First, I've discussed this with our host and he said it was okay with him.

I'm traveling to Port Elizabeth on September 9th of this year. I'm flying from Atlanta on DL200 (Comfort Economy-window bulkhead!) that afternoon and then (about three hours after landing at Tambo) to Port Elizabeth to be met by folks at East Cape & Karoo Safaris ( website ) for a late evening drive up to camp.

It is a long story about how this safari developed, but it's explained below (taken from another thread). I've got way to many irons in the fire with some family illnesses and job responsibilities, but by September, they should be all resolved. I wasn't going this year, but dang if I didn't win a trip.

I've done the ATL to JNB and onward 20+ times and hopefully I know a bit about gun permits, negotiating the airport, baggage regulations, etc. I've taken numerous 1st timer guys and ladies with me before and it always seemed a comfort to them to be with someone who knows the ropes, can give advice of what to pack, etc.

So... if anyone is contemplating a first time trip or if you have a physical disability and would need help with luggage or even pushing a wheel chair around the airport.... and maybe even want to join me at East Cape and Karoo or Leopards Valley, then come let me hear from you here or by P.M. I'd love to share a campfire or help someone on to wherever the sirens call.

I'm certainly not selling anything and have no affilation with any safari company or agent. I just have a Delta Sky Club card for us to have a place to relax (and share a toddy) while awaiting the 16 hour ordeal, a strong back and some knowledge of how to relieve some of the angst that might be holding a prospective safarite from his/her first trip.

I know there is room for another hunter at East Cape & Karoo and probably with Dave at Leopards Valley nearby. (I'll be going over to Dave's for a couple of nights, btw.) Take a look. Other agents and P.H.'s from the area post here, too, and there are many great destinations in the East Cape.... or, if you're going on to another province in RSA, Zimbabwe or Namibia, I'll get you through SAPS and to a guest house if a R.O.N. is in your plans.

So.. if you've been wondering how you might get bags around Tambo, surmounting the terrors of SAPS and you would more likely decide to just get off you duff and go if you had someone to travel with, I'll be glad to help where I can.

Explanation:

quote:

Wow! Both interesting and disappointing! But, there are still some free equines that don't need dental work!

As some of you may know, I participated in the Infinito drawing for a safari several years ago. As a winner and participant, I want to say that Charl worked with me every way he could and when we finished planning, we found a mutually convenient time (I was already going to be in Deka). We pulled the trigger, so to speak, and I was most satisfied with the result. It was fun to speculate about possibly winning before the drawing, then planning the trip when Charl emailed me that most amazingly I had won.. and then most importantly, upon arrival Charl showed me a great time from feet on the deck at Tambo, to hunting great trophies, then enjoying good food and drink and making a lasting friendship.

That said, earlier this year, I got an unsolicited email from one of the members (not an outfitter or P.H.) on AR that contained an offer for a contest to win a free East Cape safari. To enter, I had to forward the contest application to five more guys (as did the fellow who forwarded it to me, I guess). Figuring that I had nothing to loose, I sent the invite to some of my hunting buddies.

Dang, if I didn't win. I did some research (mostly here contacting A.R. members from the East Cape who were familar with the safari company) and discovered that the folks are well know in the industry and most reputable. I'm now looking forward to five days hunting with Cape kudu, impala and blesbok for free as is pick-up from Port Elizabeth and about everything but the tip.

Of course, I know that the owners will want me to take some other game, and I will, most probably, but, still, particularly since I've never been to the East Cape, I'm looking very forward to my "free" hunt. I'll even visit some A.R. members while there. Can't beat that!

So, I guess what I'm saying is that there are some gift horses that you can look in the mouth and find that all the teeth are there.

So, I can't wait until I get back on DL 200 again. 23rd time, I think.... And, it's always good... bumps and all.

JudgeG ... just counting time 'til I am again finding balm in Gilead chilled out somewhere in the Selous.

Well done Judge, that is a first rate thing to do.
My hat is off to you.

Nice offer Judge. I hope someone takes you up on it. For many, this would be exactly what they need to get outside the comfort zone and go for the first time.

Cheers.

Todd

And, Todd, the drinks in the Delta Lounge are gratis!

A very gracious and generous offer Sir!

Ernest,

Very generous of you.

I'm flying over to Port Elizabeth on Sept 10th to hunt with Victor of Karoo Safaris. Am I going to see you there?

Actions like this are part of what makes AR so remarkable.

It's important for me to remember kindnesses like this – extended from a respected member to a newcomer and/or stranger – when the occasional behavior of others exasperate me to distraction.

Thank you, Judge, for a gesture that serves as a lesson in decency to us all. And, of course, thanks to Saeed for making all of this possible.

You are both gentlemen.

Ernest, my ankle's been acting up again....does that count? :-)

quote:

Originally posted by Fjold:

I'm flying over to Port Elizabeth on Sept 10th to hunt with Victor of Karoo Safaris. Am I going to see you there?

I'm flying to Port Elizabeth on the 10th on SAA's 7:45 p.m. flight. I'll be hunting with East Cape & Karoo Safaris first (different outfit I reckon?) then to Leopards Valley.

