Outfitter: Danny McCallum Safaris

Location: Lukwati Game Reserve - Western Tanzania

Date: Aug. 10 - Sept. 1, 2012

Hunters: Amber Knowlton (Scheduled hunt dates - Aug. 10 - 30)
Aaron Neilson (License valid Aug. 17 - Sept. 6)

Cameraman: Jeremiah Bennett

Weapons: (Amber) .308 & .375 H&H - both using Swift A-Frames, and topped with Swarovski scopes
(Aaron) .375 RUM - using 275 & 300 gr CEB's, topped with a Trijicon 2.5 - 10 x 56 / .600NE V-C using 900 gr CEB's


This for me was to be a very special safari, and it turned out to be my VERY best African hunting experience, ever! Not only was it my 30th safari as a visiting hunter. It was my very first experience as a PH in Africa, and likely/sadly my last hunt for the most iconic species on earth - the Lion. So, considering these factors - it was a hunt that I was greatly looking forward to, but one that would also leave me with a bitter sweet taste in my mouth. Lion hunting has been the greatest passion I have ever known, so possibly doing it for the last time - was not an easy pill to swallow. Regardless, I wasn't just there for myself. I now had a client to consider, and her wants/desires had to come first!!!

CAST OF CHARCTERS:

Amber Knowlton


Jeremiah Bennett (Cameraman)


Aaron (Wanna Be PH) Neilson


Chris (real PH) Trent & Charles (Head Tracker)



Arriving on August 8th in Arusha via KLM from Amsterdam, the Arusha Coffee Lodge was a welcome site. Comfortable beds, good food, great staff, everything you like to see after a long trip - was just what was waiting for us at the lodge.

My room at the Coffee Lodge


The grounds at the lodge


Dining area at the lodge



After breakfast the next morning (Aug. 9th) Joanna McCallum & Chris Trent met us - and together we all went to the Arusha airport to catch the charter flight to camp. The Lukwati Game Reserve is a long damn way from anywhere. Roughly a 2.5 day drive from Arusha, and a 3 hr charter flight from town as well. Obviously the driving option was out of the question, so a 14-seat Caravan was transportation into camp.

Arrival at the airstrip, not far from Wuku Camp


We arrived into the hunting area mid-afternoon, so the rest of the day was spent organizing our gear - and of course, checking the guns. By Law, hunting operators are NOT allowed any permanent structures within the boundaries of a Game Reserve. Thus, home was to be east African tented style safari camps. Of course done in typical Tanzania style - VERY NICE.

Accommodations for Jeremiah & I.


Anytime you're gonna spend 3 weeks in one place, its always a good idea to get to know the chef and his staff. The food was excellent!!!




I could not have asked for a better client for my first ever safari as a PH. Not only was I very familiar with Amber, as we have known eachother and been friends for the past 12 years. But, she was the perfect lion hunting client! She was very familiar with the current law in Tanzania stipulating that only a lion of 6 yrs old or older was legal for harvest, and that was just fine by her. She made it very clear from the get-go, she couldn't care less about the lion's mane. She wanted an old lion, an old warrior that was worthy of shooting, and of course - one that was legal. She told me this was likely her one and only lion hunt, and she wanted it to be a good one. Frankly, I was thrilled to death! The perfect client for me, and the perfect client to hunt lion in Tanzania.

AMBER'S HUNT
Day 1: Although Lion was the main objective she also wanted a good sable, something over 40", and whatever else might trip her trigger. But first at hand was gonna be getting some bait, so with 3 buffalo available on license - that was our first objective. Day 1 was a little slow - not in terms of buffalo spotted, but we just had a little bad luck when it came to getting the right shot. First off, we didn't want to hunt any buffalo from a herd - it was Dagga Boys only. Secondly, Amber was a little apprehensive with a long shot on buffalo so getting fairly close was also in order. We saw a bunch, made a stalk, but it was not to be. Not to worry though, Lukwati is full of buffalo - so there's always tomorrow.

Lukwati is loaded with Tsetsee flies, and I was very surprised at how Amber dealt with em. It was obvious by day's end, she was serious about this hunt, and serious about getting her Lion!!! Frankly, I wanted to cry!!!

