Well,

I'm back from SCI Reno, what an experience! In retrospect, I really had no idea what to expect, even though many warned me the experience would be overwhelming.

I'm lucky I happened upon this forum a couple of weeks prior to the convention. The information I received here helped me stay somewhat organized, and gave me some companies to focus my attention on.

I was originally planning on PG only, but have decided to add buffalo, in no small part based on the recommendations of several people on this board.

Now that I'm back at home, I'm faced with the daunting task of sifting through all of the information I gathered. So, hopefully some of you can help shed some light on any, or all, of the following questions.

- Has anybody had personal experience with Gavin Rorke Safaris, Charlton McCallum Safaris, Roger Whittall Safaris, or Safrique?

- I encountered differing opinions on chartering vs. road transfers, particularly from Harare. Has anybody taken a road transfer from there? Some of the concerns were fatigue after a long flight, and safety.

I spoke to many more people/companies, like Wendell Reich and Mark Young, but won't ask about them since information is readily available on this forum.

The most amazing aspect of the convention, from my perspective, is the effect it had on my wife. She has always endured my hunting, most of it being falconry, but never agreed with it. She has even half-joked that there must be "a special place in hell for falconers..."

She loves the outdoors, but I was always reluctant to agree to take her on my Africa hunt for fear she'd try to resuscitate any animal I'd shoot. My first surprise was when she really took to the taxidermy, taking many pictures and starting to point out little nuances of her favorite work that I never would have noticed, like the little wrinkles on a crouched leg or turned neck, or how the stomach of a leopard has a little fat role when laying on a branch.

I was careful however, and every time we'd walk by a booth with hunting footage, I'd distract her. On day two I was talking to Gavin Rorke, and he made a move that I was sure would turn her off Africa forever. I didn't notice he was showing her a photo album with trophies until they were about half through, and he was showing her a picture of HALF an elephant that was being cut up by locals. I pretended nothing happened and hoped she was in too much shock to remember the incident, but when we walked away, she immediately brought it up. Her words were, "that's really nice that one elephant can feed so many people." At that point, I knew for a fact that one of us was indeed in shock, and it wasn't her. I don't know how he did it, but I owe him a huge thank you.

To make an already long story a little shorter, by the end of the day she was standing in front of the Craig Boddington booth watching the elephant hunting video, and told me we should buy it, she asked a PH (or was is Mark Young) if she can carry a rifle when I'm hunting, and on the flight home she asked me to teach her to shot.

Please excuse me; I need to elevate my feet...

quote:

Originally posted by Austringer:
The most amazing aspect of the convention, from my perspective, is the effect it had on my wife. She has always endured my hunting, most of it being falconry, but never agreed with it. She has even half-joked that there must be "a special place in hell for falconers..."

She loves the outdoors, but I was always reluctant to agree to take her on my Africa hunt for fear she'd try to resuscitate any animal I'd shoot. My first surprise was when she really took to the taxidermy, taking many pictures and starting to point out little nuances of her favorite work that I never would have noticed, like the little wrinkles on a crouched leg or turned neck, or how the stomach of a leopard has a little fat role when laying on a branch.

I was careful however, and every time we'd walk by a booth with hunting footage, I'd distract her. On day two I was talking to Gavin Rorke, and he made a move that I was sure would turn her off Africa forever. I didn't notice he was showing her a photo album with trophies until they were about half through, and he was showing her a picture of HALF an elephant that was being cut up by locals. I pretended nothing happened and hoped she was in too much shock to remember the incident, but when we walked away, she immediately brought it up. Her words were, "that's really nice that one elephant can feed so many people." At that point, I knew for a fact that one of us was indeed in shock, and it wasn't her. I don't know how he did it, but I owe him a huge thank you.

To make an already long story a little shorter, by the end of the day she was standing in front of the Craig Boddington booth watching the elephant hunting video, and told me we should buy it, she asked a PH (or was is Mark Young) if she can carry a rifle when I'm hunting, and on the flight home she asked me to teach her to shot.

Please excuse me; I need to elevate my feet...

Great success!! Well done to you and well done SCI!!!

quote:

- Has anybody had personal experience with Gavin Rorke Safaris, Charlton McCallum Safaris, Roger Whittall Safaris, or Safrique?

I hunted with Myles McCallum and had a great hunt. Do a search and you will find a lot of hunt reports for Charlton McCallum, and info about Roger Whittal as well. I am not familiar with the others.

quote:

- I encountered differing opinions on chartering vs. road transfers, particularly from Harare. Has anybody taken a road transfer from there? Some of the concerns were fatigue after a long flight, and safety.

I think a lot depends on how far you are going and the particular roads. I did the road transfer from Harare to Makuti and it was fine, but this was 2007.

quote:

- I encountered differing opinions on chartering vs. road transfers, particularly from Harare. Has anybody taken a road transfer from there? Some of the concerns were fatigue after a long flight, and safety.

Like Mr. Helm I also took a road transfer from Harare to Makuti. I thought it was great.

I have done a lot of road travel in African and I have enjoyed all of it.

