Hi.
I am considering a trip to South Africa. I have found an outfitter "Grootpan Hunting Safaris". They are owned by Hein and Yvette Uys, in the Limpopo province of South Africa. They have good prices and a nice web site. The only problem is that they only have 4 references that I can check. I have asked for more but they do not have any.
Has anyone hunted with this outfitter? What are they like? Are they legit.
Any help would be appreciated.

Constructoman,

I think you know if they only can provide 4 references that this is because they have only been in busines a short while or there is a problem somewhere. There are loads of PG operations with long track records with hundreds of happy clients. Why not book with a well known and respected outfit and assure yourself a good experieince.

I'm sure it's obvious that I'm in the business so if I can help you let me know and I'll offer you some good options.

Mark

Constructoman

I know Hein from Grootpan and work with him a little. Have you asked him for more references? Remember that outfitters sometimes try and "spread the load" a little amongst their old clients so that everybody do not get nailed with e-mails from prospective hunters all the time.

I also know Mark and we work with him a lot. You will be in good hands with him also.

I have not met Hein but have spoken to him on the phone.

We hunted at Grootpan almost exactly two years ago, March 2008. We were hosted by his PH/manager Steven.

He had two Zimbabwean trackers, James and Rodwell who were also excellent and taught us alot about tracking.

The facilities are very good. As a I mentioned we were there in March and the bush was still too dense so hunting was difficult.

Have a look at the photo gallery on their website to get an idea of trophy quality. Bear in mind that many of these animals have been shot by local meat hunters.

I can recommend Grootpan.

The farm used to belong to a friend of mine Willem Burger and I did hunt in the past a lot on the farm and their facilities is excellent. Their operation is legit.