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Scartozi
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Reged: 14/03/04
Posts: 63
Loc: Columbus Ohio, USA
Your First African Hunting experience
      #11699 - 17/03/04 09:58 AM

"Your first African hunting experience"

I would just like to know if it was all you expected it to be when you arrived at your camp (or got off the plane). Was your first experience one that you will never forget, either good or bad?



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Will
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Reged: 04/02/03
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Re: Your First African Hunting experience [Re: Scartozi]
      #11704 - 17/03/04 10:41 AM

When I stepped off the bush plane, I couldn't believe the experience I had when I was confronted with so many good looking hookers....oh, hunting experience. Forget it.

--------------------
_________________________________________________
Bill Stewart

Once you have been amongst them, there is no such thing as too much gun.


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Scartozi
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Reged: 14/03/04
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Re: Your First African Hunting experience [Re: Will]
      #11706 - 17/03/04 10:56 AM

So you where on a "Bush" plane then confronted by hookers. I guess that's a different kind of hunting trip, it probably takes place in the bush

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mikeh416Rigby
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Re: Your First African Hunting experience [Re: Scartozi]
      #11716 - 17/03/04 01:16 PM

My first Africa experience was in Namibia. I really didn't know what to expect, but all I know is that I had a fantastic time! After my first trip, I felt like calling up a lot of the North American guides I hunted with over the years, and tell them that they have a great deal to learn about what the meaning of a P.H. is. Every subsequent trip to Africa was just as superb! I rarely hunt in North America now, preferring to save up my money for Africa which I personally feel is a much better value. Africa is now in my blood, and I love it!

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Scartozi
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Reged: 14/03/04
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Re: Your First African Hunting experience [Re: mikeh416Rigby]
      #11717 - 17/03/04 01:21 PM

mikeh416Rigby
Did you go by yourself? I think I would feel a bit lost if I didn't know anyone on such a big trip.


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luv2safari
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Reged: 09/11/03
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Re: Your First African Hunting experience [Re: Will]
      #11718 - 17/03/04 01:38 PM

Will,

You must have stepped off the plane in Winnemucca... ...my second home...great chucker hunting, and some nice "quail"!

--------------------
Hunt with Class and Classics


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475Guy
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Reged: 22/08/03
Posts: 1088
Loc: Kali, US
Re: Your First African Hunting experience [Re: luv2safari]
      #11720 - 17/03/04 01:51 PM

L2S, yo dude, did you go out and ride any Mustangs? You know the place right outside of Reno, used to be run by the IRS also.

--------------------
Lo do they call to me,
They bid me take my place among
them in the Halls of Valhalla,
Where the brave may live forever.


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mikeh416Rigby
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Re: Your First African Hunting experience [Re: Scartozi]
      #11732 - 17/03/04 03:13 PM

On my first trip I was accompanied by my wife. A friend of mine and his wife also went along. However, knowing what I do now, I'd have no reservations about going it alone, and have done so several times. Also, you should know that all reputable outfitters, or their representative will meet you at the airport, assist you with your luggage, and get you to camp. You will not be alone, and will be well looked after from the time you clear customs until you are safely back at the airport for your return home.

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luv2safari
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Re: Your First African Hunting experience [Re: Scartozi]
      #11736 - 17/03/04 04:39 PM

Mine was booked through Ray Atkinson years ago and was to Zimbabwe (Chinoi) and Tanzania (Lokisale)...as I told my wife...it was Wondrous! ...just like each subsequent trip!

How ever you have to do it...book a safari...today!!!

--------------------
Hunt with Class and Classics


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TerryBlauwkamp
.224 member


Reged: 28/02/04
Posts: 18
Loc: Michigan
Re: Your First African Hunting experience [Re: Scartozi]
      #11750 - 18/03/04 12:51 AM

My first trip was to Zimbabwe in 1985. My first surprize, was when we got on the plane in NY. The flight crew was white. I had visions of them all being black, (like now).

I had no idea that Jo Berg or Harare were so big.

The hunting was about as expected. Now the airports are even bigger.

--------------------
MayI be half the man my dog thinks I am.


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Scartozi
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Reged: 14/03/04
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Loc: Columbus Ohio, USA
Re: Your First African Hunting experience [Re: TerryBlauwkamp]
      #11762 - 18/03/04 09:29 AM

I gathering from you guys that if you book with a good outfit you won't have any problems and they'll make sure of it. So far I'll be going alone so I really appreciate all of your input on this subject.

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mikeh416Rigby
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Re: Your First African Hunting experience [Re: Scartozi]
      #11763 - 18/03/04 09:49 AM

That's exactly right. They'll look after you like they'd look after their own mother.

