SOUTH AFRICA: Has Anyone Hunted With Both Spear & CT Safaris In South Africa?

Kudurifle

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After months of research I have sorted down to Ernest Dyason and Chris Troskie of Spear and CT Safaris, respectively for our first Cape Buffalo and plains game hunt in SA. It will be an approximately 10 day trip. Both men and outfits are members of the forum and both have impeccable reputations from what I can find. I am wondering if there are any members here who have hunted with both outfits and could provide some insight into the differences between the two outfits?

Thanks much,

Mike
 
It will be almost impossible to find someone who has hunted with both. Most clients return to the same operator time after time as familiarity breeds security. Operators and sponsors on here will favour whoever they have successfully dealt with in the past.

I have hunted with Christ Troskie. However the other party is unknown to me.

Chris is as honest as the day is long and I unreservedly recommend him. Like most Outfitters and PH's in South Africa, they can all put a package together for a client. You get what you pay for and you clearly have a few dollars.

Chris, in partnership with his wife, is more of a individualised, Boutique experience. He actually listened to how I wanted to hunt and once he assessed my level of skill, helped me get my trophies on foot my way, rather than giving me no options and forcing me to just 'collect them'. Hunting SA can get rather 'generic' with the managed game there and the larger operators who churn through clients, so make sure you put your own individual stamp on your hunt. Outfitters are not mind readers so outline even the smallest detail which may affect your experience.

Enjoy your first South African hunt. Leave your pre-conceived ideas and cultural morays behind and you will learn a lot from the trip.
 
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I'm gonna have to disagree with Code4 on clients usually being repeat customers; although many are. I always try to book with a different outfit every time so I can experience new areas, different countries and of course, to meet new friends. I go to Africa for adventure, not security. On my very first safari to Tanzania (over 27 years ago), immigration tried to kick me out of the country when I landed in Moshi (Kilimanjaro Airport). Although somewhat stressful at the time, the mishaps and stumbles make for great memories and campfire stories. I chose my first safari on the persistence of the outfit. In those days of snail mail, they kept me updated for a few years on their specials and packages. I had seen their ad in a hunting magazine and responded. My hunt was excellent!
 
my wife and i have hunted with spear safari's three times and as long as im alive ill keep going back.not only have we always been successful but we've had a ball each time.i have two great cape buffalo bulls,one with a handgun,2005,one with a double rifle,2014.his wife is also a jewel.
 
I hunted with Chris last year, His operation is First Class and I highly recommend him. The acomadations are comfortable and have the Sabina touch , the hunting will be all you could ask for, and now that Sabina Has a new kitchen the food will be even more outstanding. I asked for a few side trips and CT Safaris delivered all I asked for. Even after the hunt was over and I had a problem at Tambo Chris was still on the job and jumped right in and took care of business. If you want, PM me and I'll be happy to supply you with further information
 

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I have been 7 seven times, but only one with one outfitter twice, but not one of the ones you ask of. I have a friend who has hunted 3 times with Troskie and loved it. Live Vinny above, I got my feet wet in Tanzania many years ago, 1985! Good grief, I must be getting old!:cry:
 
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FYI Chris has some nice Kudu on his property, It will take a little work and patience because they are very smart, but Chris will work hard and his Tracker Samson is the best in the business Mine was not the largest but I'm very proud of him
 

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My wife and I took our first trip to Africa, June 2013 and hunted with Chris Troskie.Our hunt was much the same as you have planned,buffalo,plains game all in SA.
Too bad you only get one "first trip to Africa" it was superb! 39" buffalo,54" kudu and also zebra,impala,warthog and, yes,Samson is tops.We really appreciated being guided personally by Chris the CEO.
Great side trips and lots of fine hospitality.If you had told me beforehand, of the experience we were about to have in Africa I would not have believed it.
We are going back with Chris next July and are counting the days! Good Luck!
 
I have to agree with vinny, I've only hunted Africa once, but I'm going back and to a different area/ outfitter. Just like to change it up. I'm sure you'll have a great time wherever you choose!
 
