I hunted with what I thought was a reputable outfitter. I should have picked up on the warning signs early, but I did not. To say the least the hunt was a disaster. He did not have or probably never did have the animals he said he had. The outfitter was Selwyn Low of Maclaren Safaris. I went there to hunt leopard and warthog, bushpig, red duiker plus hippo only to discover the man had only once hunted leopard before. He baited leopard on the ground, noleopard sign in the area. What he said were leopard tracks were in fact brown hyena tracks. He constantly pushed for animals you did not want. He did not have the proper permits for non-resident to hunt leopard. His trackers could not track worth a damn. I did a better job tracking and I found blood several times when his so called trackers lost the trail. In fact the blood trail passed right behing where he parked his truck. This was on warthog his trackers gave up evenually on. Was never recovered, I find no fault I was one that wounded the animal and I am responsible. The trackers even commented they could not track unless there was a blood trail.

He or the PH he hired did the cooking. The PH, he hired even said this was the worst safari he had ever been on and was ashamed to be even part of it. The food and the accomadations except for one place were lousy. In fact I insisted we move to another place because of, dogs barking all night long. There were nine dogs at this lodge from fox terriers, mixed breeds, jack russels and even a couple of yellow labs. After five nights with no sleep, I told the PH that he had to do something I needed sleep. The only thing hitting the baits were jackels. The only animals we saw on the farm were 4 warthogs, 20 impala and three kudu cows. They were all jumpy and took off at the first sign of us. I found out the farmer did not want any game animals on his place. He shot every one he saw. We did kill one of the kudu and two of the warthogs for jackel bait. After a week of hunting I had only killed a jackel. When we move to a new place, called Kameel Kop and it had excellent facilties. Again we cooked our own food. It usually consisted of meat and potato's. Not until I inquired about vegtables were they served from a frozen package. I never did have a salad until the last day of the hunt. Selwyn or his PH was stated there was a hartebeest in the 28 inch plus range at this game ranch, cannot remember who said it. There was also plenty of warthog, bushpig. I was only discovered that most of animals had died out from a combination of drought and cold weather from the previous year. I told him that I would go after that animal, again my mistake. It took the animal after two days of hunting. At best it will go 22 inches. I told him I wanted the red duiker, warthog and bushpig still because the hippo was no longer available. We then moved to new camp,we all stayed in the same chalet. Which was not the best, a tub but no shower. I slept up in the loft because the outfitter did not want go up into the loft. It was very crowded and limited in space. Surrounding area was quite beautiful, this area was also hit by the drought. All the warthogs were quite small and no tusks. No red duiker, no bushpig, I did discover the area was marginal for red duiker. Selwyn Low kept saying he saw one the year before when he was down here. Selwyn kept pushing for me to shoot a Nyala, I told him I had one at 28 inches and I did not want one. I wanted a good warthog, caracal, bushpig and red duiker. I finally shot some monkey's because the owner of the place wanted them shot because of the problems they were causing around camp. So now after 10 days of hunting had one lost warthog, one monkey, one jackel and a Hartebeest. Food was lousy, the meats were so fat and tough you could hardly eat them. Selwyn Low finally went in and bought some tomato's which I sliced up to eat with my meals. I believe it was on day 11 when I realized I would never get the animals I wanted. I said, I would shoot a Nyala but it had to be at least 30 inches or I did not want it. Selwyn Low assured me that would not be a problem since he had seen two that would go at least 32 inches here last year and the owner assured him they had not been shot. Well just before dark they saw this Nyala and Selwyn and his PH there is your Nyala. The PH said it would go way over 30 inches, I said are you sure and that is when Selwyn said it would be at least 30 inches. So, I shot, well we did not recover the animal that night because Selwyn who was watching it said it went a different direction than it did. The animal went only 50 meters at best and died in open area amongst some trees. The animal won't even go 28 inches but I measured it and it went just over 27 inches. Selwyn Low said it would go 29 1/2 inches. He had tape in his hand but would never measure it in front of me. Selwyn Low left to go to birthday party for his wife. I stayed with the PH and immediately he moved me back to Kameel Kop where they catered the meal. The meals are what you would expect when you come to africa to hunt. It was great. It very good dinner and breakfast.
I should mention that Selwyn Low never checked the leopard baits after the third day. It would have not matter because the baits were almost gone from the jackels feeding on them on day two. And, I would have been in serious trouble it I had shot the leopard, not having the proper permits. I did not find out this until later when talking with other outfitters and PH's.

I was later to discover that Ann Horsman has had hunted with him and a bad experience also with him. That in turn led to two other hunters who also had bad experiences with him. None of them would ever go back with him nor recommend him. So folks beware when hunting with Maclaren Safari's.

There is silver lining to the ending of the story. I called up a PH friend of mine in the Northern Cape. He invited me down. So, I delayed my trip home and went to visit him. I took couple of animals I wanted with him, plus I did some culling of gemsbok, blesbuck and springbok. Plus helped on on Hartman's Zebra hunt and a caracal/jackel hunt.