This is what happens when you run the Air-Con too much on Day 1. My cameraman was NOT impressed.


Day 2: The day before might have been a little slow, but this day was to be just the opposite. Our original plan was to head to the Rungwa river, about 2 hrs from camp and try for a hippo. Hippos are big critters, and provide a whole lotta bait. Problem was, half way there we ran into a couple of old buffalo bulls, and the hunt was on. As they spotted the truck, they trotted off into the bush. So, we waiting a few minutes - gathered our gear, and off we went.

Amber had asked me to please back-up immediately on any/all buffalo we shot. So as we approached to within range, Charles & Chris took the lead and the sticks, got Amber ready for the shot - as I stood by her side, ready to shoot. We got to within 60 yards, she waited for the buff to turn broadside and she let him have it. A couple of quick shots from both of us, and he was down. Lucky for us, his buddy didn't quite know what to do and he hung around just a bit too long. We quickly moved 20 yards forward and let the second bull have it as well. Again, a couple of quick shots from us both, and down he went. Fact is, Amber shot the 2 bulls fairly well - but she insisted on me shooting too, so that's what we did.

Amber and her brace of buffalo!!!


By the time we were finished taking care of the two bulls, we decided that the hippo could wait until later - and getting a few baits out asap, was most important. Amber had arranged for a "bait car" as well, so they too took one of the buffalo and headed for a couple of pre-dertemined bait locations. We headed for a location that Chris had suggested would be good for a couple of baits as well.

As we headed for the 2nd bait site, we came across a group of 6 dagga boys - and they had no idea we were there. It was roughly 5:30pm, the bulls were out feeding and we had plenty of cover between us and them. Again we moved to within 40 yards of the feeding bulls. This time, Amber and I went forward - I got her set up on the sticks, readied my rifle, and told her to start shooting. She did just that, hitting him twice before she was out of rounds, and needed to re-load. Since this bull was fairly well in the open, I held fire until she was empty - then I fired one final shot and the old dagga boy was down. Three buffalo in one day! A stark difference from just the day before.

Amber & I, with her 3rd bull of the day.


Amber holding a recovered .375 Swift A-Frame from her 3rd buffalo of the day. Seems to have preformed pretty well!


We took care of this bull too, got two more baits out and headed back to camp. It was rather late by the time we arrived, but it felt good knowing we now had some meat swinging.

Day 3 & 4: The 3rd day was spent hanging a couple more baits, while the bait car checked the other baits that were hung the night before. Not much action yet, but we did see a couple of good male tracks - so we put up a bait or two in the area of the fresh sign and carried on hunting.

A bush lunch


A pretty good view at lunch. Over-looking Lake Rukwa, on the SW boundary of the Lukwati Game Reserve


The 4th day, and it was time to do a bit more hunting. Amber was not there to shoot everything she saw, but there were a few animals she wanted, and a Lichtenstein's Hartebeest was one of them. Frankly, although very numerous throughout the area - they were not very tolerant of people. So a proer stalk was in order, but Amber executed it perfectly - and with a single shot the Hartebeest was hers.

Amber's Hartebeest - 1 shot kill!


Day 5: As we were all off hunting and having a good time, the bait car came back the previous night with news of lions feeding on 2 different baits. They didn't seem to think either of the baits had a big male on it, but never-the-less they suggested we check them out for ourselves, so we did. As we arrived at the first bait, we were greeted by our first lion sighting of the trip. And true to their word, the bait car guys were right - just a young male. Roughly 2 - 3 yrs old, and certainly not a worthy candidate. Regardless, its always cool to see a wild lion in his natural habitat - I love it!!

Doing his best to hide!!!


Yep, we still see you


Day 6: Was more of the same, 12 - 14 hr days bouncing around on un-even roads, battling constant attacks from the tsetsee's and when you're not moving, the mopani bees are after you too. We of course spent time checking baits, but nothing of much interest had materialized, despite the fact that plenty of fresh sign was evident.

The Lukwati Game Reserve is in my opinion, loaded with game. Of course a frequent sight was that of the giraffe. Beautiful animals, but totally off limits in Tanzania - as they are considered the country animal. Without question however, the most frequently observed species was that of the cape buffalo. They darn near trampled the truck on numerous occasions.







