I fly out tomorrow. My dream buffalo hunt is off (as already posted in another thread).

But I will do a little bit of hunting - birds & some PG.

I will spend 2 days near Joburg, 8 days in Botswana and 2 days in Vic Falls. I'll be spending most of the time in the bush - visiting at least 3 National Parks.

The buffalo hunt is still on the bucket list - just need the patience......

Have a great trip Ashok

Have a great trip

Whatever you have read or heard about Africa, leave it at home.

Go with an open mind, and enjoy the whole safari experience.

Have a great time and good shooting.
Stay safe and come back on your own two feet.
We're waiting on your pictures too.
George

You will return a changed man.

Who are you hunting with?
Have a great time while the rest of us suckers sit here jealous.

Shoot well.

A good placed first shot makes all the difference...

quote:

Originally posted by Saeed:
Whatever you have read or heard about Africa, leave it at home.

Go with an open mind, and enjoy the whole safari experience.

Great advice.

Not hunting buffalo will give you a great excuse to go back. (like you'll need one)
Have a great first trip. enjoy it, there's only one first trip.

Go gett 'em Naki! Have a bunch of fun and take a bunch of pictures!


.

Thanks guys.

As my plans changed at the last minute I could not do the small game PG with Andrew McLaren, which I would have liked to do.

I have now arranged with Andre Lureman, Bundu Hunting Safaris. It is a short trip for birds and some PG.

Most of my trip will be visiting National Parks - Okavango, Kalahari & Chobe. 2 days at Vic Falls.

Yes Saeed - my past experience when hunting in British Columbia and few other places here in NZ has been to just go with the flow and mentally prepare to just absorb and enjoy the situation. I learned in my younger days that getting too hyped up with high expectations is always a let down in the end.

quote:

Originally posted by JTEX:
Go gett 'em Naki! Have a bunch of fun and take a bunch of pictures!

And write it up YOUR WAY afterward. (I promise to look at the pix.)

Have a great trip. Don't worry about missing out on the buffalo this trip. You'll be back.

Have a wonderful trip

Good luck from an old correspondant.

Have a memorable trip and safe travels.

Enjoy yourself, Ashok

quote:

Originally posted by Nakihunter:
Thanks guys.

As my plans changed at the last minute I could not do the small game PG with Andrew McLaren, which I would have liked to do.

I have now arranged with Andre Lureman, Bundu Hunting Safaris. It is a short trip for birds and some PG.

Most of my trip will be visiting National Parks - Okavango, Kalahari & Chobe. 2 days at Vic Falls.

Yes Saeed - my past experience when hunting in British Columbia and few other places here in NZ has been to just go with the flow and mentally prepare to just absorb and enjoy the situation. I learned in my younger days that getting too hyped up with high expectations is always a let down in the end.

You will love Chobe and Okawango, fantastic place with massive ele numbers. Kalahari is vast and you don't see many animals.

Good luck!

Sorry I missed your departure, but I hope you left your wristwatch at home. It's just an instrument of frustration.

Had a challenging flight - wort part was 6 hour transit in Perth with idiots in charge of ground transfer.

South African hospitality is amazing. Stayed 2 night at a classic old 5th generation home with attached B&B. Very reaonable.

Had a great day pigeon shooting with Andre, his GF and his friend, his cousin & 4 kid aged 6 to 14. A great social occasion with afternoon Braai. Lot of fun with great people. Some of the kids were shooting pigeons better than me

Went to a game farm for a day - 7.30 to 5 - saw lot of game. Well hunted and spooky. Challenging. I was slow on a warthog. Again had a great time.

I missed you before you went but you seem to be having a great time and I'm sure there is more to come. I know things didn't pan out how you had long planned for but at least you have got your first African experience underway. Did you manage to take one of your nice rifles with you or just loaning under the circumstances?

Best wishes and good luck for the rest of your trip.

Naki,

Enjoy. It'll be great, regardless. Shoot straight and be safe.

Glad to hear that you are having a great time

Ashok,

Have a great time and post plenty photos.

Best-
Locksley,R

Wild Kalahari lioness! Lion was seen less than a km from camp at 6.30am while it was stalking a herd of impala - just 60 meters from us. A cheetah was seen at the waterhole near camp the previous day.

Have been in Maun Botswana for 4 days. This is a travel back in time by 60 to 100 years (except for technology!) True WILD Africa & true RURAL Africa - I am staying with my brother in a compound with razor wire walls!

Went to Nxai Pan (pronounced Nai Pan) for a camping trip - DIY style low budget - but I am experiencing REAL WILD Africa.


Amazing ecosystem - Saw some game - Gemsbok, kudu, Giraffe, Impala, hundreds of Springbok, jackal, lots of elephant but small ivory, lots of Kori bustard, one Kohran bustard, lots of sandgrouse.

Off to Chobe tomorrow.

While I am disappointed that my original hunting plan did not work out, I still feel very blessed to be here and experience this.

You will love Chobe, amazing ele density there

have a great trip

Shame about the Buff hunt Naki. Sure looks like you are enjoying your time there.

Word of warning. When traveling with rifles-I know you are just doing an international transit- but avoid Perth. Fly into Sydney then onto Jo'berg. Way less problems should your rifle go missing in transit.

Had a great game drive of Chobe NP and a river cruise yesterday.

Saw the big 5 - lion, leopard, ele & buff in about 2 hours!! Saw wild dogs on a kill - must have happened about half hr or less before we entered park @ 6.15 am!


Nice springbok in the Kalahari.

Below are pic from the Chobe NP.








Saw lots of other animals & birds & plenty of crocs & water monitors. Crocs are small - 6 to 9 feet max.

Hippos & eles in camp!

In Vic Falls now & just tasted some croc fingers & chillie sauce with nice Zambezi beer. 2 more days & back home. Plan for Boma dinner & hope to catch a tiger fish.

Africa is great bug to catch!

quote:

compound with razor wire walls!

To keep the lions out.

Glad you've finally made your trip Naki!!!
By the sound of your posts and photos it was worth the wait!!!
Congratulations and ENJOY!!!