SOUTH AFRICA: NICK BOWKER SAFARIS Round 2 2026

[Graham Hunter]

Prelude: Hunted with Nick @NICK BOWKER SAFARIS in 2022. My buddy and I did a cull hunt and added some trophies and my great did the Kudu and Gemsbok package. All successful and had a great time. I said I would be back. In 2023 Nick built a new Lodge and what a Lodge it is. Very modern and takes up to 8 hunters. I did miss Nicks old accomodations which were at his homeplace with very old history and British styling. But the new Lodge is spectacular with its panoramic view and totaly secluded.
Left Calgary May 9 for an uneventful trip via KLM thru Amsterdam on to Joberg. Spent the night of the 10th at the City Lodge and then off to Port Elizabeth where Nick was waiting for us. About a 2hr drive to Nicks, Hopewell Lodge about 15 miles out of Bedford. We got settled in. We would have sighted our rifles in but the wind was howling. So we poked around for a short afternoon drive and returned to the Lodge for appys and then dinner. The food at Nicks is always some of the finest. Counting myself and my buddy Brad there were 6 hunters and two spouses. Good bunch of people.
May 12th Day 1 hunting. Woke up to howling wind so had a little later breakfast and then everyone went to chck guns. Nick had a nice little sheltered spot. Both my 7 Weatherby and Brad's 300 Weatherby were dead on so off we went. Nick said because of the wind the animal movement would be slow but as I wanted a Red Lechwe there was a Valley that was fairly protected we would check out. Interesting area as it is a Valley thats low fenced where the Lechwe had been introduced years before. Nick said the Lechwe had been introduced in other areas but didn't do well. For some reason the Lechwe here thrived and despite being free range didn't leave the Valley. As we left the road and turned on the property we had only been going for about 2 minutes when we spotted some Lechwe.. We got out and started our stalk to see what was there. There were 2 Rams very interested in a female. Both were shooters one being very and the other longer and heavier. I would be happy with either.
We played cat and mouse with the group of about 8 females and the 2 males. On the sticks once but had a female in the way and then the other Ram came in and moved them all. More stalking and the the group moved up the hill headed for the top. Nick said let's go back to the truck and circle around to cut them off. As we were getting back to the truck I spotted some movement in the bush. Out popped a large Ram we think it was the long one we saw 1st. He was trailing like a whitetail buck. Nick said get ready he's going to cross right in front of us. And he did without even looking our way. I was rested on a post and nick grunted and he stopped right behind a tree of course. As son as he stepped out I lunged him and he made about 75yds. Back to the Lodge and in the salt. Spent the rest of the afternoon cruising around just checking animals but movement was slow.

Back to the Lodge for a great supper of lambchops and Kudu.

 

[Graham Hunter]

May 13th Day 2
Wind was howling again today. We were looking for a Nyala. As always Nick had a plan. Brad was trying to finish his Spiral Slam so we headed to a set of Valley's on a neighbors property. As neither Brad or I were hunting a package 2 on one worked well for us as we both had different animals we wanted with the exception of Eland. Upon arrival we started glassing. Unsuccesful on the first couple of spots we got to the 3rd area a pretty gentle valley and low and behold there were some Nyala females. They were just starting to come out and Nick felt there should be a good male in the group so the stalk was on. A good Bull was spotted and Brad got a shot at about 175. Dropped right there. Beautiful old Bull. After retrieving the Bull and loading him Nick said there was some good Bushbuck in the area. We carried on and were up on a hill glassing down to a Alfalfa field the bushbuck love. Spotted a couple of females then Nick spotted a good Ram. The hillside going down to the river where the Ram was is extremely steep. Brad and Nick catiously got down a short ways and watched the Ram but he never presented a shot and walked back into the thick bush never to reappear. So back to the Lodge to the salt and then a lunch of Kudu burgers followed by a nap and back out spotting again. But with the wind not a lot was moving so back to the Lodge for appys, drinks, supper and bed. I won't post pictures of Brad's animals as that is up to him..

 

[RLP]

Nice work. Love hunting with Nick and his crew.

 

[Mark Biggerstaff]

Congrats! Waiting for more!

