive note, perhaps you could take this opportunity to install the shit paper holder on the correct side of the toilet?

And lower the mirror.