Howzit All,

I am a member of the Zimbabwe Hunters Association and would like to find out what you all know about our education camp at Rifa?

I am sure a few of you have passed through the camp and would like to hear your thoughts, good or bad, any rumours, etc....
Many thanks

I spent a day on the property in 2007 when my PH was following up on a problem elephant. From what I saw the facilities looked good and we saw waterbuck, hippo, croc, elephant, and baboons.

It sounded like they ran a good educational program, but I could not say for sure. We spent most of the time parked in the shade next to the river.

Hi Charles,

Thought your name was familiar. I was at Rifa when you guys were there and I accompanied you that night.

A night to remember indeed.

I just wish I had taken more pictures, but I was concerned that Parks might not approve.

Hope things are going well for you. I would love to get back if the economy here stabilizes enough to permit it.

I remember going to rifa in my last year of junior school we had three pro hunters with us Mr Brown Mr Greaves and Charl Grobelaar it was amazing we were taught bushcraft and dissected impala carcasses there was an old couple that were caretakers there the Snooks who taught us bush cooking.I was used to the bush as i whole family hunted and i grew up on a farm but some of the town boys and girls were awestruck we had elephants and hyenas in camp a couple of yards from our dormitaries.A lot ok kids who went started out with anti hunting sentiments but that soon changed.Those were the glorius days in zimbabwe to think the pro hunters were giving there time up for free to teach a bunch of brats about wildlife.It realy created awareness and we when we went back to school arranged a save the rhino fundraising campaign and raised a significant amount for anti poaching it even made the national press.These good memories are what make us bitter about Mugabe and his thugs we lost our heritage and legacy and loads of zimbabweans are doomed to live as foreigners for the rest of there lives.Ironically on our trip to rifa we had three ministers sons with us ones dad died in an "accident" with an army truck.And on of them has followed in his dads footsteps and is very pro Zanu.The third one?living comfortably in the US and still pro zanu.

The Rifa education camp continues to provide a great service to this country. We (Jephita Tumwi and I) arrived there some weeks ago and were well looked after by the resident PH/guide, Mr Dave Winhall. At the time, there were two classes of rural children in camp undergoing the bush-lore/conservation bit - I'd say between 30 and 40 kids. Dave was ably assisted by Hugh and Lesley Maasdorp - stalwarts of Zimbabwean conservation for many a year - as well as a full compliment of camp staff. As far as I could see, the children were kept very active throughout and were having a fine time - walks, lectures, games etc. The camp is looking fine. Hats off to the Zimbabwe Hunters Association and all involved, specifically Mr Alan Banks. I was impressed. All the costs for the childrens trips are being met by Safari Club International.

David

Incidentally, we have walked through all the hunting areas between Vic Falls and Chikwenya (Sapi), and Rifa is the stand out area. Book through Frik Muller or Watson/Walker Safaris. You will have a great hunt in that area.

David,

Thanks for the news on RIFA, and thanks for letting us know that SCI is helping in a meaningful way. We must reach the hearts and minds of the next generation.

Adrian

@ zee,

can you or anybody else tell me how is Mr. Grobelaar as PH? I am planing for a buffalo hunt with him next year. He was recommended to me by a friend from zim. The friends name is Greaves too.

Greetings from switzerland

Florian

Thanks for the responses.

Rifa does do a great deal for educating kids about the bush and letting them experiance true wilderness. This year has been pretty much booked up and i am sure next year will be to. We just hope that we can continue to offer kids the opportunity. I went there as a 17 year old and have been hooked by the area ever since.

With regards Charl, I have met him a few times but have never hunted with him so cant say. But from meeting him, he is a good guy and i am sure you will have a great hunt with him.