 

[Graham Hunter]

May 14th Day 3
So the original plan was to head out for my Blue Duiker but that area had a bunch of rain and the Conservancy manager said we should wait for a day. So we headed back to the neighbor's in search of a Bushbuck for Brad. Finally no wind and bright sunshine. We started glassing same as the day before. Animals everywhere. Springbok, Blesbok, Impala and a troop of Baboons right in the middle of the highway. Unfortunately Nick said a drive by wasn't acceptable. Hmmm bummer. We found a couple of females and then spotted a very good Ram but the same as the day before. Into the brush never to be seen again. As we were relocating the neighbor called and said there was a dandy Ram feeding in a different alfalfa field. We drove over and got out to stalk. In a short ways there he was with a couple of females. Brad was on the sticks and it became the always long waiting game. Finally the females cleared and the Ram turned broaside at 120 yds. One shot DRT. Great old ram but he was out of teeth and skinny. Wouldn't have made the winter and was only surviving on the alfalfa. One thing to note with Nicks operation, both he and his PH's are extremely serious about taking old or very mature animals. His animals that are taken are all quality trophies. Back to the lodge for lunch and a nap. The afternoon was exceptional for the amount and variety of animals we saw including a huge warthog with his girlfriend that just dissappered. Back again for beef steaks and I think Gemsbok. the neighbor came over and I enjoyed him very much as he grows hay and raises cattle so we had a lot of notes to compare. Tomorrow the Blue Duiker challenge!

 

[Trogon]

Please share photos, so much more enjoyable to go with your report!

 

[Graham Hunter]

May 15th Day 4
Blue Duiker was a priority on my list. So we left around 6:30am for an area near Port Alford. This area has a very large and well managed Conservancy. Very few permits are allowed in a year. We were delayed by a day because of the rain 2 days earlier. I was told that the Blue Duikers are dependant on ground water as they are two small to drink out of a cattle trough. So on the conservancy they had dug out holes in the ground and filled them with concrete with a dish shape and fill with water. Then checked for tracks. I had been given the option to hunt from a blind at the water hole or use dogs. After a discussion with Nick I opted for the bling even though I hate sitting, My reasoning and Nick's advise was with a shotgun you get zero chance to determine the size of the Ram. So upon arrival we met with the manager and followed him to the blind. More learning for me. Blue Duikers rely on the Vervet monkeys for their watchdog. As the monkeys are always on alert the Duikers will come to the waterholle if the monkeys are there. As we got to the water hole the manager had a bag of some kind of a corn mix that the monkeys like. Sprinkled some around the water bowl and Nick and I climbed into the blind. Weh ad to sit back from the opening and wear dark clothing so the monkeys wouldn't pick up any movement. We had been in the blind about 10 mins when a single Vervet came from behind and walked right beside Nicks side of the blind. I tapped his knee and pointed as the monkey walked catiously up to the water. He immediately began picking up pieces of the corn mix. He would take two bites and then nervously look around. All of a sudden he stood straight up and was looking into the brush behind.About 10 minutes later we saw movement thru the brush behind the water. The Duiker was was crossing from left to right but just kept going instead of turning to the water. One quick glance and we saw it was a Ram but gone that quick. He then turned to my side of the blind but stayed in the brush. a little later the monkey stood up again and here comes another Duiker. This is a female and did eactly what she was supposed to. Came right to the water and drank. The monkey hung around a little longer and the just ambled off. He hadn't been gone long when the female wandered off to. We could hear the Ram in the brush on my side of the blind and Nick got a couple of glimpses of him. Finally he turned and started back to where he came from. I got one glimpse of his back end thru the brush and then everything went quiet. After about 10 mins we see him poke his head out of the brush behind the water. He started to come to the water but hung up. I waited till he turned and dropped the hammer on Nicks Sako 222. DRT! The smile on Nicks face told it all. This was a big male and I couldn't have been happier. It's hard to explain to the average hunter how your smallest animal is your biggest trophy of the trip. Nick said we set 2 records that day. The biggest Blue Duiker he has ever taken and the shortest time in the blind. 50 minutes. After filling out the paper work with the manager we headed for home. As we were going to be late for lunch I offered to buy lunch. We stopped in Bathurst at the PIG & Whistle Pub. This is the oldest Pub in South Africa. Built in 1832. Very cool place and great Fish & Chips. There's no Thirst like Bathurst!! Back to the Lodge and an evening of viewing more animals. Supper and celabration and bed.

 

[MT53]

Very cool!!! Keep it coming!!!

