Another great season has come to an end at Munyamadzi. The abundance of wildlife and trophy quality seems to continue improving.

I cannot say how proud I am to be part of the team that achieves this every year.

I would like to thank all of our clients who make this possible with their support, without them there would be no wildlife here.

Our conservation efforts are constantly being challenged not only by on the ground poaching and politics but also by overseas politics. We will keep fighting it and do our best to prove what we are doing is right.



It has been a very dry season and the river dropped to the lowest level we have ever seen it. Fortunately, this doesn’t have much effect on the wildlife. In the Lower Luangwa Valley, we have more than enough habitat and grazing to keep our animals fit even in dry seasons.

This year I had John Aus./NZ assisting me as manager. This made it possible for me to do more hunts in other areas.

My first hunt this year was in Mwanya about 250 km up river from Munya. I was PH for Mvu Safaris on a 7 day buff hunt booked by Werner V Noordwick. The hunt was in early May. This time of year, buff hunting is hard but make for exciting hunting in tall grass. I will let the photos tell the story.













After Mwanya it was back to Munymadzi to prepare for Don's arrival for his leopard hunt. Some of you have already seen his report.




Don took one of the biggest Leopards ever shot at Munyamadzi.





This was Don's third try after Leopard. Munyamadzi made it work for him.

After Don's hunt I had a bit of a break from hunting as I had to entertain a couple of groups of share holders at Munyamadzi (none hunting).

During this period I also helped out Kwalata safaris on a short hunt for a black Lechwe in Bangweulu:



My next safari would be on Munyamadzi with Eddy. Eddy had long dreamed of taking a buffalo with his Heim Double 500. Eddy decided to bring his son, Hunter, along on this safari to hunt some plains game. Hunter was a very good shot and both Dad and son took some fine trophies.

As the buffalo was the priority of the safari we concentrated on this for the first couple of days. We got this beautiful old worn down kakuli on the second afternoon after lots of tracking and stalking.























After Eddie and Hunter's visit, John and Ron arrived at Munyamadzi. John had been to Africa hunting several times but this was Ron's first time. They both had a great time here and took quality trophies.

Ron got a bit spoiled though taking this Beautiful old kakuli within the first hour of hunting. It was not a trophy we could turn down:























After John and Ron's hunt at Munyamadzi I went across the river into West Petauke GMA operated by Mopani Safaris and assisted with 8 by 7 Safari.
The client I guided wanted to hunt buffalo and was keen to hunt hard. And hard it was. This ended up being the hardest hunt I did this season. But on day 5 after 135 km of walking and tracking we finally got this great bull 4 hours before the charter was arriving:



During this period Andrew was busy hunting with Max at Munyamadzi and they also got some great trophies. I was fortunate enough to assist on the buffalo hunt.









For the next safari I was hired by Kwalata Safaris to do a 21 day hunt where we would hunt 4 different areas to get a variety of game. We managed to finish this safari in 11 days.

We started of in Bangweulu on a day hunt for Black lechwe. Unfortunately my camera had run of battery, so I didn't get a photo of the Lechwe. After the Lechwe we flew to Mwanya for Leopard, buffalo and PG including the endemic Cookson's Wildebeest.





Mwanya has got stacks of buffalo and you can be quite picky with what you get here. Merle had shot many buffalo before but nothing over 40'' so we took our time to get a big one after passing lots of good buffs. Merle got 4 of the Big 7 in the span of 48 hours in Mwanya.











Merle told me that he would be interested in a croc but only if it was over 14 foot. So we somehow found him this 14'2 lizard:



The following day he got keen to try for a hippo on land.

We started by walking the banks of the Luangwa at first light. Saw quite a few hippo move into the water but didn't get on the bank. When we thought it was all over we sat down to wait for the vehicle. After a few minutes a bull came strolling towards Merle. After getting the go from me, he fired his J Rigby 416. The hippo took off and after 4 more shots, he expired.



The day after the hippo we organized the charter to pick us up early to take us to the western province for Sitatunga. Here Zaeed, the owner of Kwalata, has a private unfenced ranch that has Sitatunga. It had been a long time since last I had hunted Sitatunga so I was very excited for the hunt. The place is called Illinda and is, in my opinion, the best place in Zambia for free range Sitatunga.

We couldn't pass on this great bull on the first morning and second sitting.



After the swamp goat was down we flew back to Lusaka and arranged a Kafue Lechwe hunt for the following day in Blue Lagoon. We were very lucky to get this great bull as they are getting scarce.



In October I got to hunt another area I had not hunted before. This area was Chikwa right up at the top end of the Luangwa. The drive there from my camp was 13 hours but very scenic.

The area is operated by Ivory Safaris and the hunters were long time clients and friends of Jeff Rann. Jeff was not able to do the hunt due to other commitments so he hired me to do it.

This area is also a fantastic area for buffalo. And the client took some amazing trophies. We only had 7 days so we were quite busy.



The first Buffalo we got was one of the most beautiful buffalo I have ever hunted.





Chikwa also is very good for Eland.







After this it was back to Munyamadzi for me. I had a few leftover licenses at Munya that had to be utilized. Herman and Renier came on a short safaris to hunt these animals.









That would be the end of my season. I must say it has been one of my best ones. We can still claim to be 100% on Leopard and Hard bossed buffalo. It is great to see Zambia's hunting industry running at full throttle again. And some fantastic trophies have come out of here.

I would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and great New Year.

For those that will be at DSC show you can find me in Wendell Reich's booth for a chat or to discuss a Safari for next year.

Congratulations on a great season There`s so many awesome trophies here, don`t know where to start. The buffalo with the broomed boss and amazing drop, WOW.
Even though I would be happy to just come for a bushbuck and an ELand
Couple of questions.
1. What kind of Zebra is pictured here?
2. Do you do non-hunting safaris/trips during the year?