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Scartozi
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Reged: 14/03/04
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Re: Your First African Hunting experience [Re: mikeh416Rigby]
      #11768 - 18/03/04 11:17 AM

If there is one thing that you wish you would have brought on your first safari what would it be. I just don't want to get that far away from home and go "I wish I would have brought.....) Rifles not included

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mikeh416Rigby
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Re: Your First African Hunting experience [Re: Scartozi]
      #11773 - 18/03/04 11:48 AM

I would have brought fewer hunting clothes-3 sets are plenty. I also would have brought a balaclava to keep my face and head warm on the early morning rides in the back of the hunting vehicle-it gets downright cold in the hours around dawn in the months of May, June and July in Namibia and South Africa. I also would have brought a pair of uninsulated leather gloves for the same reason. Another helpful item is one of those sweaters that Cabela's sells that has the windshear liner. I like the fatigue sweater style. I also would have taken a medium size duffle bag to pack more souveniers into. If you have more questions, drop me an email.

Edited by mikeh416Rigby (18/03/04 11:49 AM)


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Scartozi
.275 member


Reged: 14/03/04
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Re: Your First African Hunting experience [Re: mikeh416Rigby]
      #11780 - 18/03/04 12:18 PM

mikeh416Rigby
Colder than it gets there in PA? I'm sure you weather there is about like it is here in Ohio, one day it's 70 and the next 30....what the hell is that all about!!! Anyways, I'm sure I will have quite a few questions about going to Africa and you will probably get tired of me emailin you with questions but what can I say, I'm fascinated by the whole experience.

I'll have to do search the members area and see if there is anyone around here in Columbus. There are so many questions it would be nice to talk in person. But for now this is by far my best source of information.


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mikeh416Rigby
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Re: Your First African Hunting experience [Re: Scartozi]
      #11781 - 18/03/04 12:23 PM

Hey, with a monicer like Scartozi I'm afraid that if I don't reply you'll make me an offer I can't understand (I'm part Polish). Seriously, I'm never too busy to try and help out. I've had a lot of people help me out over the years, and I like returning the favor. I don't know everything, and if I don't know, I'll say so, but what I do know I'm more than happy to share.

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Scartozi
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Reged: 14/03/04
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Re: Your First African Hunting experience [Re: mikeh416Rigby]
      #11783 - 18/03/04 12:33 PM

mikeh416Rigby

Check out my recent post in the "General" section where I tell how that name came about....it's not so intimdating.


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mikeh416Rigby
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Re: Your First African Hunting experience [Re: Scartozi]
      #11784 - 18/03/04 12:37 PM

Now it makes sense.

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Scartozi
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Reged: 14/03/04
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Re: Your First African Hunting experience [Re: mikeh416Rigby]
      #11786 - 18/03/04 12:44 PM

So is it true that you aren't allowd to wear camouflage clothing? If this is true do you know the reason behind it?

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mikeh416Rigby
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Re: Your First African Hunting experience [Re: Scartozi]
      #11788 - 18/03/04 01:14 PM

It depends on the country. In Namibia and RSA you can wear cammo, but only in the hunting area. In some countries it's strickly prohibited. Cammo is the uniform of rebels in these countries. You must check with your outfitter regarding the use of cammo in the area you are hunting.

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Scartozi
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Reged: 14/03/04
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Re: Your First African Hunting experience [Re: mikeh416Rigby]
      #11789 - 18/03/04 01:22 PM

I guess to play it safe khaki it is! Since you are pretty much in the same geographical location as I am, how long of a plane ride is it?

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mikeh416Rigby
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Re: Your First African Hunting experience [Re: Scartozi]
      #11790 - 18/03/04 01:40 PM

What country are you looking at?

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Scartozi
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Reged: 14/03/04
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Loc: Columbus Ohio, USA
Re: Your First African Hunting experience [Re: mikeh416Rigby]
      #11791 - 18/03/04 01:46 PM

Honestly, not quite sure yet, maybe Namibia. I haven't booked anything yet, seeing as though it's going to be a year or two....hopefully! I'll have to keep working seven days a week Man...why does everything I love to do have to cost so much!!!!

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mikeh416Rigby
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Re: Your First African Hunting experience [Re: Scartozi]
      #11799 - 18/03/04 02:51 PM

I'm heading back to Namibia in May of '05.

When you have to work for it, you appreciate it even more-that's why.


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Bigfive
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Reged: 06/01/03
Posts: 362
Loc: Freestate,South-Africa
Re: Your First African Hunting experience [Re: mikeh416Rigby]
      #11821 - 18/03/04 06:21 PM

Just to rattle the bush into the other direction.
All my hunting exp was in Africa.Unfortunatly I cant say that about other continents.Wish I could reply to this message saying my first in Ozz or USA or Europe...........