As I mentioned earlier, Amber was also very keen to get a nice Sable. And judging by the first few days in the area, getting one was NOT gonna be a problem. So late in the afternoon we returned to an area where we had briefly tried for a good bull a couple of days earlier. We stopped the truck about 800 yards from the open meadow, where we had seen this group of sable last time through. We approached down wind, and sure enough - they were there. Lucky for us the bull was on the west side of the stream, and all by himself. We easily got to 80 yards, and just as I got up the sticks he noticed us - turning and giving Amber a perfect quartering on, broadside shot. She center punched him, he went 30 yards and gave up the ghost! She made a good shot, and I was very happy for her.

Amber's 42" trophy sable


One thing's for sure - Africa provides some of the best scenery in the world!!!


Day 7: Again, more of the same - with the exception of the reedbuck. A very cool little critter that closely resembles the white-tail deer, including their white tail which they frequently flag, just like our N.A. whitetail. There wasn't much to this one, apart from a short stalk around a large stand of grass - and another one shot kill for Mrs. Knowlton.



By now we were seeing alot of the country, but by no means were we seeing it all. Lukwati is a massive game reserve of some 3 million acres, all of which is controlled by Danny McCallum at the moment. It truly is an amazing place, full of wildlife - and totally absent of people.

View from the top - as they like to call it!


Day 8: For the most part, we continued to see/experienced more of the same. Checking baits, checking a trail cam or two, and moving a bait or two if needed, plus long hrs in the truck. The never ending onslaught by the tsetsee flies gets old, but the flip side is - the hunting is great! We saw numerous other species as well, things like Eland, Sable, Roan, Bushbuck, Oribi, Warthog, Impala, Duiker, Zebra, etc, but Amber was not terribly interested. Other than the big sable, which she already got - her only interest was the Lion!

Long about 5:30pm we get a radio call from the bait car. They tell us that they are at one of the bait sites, and are looking directly at a male lion who has claimed the bait as his own. They aren't too sure as to his age, but suggest we should come take a look. Problem is, we are over an hour away from that bait - and it gets dark by 7pm. The bait guys ensure us that there's plenty of meat to keep him around, so we plan to head there in the morning.

Gotcha!!!!


Day 9: There was an incredibly loud, and very vocal lion that had decided camp was his place of residence. So generally we spent an hour or so in the morning trying to figure out just what he was up to. Oh ya, we had a couple of baits up for him - but rest assured, he knew that program. One of the other PH's had a trail cam pic of him, the fuel vehicle had seen him twice and everyone agreed he was a great lion. But never once would he touch a bait, and each morning he would stop calling by about 5:30am (it got light by 6:30am). It became painfully obvious that getting him was a near impossibility, but it sure was cool having him so close to camp. To me, the lion's roar is the single most incredible sound one will ever hear in the African bush!

By now it was 8am, and we were on our way to check some of the baits. Third in line was the bait in which the guys had seen the lion just the evening before. So as we approached, we were all paying extra close attention. Darn, he's not there - or that's at least how it appeared. Not until we were within 12 yards of the bait, did we see the lion - and he was damn near laying in plain sight!!!

Our first look at this grand old warrior!!!


Fact is though, this was NOT a slam-dunk call. Chris was with us, and he immediately said he's young. But as I looked him over from 12 yards away, with 10x Leica's, it became obvious he was an OLD lion. Not just mature, but OLD! I used all the info I had gathered over the past few years in studying/observing and hunting lions, and put it all together. Over the course of the next 10 minutes, I even laid out my case for Chirs, and he agreed - he's old!

All the while, poor Amber is having a stroke attack - excited as heck, and desperately wanting this lion as long as he qualifies as legal. She too could clearly see he was NOT a big maned lion, but she thought he too looked like an old warrior, one worth taking and she wanted him if possible. By now however, the lion had grown tired of our presence, and walked off to our right. During the debate, we noticed his movement - but did not pay alot of attention as we didn't figure he would go far. But by the time we decided to take him, he was no where in sight!!!