 

[AZDAVE]

Stopped by the Pig and Whistle when I was hunting my blue diker. Thanks for the smile you just put on my face.
CONGRATZ!!! on a great diker

 

[Graham Hunter]

 

[Graham Hunter]

May 16th Day 5
So this morning we were headed out to 3 consessions about 2.5 hrs North. I had asked Nick about a Cape Mtn. Zebra. We can import them to Canada. I have always thought they were a cool Zebra with the different stripe pattern and stripes down to the hooves. As we drove the land changed dramatically. From the flat ground to the rolling hills around Bedford to this area that was very almost mountains with heavy bush and deep Valleys. We stopped to pick up the tracker/manager for the concession. As we started in we immediately started seeing Blue and Golden Wildebeest as well as Gemsbok. Then at the top of one of the mountains we spotted Zebra about a mile away and they were already on the move. Same with the next herd and the next. The Mtn. Zebra were absolutely spooked. We spotted a small herd on the flat by the tame grass fields but as soon as we tried to work around we were spotted and they left. Hmmm this is going to be tough! We spotted one herd moving and thought we could cut them off. After a 1/2 mile hike we found they we already ahead of us. At this point I reliazed this property was hell. All rock and I mean rocks not round or flat and moving all the time. I have an ankle with screws and pins and this was not going to work. We had a steep slope about a 1/4 mile to the truck. Can't believe I made it without doing a header! So we continued on looking for more Zebra. I'm thinking this is going to be tough. Crazy spooky Zebra and extreme terrain. As we cruized up another montain trail there was a tap on the roof. The trackers had spotted a small herd in the bush 300yds downhill. Nick grabbed the sticks and I followed. We peaked over the rim and there they were at 276yds. I steadied on the sticks as best I could and aimed at the stallion looking at us. At the shot he did 2 flips and tumbled down the mountain out of sight. Knobby the young tracker went down to where my Zebra lay. We took the truck around to the bottom and were able to retrieve the Zebra with about a 100yd drag. Yahoo I was happy. Upon inspection my bullet had entered under the left eye. So my shot had entered about 6-8 inches high. I had held for a high chest shot because of the steep angle and I wanted the shot to go from the top of the the chest down thru the bottom. He did have his head low so maybe the steep angle or maybe I just shot high. Never look a gift Zebra in the mouth! So back to Headquarters

to skin the Zebra and then off to the next concession. The best view of that property was in the rear view mirror!

 

[Graham Hunter]

Day 5 Continued
After leaving the Zebra property we drove about 1.5 hrs to the Concession where we would stay. The property is owned by Dylan and his family. Dylan is a big husky boy who also PH's for Nick at times. It is called the Aloe Grove Guest Farm. It is a mixture of farming, ranching and several hunting areas. It has been in the family from the 1800's. It has a fabulous Lodge that has 3 dining rooms 2 bars one upstairs and various rooms spread out amongst the grounds. It can accommodate up to 60 overnight guests. It is mainly used for weddings and large corporate events. We unloaded our gear in our rooms and set out for a drive. We soon encountered a group of Red Hartebeest. After glassing there appeared to be a potential target. But they had decided to move off.We drove to a high spot to glass and found the Bull we were looking at earlier. Nick said he is a shooter but he felt we could do better. We cruised around some more and saw lots of animals and some Eland but all cows and calves. It was time to head back for drinks and supper which was leg of lamb, mixed vegtables, potatoes and two types of salad. Outstanding. Back out tomorrow to a piece of property of Dylans that is supposed to hold Big Eland.

 

[Graham Hunter]

Back to day 4
I guess I don't keep the best notes for order. After returning from my Blue Duiker hunt we went for a cruise

around some of Nicks property. Nick and I had earlier discussed both Brad and I wanting Eland. As I am already booked for next year we agreed Brad would get 1st chance on an Eland. We were cruising and glassing when we spotted the rump of an Eland bedded down in some bush in a little valley. We drove past and then got out and started around the ridge to get the wind right. After a short stalk 2 kudu cows spooked and ran straight thru the Eland and off they went. There were 2 shooter Bulls and 2 Cows. Nick was not to concerned and felt we could locate them again. We did a lot of cruising and glassing to no avail. I could tell Nick was aggravated by not locating them. As we were cruising back to the lodge Nick hit the brakes and thru up his glasses. How the hell did they get there was his comment. There were 2 shooter Bulls and 2 Cows. Same group 3 miles away. The problem was they were grazing quietly in the open surrounded by Blesbok and Springbok. Nick said this probably a bad idea but let's just walk up there. The Eland were on a ridge and there was an almost bare valley floor going up to them. Brad and Nick started out. I stayed with the truck and trackers and we drove up to a look out to watch the proceedings. It looked like Brad and Nick were in plain view of the Eland but later learned they were low enough not to be seen. As they crept up the valley using the occasional bush for cover they progressed unnoticed. All of a sudden I see the sticks go up followed by a shot. 3 of of the Eland jumped but just milled around. The other Bull just staggered and stood there. Then the 2nd shot and the Bull fell to his knees. 3rd shot put him completely down. We drove up and met Nick and Brad. What a Bull. Long horns, big red brush and the gray dewlap. A very happy Brad. Now to load an Eland is a job with an 1800lb+ animal that is 5ft at the shoulders. With the winch a tarp a roller an a little ingenuity we got him in the truck and off to the salt. End of a great day.

