BLAAUWKRANTZ safaris South Africa Premier Hunting & Conservation Destination

[BLAAUWKRANTZ safaris]

BLAAUWKRANTZ safaris is a world-class hunting outfitter and conservationist of almost 100000 acres, founded in 1978, it is owned and operated by us, the Arthur Rudman Family.

We are located in the malaria-free Eastern Cape, South Africa. Operating from our magnificent and vast, single-unit family ranch, the largest of its kind in South Africa.

Our hunting lodge is only a 45-minute drive from the Port Elizabeth Airport. We offer hunters, couples, hunting families, and safari groups, a high standard of trophy quality, exceptional hunting experience, family hospitality along with passionate, experienced, and enthusiastic staff, personal service, and delicious cuisine.
Thanks to stable politics and a good safety record, family hunting safaris in South Africa has become a trend. Keep in mind the old adage, ‘ the family who play together, stay together.'

We have been hosting international hunting clients for 36 years. Not only are we well represented in the SCI Record Book for our excellent kudu hunting, but numerous Wetherby award winners have also chosen us as their hunting safari destination.

Specializing in the Eastern Cape species, we offer over 44 species for your African hunt. Non-hunters are welcome to join the hunting safari party while on their African hunt or there are plenty of non-hunter activities in the area. Our hunting lodge is the perfect place to relax and unwind.

Enquire with us for further information regarding your African hunt, we look forward to guiding you on an unforgettable hunting safari.

Click HERE to explore our website www.blaauwkrantz.com for a lot more information!

 

[BLAAUWKRANTZ safaris]

HUNTING INFORMATION
We are able to hunt the entire year, but the most popular time is mid-March to the end of September. At BLAAUWKRANTZ safaris we offer you a choice of hunting options. Clients can hunt off the Trophy Price List at a Daily Rate; alternatively, you can choose a package or we can tailor-make a package for your needs. While trophies and days can be added to the existing packages, substituting trophies is discouraged. We do NOT charge VAT on packages.

Most of our hunting is undertaken using the ‘spot and stalk, ‘stand’ and ‘still’ method and our hunts are fair-chase. Shots vary between 100-300 yards, we urge you to practice shooting from the long bipod shooting sticks that are commonly used here.

Because such a large quantity of game can be found on Blaauwkrantz, we prefer to limit the amount of travelling while on safari. Clients also enjoy travelling to Springvale, our mountain lodge, Asante Sana, Karoo lodge, to hunt species not commonly found on here.

Our tracking hounds form an invaluable part of the team, particularly where trophy animals have been wounded. The use of dogs increases our recovery by 90%.

 

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BOW HUNTING INFORMATION
We have traditionally been a rifle-hunting destination but in recent years, the bow-hunting trend has made its mark at BLAAUWKRANTZ safaris too. Each year bow hunters comprise ±5% of the total amount of hunters at Blaauwkrantz.

Bow hunters have had the most success with the species that has made our ranch famous, i.e. the East Cape Kudu. This is largely due to the healthy Kudu population that BLAAUWKRANTZ safaris carry.

Some success has been recorded with Impala and Bushbuck too. Warthog and the Brown Bush Duiker (Common Duiker) have also often featured in the bow hunters’ bags. It is important to note that these are all species that are relatively abundant on Blaauwkrantz, so no traveling is required to begin the hunt, enabling multiple attempts at these species with the bow during the entire safari. Various other species can provide hunters with surprise opportunities.

Most of the hunting for these species is done from blinds over bait or water. Spot and stalk is also attempted to break the monotony of sitting blinds although spot and stalking do not yield much success on our 80 000 acres, where animals are wild and roam freely in a very dense habitat at best of times.

If bow hunters are prepared to work really hard for their trophies, they will be rewarded with some special memories in addition to their hard-earned trophies too.

 

[BLAAUWKRANTZ safaris]

BUSHPIG HUNTING
The Bushpigs of BLAAUWKRANTZ - BLAAUWKRANTZ safaris is located in the heart of the East Cape Valley Bushveldt. This is a very unique habitat that is limited to a relatively small geographic location of the South Western part of the Eastern Cape Province in South Africa. In its natural form this type of thicket biome, that is made up of a large variety of unique plants include grasses, succulent shrubs, thorny shrubs, cactus, and stunted trees. Due to the erratic and relatively low rainfall of the area, these plants have adapted themselves to survive extreme conditions. The plants with Thorns and small and/or succulent leaves have enabled the vegetation to withstand severe heat and cold. Where the habitat has been modified it opens up to form grassy, as pseudo savanna typesetting.