Not to worry, we decided that building a blind was in order - so we set off in search of suitable grass for the job. About that time, the tap came of the room, we stopped the car, and Charles pointed across the open vlay to the stream of water. Our lion was apparently thirsty, and had simply gone to get a drink. He was roughly 400 - 500 yards away, moving back toward the bait. So quickly, we bailed out and headed after him on foot. Last we saw him, he had gone behind a huge tree - but never came out the other side. The tree was producing quite a shady spot in the mid-day sun, so it seemed logical that he had laid down right there in the shade. I wasn't really too concerned about spooking him, as he seemed completely un-bothered by our presence all-together.

We approached to within 50 yards of the tree, went around to the right - and there he was, lying in the shade. He was facing away from us, so we got Amber up on the sticks, I readied my rifle as she had requested, and we prepared for the shot. Just then, he looked over his shoulder, got to his feet and started walking perfectly broadside to us in the direction of the bait. I kept telling her to wait for him to stop, but finally Chris made a low growling noise, and instantly he stopped. "In the shoulder" I told her, and instantly Amber's .375 H&H turned him inside-out. Flipping and roaring, but low enough in the grass that a second shot was near impossible. Amber did fire a second shot, clipping him high in the back, but frankly, the shot was so obscured that hitting him at all was a darn good shot.

Then he started to get to his feet, Chris was with Amber, and I ran 30 yards towards the tree to get a clear shot, before he took off into the long grass. As I came into the clear, the lion was up on his feet - looking directly at me and growling like you cannot believe. I center-punched him with my .375 RUM, flipping him completely over backwards, but he still had alot of life left in him. Quickly I was motioning Chris to bring Amber to the tree. We got her in the clear, the lion was still looking at us and growling furiously - as I told her to give him one more through the shoulder. She made a perfect shot, and a few seconds later - he was done. Amber's dream of an African Lion was reality, and her happiness was evident by her free flowing emotions. All of us could not have been more proud of her at that moment, she truly did an awesome job!!!!!

Amber's Tanzania Lion!!


Amber and I with her Lion


An old man


Notice the tooth wear


Well, for Amber that was it - her lion was in the salt and it was time to get her to her two little ones waiting in Texas. Shortly following, she was on a charter plane back to Arusha, and on her way home. It was a real pleasure hunting with her, and I was very proud of our accomplishments.

Day 10: With Amber's hunt complete - it was now time for me to do some hunting. Chris and I decided some more bait might be in order, so if we came across a good buff we were gonna take him. We still had some of Amber's baits working too, but some fresh meat was also needed.

Generally speaking, just wait a little while and buffalo will appear. As we were preparing to stop for lunch, we spotted 4 bulls moving slowly through the Mopani. They were about 500 yards to our right, but not in too much of a hurry. One of them looked pretty decent, but my concern was with getting bait - not size of the buffalo, so off we went. We tracked them for just a bit, crept into about 100 yards, picked out the one we saw from the get-go, and let him have it. A couple of shots later, he was down and bait was secured. While the guys prepared the bull, Chris, Jeremiah and I had lunch under a shade tree, and we planned where to put up our fresh bait.

My first Lukwati bull!


Day 11 - 12: The next couple of days were rather un-eventful. We certainly saw plenty of game, buffalo especially - but I was fixed on getting a lion, so we mostly checked baits and kept moving. Most everything we saw I had shot numerous times before, so I wasn't too keen on racking up the trophy fee bill for something I already had.

More Lukwati scenery


Lunch by the stream - a beautiful place!


Day 13: Again we decided some more bait was in order. So early that morning we headed to the Rungwa River to try for a hippo. This year is a fairly dry year, the water levels are down, thus alot of the hippos are piled together in a few of the big pools of water. Making it easy to find em, but not easy to get one out of there. The river was narrow in most places, and shooting a bull in amongst 20 - 30 other hippos, then having to go in there and get him, especially with no boat - and the hippos not wanting to leave, was not a good idea. Plus, we needed to be sure and shoot one in a place that we could get the vehicle to, thus making the job of getting him out of the water - a possibility.

But not to worry, Chris was an old hand at this - having hunted/guided in this area for nearly 15 years. We soon located a secluded pool of water, with 3 lone bulls calling it home. Unfortunately we did not get there in time to catch them on land, as sometimes happens in this area - so the "bob & shoot" method was gonna be at hand. No worries, I had shot 6-7 hippos in the past - most of them the same way. So, we got the sticks up - made sure Jeremiah was filming and took down Mr. Hippo.

