Outfitter: Old Days Safaris (Luis Sr. & Luis Jr.)

Location: Marakapula Reserve

Dates: July 24 - Aug. 4, 2015

PH: Stefan Kruger

Hunters: Aaron Neilson & Sabrina Corgatelli

Weapons: .416 Ruger M77 Hawkeye / 2.5 - 10 x 56mm Trijicon scope / Hornady DG Series Ammo (Aaron)
.270 WSM Tikka / 4.5 - 14 x 40mm Leupold scope / Nosler Accubond Ammo (Sabrina)

I was invited to this 46,000 acre reserve by the outfitter in an attempt to show potential lion hunters another alternative to what is either "Canned" lion hunting - mostly in the Kalahari of SA, or lion hunts much like those in Tanzania, Zimbabwe, etc, - where very high prices and sometimes low success rates are the norm. This place certainly for me, lived up to the billing - where I spent days tracking lion on foot.

Simply stated, this is NOT a canned lion hunt - quite the opposite. This is a private reserve where all game, including the lions roam/live freely at all times. In fact the lion I took had been on the reserve for over two years, and had only been seen twice in the past 10 months. We tracked him on several different occasions, only to continually be foiled by his elusive activity in very thick bush, and very tough tracking conditions.

The reserve has plentiful game species, most of which seem to be on the menu for the lions. These include, giraffe, waterbuck, huge Kudu, Bushbuck, bushpig, very good warthog, Zebra, steenbok, duiker, elephant, eland, Nyala, croc, hippo, impala, klipspringer, blue wildebeest, leopard, etc.

The reserve has some tremendous beauty, with huge koppies, beautiful river basins, and of course thick bush - making tracking tedious and time consuming! Accommodations are very nice, the lodge is equipped with Wi-Fi, food is excellent and its a short 30 minute drive from the Phalaborwa airport.

Finally on day 6 - after 7.5 hrs of tracking we caught up to a great male lion. We did so only because he had run smack dab into another good male who was with a hot female - and a huge, but very short fight ensued. One in which I witnessed part of with my own two eyes, as they tumbled off the river bank's edge - and my lion unfortunately took the brunt of. He obviously was too old to be tussling with the other male who was in his full prime - see the pics below!

We tried to get permits to bait too, but the game department would not allow it - thus all hunting is done via tracking / on foot. Exciting to say the least!

Honestly, this was one of the most exciting lion hunting experiences I have ever been on - and I would do it again in a heartbeat. These lions are NOT CANNED, we had to get out and hunt for them. Success was not guaranteed, nor did I want it to be! I do feel reserves like this will in many ways be the future of Africa's successful conservation efforts. We as sportsmen / conservationists will only be able to save and protect so much habitat. What we can, we must, and we must work to make it suitable for wildlife! This place, and the operators have done just that. A better place to hunt, and bring your family would be hard to find!!!

Pictures below include my lion, the two lions together just seconds after the fight (mine on the left) and the bite marks inflicted upon my lion by the other male, and some lion appetizers.











Secondly I was here for a nice crocodile that Luis Jr. had been telling me about. I really like stalking crocs, but this place was going to be something very unusual. The big croc was living in a lake with huge Koppies (rock formations / mountains) and getting a shot would mean we had to climb to the top and shoot down at him - roughly 25 degree down angle. I honestly wasn't sure I was going to be able to get to the top, as I literally felt like a rock climber.

We did make it however, and once in position we were 94 yards from the big boy. He laid perfectly broadside to us (left side) with his head turned just slightly to the right. It truly was a perfect shot angle, if it weren't for the uncomfortable rocks I was in, and the step downhill angle. Regardless, it was the best we could do - so a few minutes to compose myself and I let one fly. Fortunately it anchored him right on the spot, two follow up shots just to be sure and it was over. He laid partly in the water so we pulled him to flatter ground and waited for good light to get some better pics.

Myself and the entire film / photography crew pictured below. This was the first time I had not only 2 camera guys, but a professional photographer along as well. It made hunting a bit tougher, but he did get some great photos. A lot of which I am still waiting for as he's putting final touches on them for us.


A couple of 11 - 12 footers, they need a few more years.


Not much else was on my list, but I did manage to take a beautiful old bushbuck - and one never passes a chance at a bushpig!




