blackdog001blackdog001
AH senior member
Completed a 7-day safari with @MPETI SAFARIS OUTFITTER, located near Pongola, SA. Great trip with Conrad as the PH and excellent support staff, including Ruan the Lodge Manager and Henno the Apprentice PH, as well as the entire camp staff.
9/22 - arrived Richards Bay where Conrad and his son met us at the airport. Flew BA from the States through London (used outfitter guns), then to Joburg then Richards Bay on Airlink. Other than a delay departing Heathrow which caused a tight connection in Joburg, flights were uneventful. I have done the long ride on SAA from Atlanta three times previous and wanted to see if breaking it up with a Heathrow layover makes it easier (and I'm chasing AA status); it doesn't. Take the non-stop SAA.
After a stop for jerky and fuel, on for the 2 hour ride to the lodge. Arrived at lodge and went to room which was roomy and comfortable with plenty of hot water. Laundry done daily. Up the hill to lodge for a snack then out for a couple hours game drive, looking around. Dinner which like all the meals, was top notch and early to bed.
9/23 - 6a wake-up and depart at 7 so Conrad could determine my marksmanship abilities, which were confirmed as adequate. Package was for female Buff (I have a 40 incher from Zim on the wall, so don't need another mount...), Crocodile, Nyala and Warthog. I really wanted a Croc as I had been to SA two years ago for one and was un-successful.
Spent the am driving and looking for Buff and Nyala. Conrad was looking for good trophy Nyala and Warthog and saw a few in the 7 out of 10 scale. Put in a stalk or two on Buff which did not work out. Back for lunch and out again around 230p where we sat on a waterhole for 2 hours looking for Warhog and Nyala. Nothing Conrad deemed worthy of shooting so went driving until sunset, then back to lodge for dinner and in bed by 9p.
9/24 - Repeat of previous day except for 530a wake-up and departure at 630a. Driving back to lodge at the end of the day, Conrad stops truck and says, essentially, shoot that Warthog. No time for sticks or setup and while I got a shot off and it drew blood, I wounded the animal and we could not find it that evening. The next am, tracker was on it early, but I could not get a shot. I was really, really annoyed at myself for missing (honestly, the first game I wounded in Africa and this was my 4th safari). Missing was all on me. Hopefully it's recovered.
9/25 - Out again by 630 and looking for Buff after trying to find the wounded warthog. Put on two stalks but un-successful. We had seen a Croc in a pond the day before so Conrad put a tracker to watch and see if he came out. Around 10am we got a call that the Croc was out of the water and hanging out on the bank so we drove over. Parked about 300 yards from the pond, walked up and met Doctor the tracker and we could see the Croc on the other side of the pond. After moving 100 yards or so to the left for a clear shot, we dropped the sticks and I made a good shot right at the smile then another in the lungs. The Croc did not move, other than flapping his tail which indicated a spine shot. We waited around 10 minutes then walked around the pond. An eyepoke or two indicated the Croc was still alive, but not moving. We called for the "Recovery Team". Quick measurement showed 11' (later revised to 11'4") and I could not be happier. I was completely "zoned in" for the shot, for which I used Conrad's 7x57. Interestingly, it was the only Croc we saw in the 7.5 days.
Ruan brought out some snacks and drinks and we enjoyed those on the bank while the Recovery Team went about getting the Croc set for pics and then loaded on the trailer. Awesome on all accounts. After lunch, started driving and in short order, came upon a Nyala. Made a short stalk and 1 shot from the 7x57 and a superb Nyala in the salt. We were able to get the Hilux very close and loaded the Nyala up. After some short discussion, we decided to call it a day and rest up for the balance of the afternoon. Had a nice dinner outside and in bed by 930. Great day all-around.
9/26 - Spent the day hunting Buff. Probably did 8 stalks over the day, none successful due to the wind, could not get close enough for a shot or not the right Buff in the herd. This is fun stuff - Conrad's tracker is awesome and we did not blow any stalks, just could not put it all together. If you don't think hunting a cow Buff is challenging, think again. Note: I used Conrad's Model 70 in 375 H&H with Sig glass, as well as the afore-mentioned 7x57, both of which worked superbly. I've taken my rifles to Africa before but I have to tell you, not lugging them around on travel makes things a lot easier.
9/27 - Again after Buff and did probably 4 or 5 stalks in the am with nothing presenting a shot. Back for lunch. Went out around 230p. Made a couple of stalks and got close but Conrad thought the horns were not that great and besides, she had a calf. Got back to the Hilux and drove maybe 10 minutes when we saw a heard 300 yards or so off the road. Jumped down, loaded up and headed off.
