South Africa Trip Report with Liam Urry Safaris (lots of pics)

South Africa May 25th June 8th 2011

Hunting with Liam Urry Safaris

My father was the inspiration for this trip in EVERY way. He wanted to share his Africa experience with me and my brother, so before you knew it we had quite a bunch, set up and ready to travel to Africa together, all for the first time. My wife and I, my father and mother, my father In-law and mother In-law and my brother all traveled together on our safari adventure. There would be three hunters and four observers.

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We flew from Dulles to Jo-burg and spent our first night at the Afton Guest House. When we arrived at the airport in Jo-burg we were greeted by Liam and his staff and they helped us take care of receiving our guns and took care of all the luggage. Trust me, with seven people there is a lot of luggage.

The first full day we went to Pilansberg National Park on a Photo Safari. We were able to get very close pictures of a mother leopard and her cub. We also had an incredible close encounter with a young bull elephant along with tons of other plains game. It was a great way to start the trip and had everyone excited to get to the lodge and start hunting.

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Liam Urry Safaris main lodge is located outside of Kimberley South Africa. We hunted on several different hunting concessions (all in the area) but the majority of our trophies were taken right at Liam's place. The accommodations were excellent and we were very well cared for during the two week stay. We all felt that we were treated as family. The meals were all excellent and we spent our evenings in the main lodge (at the bar) around the fireplace reliving the days events and watching the wildlife come into the lighted water hole, only 50 yards or so from the deck of the lodge.

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The hunting was all spot and stalk. We did a lot of walking and had many a busted stalk but was able to get into position for the shot on many nice trophies. It was incredible to me how good both Liam and Dirk (the other PH) were at spotting animals. My father, brother and I have been hunting in the states for many years combined, and often we would not see the game until after the PH would point it out.
Here are a few pictures of the 21 trophies we took.

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As an observer my wife went on every game drive and even took some long stalks with me a few times. She had an amazing time and is adamant that we take our kids with us next time.

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We took one day away from hunting to visit the Big Hole in Kimberley and do some souvenir shopping.

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Liam took the time to go the extra mile and make sure we had a great time. When we returned to the airport to leave they took the time to make sure all our affairs were in order right down to the gate we would leave out on. To us that meant a lot. We were a big group and getting through customs and an airport that big can be difficult (especially for your first time).

I will defiantly be going back to hunt with Liam and Dirk just as soon as I can get things in order for a second trip. The only thing I will need to consider is what trophies to take next. I would highly recommend Liam Urry Safaris to anyone.
Thanks for a great safari!
Here are a few more pictures that I just love!!

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Lance that was a Great Safari it always is when you get to spend it with Family and Friends. Love the pics to Great trophies.

Hi Lance, I got your email after your return that you had a great trip but WOW those photos and the report are amazing! Thanks for sharing your safari on AH!

Hello there Lance,

Thanks so much for your fantastic post and kind comments. You all are more than welcome to return anytime. We are thrilled that you all had a great time with Liam and the crew. Tell next time take care.

Owen and Liam Urry

Lance

Looks like a great time...

Some very good trophies...

Time spent together was priceless...

Quote:

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Originally Posted by safari gal

Hi Lance, I got your email after your return that you had a great trip but WOW those photos and the report are amazing! Thanks for sharing your safari on AH!

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Thanks Lori- and thanks again for making our travel so effortless. Getting our large (dysfunctional) group from four states all to South Africa and back was very easy thanks to you!!
We won't hesitate to call you again for our next trip!!

Thanks for posting the hunt report! Congratulations on all the great animals you took! Thanks for the great pictures too!

Congrats on a great hunt, sounds like and looks like you had a great time. Awesome animals.

Thanks for your report and congratulations for your successful hunt and nice trophies.

Thanks everyone! We had a great time and cant wait to get back!

It is tough to get large groups moving in the same direction and look after them all well.
Good idea taking a tour before the hunting started.

Awesome Hartabeest and Springbok trophies!!!

Congratulations on a great trip. Thanks for sharing the report.

Thanks for the beautiful pictures and hunt report Lance! Glad you all had a great safari.

Some fantastic animals & great pics. Love the waterbuck.
Cheers.

Lance, All I can say is wow! What an experience. All I can see is smiles:) Very nice pics. It was a joy to view them.

Beautiful pictures...very nice animals...

The best is that you shared it with friends & family. Thanks for the post...

Great to have read this report, i too hunted with Liam Urry Safaris a few years back and i had the time of my life ! Fantastic people,top service and great trophies ! Thanks for the post , brought back memories :-)

All the great smiles tell the full story! The Hole looks like an amazing place - I may have to put that on my next "places to visit" list.

Hi rnovi,

Yes the Kimberley big hole is really spectacular. There are a few trading stores there and restaurants with few museums to walk around and check out. We take many clients there for a day trip etc.. You more than welcome to meet us in Kimberley ..cheers

Great trip and pics!!

Thanks for sharing, especially the great photos!