This natural thicket forms an impenetrable thicket of thorns and succulents which makes it the ideal habitat for game animals that seek refuge in this vegetated cover. These species include the East Cape Kudu, Cape bushbuck, Cape Grysbok, blue and common duikers as well as the very shy bushpig. These animals seek refuge on the well-vegetated ridges of this habitat during the day and move to lower-lying draws or “kloofs” during the evenings. The bushpig that does not stand very tall on its short, powerful legs, and along with its coarse, dark coat, makes it one of the stealthiest game animals to target.

Privately owned Blaauwkrantz Ranch is home to a vast tract of this unspoiled thicket biome and the wildlife that resides in it, and thanks to the value that sport hunters attach to these game species, we at Blaauwkrantz protect these animals and their habitat with relentless commitment. Even species that have no direct or extrinsic value, are preserved by this principle. Eardley has always been of the opinion that bushpigs are one of the most underrated game species, and to target one is an endeavor often “swept under the carpet” by many PH’s and outfitters in favour of species that are easier to target. Bushpigs are not as easy on the eye as the likes of Sable, Nyala, or Gemsbok, but most definitely make up for this shortfall by superbly eluding prospective pursuers. Eardley has been working hard at baiting bushpigs which has led to BLAAUWKRANTZ safaris to proudly be one of the most consistent outfits to target bushpigs as well as the other species it is famous for.

 

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OUR FAMILY
BLAAUWKRANTZ safaris ranch has been in the Rudman family since 1936. Eardley & Francois are 4th generation ranchers. We are life members of Safari Club International, Dallas Safari Club, Houston Safari Club, Professional Hunters Association of South Africa, and Wildlife Ranchers South Africa.

BLAAUWKRANTZ safaris are world-renowned for their top quality trophies, especially the East Cape Kudu (largest herd in Africa), Cape Bushbuck, Bushpig, Cape Grysbok, and other species. With 25 species to hunt and an estimated 20 000 antelope on our property, we have access to millions of acres, the game is in abundance, and real African hunting at its best. We employ 50 staff members to efficiently run BLAAUWKRANTZ safaris & Ranch to provide our clients with excellent service and trophies.

Arthur was born and raised here, he is the CEO of BLAAUWKRANTZ safaris and sees to the business end of the outfitting business, and fills in as a professional hunter when needed. Besides being a keen wildlife conservationist, he is passionate about livestock, the Angora goat in particular, and property development. Arthur is serving as a director for PHASA (Professional Hunters Association of South Africa) and WRSA (Wildlife Ranchers South Africa). He is an SCI Master Measurer. Trinette and Arthur were married in 1970 and shortly after that, we're one of the pioneers in game ranching in the Eastern Cape. Trinette is our hostess at the lodge and oversees all the delicious meals served.

The eldest son, Eardley, is a professional hunter and was born in 1972. Eardley studied Agriculture at the University of Stellenbosch before returning to the family ranch. Eardley is an official SCI Measurer and his interests are wildlife, hunting (especially bushpig hunting), fishing, and cricket. Eardley is married to Carmen and their wedding was on the 23rd of February 2008. Carmen assists in our office. They have a son, Caleb, and a daughter, Christina.

The younger son, Francois is a professional hunter and was born in 1974. Francois studied Commerce at the Univesity of Port Elizabeth before returning to the family ranch. Francois is also an official SCI Measurer and his interests are hunting, fishing and cricket. Francois is married to Cris and they were married on 31 January 09. They have 2 daughters, Isabel and Tessa. Cris is from Mexico, she is a graphic designer and is fluent in Spanish.

