Craig Boddington is going to Burkina Faso in 2014

Breaker Morant

AH senior member
Joined
Nov 28, 2012
Messages
58
Reaction score
21
Hunting reports
Africa
1
Over the last few weeks, I have become very interested in Burkina Faso as a possible destination for Safari #2. Not sure when #2 will happen, but I have to dream.

I see that Boddington is going there in 2014, so presumably it will increasingly be on US hunter's radars as he writes about it.

Thinking about Burkina Faso or the Selous in Tanzania or the Zambezi Valley/Escarpment area in Zimbabwe or some sort of repeat hunt(maybe elephant) in the Matetsi area.

#1 choice would be to scrape up the dough and chase Lord Derby Eland in CAR, but that appears to be off the table, both for safety and financial reasons.

The coolest thing about Burkina Faso is that it sounds more exotic than Zimbabwe to US ears. This is a hard hurdle to cross as my friends have expectation for me now-LOL.
 
A former girlfriend of mine met the former President of Burkina Faso. Although at that time I was in East Asia and had already traveled around the world, I barely knew anything about Burkina Faso. So it is definitely exotic. If you asked the average Canadian or American on the street about Burkina Faso they would probably give you a confused look.

On a related note, a few weeks ago I was watching a hunting show on the Outdoor Channel. The host was hunting Bongo in the Congo. That is very exotic, but presumably dangerous! The hunting party even saw a troop of silverback gorillas on the hunt. That is food for thought - have a good time dreaming about the next one, bro!
 
There are interesting animals to hunt in Burkina Faso, but I m not sure about the security right now, too close to Mali, where there is fighting going on.
 
U.S. citizens traveling to, and residing in, Burkina Faso are urged to exercise caution and maintain a high level of security awareness at all times. Roadside banditry and other violent crimes sometimes occur in Burkina Faso, especially in remote and border areas. U.S. citizens should exercise caution when traveling along the northern areas of the country near the Mali and Niger borders. The Sahel region of Burkina Faso is extremely remote, and the ability of both the Government of Burkina Faso and the Embassy to render assistance in the event of an emergency there is limited. The U.S. Embassy has placed restrictions on official government travel on the road stretching from Djibo to Dori, and to all areas north. While there have been no known terrorist incidents (bombings, hijackings, or kidnappings) directed against foreigners in Burkina Faso, it is prudent to be aware of events occurring in neighboring countries.
Burkina Faso shares a boarder with Mali. On January 11, 2013 the Malian military launched military operations against terrorist groups that have been in control of northern Mali. As a result, terrorist groups have stepped up their rhetoric calling for additional attacks or kidnappings against Westerners, particularly against those countries which support international military intervention in Mali. The al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) terrorist organization and their affiliates could therefore target Westerners in Burkina Faso, especially in the regions of the north near Mali and Niger.
Ouagadougou occasionally experiences demonstrations and civil unrest. Although most demonstrations are generally peaceful, there have been incidents of violence, looting, and destruction of property. Instances may arise where the best safe course of action is to shelter temporarily in place. U.S. citizens should remain informed of current developments, avoid crowds political gatherings, and street demonstrations, even if these appear to be peaceful.
 
Puts a new slant on adventure.
 
I have Benin/Burkina Faso on my radar as well. One thing to watch as well is that not all hunts are conducted by a PH, on the cheaper ones you may be guided by a tracker. I don't know if it makes any difference in the long run but it is something to be aware of.
 
It's been on the radar for a long time. I've heard it's good to know other languages other than English, there are rules, like you can only shoot one animal a day + have to pay daily fees based on how many animals you want to hunt and there are categories of different animals....it's a lot different than most countries from the south of Africa. I'd still like to try it some day, I'm not to worried about all the hoops. They have very good roan up there. The lions don't have much of a mane and the buffalo are rather unique. The bushbucks up there are beautiful!
 
I will have to admit, I'm one of.the people who has no clue about this country. Looks like some research is in order.
 
I think a lot of French hunters go there. In our camp in Zimbabwe we had a French PH with a French couple. They had hunted Burkina plus other countries up there. The PH had experience up there as well.

As for Roan-we saw a large herd of them in Zim and I fell in love.
 
French Colony until independence in 1960.
So, learn some French mon ami! :)

Need to know phrases like - mercy buckets, wee gerkin, mon sewer and such.
 
Wahaha!! That funny diamond... Craig will probably be hunting out of Arjun Reddy's camp,

They have some seriously good pricing on their unique Roan in the area, cheap lion not much mane but lion none the less, some red flanked duiker and some quality Wester/ savannah buffalo not close to cape but unique in its own right varying from rusty brown to dark grey...

I would do it but first need to crops the self guided Benin forest hunt I have set up for myself..... ;)

Depending on were your first hunt was Burkina Faso could be a bit of a shock just saying..

My best always...
 
Filing bankruptcy and screwing his creditors certainly hasn't slowed Boddington down much, it appears.
 
:) now jaco are you sure your ok to go by yourself and wont get lost and :) :) :)

Well spike all you need is a mosquito net and a hammock we already have a rifle....

My best always
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Wahaha!! That funny diamond... Craig will probably be hunting out of Arjun Reddy's camp,


My best always...

Does anybody know if Arjun Reddy is a credible outfitter? His is the trip I have been looking at.
 
I think Argun is capable, I would check the hunting references. Just remember French is the main language. I would love to partner up someday, with someone that knew the language.
 
Does anybody know if Arjun Reddy is a credible outfitter? His is the trip I have been looking at.

Wait and ask Boddington!

Arjun has been around for a while. Have read some happy hunter reports.
Other than that... No idea.

I am not sure how long he has been operating in BF. (Not a slight)

If I were heading into those old French Colonies I would want someone who has been around for a while myself.
 
I would talk to Christophe Morio.
 
I would talk to Christophe Morio.

Good advise. He doesn't operate there but put me onto a good outfitter in both Benin and Burkina Faso.
 

Forum statistics

Threads
53,633
Messages
1,131,612
Members
92,722
Latest member
outlookindia012
 

 

 

Latest posts

Latest profile posts

Early morning Impala hunt, previous link was wrong video

Headshot on jackal this morning

Mature Eland Bull taken in Tanzania, at 100 yards, with 375 H&H, 300gr, Federal Premium Expanding bullet.

20231012_145809~2.jpg
 
Top