I just want to relate a story to you guys and gals. I bought a rhino hunt ( dart ) at sci auction to be taken this year with Nsthonolonga Safaris. Due to some family issues and timing I wasnt going to be able to take advantage of this hunt. Peter and Deon contacted me and offered me a couple of different options. I ended up trading this hunt for a different one that I can take advantage of this year or next. I am going in Sept of this year. These guys offered me a great deal that wont cost me any extra money and will be about even for them. However, logistically it is a lot of extra work for them at no additional money. Not only do I want to publicly thank them, but I want you guys to know what kind of folks these are. They didnt have to do any of this and it was initiated by them not me. I just thought you would like to know what kind of standup guys these are. So I get to go this year after all.

Mike,

Glad to hear this.

In fact, this goes to show what we have all been saying about Peter and Deon is correct.

True gentlemen and professionals, and I have no hesitation in recomending them.

I've only been to SA once and it was with Peter and Deon, They were excellent people to have dealt with.
Mike

Mike Smith
What weeks in Sept. will you be there? I will be at Nsthonolonga from the the 20th of August until the 10th of September. Its great to hear your report on them. I met Peter and his girlfriend when they were in the U.S. a couple of months ago and liked them from the first minute of conversation.

I look forward to the possibility of meeting you.

Palmer, You will probably have the chance. Im looking at the 10th of Sept thru the end of the month but the exact days are flexible. At the very least we should see each other at the guest house on the way in and out. Where did you meet Peter and Marte'? She is a great gal. Seems most of the Afrikaner women I have met are not only beautiful but talented. They really are great people.
Mikehjd, Were you the guy who borrowed Droms 375 because your contneder broke or do I have you confused with someone else? Either way I agree they are absolutely wonderful people.

Mike,

Sorry to hear you are following us in there.

I met Peter and Marte' in Missouri. They came to meet with others in this area and got roped into doing a "show and tell" session. I brought some of the two groups of people I have talked into going with me.

It was good to see that Peter did not have a big ego and although he would answer any question, he was not anxious to make any speeches.

Marte' brought some of her paintings. I really liked some of those that depicted the children of South Africa. Hopefully we will get to see some more of them when over there.

Some of my friends going with me asked Peter if she had a sister. He said there was none but her mother was good looking too. At least one of my friends is excited about that.

In the first 10 days I am taking 8 of my wildest friends from the construction industry (the "un-churched" group). I am not sure I can promise there will be any liquor left for you so consider bringing your own sundowner supplies. It wouldnt hurt to bring a tent also just in case there is some damage at the camps.

During the second 10 days I am bringing my Wife and some relation (9 of them - the "churched" group). I will probably never hear the end of it - especially after the damage the first group will do.

The bright news for you is that out of the 17 in both groups I think we have two that can shoot. There should be plenty of critters left for you although they may be a little spooky.

The other good thing is that there are 4 master plumbers in our group. The toilets should be working fine when you get there.

Look forward to seeing you.

Do you know where you will be hunting yet? Im sure you will be at Bokpoort for a while. The national park is a unique and beautifull place to hunt. It reminds me somewhat of our southwest except with large herds of animals all over. It does require some longer shots. The animals are very wild. It is no easy shoot in that regards. If you hunt Qwa Qwa get the guys to show you the dinosaur footprints while you are there. Just something else interesting to see. You guys will also enjoy Bokpoort. Christo and family are good hosts. I doubt if you guys can empty the bar believe me they are well stocked. The bunch of heathens I went with last year put a serious dent in it be we never ran out of anything. I dont know if you are going to hunt Zululand or up north as well. No matter what it wont be enough time believe me. Im planning on taking a few days just to do some tiger fishing this time even though it wont really be the best time for it.
Im going by myself this time so it should be a really laid back trip for me. As much fun as it is with a large group of people Im looking forward to some solitutde. Oh yeah get the guys to take you to the cultural center why you are there. The center itself is a little touristy but if you hike back there are some nice petroglyphs to be seen.
PS The other nice thing about my going later even though my plans were totally re-arranged is the end of the season blue light specials. Ie whatever is left on license that hasnt been shot.

[ 03-30-2003, 20:07: Message edited by: Mike Smith ]

I know we will hunt in the National Park for a while other than that I was leaving it to Peter. Your suggestions are much appreciated. I know my wife will be excited when I tell her about some of the sight-seeing ideas you posted.

Good day
Mike Smith: Yes I'm the guy wo borrowed Droms 375. My contender did break but I had a spare frame. I couldn't have hit the broadside of a barn if I was locked in it with it though.(they Will verrify that) I felt bad for Drom because he had me well within pistol range of everything I wanted and it wasn't his fault I couldn't come through. Looking back I think I've figured out what went wrong but as you know a miss is still a miss no matter how you put it. Drom was alot of fun to hunt with and I hope on my next trip I can hunt with him again.

The company as a whole I think is excellent.
Mike

Excellent service, excellent persons, excellent professionals.

I met and Peter and Deon and spent a couple of days at the " Harris House", two years ago with my father while hunting with Jannie Otto.Both Peter and Deon are top notch professionals and top notch individuals, whom I would share a fox hole with any day.Next time I hunt In R.S.A., it will be with either of these guys.