The other two bulls were none too happy, so as Chris and the guys went in after him - I stood watch with rifle at hand. The other two bulls made it clear that we were not welcome, but kept enough distance between themselves our our party that no further action was necessary.



Day 14 & 15: Lots more of the same, swinging new bait - chekcing other baits, and generally getting the blood sucked out of us by the never ending tsetsee flies. Oh, did I mention the tsetsee flies were bad? Look, we were seeing plenty of Lion sign - they just weren't cooperating with us. In fact, on two separate occasions we had what was obviously a male lion (based on the track) walk right up to a bait, look at it, and walk off? Even the bait car guys were scratching their heads, as to why we had not had more activity on the baits, considering the sign in the area. Never the less, we kep at it - as that's all we could do.

The plan was made before leaving main camp that morning, that fly camping was in order. Most of our baits were quite a ways away, so we took a few items with us and prepared to spend the rest of the hunt at fly camp. It was comfortable, with a mattress in our tent, a shower, toilet, and the same good food we looked forward to every evening.

Fly Camp



Late on the 14th day however, we did get some excitement. After seeing more 40" plus sable that a guy could possibly imagine - I finally saw one I really liked. Not the biggest we had seen so far, but certainly one of the heaviest, with a classic shape. As he dissappeared over the top of the hill, a couple of us made a bee-line to the top in hopes of catching a glimpse. As we slowing moved down the hill a bit, I spotted him looking in our direction. I told Charles to move left and put up the sticks. Always interesting communication, as he speaks little English and my Swahili is a bit lacking too. I know some of the basics, but that's about it. Anyway, he got the picture and we got set-up at 146 yards from the bull. I quickly made sure Jeremiah was ready too, and touched one off. The bull ran about 40 yards, and piled up in a heap.

My Sable also went 42"! The truth is however, over the next week I would see 3 more that dwarfed this one. I think I shot too early?


The 15th day did bring some highlight, as we spotted what to me was an AWESOME warthog - and we decided to give him a go. Frankly, I had no intention of shooting one, but when I saw this guy that all went out the window. Again, Chris and I made a short stalk, and quickly got on the sticks as he turned and starting running away. I shot him square up the rear-end, and down he went. A great trophy, and some leopard bait as well.



Day 16: The bait car guys had told us the night before that one of our leopard baits, which was located right at the site of the old Lukwati North camp, was being fed on by what appeared to be a big male leopard. Now to this point I haven't mentioned anything about leopard, but let me just tell you - this place is crawling with leopard! At one point, we had no less than 8 different leopards feeding on bait at the exact same time. Now I was certainly interested in one, but it was not the highest priority. But the bait car guys insisted we check this one out, so we did.

Sure enough, the track looked good - the cat had been feeding alot and building a blind was definitely in order. By mid afternoon the blind was complete, we had lunch and waited until about 5pm to head to the blind. Chris as the ever insistent pro that he is, continued to urge me to make sure its a male before shooting. Of course I knew that, but he was simply doing his job - and he is definitely good at it.

Just as we thought nothing was gonna show, up popped a leopard. Low light it was for sure, but the cat was definitely not a male. Chris and I whispered back/forth, both agreed that there was no way this was the big male, and called for the car. Just as the car arrived, Chris said lets come back in the morning, I am sure he will come. No problem!!!!

A young male we had on bait, just near camp!


Day 17: We returned to the blind early the next morning, roughly 5:30am. Sunrise was roughly 6:30 or so, but Chris warned me that we would sit until 8:30am. He told me, never leave a Leopard blind before 8am around here, often the big males will show up long after sun-up. So my 7:30am my patience was wearing thin, but the distant roars of the lion kept me occupied - escpecially as it became evident that he was moving ever closer.

