We were delighted to welcome the Ellis Family back to Karoo Wild Safaris. Their entire family hunted with us in 2018 and we had a terrific hunting adventure. This time Terry, Anne, Gary and Claire were able to make the trip out and it promised to be another fun hunt. Myself and Arnold guided them on their hunt with videographer, Paul Ruschenbaum accompanying us. Thanks to Henri and his team at Rifle Permits, Gary and Claire were able to import their rifles hassle free. Claire brought her trusty Winchester .300 H&H and Gary his Ruger .375 H&H.
We met them at Johannesburg Airport; Paul, Arnold and myself making a road trip of it and driving up the day before. The first 3 days we hunted in the Kalahari after which we undertook a trip through the middle of South Africa, overnighting at our guesthouse, Karoo House in Graaff Reinet. The next couple of days we hunted out of satellite lodge in the Camdeboo area.
Lady luck has shone on Claire the entire year. She's benefitted from draws on North American game and has hunted, Musk Ox, bears and moose amongst others. This hunt was to be no different and she shot a zebra on our first stalk. The first shot was a difficult one but she stayed focused and made a difficult few shots to put the zebra down. One of my favourite zebra hunts I've been on...
Terry and I were on the lookout for zebra when we spotted some kudu behind some bush. He wasted no time in deciding to hunt a kudu and a great shot later he had his first kudu.
Arnold and Gary struggled initially to locate red hartebeest but when they did they grabbed the opportunity with both hands, Gary shooting a beauty of a red hartebeest.
Despite the full moon, we tried our luck at hunting aardwolf at night. It didn't look promising! Their senses were hightened and several aardwolf sped away from us. The oldest and largest aardwolf gave Claire a split second opportunity. The Impala bullet stayed true to form and never expanded on this soft skinned animal, ensuring that this rare animal will be displayed proudly in the Ellis household.
Terry and I had a long stalk at a herd of 20 zebra. They were grazing away from us and we were hurriedly trying to close the distance before they spotted us. Terry's shot was a 250 yard, frontal shot and one of the finest shots I've witnessed. We barbecued some "boerewors" in the veld that afternoon and marveled at a fine day of hunting in Africa.
Claire's run of luck continued and after a day of patiently lying in wait, she shot a magnificent bushbuck ram along the Little Fish River. Gary had a successful couple of days, hunting a black springbok, common springbok and bat eared fox. Claire got a common duiker, an animal that eluded us on several days. While out hunting one afternoon, we called for black backed jackal. They promptly answered us and we returned that evening to hunt them. Arnold and Mitchell made short work of them, shooting 4 jackal in a matter of minutes.
The Ellis family extended their time in South Africa to spend time in Kirkwood and the coastal town of Jeffreys Bay. Thank you for coming out to hunt with us. The travel arrangements weren't easy in these uncertain times and everyone at KWS appreciates it. We look forward to future African hunting adventures with you all.
Guest Comments -
Just got back from another fantastic family hunt with Karoo Wild Safaris. This was our second hunt with Victor, and it (again) certainly left nothing to be desired. Great company, food, lodging, and some very exceptional hunting in the spectacular Karoo region of the Eastern Cape. The knowledge and experience of Victor and PH Arnold was certainly key to making what were - at times - quite challenging stalks over difficult terrain on some very crafty animals. I already miss Lindsay’s springbuck shanks, Karoo lamb, and braai’d kudu (not to mention the superb selection of South Africa wines for accompaniment) and the days spent roaming the mountains in search of game. Looking forward to the next hunt in 2023!
