I have a plan.

Last year I invited a couple of characters attached to the US military to help out with a venture deep into the unknown, one of Africa’s vast wetlands the Kafue Flats of Zambia. The hunt was a great success and some very big Lechwe were taken, one trophy exceeding anything that we have taken in the past ten years of safari hunting. The hunting was fairly tough and we got dirty. Dig back into the hunting reports ‘Kafue Flats report’ and the hunt and venue was well detailed there.



Note Lechwe in the background.

Zambia has witnessed exceptional rains this year and the Kafue river is flooding which will saturate the Flats pushing the Lechwe into the shallower margins. For me these are ideal conditions to hunt really big Lechwe. No operator is going to venture into this watery morass before June or July until the water has receded. Note that the hunting of Lechwe is typically done from a safari car.

But I know that the Lechwe will be congregated on the edges of these watery margins and will seek the higher and drier grounds. My theory is take advantage of this and go in early, May? Sod the car.

What I am thinking is that there are many here on AR that could probably not afford a safari into remote Africa due to a number of factors but mainly being the high cost of daily rates and trophy fees. But if I could get a group together of lets say 4 - 6 individuals who would effectively share the main costs and who are prepared to relinquish some of the luxuries of a modern day safari then this would be an affordable opportunity to share this adventure? And beside there is only one trophy fee to consider?



Before I plan the details of such a safari my thoughts are that this would incur seven days in Zambia and probably five full days hunting the Flats. The other two would be arrival/departure, shopping, travel and getting our act together.

This needs some constructive input from AR in order for me to finalize a package and indeed sort out the nitty gritty of such a hunt. What would be your concerns? Is it worth coming to Africa for one animal? It would be restricted to AR members (one of us). This sort of hunting would have very little structure as no other hunter one that I know of has been into the flats in full flood. We would probably have to hire canoes from local fishermen and the tented base camp would be very basic. I could not guarantee ice in your gin and tonic for the full duration of the safari. There will be no waiter to mix your favorite tipple and you will have to muck in with some of the chores. I will bring a chef and a couple of right hand men to help with the arduous work and the recovery of the Lechwe. Myself and another PH will be targeting 30 inch plus animals and looking for that big one. The Flats offers excellent wing shooting for a host of wild fowl for those interested in this sport.



Once I have addressed the considerations of this idea and if there is sufficient interest I will then advertise it here on AR which will include full details of itinerary, individual rates, contracts etc.

One of the cost I cannot get around is the individual cost of dip & pack and freight of trophies. Memories and good photographs (professional) is one option? The other is I could have a word with my exporter and see if we could get a group discount. Like wise the trophies could go to one taxidermist.



What do you think?

Brilliant idea! Great names thing alike!

I would join if there was any way to make it possible. Need someone to help?

Andrew McLaren

Andrew
I may be very interested in this after all the details ie. cost, who else is going, exact dates, etc. is finalized and all the details are hashed out for the trip.

Looks like a grand time and would be right up my alley.

quote:

Originally posted by Scottyboy:
Andrew
I may be very interested in this after all the details ie. cost, who else is going, exact dates, etc. is finalized and all the details are hashed out for the trip.

Looks like a grand time and would be right up my alley.

Scottyboy,

The individuals should be relatively fit and will probably have to walk in swamp conditions. However this is not an endurance test and we will hunt to compliment each others capabilities. The size of the trophy will be relative to the time and effort you put into the hunt. Those who want good representative will score high twenties quite easily. Your thirty plus you will have to work for.

If I have enough interest then I may well do two safaris back to back?

I am looking first week of May as it would be critical to get in whilst the flood waters are high.

The PH's would be me and Thor Kirchner of Munyamadzi. I could probably get a mate of mine a superb chef to come along. Good food and beverages are a must.

quote:

Originally posted by Andrew McLaren:
Brilliant idea! Great names thing alike!

I would join if there was any way to make it possible. Need someone to help?

Andrew McLaren

Sure you can help out but with possibly six hunters and staff there would be very little space left in the vehicles.

Just had a word with our exporter who is willing to reduce the standard $1500 Dip & Pack charge to $800 per person (min 5 pax) with possibly another $100 saving if the trophies go to one destination.

Awesome trophy and it looks like a great destination, Andrew.