--------------------
"Hunting is a way of life"
Bigfive,South Africa


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AspenHill
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Reged: 08/01/03
Posts: 1528
Loc: Vermont, USA
Re: Your First African Hunting experience [Re: Scartozi]
      #11834 - 19/03/04 12:10 AM

My first stop was Namibia and I can safely say it was much more than I expected it to be. The terrain was completely different from where I come from. The game was quite abundant but also challenging to hunt. The people were all very friendly and facinating.

Looking forward to another trip there!

--------------------
~Ann

Everyday spent outdoors is the best day of my life.

Aspen Hill Adventures


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Scartozi
.275 member


Reged: 14/03/04
Posts: 63
Loc: Columbus Ohio, USA
Re: Your First African Hunting experience [Re: Bigfive]
      #11868 - 19/03/04 08:41 AM

Bigfive:
It's weird to me when the tables are turned. You wanting to hunt in the USA and me in Africa. So does hunting there ever get old to you?

To everyone else, keep the replies comin. Your adventures are very interesting!!!


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Cazadero
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Reged: 17/10/11
Posts: 561
Loc: Texas
Re: Your First African Hunting experience [Re: Bigfive]
      #192914 - 02/11/11 08:19 AM

To revive an old post, my first trip to Africa (as far as the outfitter's performance and delivery) was a disaster.

My second trip was worse.

Fortunately, we stuck with it, and my third trip was fantastic. (obviously with a different outfitter)

On all trips, we've had good luck and good service with South African Airways, an easy time with customs and firearms, and great service from attendees.

I wish I had known about these forums when I started my first research, (I.e. the Save Yourself Some Grief post) but I didn't, and my story is like a lot of other people's.

Nevertheless, I love Africa, take the bad with the good, and pounce on every opportunity to educate people who come to me and ask me for assistance.


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tophet1
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Reged: 15/09/07
Posts: 1873
Loc: NSW, Australia
Re: Your First African Hunting experience [Re: Cazadero]
      #192919 - 02/11/11 12:39 PM

This is a good post to revive. I think the worst thing an operator can do is advertise or promise something they can't deliver. It is all a matter of compromise but there are limits.

My first safari was bargain basement for mainly cull animals. We hunted ethically for the trophys I was after and I missed out on both species that were high on my list.

My second safari was more successful as I had learnt a lot from my first and hunted an area that had the animals I was after.

The more trips you do the more you learn and experience. To me that is what is fascinating.


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grandveneur
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Re: Your First African Hunting experience [Re: tophet1]
      #378932 - 27/08/23 09:20 PM

My first hunt in Africa was in Ouganda in 1994, where I also shot my first cape buffalo. I had before hunted buffalos in Southeast Asia.



Edited by grandveneur (27/08/23 09:22 PM)


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NitroXAdministrator
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Re: Your First African Hunting experience [Re: grandveneur]
      #378949 - 29/08/23 12:18 AM

Damnation, I just wrote a long list of my first experiences. Enjoyed revisiting them. Had dinner in between. Of course the post timed out. I'd saved the text, but my android browser completely reset. Upset! Lost it all ....

Will have to re revisit .... Not happy. Maybe it's time to begin to write some proper magazine articles on it all.

--------------------
John aka NitroX

...
Govt get out of our lives NOW!
"I love the smell of cordite in the morning."
"A Sharp spear needs no polish"


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NitroXAdministrator
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Re: Your First African Hunting experience [Re: grandveneur]
      #378950 - 29/08/23 12:31 AM

Quote:

My first hunt in Africa was in Ouganda in 1994, where I also shot my first cape buffalo. I had before hunted buffalos in Southeast Asia.




Is Ouganda the French spelling of Uganda?

If so, another GV exotic hunting location.

Intravelled in Kenya in 1989. I shared a train sleeper car with two kiwis. Who were intending to travel to Uganda soon after. They had an acquaintance in Entebbe, I think this was not long after Idi Amin, or maybe Obote, but Uganda was then starting to open up. I'd have loved to accompany them.

I too hunted first time in 1994, but in Zimbabwe, for my honeymoon. A honeymoon safari! One week out of 30 days anyway. Lots of excellent sightseeing.

I think 1994 was a good year for first African safaris. GV, NitroX, I think either Staffan/Sville or EricD. Plus someone else I forget which member.


I'm very intrigued by your SE Asia hunting. Malaya, Borneo?, Did you get to ex French IndoChina? But maybe no hunting there in the 1980s.

I remember you posting water buffalo, maybe Gaur? Gaur is an unobtainable dream hunt of mine. Unless bred elsewhere I doubt it would ever now happen legally.

Please post on hunting SE Asia on a thread somewhere. I see an outfitter or agent HuntGeo, is now selling water buff and croc and ? hunts in Borneo.