In a two days of hunting I took a caracal and Val Rhebok. I wanted a klipspringer but, the weather was very cold and windy, not condusive to klipspringer hunting.

My friend's name is Mynhard Herholdt and he is true professional in every meaning of the word and has excellent facilities.

I did stay a couple of days at Merrium's Lodge in the Northern Cape. It again had excellent facilities.

I will be heading back to S. Africa this October hunting with Mynhard. I plan on hunting for Red Duiker, Blue duiker, Suni and Klipspringer.

Sorry the primary hunt you went on was not better from a results perspective and thank you for posting this information for others to learn from.

Brad

Brooks,



My God, that is the worst safari I can imagine. Thanks for the report.



Here is his website: Maclaren Safaris



Regards,



Terry

Thanks for the report.

I also suggest submitting a report to The Hunt Report (you can do an internet submission). The Hunt Report publishes a newsletter reporting on the good, the bad and the ugly. It is important for the public to be aware of low quality operators so that they can be avoided.

I am very sorry to hear of your bad experience.

This sort of thing really pisses me off, as there is absolutely no reason for it to happen.

Selwyn used to post on this forum, but I have not seen anything from him for quite a while.

Thank you for sharing this terrible experience. Please excuse me if this sounds wrong as it certainly is not intended as a slam. I am planning my first trip to Africa and need this type of information also.
Please tell me how you went wrong in planning this safari.
If you would please outline the warning signals you now know you missed it would be very helpful in avoiding those same pitfalls.
Thank you,
Frank

Brooks,



Very sorry to hear about your disaster.



As I've never made any attempt to hide my true identity behind a username I, known as Verewaaier on this forum, the owner of Andrew McLaren Safaris feels oblidged to put it on record that I'm in no way related or associated with Selwyn Low of MacLaren Safaris. At the time that I had to provide a name for registering my business a search made me aware of Selwyn, whom I then contacted by telephone and spoke to about possible cooperation. I have however never met or spoken to Selwyn in person. He operates in Kwa-Zulu Natal, where I do not hold any license for.



Thanks for taking note. I trust that you will choose a next outfitter with caution and that your subsequent trips to South Africa will all be as pleasurable as the last few days of your 2004 safri.



Verewaaier of Andrew McLaren Safaris.

SHAME!

Folks I want to let you know this was not my first Safari to Africa. In fact this was my forth trip to S. Africa. I made three other trips to Zimbabwe. I guess it was bound to happen. You live and learn by your mistakes. This was one for me, in the end the only I could blame is myself. I just did not do enough research and ask enough questions is the only thing I can think of. I did talk with him person, on the phone and had dozens of emails with him. I am still going back, but with an outfitter I have been with twice before and had great time with. In fact it is the same outfitter I went to see after I left Selwyn and great time. If anybody wants to email me personally they can.

My email address is brookscarmichael@yahoo.com

I am not one to post my own problems on these boards, but if it will help one person, such as Brooks, then I will. Here is my story, though this is by no means the whole story.



Selwyn went quiet on these boards after my hunt with him because I, also, as Brooks mentioned, have an on going issue with him. Like Brooks experience, the lodging was not very good, in fact the place Selwyn took me was best described as crumbling. This was called Shakuza and at one time was a real good property. However, the landowner was totally broke and had done nothing to keep the place up for many years. The landowner also had a huge mastiff dog that lunged at my face one night when I came into the boma for dinner. Had the owner not been there and hollered at the dog I have no doubt I would have been injured.



After the hunt, which was expensive, I commented to Selwyn I could not book clients to him if he planned to take them to Shakuza, due to the low quality of the facility. He argued with me quite a bit about it. He went on to say he had some European princess who stayed there regularly and if it was good enough for her, it should be good enough for Americans. I said it wasn't. There was not even a shower in the chalets except the one he was staying in.



Selwyn would not tape the animals in front of me either, even after I asked him three times to do so.



The nyala I shot with Selwyn was supposed to be 28.5 inches on the right horn, per him, and what showed up at the taxidermist for dip and pack was 24 inches. Selwyn claimed the taxidermist boiled it short, however, it was measured at 24 inches before processing. This was confirmed by an SCI master measurer. How my 28.5 inch horns disappeared is still a mystery. Selwyn went to the taxidermist and took the short horns. To date, I do not have horns to the nyala I shot with him. Nyala are an expensive animal, this one cost me $1500.



Selwyn promised to "make it up" to me and offered me to come hunt again and or HE would go shoot a 28 inch nyala for me and ship those horns. I told him I was not up for more day rates, etc with him. I was not satisfied with these options and finally asked he just refund the trophy fee on the nyala. He quit answering communication from me after that. I am still trying to recover my 28.5 inch horns or my money. Personally, I'd just prefer my trophy fee back.

It has happened to many of us unfortunately
I believe that people overrate the importance of references as they are generally the clients who have had a great experience...it is always safest to get a reference from a friend/person you can rely on.
I have noticed that where the landowner knows many of the animals...it means the ranch is usually small and poorly stocked. How big was this place?
On the bright side....it can only get better!!
P.S. Did you at any point consider asking for a partial refund? A show of anger will often help them realise that the client is willing to leave, can help soften the financial blow of a shitty hunt.

