Dates of Hunt: August 5 - 16th, 2005

PH: Brian Van Blerk

Hunting Team:
Trackers: Albert and Doto
Video / Photography: Rich Rauch

Travel Coordinated by: Kathi Klimes of Wild Travel (708) 425 - 3552

Rifles and Ammo:
Dakota .416 Rigby w/ Leupold 1.5 x 5 Vari x III
Shooting Norma Factory Barnes Solids, Federal Premium TB Bearclaw Softs. Both loads performed superbly!
Remington Custom Shop AWR 700 in 7mm Rem Mag
Leupold Vari x III in 2.5 x 8
Shooting Federal Premium 160 grn. Nosler Partitions.

Game Taken: Cape Buffalo (43"), Grant's Gazelle (26"), Zebra Stallion, Wildebeest.

Game Shot but Lost: EA Impala (26 - 27")

Game seen but not hunted: Due to poor trophy quality and low population: warthog

Just beacuse it didnt work out (if played cards right could have): Hartebeest

Due to not being on 10 day license: G. Kudu, L. Kudu, Oryx, Ostrich, Giraffe, Dik-Dik, Steinbok, Klipspringer.

Lion and Leopard both have very good poulations here,saw tons of tracks and scat. But they are both very people smart. No day light sightings. Also had camp hyena (2) that you heard, but never saw.

Neither Lobo or Lolkisale hold any Tommy's or Gerenuk. Adam can arrange a side trip for these on 21 day hunts with prior notice.

I highly suggest that if anyone book a trip to this area that is the least bit interested in bird shooting, take your shotgun or bring shells for the camp shotgun. This is a bird hunters paradise: Dove, Sand Grouse, Francolin, Guinea Fowl in huge populations! There is a creek with big hardwoods on it that serves as a dove roost: Argentina has nothing on this little honey hole!

Flew: Delta from Atlanta to Amsterdam (Business Class on FF Miles! ) Kathi booked my ticket on KLM and I flew coach from Amsterdam to Kilimanjaro. A benefit to both of these concessions is no need for a charter. Lolkisale is 1 1/2 to 1 3/4 Hours out of Arusha. Lobo is about 3 1/2 to 4 hours drive out of Arusha. Peter Lawrence the Arusha office manager for Adam Clements met me at the KIlimanjaro airport. You arrive late in the evening (9:30PM) so he drives you into Arusha and you are checked in to the New Arusha Hotel. Trivia Note: This is where John Wayne stayed during the filming of Hatari. The Hatari Bar in the hotel was the site of many a good party for The Duke while he was in town. Peter met me early the next morning to drive me to camp. One hour on blacktop, three on rutted out dirt roads. But in comfort in a brand new TZ Bundu Toyota Hilux w/ AC!

As stated before Delta lost my luggage and guncase both going to Tanzania and coming back.

Peter was a life saver! The guncase arrived in Kilimanjaro on the following evening flight (only one KLM flight per day). He drove to pick it up then the 4 hour drive to camp to deliver it. The very next day he received my baggae and repeated the process again. That kind of service in todays' world is great! He really went the extra mile.

Day I: Saw all sort of plains game and glamour game (Kudus L & G, Oryx)in the morning. Mostly just driving around getting a feel for the country. In the afternoon we drive over towards Tarangire, Brian has told me that if I want a Wildebeest we need to go, grass is drying. About 5 miles from the Tarangire border we see a herd of about 40 wildebeest that has one nice bull. Stalk, get within 125-135 yards, pull the shot a little and hit him right in the stomache. Great. The track meet starts. The herd is there supporting the bull and they a re running straight for Tarangire. ABout 5 -6 shots later I have my wildebeest down about 400 yards from the park border! Whew! I had never heard of a fire fight with wildebeest but this was it. Not a pretty picture. That night in camp my guns arrived from Kilimanjaro. That gave me some relief. Brian was good enough to let me borrow a pair of his jeans and gave me a couple Bundu t-shirts. I know I appreciated it and I am sure everyone in the LandCruiser did as well!

Day II: Went down to Lobo to check the water holes for tacks. Follwed an old dugga boy from water through a steep and nasty Karango. He finally laid down about a hundred yards behind a giant fig tree that had dropped all of it leaves. Like walking on Rice Krispies! Busted!
The bulls around Lobo and Narakauwo head for the thickest jess they can find for the late morning and afternoon. This coming from a middle Georgia Whitetail hunter! This stuff was THICK!