A few pics from the rest of my hunting experience here with Old Days Safaris






The rest of this safari was dedicated to my girlfriend - Sabrina Corgatelli. Frankly, its been a very difficult past 4 weeks for her - and we were really hoping for this to be a moment of healing for her. 48 hours prior to her arrival in SA, Sabrina's family buried her 32 year old brother Cody! It was a tragic loss, and one that's effected her deeply. So we were all hoping to do everything we could to make this first African experience, the best for her that it could possibly be.

By now I'm sure some of you have seen that she became the latest victim of the abhorrent anti-hunting fervor, in which she received thousands of death threats, calls for her dismissal at work where she is a senior account, and the list goes on and on. All for hunting a giraffe, legally / ethically, and one that is privately owned by those who financially support said game.

Anyway, enough of that - lets get onto the good stuff. Despite a lot of emotions throughout the hunt, she really had a fabulous time - and for a first timer took some great trophies and made some really amazing shots. I was so proud of her, and it was obvious to everyone that she really spent some time / effort practicing off the Bog-Pod sticks prior to her arrival. I'm afraid I've created a monster, as she already has her sights set on a return trip to the Dark Continent.

Sabrina with her first day - 51" old Kudu bull.


Common Duiker


Impala


Wildebeest


Sabrina, myself and her PH - Stefan Kruger with her beautiful stallion


Great warthog


Sabrina getting all the attention


The Reserve in Pictures








































FINALLY - TO ALL THOSE AT OLD DAYS SAFARIS, WE SAY THANK YOU!


On a side note - if any of you are looking for professional videography and/or photography services while anywhere in Africa, please contact Richard Leonard at the following contact info snoek@sonsurf.co.za / Cell: 0741023385 / Skype: richard.leonard.snoek
He and his crew have top notch equipment, they all live in SA, and they are true pros in the field. Here is Richard's website too - www.itzmedia.co.za

Wow... Another great hunt. Congratulations!!!

Simply outstanding Aaron and Sabrina! Congrats!

Don't know what to say. Congrats to you and Sabrina on a truly outstanding safari and wonderful photos. I took my oldest son on a similar lion safari - not "truly wild", but not "canned" either. It was, like yours, days of tracking self-sufficient lions. Like yourself, I would do it again in a heartbeat, as would my son.

Great pics as always...thanks for sharing brother.

Absolutely fantastic!

Nothing like reading of a very successful and enjoyable hunt.

Brilliant. Well done on your Lion and Sabrina's trophies. So sorry for her loss.

Great Safari and even better pics. Well done Aaron and Sabrina, looks like a very nice place to hunt.

Looks like good times... congratulations to you both!

Well done Guys....Congratulations to you both!!!

Outstanding, thank you for sharing your hunt!

Again, thank you all. We had a wonderful time with Old Days, and I certainly hope to return soon.

Regards,

Terribly sorry for her loss.

Some great pictures and looks to be a great hunt.

And, oh yeah, "you've created a monster"! I bet that really hurts your feelings!!!
I wish I could get my wife to go with me............

Seems like a great time, and I really like the character on your lion, my sincere congratulations to you and Sabrina, thanks for sharing!

Nicely done Aaron & Sabrina.

Those are some great photos!

Awesome report and pictures. And the girlfriend ain't too shabby either!

Great stuff there!

I got my wife started hunting, I can almost afford her trophy fees........


.

great report and pictures.

Aaron any issues with your 416?
saw some duct tape at the bottom of your hawkeye?

Phil

quote:

Originally posted by JTEX:
Great stuff there!

I got my wife started hunting, I can almost afford her trophy fees........


.

Me too. But I tell her "I" am her biggest trophy! And I was expensive and worth it....

Well done Aaron. I have had several friends do quality lion hunts in South Africa and all have soundly endorsed them. Look forward to watching on SA.

congratulations great pictures exciting safari

Well done, another good adventure .
May your future hunts together be as successful as this hunt was.
Thanks for sharing

Congrats to both of you Aaron, very nice pictures.

Great report, awesome photos.

I'm impressed with the XA25/GoPro rig - genius! Allows the cameraman to get the close up of the animal while getting a wide angle of the hunter simultaneously. I'll be borrowing that idea. . . .

Congrats on your lion and Sabrina's trophies and condolences to Sabrina on her loss.

Well done Aaron and Sabrina! Great hunt and great photos!!!

Best regards, D. Nelson

Congratulations to everyone!

Some really great trophies and pictures.

Thank you for sharing.

Sorry to hear about the loss of Sabrina's brother.