 

[Graham Hunter]

May 17th Day 6
After a good breakfast we headed out to the the Eland area about 20 minutes away. A lot of bush and creek bottoms with hills. As we drove around we only saw some Kudu and Warthog and Impala but no Eland. It was calm but overcast and everything was in the bush. Apparently Plains Game are solar powered! Dylan was on a big hiil spotting more area but no Eland there either. We continued until about 11am and headed back to the farm for lunch. Disappointing as 2 of Nick's PH's had told me it was a good area as they had successfully hunted it. After lunch Nick suggested we go straight out as the animals hadn't moved this morning. We had only gone a little ways when we spotted some Red Hartebeest and Blue and Black Wildebeest with a few Impala. There was no way to approach them so Nick suggested we try a drive. The trackers jumped out and went up a long hill to get behind the animals. They had two routes of escape. We picked the wrong one. The tracker radioed that they were over the edge on the other side. We hurried over but saw no Hartebeest. They and the Wildebeest had hooked back and gone up the hill where the trackers had started. We did have a Black Widebeest with a couple of cows walk right by us and bed down. I'm pretty sure I heard laughter coming from them. We continued on and found some Hartebeest in a meadow down low. We walked over to the edge to glass them. There was one mature Bull but not the size I was looking for. It was now 4pm. Nick suggested we pack up and head back to the Hopewell Lodge for supper. We got back just in time to catch the last of the appys and then a great supper. I really enjoyed and appreciated the trip and the diiferent terrains. Eland meh Hunting is hunting!

 

[Graham Hunter]

May 18th Day 7
So today we are headed out to a new property near Bedford. Brad had decided he wanted to add a Copper Springbok to his list. At the gate we are met by Knotty2. He knew the property and animals well. As soon as we drove in we started seeing animals. Red hartebeest, Impala, Kudu and Eland, Blesbok etc. Beautiful big valley with rollings hills. Lots of bush and meadows. As we rounded a corner there were 2 Springbok fighting. One was a common the other a beautiful Copper. Nick and Brad jumped out and crept forward a short distance and the sticks went up. 130 yds. Brads 1st shot was low and just broke the front leg and creased the chest. He hobbled around but couldn't go anywhere. Soon he went down. Nick said don't shoot again and the trackers grabbed him and spiked him at the base of the skull. Gorgeous trophy with their unique coloring. After loading him we continued on. We spotted some Eland and there was a shooter Bull. But after glassing Nick said I don't think that's what you are looking for. Thin horns and no red brush or big dewlap. Pass. We continued on and found a herd of hartebeest but no mature bull. Further on we spotted another herd. Tjhs one had a very good mature Bull. They spotted us and moved off. Not spooked but just not comfortable. We got out and moved up to some trees. The trackers went around to move them. Shortly after the Wildebeest appeared just walking out thru the trees. The bull stopped with his head behind one tree and his butt behind another. 252 yds. Nick said I could shoot when comfortable. On the shot all hell broke loose. The Bull went one way and the herd another. Nick and one of the trackers both felt I had hit the Bull but a bit low. So the trackers went up to look but couldn't find any sign of a hit. As the Bull had swung around and turned into the same patch of trees as the herd the trackers followed in. We moved to a better vantage point and as the herd came out to cross a meadow we got a good look. No sign of a hit animal or our Bull. Nick felt he had bedded down in the trees so we went to look but found nothing. The trackers pushed the trees and we waited but nothing. Knobby1 came back and said he thought he saw the Bull with one leg swinging but still no blood. So we had them swing around to the other stand of trees and push there. Still nothing. Now I am really starting to question myself. Did I miss? Why no blood.
There was only one large stand of bush and trees left unless he had somehow snuck passed us. We drove the trackers around the backside and let them and Nick's beagle Bailey off. We told them to wait 10 mins till we went back and set up. As we waited only a couple of critters came out but no Hartebeest. I figured we were done when I heard a dog in the distance. I have hunted with dogs enough to know he had something bayed. We jumped in the truck and saw the trackers and walked in. There was my Hartebeest laying down with Bailey tormenting him. As we approached he got up but I couldn't shoot because of Bailey. I finally got another shot in him. Two more follow ups and he was done. I absolutely hate to wound an animal and have only ever lost two in my lifetime. But finding and finishing this animal was satisfying. My 1st shot had smashed the leg right at the elbow but the animals are tough once the adenaline starts to flow. I told Bailey what a wonder dog he was and I don't think Nick knew how many pieces of steak I slipped under the table that night.
We loaded the Hartebeest and headed for the skinning shed and lunch. After a nap we went out to look for the other Eland Bull that had been with Brad's. They were both great Bulls with one being longer and the other being heavier horned. There were other Eland in the area also. Brad had shot the longer one but I would be pleased with the other. A couple of days before we ran into some Black Wildebeest and got to have a good look at them. I told Brad he needed one. I must have planted a seed as he mentioned he was interested. As were were looking for Eland we spotted 3 BW Bulls. They were a mile away. With Nick on the spotting scope he confirmed they were all shooters. I told Brad there is your BW. He said we are loking for your Eland. I explained 1st rule. Take what Africa gives you when you can. Nick and Brad headed down thru a little Valley and then had a steep bank to climb to get on the area where the BW were. I took the truck around to a good vantage point so I could radio if they moved or just took off. As Nick and Brad crested the steep bank they only went a little ways and turned right into some bush. Kinda of strange as this wasn't the angle to the BW. I kept vigilant and the BW weren't going any where. All of a sudden I hear a shot. What the heck? I don't see a wounded BW. They hadn't even moved as the wind carried the noise away. Then the radio crackles and Nick asks me to bring the truck. He gives me directions and as I approach there is a dead dandy BW. Apparently they spotted him grazing in the brush and snuck into 64yds. As he grazed up to them Brad dropped him in his tracks. Good job! We continued on our Eland quest but it was to no avail. Back to the Lodge for anther great meal.