Daughter, Zani, takes care of the administration and marketing and was born in 1976. She married Philip Dixie in 2001 and they have 3 children, Jane, Jack, and Oliver. Zani studied Economic Sciences with marketing honours at the University of Stellenbosch and enjoys the outdoors and golf.
Son-in-law, Philip is a professional hunter, born in 1968, Philip studied agriculture at Cedara Agricultural College. He owns our mountain lodge, Springvale in the Adelaide area, and is forté are the mountain species. He is a passionate farmer, conservationist, and avid golfer.

 

[BLAAUWKRANTZ safaris]

MEET THE PROFESSIONAL HUNTERS
From back left: Francois Rudman, Eardley Rudman, Eric Daniell & outfitter, Arthur Rudman.
Front left: Braun Olckers, Philip Dixie, Puren Joubert & Paul Smith

THE TEAM
- Eric Daniells: is our neighbouring rancher and has been part of our team since 2002. He is married to Denise and has two daughters.
- Braun Olckers: is a local rancher and eco guide and comes with a wealth of experience.
- Puren Joubert: is co-owner of Igala Productions and is married to Janine, our videographer.
- Paul Smith: is the owner of Relive Africa Taxidermy and is married to Beverley and has two daughters.

Collectively these experienced PH's have over a century of experience, their knowledge of our vast hunting areas is second to none.

 

[BLAAUWKRANTZ safaris]

CHALET LODGE
Clients are accommodated in our spacious and comfortable lodges on Blaauwkrantz. Our lodges have ensuite bedrooms which are beautifully appointed, featuring exquisite ethnic decor in keeping with the bushveld and safari environment. Our lodges offer free WIFI, swimming pools, indoor & outdoor BBQ areas.
Our Blaauwkrantz mountain chalet lodge, has 5 thatched chalets and a lapa.

Our family and well-trained lodge staff offer uncompromising high standards of service, efficiency, and personalised attention.

Clients enjoy fine South African wines and local venison, lamb, and beef. Hunter groups consisting of four or more hunters can enjoy the exclusivity of our large ranch homestead lodge and hunting areas.
We do have cell phone reception in most areas and cell phones will work in South Africa. Clients can also Facetime or WhatsApp call their families back home.

Electricity is 220V, and we recommend that clients bring an international converter adapter with them. A laundry service is available from Monday – Friday.

Lodge Facilities:

• 7 ensuite bedrooms
• Swimming pool
• Outdoor deck
• Large dining area
• Indoor & Outdoor BBQ areas
• 3 lounging areas with fireplaces
• Bushpig Bar and satellite TV
• Water fountain for drinking water

Lodge Amenities:

• Wifi Internet
• Satellite TV
• Cellphone reception
• Bar facilities
• Tea & coffee making facilities
• Room safes
• Hairdryers
• Room heaters
• International plug adapters
• Weekday daily laundry

RANCH STYLE LODGE
Clients are accommodated in our spacious and comfortable lodges on Blaauwkrantz. Our lodges have ensuite bedrooms which are beautifully appointed, featuring exquisite ethnic decor in keeping with the bushveld and safari environment. Our lodges offers free WIFI, swimming pools, indoor & outdoor BBQ areas.

Our ranch-style Brakhill lodge is centrally situated on Blaauwkrantz property and is only 45-minute drive from the Port Elizabeth airport. The lodge is decorated with numerous trophy mounts giving it a 'hunters camp' feel. It can sleep up to 14 guests and is famed for its warmth, vibrancy, and legendary hospitality.
Our family and well-trained lodge staff offer uncompromising high standards of service, efficiency, and personalised attention.

Clients enjoy fine South African wines and local venison, lamb, and beef. Hunter groups consisting of four or more hunters can enjoy the exclusivity of our large ranch homestead lodge and hunting areas.
We do have cell phone reception in most areas and cell phones will work in South Africa. Clients can also Facetime or WhatsApp call their families back home.

Electricity is 220V, and we recommend that clients bring an international converter adapter with them. A laundry service is available from Monday – Friday.