Andrew, I would be very interested in the deal if I have the time open. Would it be possible to do the dip and pack myself for exprot to Namibia's Caprivi? (Same possible diseases...)

quote:

Originally posted by Karl S:
Andrew, I would be very interested in the deal if I have the time open. Would it be possible to do the dip and pack myself for exprot to Namibia's Caprivi? (Same possible diseases...)

Probably and depending on the quarantine time? Documentation including an export permit and vet certificate have to be issued this side and that is quite a bit of running around. Maybe get it delivered to Livingstone for you to collect?

Who do I have to kill to be able to join??

- mike

interesting

By all means, chase the details and let us know!

"..."The Flats offers excellent wing shooting for a host of wild fowl for those interested in this sport." Great fun and good eating as well.

I will be in Zimb until the second of May so it sounds like a perfect topping to my Zimb safari. Excellent. Details,details.
Thanks for this fantastic opportunity. I may well jump in.

That is exactly the type of hunting I love to do. Hard, non-luxury, and almost impossible to find as a non resident hunting in Africa.

YES!

quote:

Originally posted by dwarf416:
I will be in Zimb until the second of May so it sounds like a perfect topping to my Zimb safari. Excellent. Details,details.
Thanks for this fantastic opportunity. I may well jump in.

diego,

You would have to reschedule your flights.

quote:

Originally posted by mho:
Who do I have to kill to be able to join??

- mike

Person number 6.

I will be posting this opportunity shortly however it will not be on an individual first come first served basis but rather teams that can finalize their complex travel arrangements.

Like I said I am prepared to do a couple of safaris to meet the demand if need be.

Note that guns can be also be shared or I can lend you a suitable caliber if need be?

Fairgame, you may already have this issue under control, but just in case: field preparation of trophies and avoiding hairslip until capes can get to taxidermist??

- mike

Andrew,

I love the idea and have the fitness level and low maintenance attitude for such a hunt. Unfortunately, time will not allow it this year.

Jim

quote:

Originally posted by mho:
Fairgame, you may already have this issue under control, but just in case: field preparation of trophies and avoiding hairslip until capes can get to taxidermist??

- mike

No worries. We will have a skinner and the weather will be dry and the trophies will be delivered to our local taxidermist/exporter Mike Borman on our return to Lusaka.

What are the dates so I can re schedule flights.Thanks

Must be getting old....I prefer the machan the locals called the Colonial Blind because they waded chest deep water and towed the boat I rode in. (That was for Sitatunga not Kafue Lechwe but it applies!)

I am very much interested, and able to travel on short notice. Please include me on your contact list.

And.....I'll buy the first several rounds of liquor at the bar, after the hunt!

Chaps,

I have posted details and costs on 'Outfitters - Offered and Discounted Hunts'. See AR KAFUE FLATS LECHWE HUNT

quote:

Originally posted by TWL:
I am very much interested, and able to travel on short notice. Please include me on your contact list.

And.....I'll buy the first several rounds of liquor at the bar, after the hunt!

Will remember that and might stick it in your contract.

quote:

Originally posted by Tom In Tennessee:
Must be getting old....I prefer the machan the locals called the Colonial Blind because they waded chest deep water and towed the boat I rode in. (That was for Sitatunga not Kafue Lechwe but it applies!)

Can be arranged?

In addition I have had some queries about other possible species and am now considering an add on whereas the group or part of (minimum 3) could move onto Luangwa and split a PG hunt? This is viable because Munyamadzi does not pay the hefty concession fees attached to the government concessions.

If some could not afford the hunting they could always join us as observers?

The whole concept is to offer those a wild Africa opportunity at an affordable price.

The Luangwa deal needs some thought on my side but I was thinking of offering each AR member one common antelope including species such as Puku, Kudu, Waterbuck, Grysbok etc And each could take an Impala and try their hand at hunting one of those big Chacma baboon males.



Food for thought?

Andrew

I will be interested maybe you can do a ar american hunting and maybe a south african namibia guys together i can organize a few guys from this side and we like it ruff and tuff hope you guys can handle us.What about a chobe bushbuck anywhere on the flats?

Luan

quote:

The Luangwa deal needs some though on my side but I was thinking of offering each AR member one common antelope specie including species such as Puku, Kudu, Waterbuck, Grysbok etc And each could take an Impala and try their hand at hunting one of those big Chacma baboon males.

