Gwaai Memories

[BGGMKLR]

I have come across several posts recently recalling past hunts of nembers in Gwaai, Zim.
Those posts have re-lit lit the flame of long- burning memories, and had me wondering if anyone had the pleasure to hunt with Harrie Bennie at Gwaai Valley Safari's in the 80's-90's.
Harry owned Hankano Ranch at the confluence of the Gwaai and Shangani Rivers, roughly a driver & a 3 wood from the Gwaai Hotel.
If so...I would dearly love to touch bases.
Best
Spike

 

[johnjiao]

i will hunt in gwayi next year

 

[BGGMKLR]

i will hunt in gwayi next year

I have sent you a private message.
Spike

 

[JES Adventures]

My first Safari was in the Gwaai Valley in 1986 with Chris Van Wyk of Nemba Safari. I had the pleasure of hunting with Harrie Bennie for Cape Buffalo while on that trip. Unfortunately, the photo of me and Harrie is packed away and I cannot easily get to it.

The Gwaai was an amazing place, teeming with game and a truly wild experience. We actually encountered Elephant on the first day of my first Safari and got to follow the tracks until almost dark when they left the property. It was an incredible sixteen days that lit a fire in me that has yet to be extinguished.

My sable taken on the Van Wyk farm near the Shangani.

My Leopard taken on the Jimmy Chattham farm with PH Chris Van Wyk on the Gwaai River.

 

[BGGMKLR]

Great stuff. What year was that? I'd guess you and Harry spent some time hunting Dete and Lubimbi...both areas close to his ranch and favorites. While I was there his son Paul...who had recently gotten his PH license...was hunting down the road at Chimwara Ranch for Rob Stirling. To this day, that magical timeframe in my life remains " best- of- breed" in 50+ years of outoor adventure.

 

[BGGMKLR]

My first Safari was in the Gwaai Valley in 1986 with Chris Van Wyk of Nemba Safari. I had the pleasure of hunting with Harrie Bennie for Cape Buffalo while on that trip. Unfortunately, the photo of me and Harrie is packed away and I cannot easily get to it.

The Gwaai was an amazing place, teeming with game and a truly wild experience. We actually encountered Elephant on the first day of my first Safari and got to follow the tracks until almost dark when they left the property. It was an incredible sixteen days that lit a fire in me that has yet to be extinguished.

My sable taken on the Van Wyk farm near the Shangani.

View attachment 722348

My Leopard taken on the Jimmy Chattham farm with PH Chris Van Wyk on the Gwaai River.

View attachment 722349

Sorry, i now see that you said 1986.
I was with Harry 3 years later...mid-August through part of September.
Best
Spikr

 

[BGGMKLR]

Great stuff. What year was that? I'd guess you and Harry spent some time hunting Dete and Lubimbi...both areas close to his ranch and favorites. While I was there his son Paul...who had recently gotten his PH license...was hunting down the road at Chimwara Ranch for Rob Stirling. To this day, that magical timeframe in my life remains " best- of- breed" in 50+ years of outoor adventure.

 

[BGGMKLR]

Great stuff. What year was that? I'd guess you and Harry spent some time hunting Dete and Lubimbi...both areas close to his ranch and favorites. While I was there his son Paul...who had recently gotten his PH license...was hunting down the road at Chimwara Ranch for Rob Stirling. To this day, that magical timeframe in my life remains " best- of- breed" in 50+ years of outoor adventure.

Admin...sorry...double post...please delete.
Thank You
Spike