Has anyone heard or used this Outfitter? Stephen Barber is the owner and I know he's a member of phasa

Others no doubt will differ on this,but my dealings with phasa as of late have proven the following..They basically have nor want any idea of what their members are doing,just their $ dues..To those who argue, I would refer you to the section of phasa home page,where I loosely quote "PH shall not be given or except any renumeration directly by the client"There's others,but I think that one sums up phasa's lack of direct contact...The second is when I spent 10 minutes on the phone with them going down their list of members..."No dont know them"."Sorry no dont know them".Until I got winded and gave up.

I hunted with Stephen Barber last year and he made it truly the hunt of a lifetime. He had one of his grandfather's ox wagons fully restored. I told him that if he found oxen to pull it, my wife and I would be his first customers to go hunting using ox wagon as transportation. He found oxen and handlers and the hunt was on. I suspect that it actually cost him more to put on the hunt than we paid in fees, but he enjoyed himself as much as we did. One thing I learned was that oxen aren't too fond of elephants passing by in the night.

Stephen is one of the few PH/outfitters that I've met who wants to put on the hunt you want rather than try and fit you into what he provides.

I can recommend him and am taking my own advice - I'll be hunting with him again next year.

Thanks for the reply. I'm going with another guide friend and our wives. Did your wife enjoy the trip and did you visit Kruger? Also how were the lodge accommadations. Our hunt is in August 2006 and I can hardly wait.

The pictures of the lodge certainly look nice.

Xomaqua

quote:

Maineguide1

Can't help with info on the PH, but I've been to the Kruger a couple of times.

The south and middle sections of the Park seem the busiest and have the most developed camps. I have not been to the far North yet but I get the impression that is remoter.

Accomadation varies from tents to basic rondals to very nicely appointed lodges. Most of the larger camps have a good mix depending how much you want to pay...and surprisingly its not too expensive either for one of RSA's premier
tourist destinations.

Take some steaks ect along and a few beers as most accommadations have a BBQ of some sort...its hard to think of a nice a way to while away the African evening!

You have to be in your chosen camp by dusk so watch the time/distance factor and be aware they do have Rangers enforcing the speed limits with speed/radar guns although I suspect this is just around the main camps..

Once at the camp, check what trips are on offer and get them booked up as spaces can be limited. I particularly enjoyed the night time game drives...you need some warm clothes though, as it get very cold in the back of that open 4X4...

For more info visit:

http://www.krugerpark.co.za/

Regards,

Pete

quote:

Did your wife enjoy the trip and did you visit Kruger? Also how were the lodge accommadations.

My wife hunted with me and enjoyed it immensely. As far as Kruger, I've never been there. When I shell out the money and use up my vacation time, I don't want to spend it in a park.

Xomaqua is a shade above average for accomodations (which is pretty damn good!) and the service, food, beer supply, &c., left nothing at all to be desired.

I also hunted with Stephen Barber in 2001. It was a great hunt with a first class operation. I agree with your assessment of how Steve put on the hunt for the client vs. fitting you in to what is provided. I would not hesitate to go back, and hope to again.

zim698

Steven Run's a 1st class operation.

we went to krueger a time or 2 - it's a wonderful place to bring your wife, as she will see much. Only caution is that you make your reservations early. the camps aren't that large & fill up quite quickly. especially during school vacation times

I agree with the positive comments about Xomaqua Lodge. Mr. Barber goes out of his way to make sure guests and hunters are entertained. I enjoy repeat trips there. The camp is routinely upgraded. See you there.

Stephen has plenty of energy and he makes it a point to act with kindness and consideration. You will enjoy the entertainment of the experience and good hunting.