We left Chicago on Monday only to find our luggage and firearms did not make the trip and we were left in Johannesburg with nothing but our carry-ons. After spending the night at Afton Guest House we left for Vic Falls. Everyone was still clueless as to the whereabouts of our luggage. On the positive side, South Africa seems to have gotten it’s
act together on processing firearms permits as Buddy was quickly whisked through the process.

After arriving in Vic Falls, our charter pilot Chris, requested our luggage keys and Zim firearm permits. Chris told us he would take care of the luggage when it eventually arrived.

We were flown to Chirisa by Chris, and a plan was made that when the luggage arrived it would be flown into camp.

That night at camp we had dinner with George Hallamore and his elephant hunting client. The client was going home empty handed as he was holding out for a very big bull. The story they told was incredible, a cow elephant had literally attacked their vehicle driving one tusk through the hood and the other tusk was stopped by the bush guard and the winch. The Game Scout shot the cow at point blank range numerous times with his AK47, the cow then ran away, but was not recovered.

Now it is Thursday, March 15th, limited clothes, no firearms, and no information on our luggage. We checked with HHK and were told that our firearms and baggage were on their way to camp. In the meantime, Buddy and Ross Johnston were looking for sable from the old game ranger station when they saw a lioness walk out of the bush with a baby impala. She played with the impala like a cat with a mouse before eating it. There are literally lions everywhere. All night they are grunting.

I will keep you posted on how the hunt progresses.

Excellent account...can't wait to hear more.

D. Nelson

Hope your luggage arrives soon.

While visiting in RSA, I was once asked if I wanted to kill an elephant that was sitting on eco-tourist cars in one of the private game-viewing parks. I slept on the question, and before I made up my mind overnight (I wasn't so keen on the concept, much less the price), the elephant sat on another car and got immediate capital punishment.

On the lighter side, you say "...The Game Scout shot the cow at point blank range numerous times with his AK47, the cow then ran away, but was not recovered." I've never seen a game scout with "several" bullets. Most are lucky to have two!

Kathi: You make everyones trips better. You go girl! You deserve a great one yourself! Remember that the baggage gremlin got my bags, too and eventually everything worked out for me. I'm sure it will for you, too!

Sorry to hear about your luggage -- I hope your luck improves soon.

Kathi, I am sorry to hear about your luggage problems. It truly can happen to anyone at any time.

I hope they get it straightened out soon.

An AK for elephant? I have seen it myself and have always marveled at whatever passes for the logic behind it. I hope that wounded cow dies and does not kill anyone beforehand.

Thanks for the report. Some of us, like me, are forced to hunt vicariously this year or not at all!