Sorry to hear about your disaster hunt!

Did you book through an agent? if so, can you state which one and what he/she is doing to make it right for you?

Had you paid 100% of your fees befoe the hunt? If not, don't pay him....

What made you decide to book with him in the first place? Referrals or research?

Was this a "discounted hunt" or a "bargain" hunt?

It would be good to hear Selwyns' version of events. as a previous poster, does anyone have his contacts? Saeed?

Here is a link to their web site.

MacLaren Safaris

Is he a member of PHASA?

If so promoting and booking a hunt for leopard without appropriate permits and if you have any written evidence of this sounds a pretty open and shut case. To me at least.

Under most RSA game Ordinances (if I remember correctly) it is an offence to even hunt for a Leopard unless the outfitter already has the permit. The offence is committed by the PH, the Outfitter and the client and ALL 3 may be charged.

In reality, as the client is unaware he (or she) is committing an offence then the PH & Outfitter may be charged.

Brooks,
Sorry to hear about such a disastrous hunt, but thank you for posting a full report. It will help others avoid similar problems I hope. Most people, myself included, are hesitant to widely disseminate such negative information. You deserve a special commendation for doing so.

Ann,
You really might consider telling the outfitter to take your picture off of his website. Again, I'm sorry to hear about your negative experiences with this guy.

Forrest

What a nightmare.

Don't mean to be pain here, just curious, why didn't you hunt with your PH friend in the Northern Cape to begin with?

He did not have a leopard permit and I was assured Selwyn Low had the proper permits and had leopard available. After the hunt with Low I had made plans to join up with him to hunt in the northern cape.

I will not belabor the subject, but I made a error in judgement on the leopard hunt. And, after five days, I realized something was amiss and decided to go after other animals I wanted, that I was assured were available. But, nothing improved and continued to be a royal screwup.

Ann,

Please don't tell me your disaster was the hunt I purchased raffle tickets for. Shame on Brooks for not checking current references and shame on you for not posting a negative feedback some time ago.

Ski+3

OK, Rule Number 1, never hunt with a fat PH!




This is Steve from the TV show Safari Hunter's Journal




Yes, Ann, that is a nice Nyala.

Terry,

I don't know what you are trying to do here.

First you point out that one should never hunt with a PH who has more baggage than yourself. At least you won't get a chance of getting tired on this hunt.

Next you show a man with a BLASER R93 - the most over-engineered, over-estimated so called rifle that has ever come out of Krautland!

Mauser is already squirming in his grave!

Then you round everything up by showing Ann with a rifle.

Walter has always thought she only hunts with a bow and arrow!

And now he is insisting that as he cannot walk very far, he wants to hunt with a fat PH, use HIS Blaser, and have Ann as his back up

When I asked him what happenes to me, he said "you stay at home, so we can enjoy our hunt"?

That what I get for lugging him around Africa for so many years.

The same two rifles are going to Tanzania this year as did last year.

My 2 375/404.

Walter is rather upset, as he really wants to take his Blaser, but cannot trust me with it any more - I took it apart the other day to "clean" it. And somehow it will not fire any more!??

Roy has promised to pay Walter back for all the years he has hassled him. As this year Pierre is doing the hunt, and Roy is coming along just for the pleasure of annoying Walter. He sais he is looking forward to it

NitroX,

I have established today that:

1. Selwyn Low is indeed a member of PHASA.
2. PHASA is looking at the complaint, and the normal procedure will be followed. In this nothing is judged, or even further investigated and speculated about, until the other side (Selwyn Low's)of the story has been told. So it is time for reason and the correct procedure to prevail.

Verewaaier.

.........don't hold your breath.

Brooks
Don't hold your breath is a understatement! You will get a very nice reply from PHASA stating their willingness to look into your complaint. But that is the only thing you will ever get from them. ( If you hound them enough ) Phasa will tell you the "Investigation " is being held up by Nature Conservation or some future ruling. If you still insist on lodging a complaint with PHASA. They will simply stop answering your e-mails and written correspondence.

From my limited experience the only legal help you MIGHT get is from Safari Club. I have learned the only think you can do is submit a unfavorable report to the Hunting Report and let the outfitter live with his reputation!

Ski +3,

Nope, this person is not who you bought tickets with.

I try to be patient with the outfitters and since I am trying to recover something I paid for I have remained patient. PHASA does not seem to be helpful in these situations and tracking someone down who won't answer you also makes it rather difficult. I do not book for him and would not. My hunt was paid for at full price for me to "try him out". Since it did not work out my clients would not have to worry about going through what I have as I would not send them there.

Brooks has an edge as Mr. Low wants more money from him.

I am sure other agents have had troubles in the past with an outfitter or two. Too bad it does happen.

Hopefully things will be made right by Selwyn. I am sure Mr. Low has read this thread. He used to post here and he is very good friends with Hunter Jim.