--------------------
John aka NitroX

...
Govt get out of our lives NOW!
"I love the smell of cordite in the morning."
"A Sharp spear needs no polish"


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NitroXAdministrator
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Reged: 25/12/02
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Re: Your First African Hunting experience [Re: NitroX]
      #378951 - 29/08/23 12:51 AM

A hippo from my Honeymoon Safari. Yes it was that close ... We were in a canoe and this foolish tourist stopped to take a photo.



My honeymoon photo album.
http://forums.nitroexpress.com/showflat.php?Cat=0&Number=193392&an=&page=0&vc=1



I've written about it a hundred times, alas no 2000 word essay like I just lost. Just brief comments on this thread. I'm pretty sure I've saved most of the stories but time to start writing articles and permanent records on the trips.

--------------------
John aka NitroX

...
Govt get out of our lives NOW!
"I love the smell of cordite in the morning."
"A Sharp spear needs no polish"


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xausa
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Reged: 07/03/07
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Loc: Tennessee, USA
Re: Your First African Hunting experience [Re: NitroX]
      #378957 - 29/08/23 01:27 AM

I'm feeling my age.

My first hunt was in 1971, in Kenya, with Ker, Downey and Selby. It lasted five weeks and I arranged to arrive several days in advance, so I could get acclimated and spend some time in a national park observing the game and learning the Swahili names for the various animals I planned to hunt. Neithere the gun bearers nor the tracker I hunted with spoke English, and I was on many occasions separated from the guide (PH) and needed to ask "Which is the bull?", or "Right, left, or in the middle?"

It was a wonderful five weeks and I took most of the plains game I was after, plus two elephants and
a rhino. The last two weeks were spent looking for a really big elephant and involved a lot of walking and coming back empty handed, but it all worked ouot in the end and I was anxious to go again the next year, to Tanzania, where I got among other things lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant, greater kudu and sable in the course of three weeks in the Selous.


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grandveneur
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Re: Your First African Hunting experience [Re: xausa]
      #378960 - 29/08/23 01:53 AM

The hunts in Southeast Asia took place on the Malayan peninsula near of the Taman Negara NP back in the nineties. The hunt was primarily for water buffalos. I reported about it years ago on the forum.

Ouganda belonged to the British Empire. At that time in the nineties I hunted in the region of Karamoja and in the southwest on the Lake Edward near the border of Congo and Ruanda. French was spoken in Ruanda and Burundi because that were first German colonies and then at the begin of the WWI Belgian colonies.

@xausa

Kenya would also have interested me, but unfortunately I was too late.


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NitroXAdministrator
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Re: Your First African Hunting experience [Re: xausa]
      #378972 - 29/08/23 07:34 PM

Quote:

I'm feeling my age.

My first hunt was in 1971, in Kenya, with Ker, Downey and Selby. It lasted five weeks and I arranged to arrive several days in advance ... Snipped




I think most of us are jealous! You hunted at a time, probably at the end of the Kenyan period. Kenya was a Jewell of Africa safaris. A five week Kenyan safari sounds glorious. Which region or regions in Kenya did you hunt and visit? You've posted about it here and there. A dedicated thread would be great,ntelling your story. I'm sure all us "young folk" would love to read about your adventures and stories. Older guys have to tell and record their stories. Relive their experiences, and we like to hear them too.

Quote:

It was a wonderful five weeks and I took most of the plains game I was after, plus two elephants and
a rhino. The last two weeks were spent looking for a really big elephant and involved a lot of walking and coming back empty handed, but it all worked ouot in the end and I was anxious to go again the next year, to Tanzania, where I got among other things lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant, greater kudu and sable in the course of three weeks in the Selous.




Wunderbar. I'd really like to hunt the Selous one day. I don't think it will be some 21 day safari alas. A week or , preferably two weeks. Probably a buffalo. Maybe. Probably need to start growing some illicit cash crop ... Ha ha.

I learned a smattering of Swahili words when in East Africa in 1989. Sometimes it works better even when dealing with locals speaking some English. It's cool too. I'd love to learn some, something "Out of Africa", the Golden Age. Probably pretty useless now though.

Funny, when hunting in Zimbabwe, the OH speaking in Sindebele mentioned "that was where we saw the leopard" (Chui, I think) and pointed. I asked him "how big was the leopard?" He asked startled, "Did you understand what I said?" Him wondering what else I might have understood when no doubt they were saying nasty things in the African language. Rude ffffers, stick it to them.

--------------------
John aka NitroX

...
Govt get out of our lives NOW!
"I love the smell of cordite in the morning."
"A Sharp spear needs no polish"


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grandveneur
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Re: Your First African Hunting experience [Re: NitroX]
      #378973 - 29/08/23 08:59 PM

Karamoja, district Moroto, border of Kenia.



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