hunting the kalahari Desert in RSA

04 October 2010, 01:02

Hunters: Gerald and Richard Corey
Non-hunter: Rosemary Corey
Outfitter: Campbell Safaris Website: www.campbell-safari.co.za
Email: helmuth@campbell-safari.co.za Tel: +27 11 454 0293
PH: Helmuth Fischer (Owner)
Country: RSA
Location: Kalahari Desert
Date: September 5-15, 2010
Species taken: Eland, hartebeest, gemsbok, waterbuck, wildebeest, springbuck, steenbok, duiker, warthog

This is our second safari both in RSA . This one was no comparison to the first. This one was real hunting. We had to walk and stalk every animal collected. Helmuth does not believe in driving and spotting. Also no shooting at waterholes or hides except for bow hunting, and handicapped.
My brother and I have hunted throughout our lives and are no longer horn hunters, so the trophies we took are trophies to us but not in the book. We collected both male and female animals. For the first time hunter, this is the place I would recommend. both because of true hunting and cost. I was able to shoot seven animals for under $8,000 this included trophy fees and board & room for the two of us (not including airfare). The accommodations were first class and the meals were outstanding!
The three trackers and their wives are the staff. The ladies do the housework, laundry, and help with the cooking. The head cook was Elize Boshoff (wife of the game manager, Bossie).
Helmuth and his wife Debbie (owners) were outstanding hosts. Debbie took time to be with my wife and assisted and joined us at every meal.
We had scheduled this hunt in early May but a week before we were to leave, we found out that Rosemary had to have open heart surgery. Panic!! Got a hold of Helmuth and he told us not to worry, but he would reschedule us to a later date after Rosemary’s recovery. Also, Helmuth had us booked at the Dakota Inn (located at the Rand Airport in Johannesburg) They also rebooked us for the later date. Helmuth’s travel agent, Janet at Sandown Travel was able to get our airline tickets rebooked for the later date.
Booking with Helmuth means you fly to Joberg. He handles all the gun permits, and letters of introduction. Then he flies you in his own plane to Campbell (approx. 300 air miles). He flies out of the Rand Airport. Google Helmuth Fischer. You’ll be surprised to learn about his flying capabilities. His ranch consists of 13,000 acres. In the 10 days we were there we never covered all 13,000 acres .Kalahari is made up of red sand and white pans, two ft grasses are everywhere, and every bush and tree had thorns with my name on it!
The days start between 6:30 and 8:00 walk and stalk until about 11:00 and have brunch. Then you had time to relax, or sleep until about 4:00 pm then it’s walk and stalk until dusk. Then you return and relax with a refreshing drink and have a wonderful dinner.
The hardest hunt we had was for my duiker. It involved one and a half days of walking finally finding one.
Here are some pictures.

Richard & Helmuth with Wildebeest

Richard's Gemsbok

Gerald's Steenbok

Gerald's Gemsbok

Gerald's Eland

Richard's Duiker

Gerald's Springbok

Richard's Hartebeest

Here are some shots of the lodge and room and food preparation. The lodge is well kept up and laundry is done daily if you wish. The exterior is clean as well. True solitude

Lodge

Our room

Typical brunch

Kitchen with Elize & Eldina

Meat processing area

here are some photos from a ground level hide. I couldn't believe how close the birds and animals would get to us. the mineral block was only 10 ft. away,the water hole 60ft.

Sandgrouse