Hunting Congo

I have been in touch over the last month with Ivena Rossouw from Saaiman Hunting Safaris in regards to their hunting operation in the Congo as I wanted to provide you all with some updates and pictures on this destination. By the way Gert Saaiman from Saaiman Safaris is a member of AH, you can check out their Saaiman Safaris profile and find their contact information by clicking here.

They posted last year an offer which you can find at the following link: HUNTING CONGO - Brazzaville: Bongo in the Congo

From the information that Ivena emailed they had some difficulties during their season last year, but have now apparently sorted out all the issues. Their concession agreement in the Congo is in place for 20 years, and their rifle permits and the process for getting them has been sorted out and all is working smoothly from what they are telling me.

She was kind enough to send me some pictures and a map of their hunting area to share on AH as well as some other written material in pdf format that you will find as attachments to this post.

They have their first clients for this year booked for 1 May and will be able to send me some photos from their hunt somewhere towards the end of May...

They will soon be trading in Congo under the name Congo Safaris with a new logo.

http://www.africahunting.com/hunting...e=25324&size=1
Hunting area map in Congo

http://www.africahunting.com/hunting...e=25315&size=1
Hunting camp in Congo

http://www.africahunting.com/hunting...e=25316&size=1
Hunting camp in Congo

http://www.africahunting.com/hunting...e=25317&size=1
Hunting camp in Congo

http://www.africahunting.com/hunting...e=25318&size=1
Hunting camp in Congo

http://www.africahunting.com/hunting...e=25319&size=1
Hunting camp in Congo

http://www.africahunting.com/hunting...e=25320&size=1
Hunting camp in Congo

http://www.africahunting.com/hunting...e=25321&size=1
Hunting camp in Congo

http://www.africahunting.com/hunting...e=25322&size=1
Hunting camp in Congo

http://www.africahunting.com/hunting...e=25323&size=1
Hunting camp in Congo

http://www.africahunting.com/hunting...e=25314&size=1
Hunting camp in Congo

http://www.africahunting.com/hunting...e=25307&size=1
Bongo

http://www.africahunting.com/hunting...e=25306&size=1
Bongo

http://www.africahunting.com/hunting...e=25308&size=1
Chimpanzee

http://www.africahunting.com/hunting...e=25309&size=1
Elephant

http://www.africahunting.com/hunting...e=25310&size=1
Giant Forest Hog

http://www.africahunting.com/hunting...e=25311&size=1
Gorilla

http://www.africahunting.com/hunting...e=25312&size=1
Gorilla

http://www.africahunting.com/hunting...e=25313&size=1
Gorilla

http://www.africahunting.com/hunting...e=25299&size=1
Bongo

http://www.africahunting.com/hunting...e=25300&size=1
Bongo

http://www.africahunting.com/hunting...e=25301&size=1
Bongo

http://www.africahunting.com/hunting...e=25302&size=1
Elephant

http://www.africahunting.com/hunting...e=25303&size=1
Elephant

http://www.africahunting.com/hunting...e=25304&size=1
Bongo

http://www.africahunting.com/hunting...e=25305&size=1
Yellow-Back Duiker

Thanks Jerome! I would love to hunt this part of Africa someday.

Jerome i know that they are in operation...

I did not check out state department on travel there...

Just found out traveling to Zimbabwe that the USA will not allow credit card use in the country.

Sometimes our government makes it difficult to go places and hunt.

Thanks Jerome I would love to hunt those Giant Forest Hogs but can't find anyone that can make is affordable to a blue collar worker But I'll keep dreaming.

That Elephant is huge! Maybe a little thin but he has some length. As others have said....some day...

Here is an informative article on Forest or Pigmy Elephant: Differences Between the Forest Elephant & the African Bush Elephant

Jerome,

I believe he was giving qutoa to Ian to book as well. I'm almost positive it was him. If this is the same outfit I can tell you guys that if you want a bongo to book this year. I found his prices to be at least $10,000 cheaper than anyone elses. If I hadn't already put a deposit down on a hunt I would have booked this hunt as I am in the boat with you guys. Its a wet dream to hunt bongo and derby eland but one I don't think I can ever justify. That's just too much money. This bongo hunt was in my price range though.

Travel Warning
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Bureau of Consular Affairs

Congo, Democratic Republic of the

January 12, 2012

The Department of State warns U.S. citizens of the risks of traveling to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (Congo-Kinshasa) (DRC), and recommends against non-essential travel to eastern and northeastern DRC. This replaces the Travel Warning dated July 19, 2011, to update information on security, safety, and health concerns in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Armed groups, bandits, and elements of the Congolese military remain security concerns in eastern and northeastern DRC. These armed groups - located especially in the North Kivu, South Kivu, and Orientale provinces, as well as the northern part of Katanga province, parts of Equateur province, and the eastern part of Maniema province - are known to pillage, steal vehicles, kidnap, rape, kill, and carry out military or paramilitary operations in which civilians are indiscriminately targeted. The Lord痴 Resistance Army (LRA) is present near the border with Uganda, Central African Republic, and the Republic of South Sudan. Although reduced, armed conflicts continue in these areas despite the signing of peace accords in 2008 and 2009. The UN Organization Stabilization Mission in the DRC (MONUSCO) continues to assist the Congolese government with the protection of civilians and efforts to combat armed groups.