Long about about 7:45am, as I am peering through the hole - I see movement. Its him, eyeing his meal in the tree and being ever cautious of the surroundings. Frankly I was surprised to see him, as it was long past sunrise. But, there he was and the filming light was awesome. A moment later he jumped into the tree, looked around for a moment and moved towards the bait. Giving him just a minute to get comfortable, and ensuring the camera was rolling - I fired one shot from the .375 RUM at 54 yards, and straight down he went. Unfortunately straight down into the stream so he looked like a wet rag, but regardless, we had a big male leopard in the salt.



The blind, just next to the vehicle


As quickly as the picture taking was done, our attention turned to the roaring lion from awhile ago. The fact is, we were standing on the old Lukwati North camp site and the same exact place that my good friend Mike Fell - PH, told me prior to my departure, that he had seen a huge lion last year. So we quickly moved the bait from the tree branch, and not over the water, to a limb over-hanging the ground. Obviously a male lion is not gonna climb some little branch, and he couldn't have reached it from the water, even if he wanted to. We brought in one of the hippo legs too, as there wasn't alot of meat for a lion - and came back that evening to do a fresh drag.

Chris and I at fly camp


Day 18 - 21: Over the last few days we did secure a couple of more buffalo, as some of our baits needed to be replaced, and we kept returning to the site of the leopard kill in hopes that the big boy had made an appearance, but it was not to be.

My 2nd Lukwati buffalo


My 3rd Lukwati buffalo


We did have some action on our bait in pond valley, the bait care reported 5 lions feeding on the bait - but they thought they were all females. Regardless, we decided to go and check it out for ourselves. Upon arrival, it was clear that at least 3 of the lions were in fact males, but young ones for sure. Likely 2 yr olds, as it appeared to be 4 youngsters, and their mother. Three of which were definitely males, one young female, and an older lioness. Not exactly what we were hoping for, but exciting just the same.

The greatest thing about a truly wild/remote place like the Lukwati Game Reserve is, the Lions are simply un-afraid of most everything. Certainly they will not let you get too close, but they don't act like most lions in Zim, or elsewhere either. Obviously young males that are pictured below. Do I really need to tell you not to shoot them?







Day 22: Our final day, the last go-round if you will - as the charter flight picks us up the next morning at 10am. So of course we kept at it, checking baits - but with the same result! By 4pm we were headed to the VERY LAST bait, the same bait where we shot the leopard, and the same bait where we still had a blind built. We arrived at 4:20pm, and I told Jeremiah that this was it, the fat lady was singing - were going home, etc, etc. Just then, Chris said hey Aaron - you might wanna come check this out. To my utter surprise, Chirs and Charles were pulling mane hair off the bait. Frankly it wasn't great hair, it was fairly long, but mostly white and light ginger. But never-the-less, we had a candidate. We thought for sure it was the lion Mike had told us about, but we needed to see him on the paw.

Thankfully a blind was already built, we organized our sutff, and got prepared to sit from 5pm until sundown. A slow and quiet hour passed until 6pm when we started to hear what sounded like bones crunching behind and to the right of the bait/bushes. Surely it was him, but we could see nothing. Then about 10 minutes later I caught just a glimpse of his back half and his tail, as he walked to the left and behind the bait/creek. Damn, this is driving me crazy. Then all of the sudden, there he is just left of the bait! But wait, what the hell is wrong with this lion? I slowly raise my binos to see a bushpig standing there, and very quickly he starts to get extremely nervous. Well, that surprised me - but I'm sure he was the surprised one as he quickly disappears, then all you see/hear is screaming and running bushpigs as they try to escape the lion's grasp. Evidently they were successful, as just a couple minutes later the lion is once again back and to the right of the bait, crunching bones and staying out of sight. Finally its getting dark, and we call in the truck - no lion!

Back at camp, Chris calls Joanna and tells her we need to have the charter flight delayed. We must go back to the blind in the morning, and we will not make it to the 10am flight. So frantic calls back/forth, and Joanna has arranged a 3pm flight for us back to town. A small miracle, and some much needed help.

Day 23: "OK Aaron, we've got 3 hrs this morning then we gotta get out of Dodge", says Chris. I reluctantly nod in agreement, as we roll out of camp at 4:15am. 90 minutes later we stop less than a kilometer from the bait to get ready, when we hear him calling. He's definitely by the bait, but Charles instantly tells us - he's NOT on the bait. How can he tell that from this distance?? Charles was right!!!

