In memoriam - A Giant has passed… Peter Johnstone

[DLSJR]

Peter Johnstone, an Icon in Zimbabwe’s safari industry, passed away this morning.

Peter was a huge presence in Zimbabwe’s (and Rhodesia) safari industry, holding Zimbabwe PH license #1. Peter started Rosslyn Safaris and for many years he held Matetsi unit #3 which borders both Botswana and Hwange National Park. After he was pushed out during government turmoil, he purchased land near Bulawayo that became the Cawston Block. Cawston became well known for high quality sable hunting and was THE place for bow hunters to go for a big sable as well as other plains game.

Peter was suffering from dementia and when I visited Cawston last year it was sad to see how badly that disease had diminished him. But, it was good to see him one last time. I first met Peter in 1982 when I took him duck hunting here in California, then did my first African hunt with Rosslyn 6 months later. He was 92.

Me, Peter and Vernon Booth, who was the long time Matetsi District wildlife biologist , May 2025

 

[farmer_john]

Legends will always live on in our hearts and our stories. Sorry for your loss.
Sounds like yall had some great adventures together.

 

[FlyGuy]

I knew Peter well and was very sad to hear that he passed.
Wonderful man and a true legend.

 

[Mtn_Infantry]

RIP to a man who’s done more for African wildlife than anyone of us can ever hope to.

 

[DieJager]

May he be in the eternal hunting grounds. Prayers for family and friends and of course the gentleman himself.

 

[MTNYALA]

Visited with him at several SCI conventions.
Nice gentleman.

 

[DaddyFlip]

Props to you @DLSJR for bringing this to attention! I'm always reminded of that line from Shawshank Redemption... "What was his name?"

 

[bwanamrm]

RIP Peter. I spent time with him at Cawston in 2010 taking a nice tssessebe and sable with Martin Pieters there. Lovely property and a true gentleman. He lived a full life!

 

[JMM]

What a great man. Enjoyed spending many evenings out on his deck, sipping beverages.

 

[JES Adventures]

Sad news to hear the passing of another legend. I was blessed to spend a couple of weeks with Peter in the Matetsi back in '91. I have fond memories of our fireside chats and an aerial tour of the hunting area in his Cessna.

RIP Peter

 

[Ridge Runner]

Condolences to his wife, family, and many friends. May he R.I.P..

Dementia is a horrible disease.