I recently completed a plains game hunt with Safari Trails International in
the East Cape of Africa. In one short word I'd describe the hunt
experience and stay at Majiki Lodge as FANTASTIC!

Despite having traveled extensively and hunted many other locations and
game, this has been, by a wide margin, the most extraordinary hunting trip
of my life. It is an extraordinary location to visit. My
hunting friend and I will surely return again and I highly recommend Safari
International with Russell Lovemore and his team.

It is important for me to let other hunters and travelers know about this
amazing hunting safari opportunity and travel location. I give this my
highest rating and recommendation. I invite anyone to contact me on this
recommendation and i can provide more information. My email address is
dkkaiser@tds.net and my name is Dan Kaiser

So, what characteristics of the experience lead me to form my strong
endorsement and compel me to take the time to write a review? There are
many.

1. Planning the trip was easy thanks to the very knowledgable and
well-seasoned owner/operator/head Professional Hunter, Russell Lovemore.
During the research and planning stage of the hunting safari and trip, I was
very impressed with the level of responsiveness and depth of information
provided by the owner, Russell Lovemore. His high level of professionalism
and depth of knowledge quickly began to show. Selecting Safari Trails
International seemed like the clear best choice. And now that the trip is
complete, I can confirm with experience that Russell Lovemore, Majiki Lodge,
and the hunting offered by Safari International are gems to be experienced
in South Africa.

The pre-travel advise provided by Russell on many subjects was provided
quickly and was shortly revealed to be very sound advice on every aspect. I
probably drove him mad with my many emails with one battery of questions
after the next. But he always responded in a timely manner and with
practical, valuable responses. He had connections and recommendations for
travel agents, airlines, weapon transfer services, and many other elements.
Russell is a true hunting expert and top-tier Professional Hunter as noted
below, and has an incredible ranch to hunt, but he also is very adept at
understanding it is the complete package of advise, support, communications,
accommodations, transportation, meals and general service are vital. And
Julie runs a first-rate dip-and-pack operation to make sure you return home
with perfect trophies. Russell and his wife Julie are clearly very
thoughtful and thorough as they have created an environment and experience
excellent in every possible dimension.

2. The hunting was exhilarating. At 46 years old, I have hunted over 35
years now and I have not trembled from the excitement of a trophy animal
moving toward my position since I was young. I forgot the intensity and
magic that can be felt. I now realize I have grown comfortable in hunting
deer, bear, elk and the like. The return to heart thumping, breath stopping
experiences of my younger years hunting was renewing and rejuvenated. The
diversity of game animals and hunting options is endless. We had success
both archery hunting and rifle hunting. To get the full experience, we
stalked animals and sat. It is a hunt of dreams and a lifetime. That
feeling of elation and awe is priceless--a richer man you can not be.

3. The serenity, peacefulness and beauty of the location is stunning.
Incredible gardens and manicured lawns are an oasis around the lodge that
sits within thousands of acres of African wilderness that is teeming with
exotic flora and fauna. Even after traveling to many corners of the globe,
I have never witnessed such a magnificent range of game animals and colorful
birds---and in vast numbers. I will never forget watching black wildebeest
play in the plains while a group of impala grazed peacefully nearby as the
sun slowly peered over the eastern horizon illuminating a few wispy clouds
into a palate of color that would capture the eye of the best artists and
poets. It is rare that you feel your soul has been so connected to nature.


4. Russell and Julie created a comfortable, yet museum-like lodge---very
African in feel, but accommodations as comfortable as any top-tier resort.
Rooms are cleaned by friendly staff, gardens are continuously manicured and
sport a wide display of beautiful plants, fantastic meals are prepared by an
experienced chef and any need you have is met. Julie and Russell are
charming and make you feel at home. The feeling in the lodge is
comfortable, warm and immeasurably relaxing. I am an avid and focused
hunter, yet I chose to spend one day in the lodge and patio area fully
enjoying the ambiance, reading, sipping coffee and listening to music. The
two ranch dogs, friendly and loving, added yet another dimension of charm.

5. Russell and Julie, and an additional PH, Anton Bester were incredible
hosts, utmost professionals and as fun as people can be sipping wine and
beer in the evenings by the glowing fire. Many stories, jokes and laughter
filled the vaulted ceiling and echoed in the rafters each evening. Fast
friends we all became. And while new friends they are today, I suspect
lifelong, dear friends they will become.

6. First-class hunting professionals made for the perfect hunt. The high
level of knowledge, skill and experience Russell and Anton possess, I have
never experienced. They know the behaviors of each species, the impact of
all weather and environmental conditions on the animals, are experts in
weaponry (archery and rifle), are seasoned educators in their trade and make
all who come better hunters. We stalked animals, used blinds, and used
other techniques. The variety and action was fantastic. I also thoroughly
enjoyed learning all about the region, it's people, animals, flora and
culture. They are true renaissance men.

7. The combination of adventure, relaxation and sight-seeing options is
extensive. One can have a classic, rugged African hunt, enjoy a photography
safari on the farm or nearby, world-class animal preserves, see amazing
ocean front of the Indian Ocean or the high energy of Port Elizabeth. I am
a hunter and focused most my time on hunting out of this world-class lodge.
But my short visit into Port Elizabeth and surrounding locations was enough
to know my next visit will include my wife. She is not a hunter, but enjoys
exquisite beauty, fine foods, and traveling to excellent locations.

I missed my wife and family being away for two weeks, and thus was eager to
return home. But at the same time, I felt sad to leave the sanctity of
Majiki Lodge and say goodbye to my new friends. I take home 7 trophy
animals, lifelong memories, amazing pictures and the strong desire to plan
my return to this African oasis that delivers the true African hunting
experience of dreams.

Daniel K Kaiser
Dkkaiser@tds.net

Russell and Julie are good friends and I have hunted with him several times including taking my son over to hunt with him and his boys, Chad and Mitch. They have a great outfit and some unique opportunities for some unique species... Vhal Rheebok, Blue Duiker, Oribi not to mention some super East Cape Kudu make this a must see destination! Now let's see some pictures!

Link to my last hunt with Russell

http://forums.accuratereloadin...931057411#2931057411

Daniel...welcome to the forum and your first post.

Undoubtably a great hunt for you as you have enthusiastically reported, BUT pics are worth so much more than you could possibly describe.
We are usually very interested in particular animals taken, or memorable stalks you accomplished.

Wow, Daniel, your post opened the gates and brought back a flood of memories as I have hunted with Russ three times and agree with everything you said. His honesty and integrity puts him into a special league. And, he consistently produces top rate trophies for his hunters. When are you going to post some photos? Mine can be seen at:

https://www.facebook.com/blake.olson.125?ref=tn_tnmn

Russell and Julie Lovemore are class acts. I first met them in 2002, and enjoyed our visit to Majiki again in 2012. Such a great family, and having the boys around in the evening actually ADDED to the entire experience. While I'm not always a fan of having youngsters underfoot when on safari, those two incredible boys were a joy to have around, although typically very briefly.
A night chasing springhares on the airstrip with a clients daughter provided laughter for many nights.

Russell has access to numerous properties in the area, and as mentioned above, some of the specialty animals available in the area make this an addition to the "must go" list.

Bill