It has come to my attention that A de Guisti of Gotsoma safaris is trying to peddle hunts again. I strongly suggest that anyone considering a hunt with him to do a thorough due diligence beforehand

quote:

Originally posted by 500nitro:
It has come to my attention that A de Guisti of Gotsoma safaris is trying to peddle hunts again. I strongly suggest that anyone considering a hunt with him to do a thorough due diligence beforehand

It might be a good idea to give us at least a link to what he was supposed have done.

Saeed he sold hunts in Namibia to myself and 2 other colleagues which he could not deliver on, and refused to refund the money. There are a number of other outfitters and hunters who have had similar issues.

quote:

Originally posted by 500nitro:
Saeed he sold hunts in Namibia to myself and 2 other colleagues which he could not deliver on, and refused to refund the money. There are a number of other outfitters and hunters who have had similar issues.

Thank you.

Sounds like the sort of person to avoid.

Im one of Harris colleagus that bought the hunt from Di Gusti/Gotsoma Safaris.

They have launched a new homepage that is, if you look a bit closer totally nameless and anonymous.

https://www.gotsoma.co.za/home

There are photos of camps, but not a word where they are, the trophy photos looks like they are taken from the internet, one cant find the same PH on even two photos. Not a word about where in Africa the consessions are located.

And the best (or worst) of it all is their new "Special offer":

"We GUARANTEE you the hunt of a LIFETIME"

Correct -but there wasnt any hunt...

by all means, Avoid this crook

Should be reported to PHASA, Custodians of Wildlife, DSC, and SCI

Some seriously looking canned Lion hunts there.

quote:

Originally posted by 500nitro:
Saeed he sold hunts in Namibia to myself and 2 other colleagues which he could not deliver on, and refused to refund the money. There are a number of other outfitters and hunters who have had similar issues.

A SA operator selling hunts in Namibia? Were they private farm hunts or within the Conservancies?

These third party hunts seldom seem to work out well. Again, clients should be asking these questions before booking hunts.

Why would anyone book through a third party is beyond me.

If everything you say is true, then why not report him not only to PHASA, but to any governmental agency that issues him any mandatory sort of governmental license, permit or other permissive document? If he's operating illegally then shut the bugger down through the proper process.

A member here said he had sent them a message with a link to this thread.

They might respond.

quote:

Originally posted by Saeed:
Why would anyone book through a third party is beyond me.

Well, you always learn something - don't you.
This story or supposed hunt is some years old now. But I must say it was a surprise to see Di Gusti up and running with a new homepage. Looks like it's hard to take him to court in SA.

quote:

Originally posted by Use Enough Gun:
If everything you say is true, then why not report him not only to PHASA, but to any governmental agency that issues him any mandatory sort of governmental license, permit or other permissive document? If he's operating illegally then shut the bugger down through the proper process.

That all sounds reasonable, however, PHASA has no enforcement capability whatsoever. Further, as long as no one is taking them to court, the government is powerless. If there is clear cut fraud, then court relief is the only pathway. Most foreign clients don't pursue this because of the time and expense - nefarious operators are banking on that. So they will continue to steal as long as there are clients willing to pay.

I understand PHASA's lack of enforcement capabilities (i.e. kick them out of the organization, etc), but what about the South African government itself? Or the government regulations of the provinces? Can someone not file a complaint with government officials? Or, is it simply left up to a civil lawsuit? Is there not any enforcement capabilities that the government would have? Just asking to see if anyone knows.

In Namibia, folks can complain to MEFT and to the Tourism Board, but again, they have no appetite to become engaged in this. MEFT is not an enforcement entity unless Game Laws were broken.

The courts are the only answer.

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