I booked this safari entirely myself. Made a few mistakes. Learned a lot. And had an overwhelming experience.
The young PH is {and now probably PH] is a freelance apprentice named Doug Gilbert. Great guy. I went with ZimAfrica Safaris. Wayne Jardine was the PH, and the photographer of the lion and buff photos.
The safari took place in southern Zimbabwe in early 2006. A .338 Win. took everything but the buff. A .458 Win with 500 grain solids did the deed on the buff. A one shot kill on the buff. If I am privileged enough to hunt Cape buffalo again I would use the same load. It was devestating.
The lion was taken at 28 paces on April 4, 2006. The photo was taken at 4:00 pm {After Doug, Wayne, and myself had a tinkle. Nerves you know.}. I am looking directly into the sun. It didn't seem to bother me much.