Has anyone hunted with Theo de Marillac Safaris in Zimbabwe/ South Africa (http://www.theodemarillacsafaris.com/)?
He has a Combo hunt for Buffalo in Zimbabwe, followed by plains game in South Africa that I was interested in but I'm a little nervous about the polictical situation in Zimbabwe. Any advice?

RWH,

Many of us have hunted in Zim and never had a problem hunting there...As for political trouble you will be with your Ph and he will take you where you belong...Would you want to walk thru certain places in Newark at night???
The people are great and they are employe by you and have food in there bellies and are very thankful...

Mike

25 days till the Selous

Texas Hunter and I hunted with Theo in 2001. We had a great time. Our hunt was in South Africa. We hunted two ranches, one near Pietersburg (sp?) and the other was where Theo's father had a ranch, near Gravelotte. As I say, we had a great time and shot some nice trophies, including four Rowland and Ward trophies. The accommodations at the main ranch were very nice, the food was excellent.

We were delayed in leaving due to 9/11. Theo even picked us up in J-berg one day and took us to several gun shops, out to eat, etc.

All that said, we are now pushing five years since the hunt so our information is somewhat dated. I would certainly ask for some recent references and check with them too.

Mike

I had booked a hunt with de Marillac through Tony da Costa in 2003 for a hunt in 2004. We sent in our deposits a year and a half early, but 4 months before we were to leave they da Costa informed us that de Marillac would not honor our contract. Tony offered to refund our deposit or to apply it towards a different hunt.

I never did find out what the problem was, but we ended up booking a hunt in Namibia and had a great hunt.

RWH:

I just looked at list of Zimbabwe PH's on AR's African Hunt report section and did not see his name as a registered PH in Zim.

With this in mind, a number of questions should be asked. Where does he hunt, who actually conducts the hunt, etc. The stories of RSA PH's and booking agents selling hunts that are questionable and perhaps illegal in Zimbabwe are well known and documented.

Do your research here on AR and everywhere you can concerning this hunter/booking agent and his Zimbabwe hunts. The last thing you want is a questionable or even illegal hunt, that could cost you money, your trophies, or legal problems.

As far as the political situation, many here have had wonderful hunts this year in Zimbabwe. Often times the news in the media is worse than it really is. One way to lessen the risk, is to hunt with a well known operator who has lived and hunted in Zim for their career.

I am hunting with Buffalo Range Safaris in 2007 for buffalo and plains game. They are a well known and long time outfitter in Zimbabwe. However, there are many other well established outfitters with excellent reputations and results. This guy may book with one of them. I don't know as his website did not give any details. If he is just booking for one, be sure to check costs and compare. Often times, the costs of these hunts are much higher since you are basically paying for another person, who is not registered as a PH in Zim, to accompany you on your hunt. A high priced observer to be sure!

I hope I did not appear negative regarding this operator. He may be offering an excellent package, but much more information from them is required. Are you booking directly with him, or going through a US agency? And as always, current references especially regarding the Zim segment. If you are member of SCI, check their hunt reports. Might want to subscribe to "The Hunting Report" newsletter as well.

Good luck.

RCG

Thanks for all of the great advice. It sounds like a mixed lot of feedback. He hunts in the Matetsi with "Inyathi Hunters".

I'm never sure with refernces. The PH gets to pick out those that ended up positively.
Thanks,
Rich

RWH:

Good observation concerning PH supplied references.

I would suggest that you search this forum for "Inyathi Hunters". There may be some feedback from others. IIRC, Inyathi Hunters is or was booked by Cabelas and there was some reference to them in the past year or so that was not positive. Disputed hunting area, partnership with a member on the US banned list, or something like that. If I am wrong, I stand corrected. There was also, I believe, some confusion as to the name "Inyathi" versus a similar firm called "Inyati" Hunters. Make sure of the difference if any.

Again, I am not trying to be too negative on this firm, but I seem to recall some past discussions on this topic. Perhaps others here may recall something as well.

Verify who the PH and outfitter is, the hunting concession or area (which Matetsi), and if the RSA PH will be with you in Zim. If so, why are you paying for his attendance? Also, see if you can find out who else books for Theo de Marillac and Inyathi Hunters and then compare packages and rates.

Good Luck.

RCG

Caveat Emptor