I was given a signed autobiography of Basie Maartens for Christmas by a hunting buddy.
What a great story!
Basie is generally recognised as the first licenced professional hunter in southern africa, getting his licence in around 1959.
He hunted with guys like Elmer Keith, Jay Mellon (whose book African Hunter recounts some of his experiences with Basie)SCI founder CJ McElroy amongst others.
He was a past prez of PHASA, IPHA, and several other well known associations, and was instrumental in getting PHíng recognised and authorised in SWA, now known as Namibia.
All in all a great read.

The book "The last safari" is printed by Sycamore Island Books www.sycamoreisland.com ISBN 978 1 58160 669 0

Second your recommendation for Basie's "The Last Safari."

Had met him in the mid-80s when he and his wife ran Mountain Shadows near Cape Town. The Namibia chapter in Mellon's "African Hunter" had brought his name to my attention. He's one of the major figures of the early Southern African safari industry.

Regards

Basie also is a fine gentleman. He served for several years as a panelist on our "First African Safari" seminar at SCI conventions until he suffered a major stroke. I lost track of him after that. Anyone know how he is doing now?

Incidentally, Prince Abdorreza of Iran spoke kindly about Basie when Safari Press publisher Ludo Wurfbain and I interviewed the prince for what became the book "Royal Quest." His Imperial Highness considered most of his booking agents, outfitters and PHs to be "tradesmen and common people," which should give some idea of Basie's character.

Bill Quimby