We were in the blind before 6am, with a 30-40 minute wait for sun-up. We were only there for a few minutes when the lion started roaring probably 600 - 800 yards to our left. Damn we thought, this is not good! Again and again he roared, but always from the same place - and not at the bait. It was starting to get light, and we were discussing a plan for going after him, when he roared again. It was obvious that this time he was closer, so we sat tight to see what he would do. Again he roared, closer yet. He sounded right next to us, but we still could not see him.

Nothing for 10 - 15 minutes, and by now its getting pretty light. Just then Chris spots him out of his viewing hole, about 50 yards left of the blind. I can't see him, but Chris is watching him intently. For 3 - 4 minutes, the lion doesn't move - just stares at the bait. He finally disappears in the direction of the bait, and Chris turns to me and says, "Aaron, he's definitely a shooter - no doubt about it!" Well of course, now I'm really excited and hoping he shows up at the bait. Just then, there he is. Standing just behind the creek, staring at his food. All I can see is his head, but man he looks awesome. Slowly he walks through the creek, and like he's shot straight out of a cannon, he vaults himself up the bank on our side, and stares straight at the blind!!

It took only a second for me to know he's a shooter, I had no doubt. His body was big, his head was large, he had all the features of a older/mature lion, and just like in the movies - his mane was huge and flowing. He's a lion that only dreams are made of, and now I needed just a few moments of clarity to claim my prize. Slowly he walked to our right, up to the bait and stopped at a slight quartering away angle. At 51 yards, the 275 grain NON-CON slammed through his chest, breaking his opposite shoulder and the flipping, biting and growling was under way. I quickly shot him once more, he jumped and flopped to the right, and finally all was quiet.

Really, did that just happen - did we just shoot this huge lion in the bottom of the 9th, with 2 outs? Yep, we sure did - and I was thrilled! He's a magnificant trophy, a huge maned lion, and perhaps the last lion I will ever shoot. 12 Lions just seems like a good number, and I am truly blessed to have this one as potentially the last.

Needless to say, we hurried up with the pictures/filming, got our butts back to camp, packed up - and just made it to the charter flight back into town. So, I gotta say a special thanks to Mike Fell - man you were right, he's a beauty!













The bait site, note the thick bush


The entire crew - back at camp!!



SUMMARY:
I was extremely blessed on this trip. Not only was Amber the perfect client/hunting companion, but her hunt came off as a resounding success. Chris Trent and his crew, what a great bunch of guys, and without any question - they are hugely responsible for the success of our hunt. Danny McCallum Safaris has done a fabulous job with the Lukwati Game Reserve, the camps, the food, everything is first class all the way! My cameraman Jeremiah, he endured alot of punishment on the back of the truck for 22.5 days, never complained, and filmed some of the best footage we have to date!

Most importantly for me, was the blessing to get to hunt and spend time in such a special place - as the Lukwati Game Reserve. 3 million acres of true wilderness, and we were the only ones there! Never have I seen so many buffalo, never. Without any doubt we saw over 2,000 buffalo during our 3 week stay. Leopards are bouncing in and out of every tree, plains game is generally in sight, elephants are not un-common, and the Lion is frequently serenading you at night! I could not imagine a more prestine place, where the cats feed in the daylight, all night waiting in a blind is TOTALLY un-necessary, and odds are good that you will find your prize. Thankfully for me I get to go back, only as a guide next time, but the next couple of years will see my face in the Lukwati again!

Its goodbye for now, but not forever!

So far so good, Aaron, can't wait for the rest.

Great safari Aaron, looks like you did a great job at your first PH job, Congrats and I hope you have many more my friend.

A very nice report. Wonderful photos and great trophies. Thanks.

AARON -
GREAT REPORT and WORTH the WAIT!!!!

All is forgiven, until your next hunt.

Wow!
Wow!
Wow!
Is all I can say.....

PS - Amber is much better looking than you....

Aaron,
You have knocked it out of the park on this one! Congrats on two highly successful safaris rolled into one !!

Like everyone I was waiting for this one.

Great report! Congrats you are living the dream.

Wow Aaron, that's an amazing safari, thanks for sharing the stories and photos!