Lodge Facilities:

• 7 ensuite bedrooms
• Swimming pool
• Outdoor deck
• Large dining area
• Indoor & Outdoor BBQ areas
• 3 lounging areas with fireplaces
• Bushpig Bar and satellite TV
• Tennis & Squash court
• Water fountain for drinking water

Lodge Amenities:

• Wifi Internet
• Satellite TV
• Cellphone reception
• Bar facilities
• Tea & coffee making facilities
• Room safes
• Hairdryers
• Room heaters
• International plug adapters
• Weekday daily laundry

 

[BLAAUWKRANTZ safaris]

TROPHY PHOTOS

 

[BLAAUWKRANTZ safaris]

NON-HUNTER ACTIVITIES
Blaauwkrantz Safaris is an ideal location to bring along your non-hunting wife, family & friends. Within an hour's drive from our lodge, we have a number of activities for the non-hunters to do while the hunters are out in the bush.

Day trips can be arranged for:​

• Most of our non-hunters go on a day trip to the Addo National Elephant Park & Schotia Game Reserve, a tour guide collects you at our lodge at +-9am.
  The day is started off with a game drive in Addo, which is only 40 minutes drive from our lodge.
  Addo was established in 1931 to save the Eastern Cape Elephant and Cape Buffalo from extinction. Addo is now over 250 000 acres and home to over 400 elephants and offers an unbeatable opportunity to view these amazing giants of Africa. Addo is also home to a large variety of birds (185 species), the black rhino, a numerous variety of buck species as well as the unique flightless dung beetle.
  After Addo, lunch is served at a nearby restaurant, and then the tour proceeds to Schotia Game Reserve about 15 minutes from Addo, here the Big 5 can be viewed in open vehicles on an afternoon & early evening game drive. A traditional supper is served around a bonfire in camp. The tour guide drops you off at our lodge at about 9 pm.
• Elephant Back Safari in the Addo Elephant Park.
• Ziplining, Big Swing & Canoeing on the banks of the Sunday's River at Adrenalin Addo.
• Guided Bush Walks where you will hear all about the interesting bush plants, including their ecology, folklore, and medicinal value.
• Shopping in Port Elizabeth.
• Visit the beautiful gardens in the nearby Sundays River Valley.
• Scuba Diving in the Port Elizabeth Bay.
• Visit Cheetah & Lion Breeding Sanctuaries.
• Visit a Reptile & Raptor Center.
• Visit nearby Winelands
• Citrus Packhouse tours in the nearby Sundays River Valley
• The historical town of Graaff-Reinet, 1.5 hours drive from the lodge, is situated in the middle of the Karoo Nature Reserve and was founded in 1786. You will find over 300 national monuments in Graaff-Reinet, which is more than you'll find in any other town in South Africa
• Enjoy a breathtaking part of The Garden Route, where you can see mountains, indigenous forests, deep gorges, the coastline of cliffs, and sandy beaches. You can also view ancient yellowwood trees, fynbos plants, and birdlife.
• Port Elizabeth is in Algoa Bay and every year whales are familiar sights along the coastline which is not to be missed, sightings include the Southern Right whale, which mates and calves between July and October each year in the sheltered Algoa Bay.
• The historic town of Grahamstown where the annual arts festival attracts a wide South African and international audience. This is the home of the Xhosa people whose culture and colourful beadwork are of great interest. Do a full-day tour of the battlefields where wars were fought between the 18th & 19th centuries between the British & Colonial forces and Xhosa warriors on the other.
• One of the biggest amusement parks in Port Elizabeth is the Boardwalk. Lots of fascinating sights to see, but the main one will probably be the casino. On the boardwalk, there is also a games room, shops, and restaurants. After sunset, the city transforms into a sea of lights and a variety of nightlife. Evening entertainment includes beachfront pubs and cocktail bars.
• Deep-Sea fishing - Apart from hunting, Blaauwkrantz Safaris offers deep-sea fishing for Yellowfin tuna. Fish between 10-85kg (20-200lbs) are the norm. There is also plenty of other game fish including Skipjack / Bonito, Dorado, and even Marlin. Fishing is done at a 30-40 miles drop-off, off the continental shelf. Heavy or light tackle can be used for fishing, the choice is yours. April - July are the months when these fish are around. For those who would like to do bottom fishing, surf fishing, bass fishing, or back-line trawling for Salmon and Garrick off an inflatable, is a light tackle challenge not to be missed.
• Limited bird hunting is available during certain times of the year.

 

[BLAAUWKRANTZ safaris]

 

[BLAAUWKRANTZ safaris]