 

[Graham Hunter]

 

[Graham Hunter]

May 19th Day 8
Final day. It doesn't look good. Wake up to fog. Cool and wet. Hmmm not what I wanted. We hung around for a while but as the fog lifted a little we headed out. Still looking for the other Bull Eland or any of the other Eland. We really put on the miles and miles and miles. Almost no action. Blesbok but they are always everywhere. Couple of wart'ys, couple of Kudu cows and a couple of young Bulls. All buried in the bush. It's hard to believe that one day animals are everywhere and the next very little. We covered more country but nothing. Then when we stopped for a nature break i took a little walk. As I was viewing the hillside I noticed movement by the creek. Going thru the brush was a female Warthog and a huge boar. They went into the brush and vanished. I have several very good warthogs but this was a monster. Oh well my wife said I don't need another Warty. We all know need has nothing to do with it. We worked our way back to the Lodge for lunch and a quick nap. Back out for the afternoon. Brad had mentioned that he would take a Mtn. Reedbok if the oppurtunity presented itself. Nick said well let's look at the very back of the property as there is a lot of Reedbuck there. Brad was concerned about messing up my Eland hunt but like Nick said we haven't found them where we've been so this will be new ground. Well we found the Reedbuck. Two females in the brush and one young Ram on the hillside. I could tell Nick was frustrated but it's hunting and Mother nature can be a bitch. We continued for the afternoon. All of a sudden Nick slamed on the brakes and hollered shoot that Jackal.. It was headed towards us but turned when it saw the truck and started trotting off. I jumped out as it was going thru the brush and as it hit a small opening I shot and it dropped. Upon inspection it was a female which made Nick even happier. He has sheep and the Jackals are hard on the lambs. I was thrilled at my little bonus as I had seen a few before but never had a chance. This lightened the mood for all of us on the way back to the Lodge. The other 3 Ph's all heartily congratulated me as they raise sheep also. It had been a heck of a hunt but now the long trip back Paid our bill and had a good supper and drinks after. The whole crrew was tired content and happy. We left for Port Elizabeth the next morning for a long but uneventful flight home.
IN CONCLUSION: All of the other hunters had filled their packages and added a couple of extras. A good group and all happy. From the accommodations to the food to all the staff it was top notch. I can't recomend Nick Bowker highly enough. 5of us Rednecks are booked for next year and I am looking very much forward to it. Thanks again Nick and crew.