Now you're talking!

Man this trip sounds great. I wish my knees were 10 yrs younger. Jealouse doesnt even start to describe it. Good Hunting Guys.
SSR

quote:

Originally posted by Cross L:
Man this trip sounds great. I wish my knees were 10 yrs younger. Jealouse doesnt even start to describe it. Good Hunting Guys.
SSR

Ain't that the truth! Man, that's a sweet opportunity...

quote:

Originally posted by Cross L:
Man this trip sounds great. I wish my knees were 10 yrs younger. Jealouse doesnt even start to describe it. Good Hunting Guys.
SSR

Bollocks,

I can have my right hand man Green pole you through the wetland and knowing him (being a better hunter than I) you will end up with an experience and trophy of your dreams.

I will split the team into two and divide the hunt accordingly. I see the fitter members pushing and dragging the canoes through the mire. You duty will be confined to the bar at the end of the day.

Confirm that you know a finger of whiskey is actually the length of the digit rather than the width?

quote:

Originally posted by jetdrvr:

quote:

Originally posted by Cross L:
Man this trip sounds great. I wish my knees were 10 yrs younger. Jealouse doesnt even start to describe it. Good Hunting Guys.
SSR

Ain't that the truth! Man, that's a sweet opportunity...

Ditto.

quote:

Originally posted by fairgame:

quote:

Originally posted by Cross L:
Man this trip sounds great. I wish my knees were 10 yrs younger. Jealouse doesnt even start to describe it. Good Hunting Guys.
SSR

Bollocks,

I can have my right hand man Green pole you through the wetland and knowing him (being a better hunter than I) you will end up with an experience and trophy of your dreams.

I will split the team into two and divide the hunt accordingly. I see the fitter members pushing and dragging the canoes through the mire. You duty will be confined to the bar at the end of the day.

Confirm that you know a finger of whiskey is actually the length of the digit rather than the width?

Not only confirm that but whiskey means singlemalt

quote:

Originally posted by luan:
Andrew

I will be interested maybe you can do a ar american hunting and maybe a south african namibia guys together i can organize a few guys from this side and we like it ruff and tuff hope you guys can handle us.What about a chobe bushbuck anywhere on the flats?

Luan

Luan,

Good idea. The quota is only for Lechwe and some Zebra which occur on the Flats much later. If you chaps bring a car and some grub I am sure we can sort you out a good deal.

The swamps hold monster crocodiles, hippo, buffalo etc but there is no quota which is a great pity because the crocs are enormous. However all these mentioned animals are much deeper into the Flats than where will be. Not even fishermen venture there.

Andrew

Enclosed is a map of a small potion of the Flats and the map is some 80 - 90 kilometers across.

The Kafue River is absorbed into a massive wetland



I doubt we will breach the bottom of this map.

Might try in October though?

quote:

Originally posted by Cross L:

quote:

Originally posted by fairgame:

quote:

Originally posted by Cross L:
Man this trip sounds great. I wish my knees were 10 yrs younger. Jealouse doesnt even start to describe it. Good Hunting Guys.
SSR

Bollocks,

I can have my right hand man Green pole you through the wetland and knowing him (being a better hunter than I) you will end up with an experience and trophy of your dreams.

I will split the team into two and divide the hunt accordingly. I see the fitter members pushing and dragging the canoes through the mire. You duty will be confined to the bar at the end of the day.

Confirm that you know a finger of whiskey is actually the length of the digit rather than the width?

Not only confirm that but whiskey means singlemalt

No problem but suggest you bring your own.

Ever wonder what was in that steel box tucked behind the seat of a PH's car?

I guess I should have read through this closer. Andrew, as I stated in my PM, later in the year is my preference but if you need someone to fill out a May date let me know and I can probably make it work.

George

Andrew Mclaren has kindly offered to come up and will be in charge of trophy skinning and field preparation.

Thanks Andrew.

quote:

Originally posted by fairgame:


You duty will be confined to the bar at the end of the day.

Confirm that you know a finger of whiskey is actually the length of the digit rather than the width?

Fairgame......now thats my kind of Safari!! Your idea sounds excellent and right up my alley. Hard work after an elusive quarry. R u ever in Zim. I have big glasses in my Pub!!