Finally got to go on a Safari

I just recently went on my first African Safari. I posted a short post about it earlier, but some folks suggested I write a bit more about it.

I have dreamed of going since I was five years old. I remember finding a dollar on the ground at a fair, and my dad said, "Save that for our African Safari." I was so excited for that day to come. Well, life happened and I never was able to go on that trip with my dad. But I told that story to a buddy, and he decided to take me on this dream hunt! Great friend!

We went to Limcroma Safaris. Rarely when I dream about a trip and plan for a trip for years does it live up to expectation. This one exceeded all my dreams and expectations!

The lodging, food, and people at Limcroma were truly amazing! The hunting was amazing as well.

We went to 7 or 8 different blinds on a few different concessions. Some were elevated blinds, some were box blinds and some were underground pits that looked like termite mounds on the outside. I loved watching hundreds of animals per day. I brought a lot of magazines to read, but never read a single one! I just watched animals like a kid at the zoo for the first time.

When I shot my first animal, a nice old wildebeest, my heart was beating so loud I swear I could hear it! Then came the Kudu, the Gemsbok, the Impala, the Warthog..etc. My buddy and I took 20 animals in one week!

My favorite experience of all was to do some still hunting along the Crocodile River during the last couple days. It was challenging during the dry, cold season. However, we were able to get into the middle of a herd of impala, got 8 yards from a young kudu bull, and finally got within 25 yards of a mature wart hog and dropped him in his tracks. After belly crawling and butt scuffing thru the savannah for almost 2 hours, I was so excited to put the hammer down on him!

What a trip. Time stood still. Stress was gone. The US was a distant world to me. I was fully living my dream. I cannot wait to return for our next Safari...which will be for dangerous game. Africa is in my blood!

All great trophies, congrats. I am sure you will be back, I am planning my second for the 2014 season.

Your kudu is unusual looking. Just like mine! I love those deep curls. Congrats!

I was one told - you have not lived until you felt the excitement of Africa. I am very happy for you. Congratulations.

Congrats for a great hunt and nice trophies. Thanks for sharing.

John,
Great pictures, beautiful trophies, thanks for sharing....I think I recognize that spot there on the river where you took the picture...

Originally Posted by firehuntfish

John,
Great pictures, beautiful trophies, thanks for sharing....I think I recognize that spot there on the river where you took the picture...

Well that's pretty cool! Hannes used to have small hunting camp right there, about four years ago. He is planning to make a new one there in the future. Beautiful spot, right where the Crocodile River bends

Hunting in Africa bit you, you are certainly in trouble now.
Thanks for posting those trophy shots. It is great to share the excitement.

Congrats to you and your buddy for a great hunt thanks for sharing.

Congratulations Sir! Pleased to hear that you had a great trip to South Africa.

Best Regards.
Marius Goosen

Congratulations on some fine animals!
Very happy to hear you had a great time

Fantastic stuff John! So glad you had a great time!

Thank you for the expanded report!

Great hunt/pics, very nice wildebeast. I truely agree on your last sentence, once bitten by the Africa bug.......

Originally Posted by INGOZI

Fantastic stuff John! So glad you had a great time!

Hey Engee,

Fun to see you here as well. Thanks for all your encouragement!

Congratulations, you did well! Thanks for sharing.

Originally Posted by Bowhuntr64

Hey Engee,

Fun to see you here as well. Thanks for all your encouragement!

My pleasure John! Glad I could help!

Congrats and well done with a great trip and some great animals!

Thanks for sharing

Congrats bowhuntr64!!

Excellent pics.