I have not hunted with Gavin, but have heard good things about him. I will be huning on his consession this fall with Mark DeWet in Dande North. I enjoy road transfers but sometimes bush plane is better i e time restrictions. I once did a road transfer from Beitbridge, Zim to the Omay about 13 hrs, it was fun and would do it again. I am hunting with Frank Beller (he posts here) who is looking for Buffalo and Hippo thus the choice of Dande North which has good Buffalo and the opportunity for Hippo along the river.

quote:

Originally posted by JBrown:
Like Mr. Helm I also took a road transfer from Harare to Makuti. I thought it was great.
I have done a lot of road travel in African and I have enjoyed all of it.

Took the wife to the Zambezi Valley last year and we road chartered in from Harare. Honestly, we put the tracker in the cab and sat in the back of the cruiser once we got to the escarpment. The wife loved it! She had never been to "real africa" before so it was a treat for her to see lion tracks on the dirt road to camp. I still chuckle when I think about her asking me, "what are all those big things we keep running over"...."uh, that's elephant shit, sweetheart". I am all about the road charter if one has the time!

I have been in camp with Gavin on two occasions in Binga. He is in my opinion a great guy and above all else a very hard working PH. He for sure will keep you in stitches when in camp. I have traveled from one end of Zim to the other and really enjoy road transfers, and being able to see the country. However, if your time is short then consider a bush flight. AS you know Gavin is a large man. He doesn't carry a back up rifle, just a large club.

Can't go wrong hunting with Gavin Rorke, Charlton & McCallum or Roger Whittall - they have all been around a long time - know their stuff - and run good operations !
I have NO PROBLEMS with hunting any of my clients with these outfits !
I have known Gavin Rorke for many years - dont be put off by the size of the man - he works hard - and will out walk PH's half his age !
He's got a big heart - a great sense of humour - and snores louder than a CAT D4 Dozer without a muffler !

One other factor on the road transfer versus charter is where the strip is versus camp. If you are landing close to camp you save time but sometimes the strip may be in a town an hour or two away and if the concession is close to Harare the total savings in time may not be that much.

I think that if a road transfer is practical, it's the way to go. You will get to see things that will amaze you. You will get to see not only some country, but a bit of what African life is like outside a hunting camp. My wife and I enjoyed the four hour trip from Harare to Makuti in 2009.

I prefer ground transfer when ever practical as long as out fitter believes its safe. the ground travel gives you an opportunity to see country and other parts of Africa you may not encounter while hunting. I have never hunted with Safrique but in Dallas this year a good friend with whom I have hunted , Bruce Watson was in their both and I believe although not an owner hunts with the group. Bruce is a very competent PH and gentleman. He has hunted with Pro Safari, Swonepoel and Scandrol and has his own gig in Rifa. If that will help. Don't know the other groups mentioned in your post except by reputation. sounds like you have narrowed it down to a very solid group to choose from. Good luck

I am also looking at Safrique. I spoke with them in Reno, and have a very good feeling about their operation. Probably looking at a kitty and a sable. From my research, not the best for "the book", but it looks like a very good area for a good hunt! And not at Tanzania rates!

I don,t know if it is available anymore but in 2002 I took the train that ran between Dar and somewhere in Zambia. The train makes several stops and I got off at the Kenyonguru. The PH met me there and we drove another 2-3 hours into the Selous. We hunted MK1 and then the Gonabisi area to cull some buffalo and wildebeest. What an adventure. My ticket was for a compartment in the 3rd car and I shared it with a Tracker named Cosmos. He worked for a different Safari company, and when we got off the train he met some folks and headed south while we headed north. Cosmos was very knowledgeable and I saw a part of Africa few see while sharing a few beers with excellent company.

Austringer,

I do remember talking to you and your wife asked some very astute questions for a novice. I'm always impressed by a lady who wants to be included in the planning. I have a significant other like that and once we had gone to Africa together there was no doubt about what our life long recreational pursuit would be.

Your a lucky guy.

Mark

Ive known Gavin since 1994. Have been in camp with him but never hunted with him. He is finishing up some hunts in Binga this year and he and Doug Carlisle will also be hunting Dande communal. He is very good especially with large leopards. As Russ Broom sold out in Zim he has found new ground in Dande.

I can recommend Charlton McCallum and would also take the road transfer. The air charters are very expensive, I believe around $1200. The road transfer to Dande North is 5 to 6 hours, but it is not too bad and allows you to get to know the hunting team before you reach camp.

i'll take the road anyday. that we we see some more of the country. take your wife along, it will increase the enjoyment for both of you by tenfold. dianne has come with me the last 8 or 9 times. i couldn't leave here at home if i wanted to.

I hunted Buffalo with Myles McCallum of CMSafaris (Charlton- McCallum)in December of 2008. I got in about 9pm, stayed at the Gecko, had a lovely breakfast, and Myles picked me up there about 8am. We drove north to Makuti area where we hunted. The drive took an hour longer because I kept asking Myles to stop so I could take some pictures. Great classic pre-war tent under thatched roof camp. Fantastic man to hunt with, full of little tales and tidbits of African lore, and a great host around the table and the fire of an evening. Our last evening out we stopped a couple times on the way back to camp and he picked some marvelous flowers for his wife to take back the next morning. A man after my own heart. You could not make a better choice of PH companies to hunt with, be it your first trip or your twentieth.

Rich