Great report aaron. Damn I just got back NAND I am ready again. What a great lion

Great Stuff Buddy!!!!

Glad you got back safe!

You are indeed very fortunate to be able to hunt in such a magnificent area!

Well done! Two mature lions in 22 days is pretty spectacular! Not to mention some fine buffalo as well...

Impressiv! Thanks for sharing, the Leopard is beautiful.

Why is that your last lionhunt?

Aaron,

Just wonderful, great report and a big congrats, to both you, and Amber...Spectacular cats! Thanks so much for the great report..Butch

quote:

Originally posted by Caracal:

Why is that your last lionhunt?

Not that I necessarily want it to be my last lion, but its getting time to start saving my money for the future. I just turned 40 a few months ago, and unfortunately these darn lion hunts aren't getting any cheaper

Drooling over some fabulous animals there! Beautiful sable and wartty. The leopard looks big and old as well.
Didn't notice the 600 being used much...what's up with that?

quote:

Originally posted by hunteratheart:
Didn't notice the 600 being used much...what's up with that?

Frankly, I never fired a shot with it. I carried it a bit with Amber, but since she wanted me to back her up, I mainly carried my .375 RUM.

Jeremiah and I, along with Charles snuck to within 36 yards of a group of dagga boys midway through the hunt. We were not really in need of bait, so I was trying to shoot the big bull (43" plus) but he was lying down, and I could not get him to present a shot before hauling the mail. I could have easily shot 1 or 2 of the other bulls, but I really wanted the big one.

congrats on a great hunt Aaron.

A larger than life safari, Aaron! Tremendous trophies, great photography.

Isn't it so much nicer to base out of Arusha/Coffee Lodge than Dar?

Well done, indeed.

Wow! Fantastic animals!

quote:

Originally posted by JohnDL:
A larger than life safari, Aaron! Tremendous trophies, great photography.

Isn't it so much nicer to base out of Arusha/Coffee Lodge than Dar?

Well done, indeed.

Yes, I definitely prefer Arusha to Dar.

Aaron, absolutely fantastic report; thank you very much!

Looks like the perfect hunt for everyone involved!

Truly, the hunt of a lifetime.

Living large, my friend, large.

Great pics BTW, thanks for sharing!

Fantastic report!!! What a glorious place to hunt. If only....

It's the kind of hunt dreams are made of!
Good Job Sir.

Congratulations again Aaron on a fantastic lion and a great Safari. To shoot 12 lions in this day and age is indeed a great achievement.

Cheers,

Arjun
www.huntersnetworks.com

Stellar.

Congratulations and thanks for a great report and pictures!



Doug

Excellent hunt! Hope to hear more details in elk camp this year!!!

Congrats again!!!

Wow.

That's all I can say.

Wow.

What a fantastic safari, 2 great lions, 2 great sable, a leopard, lots of buffalo and an amazing warthog!

Congratulations and thanks for sharing this wonderful hunt.

OK Aaron so you get the prize for the Lion of the year. Good call on Amber's Lion, a warrior and a great one to take.

Damn fine report. The drops and the hooks on those buff were great and you shoot that quality for bait?

Just goes to show that Tanzania is still tops in Africa.

Aaron, congrats on a truly fine safari. I really like the big rosettes on your leopard. The buffs are great, so too are the shumbas, sable and hog. Actually all the trophies are awesome. Well done to Amber and the whole team. Is that Corey's wife?

Congratulations Aaron,

Spectacular trophies, great hunt and wonderful report to help us all "return to Africa" at least for a few hours of our days.

Paul

Congrats on a great, traditional Tanzania safari!

You mentioned that elephant were present...how many did you see during your time in Lukwati?

Thanks guys, really appreciate all the kind words.

Thierry - Yep, that's Corey's wife! She was game, and great fun to hunt with.

Safari2 - Just guessing, but we probably saw 50 elephants. Plenty appeared to be around judging by the spoor in the roads, waterholes, etc, but they stayed mostly out of sight.

Aron, Congrats on a great Safari and post with excellent Pics. After veiwing and reading I felt like I was there in camp agian.

Sorry M.S.> Aaron

Just simply incredible! Congrats buddy...

Great stuff Aaron.

Thanks for sharing.