Day III: Brian puts me on a great Grants' Gazelle in the late am after tracking buffalo all morning. Relatively easy 130 yeard broadside shot. One shot and he was dead by the time he hit the ground.

Day IV: Got to Narakauwo before dawn. There were two different herds watering at the hole just before we arrived. One of 20 and one of 40. Followed up on each and bumped each twice. The wind was swirling badly and you inevitably got to with 50 yards and had the wind change. Lots of fires burning and being set. drove to one going back to camp that night that seriosuly had to have been a 2,000 acre fire. Rich told me that the amazing thing was that in 6-10 days the brunt over areas would have nice new green shoots of fresh grass for the game.

Day V: My Impala screw up: Rich and Brian spot a huge impala ram in a big herd. Brian says 26" Rich thinks more like 27". We climb off the truck to start the stalk. I pull a greenhorn move and fail to chamber a round. Brian gets me to 100-125 yards. Throws the sticks up and says "Smoke him". I pull the trigger. CLICK. The Impala are off and running. I quickly jack a round in the chamber but being rushed I pull the shot high through the tops of the shoulders at the neck. The ram drops his head but is running with the herd.

Doto and ALbert did a great job of tracking the very light blood trail. But after two miles it dried up to nothing. I finally asked to throw in the towel. I was practically sick to my stomache. Entirely my bad!

Day VI: Went back to Narakauwo and followed a big herd up the big hill or mountain behind the pan. This is a border area between Bundu and Luke Samaras and apparently a controversy between them as to who has hunting rights here. Obviously some crossover by both parties.
Trhough out the day we are chasing buff through thick stuff.Finally finished with one group that we could have shot from 15-20 buff. One bull in that 36-37" range with nice bosses. I am looking at Brian thinking hey I am over half way through the hunt should I maybe pop this buff. Brian is positive that we can do better. He pulls me back. This is when a good PH becomes a great PH. Even though the pressure is mounting for both client and PH, he doesn't let the client settle for less than they should!

Day VII: Start again at Narakauwo. No tracks.
Go to Lobo. No tracks. Pressure is really starting to mount. We pass a group of N'Derobo wood cutters that are working for Adam clearing a road back in some thick stuff. Typically, you dont trust the Masai for information. They are very entertained by making up stories. But Brian asks them if the know of any water around OL Donyalala (the Mountain of Sleepers). They said absoultely that there is a secret waterhole that never drys even in the worst droughts. But it is deep in the brush well away from any tracks. We get as clear a set of instructions as we could and were off. We had a rough understanding of where the N'Derobo wanted us to go. At our jump off point, Albert, Doto and Machako the game scout jumped off the Cruiser with Pangas and we started creating our own rode towards this theoretical water hole. 3.6 -3.7 KM into the brush making our own trail for the cruiser, we start seeing tons of game trails going in every which direction like the spokes on a wheel. The underbrush around us is much greener than anywhere we have been, so we now that the soil in the area must hold extra moisture. We never found the water hole but we did a find the tracks of a single, large dugga boy! We drank some water freshened up, and were off. We knew the tracks were pretty fresh. Brian told me to stay up close right bend him. We were in tight cover, but not horrible (bunches of jess about 10 feet around with trails running around them about 3 feet wide). Suddenly there was a crash slightly in front of and to the right of Brian! The bull started to come for us, but veered 15 - 20 yards out and was heading off in front to Brian's left. I squeezed quckly in front of Brian and the buff ran clear of brush. Brian said "Take him Now". My shot was very good. I hit him in the left front shoulder with a Trophy Bonded Bear Claw. It destroyed the shoulder and the bull fell with 15 yards. Both Brian and I put a finishing round into him (two solids). He was quickly dead. He was everything I desired in a Buffalo. Good spread (43") Deep Masailand curl and drop. The very front edge of his boss was a tad soft. His boss was around 13-14" across. I was totally pleased. This was why I came to Lobo. Why I have saved and worked so hard for three plus years planning this trip. Lobo is a magical place where you really stand the chance of bumping into that 50" monster. Ridge Taylor orignially turned me on to Lobo, and I saw the monster bulls he produced there, unfortunately Ridge is no longer with us, do I do appreciate him turning me on to this area.