Also if you haven't yet hook up with Lori at Travel Express. I can't begin to tell you how valuable her experience is when your doing Africa Travel
 
While I can't speak for Spear as I have never hunted with them, I can and will speak for Chris Troskie Safaris.
I was under the impression that I too would hunt with several different outfits for a different experience. I no longer feel that way as I sincerely believe that my wife and I came in as clients but left as friends.
The hospitality and attention to every detail blew my mind. There is far too much I have to say and unfortunately I am in the boonies so I just can't say it all.
Suffice it to say you will not be disappointed. When I am back in civililization I will send you a proper message.
 
Both outfits are very reputable!

Chris and Ernest is well know with us as Outfitters...
 
I'm gonna have to disagree with Code4 on clients usually being repeat customers; although many are. I always try to book with a different outfit every time so I can experience new areas, different countries and of course, to meet new friends...

This is just one reason why, despite never having hunted with spear safaris, Chris gets my vote hands down. I have hunted with him in 5 states on many different ranches and had the privilege to meet many landowners, their families and just generally interesting people.

I love the fact that he always has something else up his sleeve, a new opportunity waiting to happen. I love the fact that he has access to so many free range areas along with his high fence areas. I love his honesty, integrity, work ethic, yada yada yada, im rambling... Chris and Sabina are just plain good people who are a treat to be around and will work very hard to make sure all aspects of your safari are top notch. Great people!!!
 
This is just one reason why, despite never having hunted with spear safaris, Chris gets my vote hands down. I have hunted with him in 5 states on many different ranches and had the privilege to meet many landowners, their families and just generally interesting people.

I love the fact that he always has something else up his sleeve, a new opportunity waiting to happen. I love the fact that he has access to so many free range areas along with his high fence areas. I love his honesty, integrity, work ethic, yada yada yada, im rambling... Chris and Sabina are just plain good people who are a treat to be around and will work very hard to make sure all aspects of your safari are top notch. Great people!!!
I'd probably hunt with him too.....but most likely only once and then move on; there are lots of great people out there!
 
I have not hunted with Spear. However, I have spoken extensively with Ernest in person. I would not hesitate to hunt with him. He is a good person. He travelled to shows with a client named Jimmy. Jimmy had hunted with Ernest several times. I didn't understand at the time why a person would go back so many times with the same PH/Outfitter, but having been to Africa myself, now I do. If you enjoy yourself with your PH/Outfitter, you may very well go back many times with him.

I would not be afraid to give Ernest a try.
 
I have hunted with Chris Troskie once, and am returning to hunt with him in May/June of next year. Chris is first class, both as a PH and person. He's a joy to be around, personable, knowledgeable, and diligent in his job. Sabina is wonderful, and not only is she a true star in the kitchen, but she's a wonderful person that is easy to talk to and be around. I fully understand the notions of others who want to hunt with different outfitters every time. But until I've exhausted the list of species Chris has access to (which is LONG), I'll be returning to hunt with him because I know that I'll have a quality experience - and more importantly, spend my time with a person I enjoy being around. Hope this helps.

Mike
 
I have hunted with Chris Troskie once, and am returning to hunt with him in May/June of next year. Chris is first class, both as a PH and person. He's a joy to be around, personable, knowledgeable, and diligent in his job. Sabina is wonderful, and not only is she a true star in the kitchen, but she's a wonderful person that is easy to talk to and be around. I fully understand the notions of others who want to hunt with different outfitters every time. But until I've exhausted the list of species Chris has access to (which is LONG), I'll be returning to hunt with him because I know that I'll have a quality experience - and more importantly, spend my time with a person I enjoy being around. Hope this helps.

Mike
Mike you know how Sabina Likes to cook, and if you want to score some major league points bring her some Saffron as she mentioned to me that the quality in SA is Bad, Persian or Iranian is best But she would settle for Spannish, I had Karen Saginak who hunted with Chris last year bring some in her luggage,,Chris also likes music so if you have some Spare CD laying around I know he'd enjoy them. I'll be back in 4 years, Cant Wait
 

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