NUMZAAN SAFARIS WILD WILDEBEEST LODGE, MIKE WATRIDGE (PH)

To all:
Below is a recount of our experience with Numzaan Safaris staying at the Wild Wildebeest Lodge, and Mike Watridge as a PH--- This could be long, so if you're looking for a quick review:

--- Wonderful outfitter, great accommodations, and an excellent PH- Top Marks all the way around

I had actually bought a hunt that was donated to our local (Midland, TX) CCA fundraiser. My plan was to have one of my hunting buddies accompany on this trip. Unfortunately for them, they were too scared to make the trip across the "pond" and my wife volunteered to tag along. She did not grow up in a hunting family, and I had only introduced her to the prospect of hunting 2 years ago, just before we were married. Originally, she wanted to harvest a few animals (springbok slam), and then turn the other animals over to me. Oh how that changed.

We were able to coordinate with Numzaan's business office flawlessly. We arrived in Jo-Berg late in the evening, and were picked up by the owners of Afton House where we stayed the first night. Mike (PH) arrived early the next morning, and we were off to the Free State for our first phase of the Safari. We were able to harvest all four phases of the springbok, and a really nice black wildebeest in the first two days.

Upon completion of the Free State Phase, we were whisked to the Limpopo Province, where we arrived at the Wild Wildebeest Lodge. As far as hunting lodges go, this one was way up there as far as accommodations. The food was spectacular, the wine was awesome, and the individual rooms and beds were comfortable to say the least.

We spent the next 9 days hunting large ranches (32,000-14,000 acres) and harvesting bushbuck, 2 zebras, 3 warthogs, blue wildebeest, kudu, gemsbok, blesbok, red hartebeest, waterbuck, and impala (18 animals total). Remember when I said my wife wanted to kill a few small animals and turn it over to me? Final total was Wife 11 animals (3 warthogs, impala, gemsbok, zebra, 3 springbok, waterbuck, and a bushbuck). I was left with the rest (which between us, was the way I wanted it). My wife is officially hooked.

I could not have asked for a better experience. These guys possess the ability to cater to whatever their clients may require. Absolutely perfect for wives, families, or buddies with whom you've hunted for years.

I have to give a special thanks to Mike, our PH. Mike always had a cunning plan, and typically it worked. He was the perfect combination of hunting skills, intensity, and service. One could really tell he's been doing this for 19 years. He even went so far as to take me and my wife on a Cape Buffalo search which gave us 3 encounters at <50 yards. We were scouting for a older gentleman in camp who could not travel well, and we were out in front looking for them. It was the most exhilarating time of my hunting career. His dog Milo is awesome as well On my next trips to Africa, I want Mike involved in the hunting.

I will happily recommend this company to everyone.

Thanks again to Numzaan
Our PH - Mike
Camp MGR- Tonie
Camp MGR- Jorika (Tonie's wife and awesome cook)
Office -Stef (Owner) and Lennete


Other PH's in camp
Johann
Konnis
Jean Louis
Aldo
Jean
Sean

Dogs In Camp
Milo, Mauser, Hunter, Swapo, Ruby, Anna Bella, Raja, Ruger,

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Another killer is born! Congrats, both on the hunt and turning your wife to the dark side.

Welcome to AH and congrats to you and your wife for a great hunt and fantastic trophies. Thanks for sharing.

Nice report with supporting pictures..

Welcome to AH.

Congratulations.

I got all worked up for a long report (we will have to show you a long report) and it was over before you really got going.
Good report. Please do add some more hunt details.

Your bride has a good sense of humour and you are now in trouble.
When is the return trip planned??

I've already booked a Zim trip for 2014 for Buff and Leopard. We WILL return to Numzaan, but the date is TBD. There's a chance my wife will book a trip and go without me! We can't wait to get back.

Congrats, some very nice animals there. The warthog on your wife's left is exceptional. A harder trophy than I think many give credit for.

If I may ask, who did you book your buff/leopard hunt in Zim with?

I'd say the chance of that solo return is quite high with all the smiles on the faces.

Thanks for the report and congrats on amazing trophies!

SRPI

Welcome to AH. It sounds as if hunting is first priority with your new wife. Family can come later, LOL!

Enjoy the experiences.
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"A Dream can be relived, again and again in Africa".

Congrats with a great hunt!
You got some very good looking animals there
Thanks for sharing the hunt with us.

Beautiful trophies!!!

The quartet of springbok is difficult to pass up once you have a couple down. One to go... maybe in August!
And yes, that is a lovely black wildebeest and a heavy bushbuck.
Great hunting by the looks of things!

Thanks for posting your hunting report and trophy pictures SRPI!