Folks

If you can go on short notice we can offer 2 elephants in the Xai Xai area in the Kalahari. The elephant are there now and the first client shot a 52 pounder. When the water dries up and the amarula fruit is gone the elephant will leave so these hunts are only available May-June.

The hunts are all inclusive for 10 days to include the elelphant trophy fee. The only other cost is $800 dip/pack and $1400 charter or $300 road tranfer from Maun.

Eland, kudu and gemsbok are also very good here.

We also are offering a 10 day Kalahari leopard hunt with Bushman tracker for $12000 all inclusive.

Regards,

Mark

Mark,

Is the Xai Xai you mention the one near Aha Hills, on the border to Namibia, and just north of Drotsky's Cave?

Erik

You personally know the area better than I. It must be the same area because its 1.5 million acres do border Namibia.

Regards,

Mark

This is a deal for a 50 pounder.

500grain

It would seem the low 50's are the top of the expectations for the area but it is hard to tell because they have only really hunted it one full season before this year. Of course some of the results are based on how selective the hunter is.

I would bet though if the average goes up and they pull MORE 50 pounders out of there this year the price will jump. Right now the total price is pretty hard to beat with a ground transfer of only $300 and observer fee of $150 per day.

Regards,

Mark

Mark,

If it's on the Namibian border, then it's where I mentioned it is. This is one of the more remote areas in Botswana that can still be accessed by a 4x4. And an area where you'll find more genuine Bushmen, unlike around towns such as Ghanzi, Maun etc. A drive from Maun to Xai Xai takes about 7-8 hours if I remember correctly, and is worth it if IMO. The track after leaving the asfalt at Tsao is very deep and loose sand.

One thing in this area worth seeing that is quite interesting is Drotsky's Caves (AKA Gcwihaba Caves for the politically correct). It a labyrinth of caves and caverns about 1 km long with stalagmites and stalactites which reach up to 10m in length, and about a zillion bats! There is a long piece of fishline/string that goes thru the main route, as there are no guides or people there (although we met some BDF soldiers digging there when we visited the area). A strong headtorch (such as made by Petzl) in addition to a handtorch is needed as one has to crawl on hands and knees thru tight spots, and climb a little bit in one place. The is no other light, so bringing spare batterys is absolutly necassary. I'd have to say that this cave system is one of the coolest places one can visit in Botswana, and it has next to no visitors since it is so far off the beaten track. A truly unique place, and it would seem right in the area where this elephant hunt will take place.

quote:

Originally posted by MARK H. YOUNG:
$1400 charter or $300 road tranfer from Maun.

Any takers should seriously consider the charter. If you do the road transfer, at the half-way mark you'll be wishing for a plane.

I don't know what the water situation is there this year, but Xai Xai is a VERY early destination. June is pushing it for an elephant hunt.

Forrest

Your absolutely right about the road but it will save you $1100. I personally have chosen some road trips in Botswana, Zambia and Tanzanaia rather than going by plane. I personally thought the experience and money saved was worth it but the roads in all 3 countries were absolutely horendous.

I also agree earlier is better. May is perfect. April can be mud up to the hubs.

Eric, Looks like an interesting sie trip forthe adventurous. Personally caves give me the willys.

Regards,

Mark