A fine trophy there Alan. Congratulations. The new SAA Airbus A 340 has me concerned. The last trip on the 747 was just terrible, especially the longer return flight, where they won't even let you stretch your legs on Isle de Sol. I can't imagine dealing with less room.
Gentlemen: Thanks. To answer questions: Rifle was a 416 Rigby. Bullets were 400 gr. Swift A Frames and 410 gr. Woodleigh Solids. The Swifts performed flawlessly. The second Buff was not as mature as the first, but we had a great stalk. He walked straight to me, and I shot him at about 20 yds. This was probaly too close, but I was like people watching tornados. I have never been this close to one of these critters and I was facinated. He on the other hand, was quite surprised. Re: A340 Air Bus: What a miserable ride! I plan on writing SAA Customer Service and voicing my concern. Perhaps if they get enough complaints, they will reconfigure the seating.
Posts: 120 | Location: Winston-Salem, NC USA | Registered: 24 June 2001
Congrats Alan and thansk for the photos. I was thinking "alan should be back by now and here youare!" Yor point on the AIRBUS is well taken. I called SAA Customer Service as well, but here's the issue: They have NO competition on the Atl-Jo route so they'll do what they want. Hey if you get the chance, post more photos! jorge
Posts: 7151 | Location: Orange Park, Florida. USA | Registered: 22 March 2001
I regestered my complaint by flying BA, yes it is thru London, but I understand (will know for sure next month) I will check my luggage straight thru to Windhoek. I do have a 11 hr lay over in London, but as I have never seen London I will be taking a day tour. Also it is cheaper and the difference will pay for my tour. Comming back I only have a 3 hr lay over. Maybe I have been lucky but I have never had problems with guns in the UK.
Posts: 5338 | Location: Bedford, Pa. USA | Registered: 23 February 2002
I just returned from a great trip. I hunted with Lowveld Hunters/Jannie Meyer and his son Steven. We were in the Chewore area hunting Cape Buffalo. Travel arrangements were made by Debbie Gracy. I had no problems at any time with the current political situation in Zim. People were friendly at the Harare airport and rifle and luggage were cleared quickly and we were on our way to Chewore. Camp accomodations on the Angwa River were very comfortable and the food and camp service were top notch. Steven Meyer worked very hard for us and was relentless in his pursuit of our quary. In 8 days of hunting I saw plenty of Buffalo as well as Elephants, Lions, Waterbuck, Kudu, Zebra, Eland, Wart Hogs, and Bushbuck. I found myself competing with the lions and the full moon as well. This made the hunting challenging but interesting. I was rewarded with 2 Buff for our efforts. The only downside of this trip was the long flight on SAA Airbus A 340. In my opinion, this airplane in its current configuration is not apprpriate for such a long flight. Seating is VERY cramped with no leg room. Other than that, I really enjoyed my trip.
Posts: 120 | Location: Winston-Salem, NC USA | Registered: 24 June 2001
fredj338,jorge: Good luck with the "Air Bust". Excersise by walking up and down the aisle, stretching, and take your favorite anticoagulant. Hydration helps also. If the Buffalo don't kill you the Air Bust" might. If you can, upgrade to business class. Good Luck! Alan.
Posts: 120 | Location: Winston-Salem, NC USA | Registered: 24 June 2001
Hey Allen, Beaut buff dude! Glad to hear you had a good hunt - I book hunts for Jannie & Steve here in Europe & I know that by themselves they are good guys, hunting with both of them must have been a great time.
Were you only after buff or did you take other trophies as well?
I reckon that second bull might just be nudging 42?? Hard to be sure on a photograph...but he looks nice! Kind of gives you a flutter in your chest when they march up to you like that hey??
When are you going back??
Posts: 133 | Location: Sweden | Registered: 24 June 2004