Again, Gratulere

quote:

Originally posted by Svinejakt:
Congratulations on a great season There`s so many awesome trophies here, don`t know where to start. The buffalo with the broomed boss and amazing drop, WOW.
Even though I would be happy to just come for a bushbuck and an ELand
Couple of questions.
1. What kind of Zebra is pictured here?
2. Do you do non-hunting safaris/trips during the year?

Again, Gratulere

Thank you for the kind words sir.

The Zebra is a normal Burchels Zebra. The nice thing here is they hardly have any shadow stripes.

Yes I do organize non hunting safari trips.

Ok, that was why I asked, no shadow stripes
Will send you a PM about the safari options!

Some nice buff and lots of other game.Good to know such places are around.

Great Season! Well done

Thor,

An amazing collection of diverse species from across Zambia. By all accounts the trophy quality and standard of hunting in Zambia has been first class and you are no exception.

It was only a few years ago when you and I overlooked the back grasslands of Munyamadzi and wondered how long it would take for the Buffalo to replenish those lands.

Congratulations on a job very well done and some fine photographs complimenting your efforts.

quote:

Originally posted by Thor Kirchner:

quote:

Originally posted by Svinejakt:
Congratulations on a great season There`s so many awesome trophies here, don`t know where to start. The buffalo with the broomed boss and amazing drop, WOW.
Even though I would be happy to just come for a bushbuck and an ELand
Couple of questions.

1. What kind of Zebra is pictured here?
2. Do you do non-hunting safaris/trips during the year?

Again, Gratulere

Thank you for the kind words sir.

The Zebra is a normal Burchels Zebra. The nice thing here is they hardly have any shadow stripes.

Yes I do organize non hunting safari trips.

Did I not teach you anything? The Zebra is the extremely rare Crawshays and that Munyamadzi is the only place where they occur. Price on request.

Good stuff! Thanks for posting.

Thor,

Very nice! Zambia is a gem.

Mark

Thor, You continue to outdo yourself, congrats on another fine year and on the success of Munyamadzi. Enjoyed all the the pictures, but made me miss it, can't wait to get back there and hunt with you again. See you in Dallas.

Thor,

Awesome. Congratulations.

Many fine trophies in that swag! Love those old kakulis. Rare quality.

Was great to see you an Munya this year and looking forward to next year.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year mate.

Best

Steve

Great trophies. Congrats.

Looks like a stellar year. Congrats on a job well done. Bruce

Outstanding trophies!

congrats on an excellent season thor, must get up there one day for a look. cheers mike

Very nice trophies!

Well done sir.

Thor,
Glad to see your 2016 season was a great success and I was happy to be a part of it. I doubt I will be back in 2017 but 2018 is a real possibility. Take care of yourself and tell the staff that I think about them often. Best wishes for you and them in the upcoming year.

Regards,

Don

Congrats all, some fantastic trophies!

Thor.
So pleased to read your end of season report. Great trophies taken. Many congratulations to you and your clients.
Merry Christmas to you too, hope to see you in 2017.
Jytte

Excellent trophies and awesome pics, welldone.

I couldn't help but notice how amazing the blondish orange coat was on that first puku not to mention the mass wow!

An absolutely beautiful piece of Zambia!

Many great trophies and memories, congrats on your season Thor, continued success!

It looks like you had a great season. Some fine trophies there and smiles all around. Well done Thor.

Beautiful animals! It looks like a fantastic area.

Thanks for posting it.

Congratulations on a great season.Thank you for posting.

Some really, really exceptional trophies. Well done to all involved.

Fantastic- thanks for sharing!

Hej Thor

Supre trofeer.
Det var rigtig hyggelig og interessant at møde dig hos Jytte. Håber vi ses en anden gang - helst i Africa

Good Hunting
Carl Frederik

Well done Thor! Great season!

Question for Thor or Andrew. The Kudus, are these perhaps not Southern Greater Kudu? Their horns look to be the same but the body size seems to be much smaller and a lighter build than Southern Greater? Just a regional anomaly maybe.

Great trophies!!!

I also have a question for Thor or Andrew.
I have long wondered about the hippo, the fighting tusks are easy to understand. What are the ones for that point fore ward between the big tusks? Also do they graze with just their lips?

Thor;

Congratulations to you and your clients! Some beautiful/outstanding trophies!

Best regards, D. Nelson

Steve, These are indeed Souhtern Greater Kudu and I'm sure body size is same as the rest. Might just be the way the pictures are taken.

Or maybe it is because the horns are so big the body looks small

quote:

Originally posted by Steve Ahrenberg:
Question for Thor or Andrew. The Kudus, are these perhaps not Southern Greater Kudu? Their horns look to be the same but the body size seems to be much smaller and a lighter build than Southern Greater? Just a regional anomaly maybe.

The forward pointing tusks are also used to fight and poke. The hippo uses its lips to graze like a horse would do.

quote:

Originally posted by theback40:
I also have a question for Thor or Andrew.
I have long wondered about the hippo, the fighting tusks are easy to understand. What are the ones for that point fore ward between the big tusks? Also do they graze with just their lips?

Great season, indeed!

Lot's of variety on the buff. I tried for a 40" buff this year, but was unable to connect through no fault of the PH and his crew. I just ran out of gas after 9 hours of tracking through the bush.

I still got a nice 36" buff, but someday I hope to try again.

Thanks for sharing.

BH63

Great Trophies and Great Year!!

Happy New Year !

Nice all together ! Have to try Zambia one day

Maybe the only camp possible to speak Norwegian - Danish ???

Morten