I received a P.M. from a gentleman (a prospective first-timer) who was interested, but didn't understand the offer. Let me try again:

From the comments I read on AR, I believe that lots of folks think that

1. Ones first safari is often best taken for plains game and in South Africa (or maybe, Namibia) and both are usually accessed through Johannesburg/O.R. Tambo airport (JNB). There have been lots of threads about pros and cons of where to go the first time, but let's assume for this post that South Africa is right for you (as I believe so for most folks).

2. Africa ain't Kerrville, TX. Your cell phone won't work without special preparations, your normal health care or Medicare isn't operative by just showing your card, one might need anti-malarials, a rental car may not be advised, con men abound in and around the airports and luggage/gun cases arriving can be a crap shoot.

3. Temporary gun imports require perfect paperwork (usually). Stories abound of long delays at the South African Police (SAPS) while improper applications are sorted out (i.e., no Letter of Invitation, a missed digit on a serial number, two rifles of the same caliber, etc.) I've even read where some hunters avoid even traveling through JNB because of the perceived hassle.

4. Africa is a long way from Kansas, Dorothy! There are very uncomfortable ways to get there, less uncomfortable ways, semi-tolerable ways (Comfort Economy, for me) and posh First and Business classes. Airlines (and travel agents) charge amazingly varied prices. Some airlines are better than others and some agents, too. And, then, there is the Dutch requirements for permission for transients to have firearms checked through Amsterdam, even if you don't even leave the airport or see your bags.

5. There are some lessons to be learned vicariously about packing (both how little you actually need and how to keep it safe while out of your sight). What to do with valuables, why to make sure you're on board your trans-Atlantic flight early with a nearby overhead bin claimed and what can go in a gun case and what can't.... even how much ammo to take can confuse a first-timer. Trust me, a cheap gun case or valuables in a zippered bag can result in much distress. I've seen grown men cry at SAPS when they pull their rifles out of $25 gun cases only to see a stock broken.... and I've lost a video camera by not having it in my carry-on and in sight at all times.

6. While this website is pretty darn good at policing bad P.H.'s resulting in our being able to trust most who post here, there are dozens of companies in Africa just waiting for the opportunity to take your money and give you a poor experience. I, personally, would have liked a bit of hands-on help in navigating through that minefield. There are no guarantees, of course, but it the guy infront of you didn't blow up, it makes good sense to walk in his footsteps.

7. P.H.'s have personalities as do their clients. Facilities range from 5 star to where Honey Boo Boo would be at ease. It just makes sense for a first-timer to mesh well with the P.H. and be comfortable in the environment. Likewise, some of the smaller operators have great hunting, even though they don't have a zillion hectares. In other words, while size does matter, it is not the most important issue in my simple mind. I'd rather slip around 5000 acres on foot than ride on the back of a truck and be expected to shoot at stuff 400 yards away from a rocking vehicle that still has the motor running. What's good for the goose my infuriate the gander.

8. Little things can become big things. What do you do about meds, tips (money or otherwise), wi-fi connections, Skype, contact back home, sleep apnea machines, converters for your stuff (camera chargers, batteries, etc.), gun insurance.....

9. Even what to do with trophies can create angst. What about taxidermy and what are the costs (if I get stuff done there, or ship stuff back for processing in the States?

I could go on for a long time, of course, but what I'm offering isn't a free trip. I sorely wish I had the funds to finance someone because I'd find me a disabled vet to take, but this time, you pay your own freight, chose your own destination, too, with or without my input. I hope that I'm competent enough after a whole bunch of trips to be able to help someone through all the decisions of their first time (by email, calling me or even coming to the Georgia Coast for a face to face visit).

Getting ready for the experience of a lifetime (and the beginning of a lifelong addiction, I'll bet) can be almost as much fun as the "doing it". It's expensive (at least to most of us), it has been a dream that none of us want you to screw up and I'm simply offering to help you through it, even to the point of actually traveling and hunting with you, if you wish... that's if you can match my schedule which is already firm... and btw, there are still plenty of seats in all classes on DL200 for Sept. 9th).

So, if you want a little benefit of my experiences, good and bad, and even if you can't go this September with me (on the plane, meet me in JNB, or even actually hunt together some ... that is, if you can stand my company!), I'm here by P.M. and telephone (which will be sent by P.M. if you wish).

If you are disabled, I'm a good pusher and bag carrier, too.

I just thought someonw might be debating if it's all worth it and might need a little helping hand (or a strong back) to push you over the cliff.

Saeed has been so good to us to have this site available and it's helped me immeasurably. I've continued to learn from it and to avoid others misfortunes. I thought I could return the favor a bit. That's all.


I hope this makes sense??

quote:

Originally posted by JudgeG:

quote:

Originally posted by Fjold:

I'm flying over to Port Elizabeth on Sept 10th to hunt with Victor of Karoo Safaris. Am I going to see you there?

I'm flying to Port Elizabeth on the 10th on SAA's 7:45 p.m. flight. I'll be hunting with East Cape & Karoo Safaris first (different outfit I reckon?) then to Leopards Valley.

Ahh, I see. I won't be leaving the U.S. until the night of the 10th so I won't see you there.

This is a very classy gesture Judge!