Day Eight: Partied a little the night before and got a slow start to the day. Most doing photo safari, but told Brian if we see a monster Hartebeest(Cokes) that I would take him.
Had fun learning about the Masai and visiting with them. I post so of this info later on.

Day Nine and Ten: Looking for Hartebeest and good photos. The Hartebeest on the plains are very skittish, they start running if you get any closer than 350 yards. The big ones are all too far for my tastes / ability.

Morning of the last day provided some excitement that I missed! Brian and I were inside the Land Cruiser driving a track through the brush with Albert, Doto, Rich and the Game Scout on the back. All of a sudden all hell breaks loose in back! Nyoka! Nyoka! The boys are pounding on the roof. Brian punches the LC and we speed off. 200 yards down the track Brian pulls over and asks what was it. ALbert tells him 8-10 feet off the track was a 10-12 foot Black Mamba up in the branches of a tree. Albert, the game scout and Doto all spotted it.
The new Lobo camp is ona high rocky hill. Since construction they have not seen any mambas. But when the were clearing the site, they killed six mambas in six weeks!
I told them I hope you are really working on rat control around camp! Would not want to have mambas thinking this was a good area to hang out.

That morning was also Eland day. Had seen a few eland daily this week. But the big herds were on the move today. Saw proabably 100-125 head of eland and several big bulls.

Thanks to Saeed for providing this great resource. AR has proven to be a huge information asset. Thanks to Terry Carr, Russell Marshall, Roger Ferrell (the patron saint of gunsmiths), and most of thanks to my wife and family for supporting me through this expensive self-indulgence. I know honey, it will be a while before my next trip!

Adam Clements has a great team. They were professional, positive, and hard working every step of the way. Highlights: Adam, Jamie Cowan, Peter Lawrence, Majengo. But the MVP awards go to Brian Van Blerk and ALbert. Thanks to all of you. Job well done.

The last day we decide to head up to Lolkisale, so we will have a short run into Arusha the next AM. It was great to compare and contrast the camps. Both very nice, but I would have to say the new Lobo camp is my favorite.

Machako. Tanzania Game Scout.


Proud Masai tending his cattle.


Masai goat herder shaking an Acacia for seed pods. During August the Acacia bears seed pods that sort of look like edamame.


Masai Goat Condom. When Billy gets frisky and tries to mount nanny the plastic flap sort of impedes entry. Only Big Daddy gets to pass on his genes!


Masai Moran at Narakauwo


Simba! Track to right of 416 Rigby didn't show up to well. But he was a big boy. This track was 15 ft. front the front gate of a Masai Boma.


The reason I came to Lobo. Big Buffalo with that classic Masailand drop and curl.


The team! Doto and Albert. Doto from Western Tanzania. Albert is Matabele from the Bulawayo are of Zimbabwe. Albert speaks four languages fluently.


Visiting with a proud Masai family at their boma.


PH Brian Van Blerk. Loves all creatures great and small. Brian grew up and still resides in Bulawayo Zimbabwe. Does most of his hunting these days in Tanzania.


The old Lobo camp. This is where the concession's reputation was built by Ridge Taylor. Thank You Ridge.


Richard Rauch. Videographer, Photographer and Asst. PH. Lives in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe during off season.


Brian again.


The Chief of the N'Derobo. He led the wood cutters that told us about the secret waterhole close to Ol Donyalala. Would hate to make this man angry.


One of many elephants we saw at Lolkisale. All cows and calves. Due to lack of ele hunting, they have no fear of man.


Some trophy photos:

Hugh

Heck of a report. I thought you passed on a couple of good shooters in the 40" range. Of course my info. is second hand.

Congratulations!

Mark

Hugh,

Congratulations on that great hunt. Can't wait for the photos.

Regards,

Terry

Thanks for the great report. I too am waiting for the pictures.

Pics are posted on Alaskan Forum

Photos Added.

Nice pictures. I love to get the "local color."

Great stuff Hugh! Congratulations!

I just love that Buffalo....!

Regards,
Dave

Very good report and great pictures. Did you get to do any bird shooting?