The region has been the scene of violent clashes that have resulted in the displacement of more than 1.9 million civilians since the start of the Rwandan conflict in 1994.

The country held presidential and national assembly elections on November 28, 2011, and the Congolese Supreme Court certified the provisional results of the presidential election on December 16, 2011, declaring the incumbent President Joseph Kabila the winner. According to the electoral calendar, provisional results in the legislative races are due on January 13, 2012. There have been sporadic, small-scale election-related protests and some violence throughout the country, which could continue as legislative election results are announced.

Travelers are frequently detained and questioned by poorly disciplined security forces at numerous official and unofficial roadblocks and border crossings throughout the country. Requests for bribes in such instances are extremely common, and security forces have occasionally injured or killed people who refuse to pay. In the past year, several U.S. citizens were illegally detained by government forces. Very poor infrastructure (road and air) makes the provision of consular services difficult outside of Kinshasa.

Kinshasa has a critical crime threat, and U.S. citizens continue to be the victims of serious crimes, including armed robbery by groups posing as law enforcement officials in both urban and rural areas, especially after nightfall. Avoid walking alone and displaying cash and other personal property of value. Avoid taking photos in public, especially of government buildings and the airport (which are viewed as places of national security), police stations, the presidential palace, border crossings, and along the river, since doing so may lead to arrest.

Lock vehicle doors and keep windows closed when driving. You should not stop at the scene of an accident or at intersections where people have gathered, as mobs can develop quickly. In areas where the roads are in poor condition and the speed limit is minimal, be wary of gangs of street children who may approach your car, open your door, and steal your belongings. Roadblocks are often found throughout the country, especially near government buildings and installations in Kinshasa, and should be avoided if possible. If stopped at a roadblock, keep doors locked and crack the window in order to communicate.

Official Congolese motorcades pose hazards to motorists and pedestrians. Drivers should pull over to the far side of the road when sirens or security forces announce their presence. You should not take photographs of motorcades. Proceed only when security forces permit you to do so.

There is no reliable public transportation system in the DRC. Overcrowded vans and taxis, which often do not meet western safety standards, serve as public transportation in Kinshasa. Few independent taxis are available, operating largely out of the big hotels, and most do not meet safety standards. You should avoid all travel by public transportation, and hire private transport from a reliable source.

The DRC has few viable roads or railways, but does have several major waterways. Boat transport is widely used; however, the vessels are often overloaded or badly maintained, and accidents are commonplace.There were multiple accidents in 2011 on both rivers and lakes resulting in hundreds of fatalities.

Public health concerns pose a hazard to U.S. citizen travelers due to outbreaks of deadly viruses and other diseases, which can occur without warning and often without swift reporting by local health authorities. Information on personal protection for international travelers, including children, can be found on the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website. Travelers are required to carry evidence of yellow fever vaccination in order to enter the DRC. Health officials at entry points, such as the airport in Kinshasa, will check for proof of vaccination. If you do not have evidence of a yellow fever vaccination, you may be denied entry or required to pay a fine. Malaria is common throughout the DRC and prophylaxis is recommended.

Due to the recent outbreak of Wild Polio Virus and measles in the DRC, you should update your polio and measles vaccinations, if necessary, and refer to the CDC for additional guidance. Due to the high levels of air irritants (i.e., dust, burning trash, debris, etc.) individuals with respiratory illnesses should carry all their necessary medications and equipment with adaptors.

There is a high risk of traveler痴 diarrhea and cholera throughout the country. This can be prevented by using good judgment when choosing what food to eat and water to drink. When in restaurants, it is best to ask for bottled water and avoid ice.

Due to the immense size of the country, the terrible state of the roads, and the poor security situation, the only way to get around the country quickly is by plane. Domestic air travel on Congolese or other local airlines in the DRC is not recommended. The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration has assessed the government of the DRC as not being compliant with international standards for aviation safety oversight. There have been several recent incidents causing deaths and injuries, including one on August 25, 2010, that killed all but one passenger. In July 2011, a flight crashed in Kisangani, killing more than 70 passengers. The U.S. Embassy has prohibited official travel by U.S. government employees and certain contractors on most airlines flying domestic routes in the DRC due to safety and maintenance concerns. International flights on foreign-owned-and-operated carriers are not affected by this prohibition. In April 2011, a United Nations operated flight crashed while landing in Kinshasa, killing 32 passengers and crew.