Congratulations again, Hugh! It's good to see dreams come true!

Cheers,
Russell

Harris,

I did not get any bird shooting in, and I could kick myeslf for it. Adam and Dale keep shotguns at the camp. But the price of shells is apparently astronomical in Tanzania. So, I recommend that hunters either carry a gun with shells or just confirm the gauge of the shotguns in camp and bring some shells.

We saw flocks of francolin, sand grouse, dove and guinea fowl all the time.

Some sand grouse and francolin would make a nice addition to the table fare about mid way through the safari!

I think the Masailand concession holders should try to talk the game department in to a special bird hunting season, outside of the big game season. Tanzania is so poor and imagine the business they could do with combination bird shooting + photography jaunts in April, May.

Sorry to hear that you didn't get to do any bird shooting. What are the regulations concerning importation of guns and ammo to Tanzania? Can one carry shotgun shells without bringing shotguns? ( I thought your guns and ammo should match)

Hunting trips for just the birds sound like a great idea.

Harris,
You can bring in just ammo. I have never been asked to dientify caliber of ammo being brought in just the quantities for customs duty purposes. 12 ga from the local shop in arusha cost approx $1 per round

With any ammo, maximum allowable qty is 200 rds per caliber - of course that is more weightwise then airlines allow you to carry

Great pictures!!
Congrats..that's the kind of hunt I dream with !!

L

Hugh,
Great hunt, nice trophies and great report.
Thanks!

What a beautiful buffalo that is!!!

Dave

Harris, Hugh

We may have a way around the shot shell dilemma. Yes! All legal. We'll need some advanced notice before safaris though. We have a wing shooting nut going in this fall and he will report on the viability of straight bird hunting safaris.

Mark

Great story and pictures Hugh, thanks for posting and congrat's on the hunt. I REALLY like those Masailand buffalo. And that grants is spectacular.

quote:

Originally posted by Bwanamich:...12 ga from the local shop in arusha cost approx $1 per round...

While that sounds like a lot, if I'm spending $15,000.00 plus on a hunt, I'd be happy to spend another $200 on shells, if it can be arranged ahead of time. I get bored fishing while on safari, but bird shooting would be great fun.

Thanks for the report.
Great photos.
That's one of the best shaped buffalo I've ever seen!

Congratulations,
Kyler

Hugh- I just read Kudude's post about the Lolkisale Camp. Did you have hot showers everyday at Lobo??? Thanks again for the great story and pictures.

Snowymthunter,

Yes. If anything you had to be careful not to get scalded! I never was good at orchestrating two knobs (one hot, one cold). The Lobo Camp in general is much better thought out and built than the Lolkisale camp. Very nice. I think better service and management. Lolkisale was built by Krystina and company, then added on to by Adam and Charles. Adam and Brian Van Blerk designed the Lobo camp, Brian supervised the construction and Majengo manages the camp. I loved my experience at Lobo.

Hugh,
Congratulations on a great hunt and nice buffalo and the GrantGazel.



Hamdeni

Hugh.
Thanks for the hot water A-OK. My wife now cannot wait to get to Lobo Camp. I guess the design team did a great job. Great report and thanks for all the insight. We have hunted with Doto twice and he speaks better english than he lets on. He understands everything you say in English. He and I do some awesome whistling duos.
Robert

Thanks for sharing pics and story with us! I especially like that Grant`s and the buff of course..

I just heard from Adam Clements via e-mail this morning. He is returning from a 21 day + plus hunt with clients in Ruhudji (west of Selous)(Harpreet Brar's concession). Sounds like a fabulous safari. I will leave the details to him.

Adam told me that Brain Van Blerk has led clients to several 38-41" buff in Lobo as well as one 44". Sounds like Brian is having a good season.

Adam we await your full hunt report and Pics. Hugh

Adam just contacted me this week and my trophies are on their way. Adam sent the airbill # and when to expect. I should receive my trophies in less than two months from the completion of my safari! Good performance!

My jaw dropped when I saw your Grants Gazelle.

I am no expert and I don't know if that is huge or not, but it is absolutely stunning!!!!!!!!!

Congrats on a wonderful safari

Thanks also for the photos of the locals

Its nice to see more than just trophy pictures since it is the entire experience that makes the trip.