You should avoid all public demonstrations and areas where crowds have gathered because even peaceful events can turn confrontational and become violent. You should exercise caution at all times, and closely monitor local and international news from reliable sources. Radio Okapi broadcasts in French on 103.5 FM at 0700, 0800, 1200, and 1800, and provides updates throughout the day. English-language news can be found on BBC at 92.6 FM. In emergencies, the Belgian Embassy operates a French-language radio broadcast system at FM 98.8. Changes in security conditions may occasionally restrict the travel of U.S. Mission personnel.

The U.S. Embassy in Kinshasa strongly encourages U.S. citizens who travel to or remain in the DRC despite this Travel Warning to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) so you can receive the most up-to-date security information. You should remember to keep all of your information in STEP current. It is important to include your current phone number and email address where you can be reached in case of an emergency.

The U.S. Embassy is located at 310 Avenue des Aviateurs; the Consular Section entrance is located on Avenue Dumi, opposite Saint Anne痴 church. The Embassy痴 telephone number, including for after-hours emergencies, is 243-81-556-0151; callers within the DRC should dial 081-556-0151. All telephone lines in the DRC, cellular as well as landlines, are unreliable. Click here to visit the Embassy website.

U.S. citizens should also consult the Department of State's Country Specific Information Sheet for the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Worldwide Caution. Up-to-date information on safety and security is available toll-free at 1-888-407-4747 from within the United States and Canada, or at regular toll rates at 1-202-501-4444 for callers from other countries, from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

Stay up to date by bookmarking our Bureau of Consular Affairs website, which also contains the current Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts as well as the Worldwide Caution. Follow us on Twitter and become a fan of the Bureau of Consular Affairs page on Facebook as well.

No other offers with Gorillas sitting in the middle of the track.

"Hunting schedule" determined by a once per week flight schedule. Trip to camp is time determinate on river crossing!
That travel schedule sure makes you realize you are in the wilds of Africa.

Incredible!

Wrong Congo James.

What Congo then

Quote:

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Originally Posted by sestoppelman

Wrong Congo James.

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Quote:

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Originally Posted by AfricaHunting.com

Here is an informative article on Forest or Pigmy Elephant: Differences Between the Forest Elephant & the African Bush Elephant

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Makes more sence now. If only the bush ele had that kind of length!

There are two. The little one to the west and the big one in the middle formerly Zaire, formerly Congo, the one you posted about. The Congo in question is the little one.

Attachment 10763

Quote:

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Originally Posted by James.Grage

What Congo then

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I believe there is the Democratic Republic of the Congo. What you speak of. An there is also the Republic of the Congo. It is to the the DRC.


Ok he beat me to it.....but here is the map.

Would be great to hunt there.

But in the first photo of a "Gorilla". Isn't that a Chimp?

Hi Guys,

Just to clear things up:

The Congo that we are hunting in is not the DRC (Democratic Republic of Congo - Kinshasa), it is the Republic of Congo - better known as the French Congo or Congo Brazzaville. It is the one that is West of the Congo River.

The area where we hunt is -as was speculated by "Brickburn" - exceptionally rural. There is a river crossing because there is no bridge, but the good thing about this area is that you fly commercially to within about an hour's drive from the area - so no expensive charters required.

That being said, i do not thing credit cards - or any cards for that matter - will be of use anywhere apart from some establishments in Brazzaville and Point Noir, cash is the best way to go. You will however not be able to get CFA in your country, you can change your money - preferrably Dollars or Euros - at the airport.

Secondly, as "Norwegianwoods" noticed, that photo is of a chimpanzee and not a gorilla. Hunting in these forests will give you the experience of hunting a truely wild area, there are no fences or lodges or resorts or anything of the kind in the area. Getting the camp to its current state - which might seem a bit primitive to some - was an endeavour of mananamous proportions, if you take into account that there was no roof paint to be found in the country. Anyway, you will not find a more authenticly wild hunting experience than that.

Please feel free to post any questions you might have, i will keep my eye on the thread and try to answer as many as possible.

Ivena.

PS: Please note that our website is currently offline pending redesign.

Ivena, firstly my very best wishes to you and all invlolved in this venture for the very best in success.
This is a unique, true wilderness "old-school Africa" offering that is all too rare and I congratulate you and all those responsible for having the "mettle" to withstand the challenges of operating in such conditions.

Secondly as someone who has had first hand experience in organising and building in, albiet different, but equally, remote areas I congratulate you for being in the postion of being able to offer what looks like very comfortable and functional facilities in the middle of no-where.

I cannot begin to imagine the cost implications and logistics of getting this hecrulean task accomplished and do hope that those visiting appreciate the efforts.

The very best of luck to you all, I do hope that the wind holds true for you and your efforts are rewarded.

Paul.

Here is a picture posted by Congo Safaris (AH member Saaiman Safaris) of a trophy Bongo hunted with them by their first hunter Jim Haney. It was taken on the 8th day of the hunt without the use of dogs.

http://www.africahunting.com/hunting...e=25999&size=1

Awsome!! That would be one great hunt!

Wow, that a huge BONGO!