After 20+ stalks on Buff these five days, this was the easiest of all - moved maybe 200 yards from the truck and was able to pick out what turned out to be an old, dry cow, put up the sticks and one shot from the 375 put her down about 50 yards from where she was standing. Amazing. Shot behind the left shoulder with a 300 gr Barnes solid copper she was dead on the ground - no bellow, no problems. Awesome hunt and lots of stalks to get there (which are the most enjoyment for me). Called the recovery team and the buffalo was loaded in a short time.
Back for a nice dinner.
This is a team game, from the PH and Assistant, to the trackers and recovery team and the lodge manager and staff. There is a lot behind the scenes that goes into a successful safari and the team here excelled on all.
9/28 - Easy day. I had filled out my tags and since this was my fourth safari, there was not anything else I wanted to hunt. We drove around looking at critters. All good.
9/29 - Into Pongola to the taxidermist, Zululand Taxidermy. What a shop. Most of the skins will get tanned and made into various things. Buff with a European mount and the Nyala a neck mount. I don't have much room on the walls anymore and I think the Croc and Buff skins will make great an assortment of belts, wallets, purses, etc. I have done taxidermy in the US and this will be the first time using Zululand but their work looks great. Had a nice lunch in town.
9/30 - Ruan arranged transport to Sodwana Bay where we went for a few days after safari. On-time and no problems, just like the safari.
Couple of general comments - Conrad's rifles were great. This is the first time I have used a 7x57 and judging from the Croc and Nyala, it punches above its weight. The Barnes 300 grain mushroomed perfectly on the Buff. The Buff went the 50 yards on adrenaline only as the bullet shredded its heart. Mpeti Lodge and food was superb. They have two great chefs. Breakfast was coffee/tea/cereal/fruit/rusks, except for two mornings when we had full English breakfasts. Lunch varied, including toasted sandwiches, cheeseburgers, etc. Apps during sundowners were varied. Dinners were a mix of game, fish one night, steak one night, etc. If you are considering a safari (with Mpeti or otherwise) learn to shoot off sticks. Buy or make a pair and practice getting into comfortable getting into position quickly. If you use a 22 and move up to whatever caliber or equivalent you will be using, that's the way to go. You will be shooting off sticks and if you have not done it, it takes some practice. Not a big deal, but do practice. I've been fortunate on my safaris and the warthog was the only animal I have ever wounded. If you shoot well = 1-shot kills=no wounding = little time looking for wounded game = more time hunting. It really is that simple. This is thick country with a good amount of thorn and good glass really helps. No need to spend $1500 on binoculars, as there are plenty available in the $500-800 range that are really good, but get used to them looking in the shadows - it's amazing how hard it is to pick out a Buff in the thorn, even from 50-75 yards away.
For my first safari, pre-Youtube, I went to the zoo a couple of times to get a sense of the animals I would be hunting. You will rely on your PH for trophy quality (and remember, it is entirely up to you whether to take the shot, but any blood = trophy fees (see shooting well, above)), but it has always helped me to know what a good Kudu or Buff or whatever looks like. "The big ones look big". Conrad was constantly saying that's a 7 or an 8, we can do better, which we did.
Great trip and I can't recommend Mpeti enough. I'll probably go back in two years, just for Buff.
9/22 - arrived Richards Bay where Conrad and his son met us at the airport. Flew BA from the States through London (used outfitter guns), then to Joburg then Richards Bay on Airlink. Other than a delay departing Heathrow which caused a tight connection in Joburg, flights were uneventful. I have done the long ride on SAA from Atlanta three times previous and wanted to see if breaking it up with a Heathrow layover makes it easier (and I'm chasing AA status); it doesn't. Take the non-stop SAA.
After a stop for jerky and fuel, on for the 2 hour ride to the lodge. Arrived at lodge and went to room which was roomy and comfortable with plenty of hot water. Laundry done daily. Up the hill to lodge for a snack then out for a couple hours game drive, looking around. Dinner which like all the meals, was top notch and early to bed.
9/23 - 6a wake-up and depart at 7 so Conrad could determine my marksmanship abilities, which were confirmed as adequate. Package was for female Buff (I have a 40 incher from Zim on the wall, so don't need another mount...), Crocodile, Nyala and Warthog. I really wanted a Croc as I had been to SA two years ago for one and was un-successful.
Spent the am driving and looking for Buff and Nyala. Conrad was looking for good trophy Nyala and Warthog and saw a few in the 7 out of 10 scale. Put in a stalk or two on Buff which did not work out. Back for lunch and out again around 230p where we sat on a waterhole for 2 hours looking for Warhog and Nyala. Nothing Conrad deemed worthy of shooting so went driving until sunset, then back to lodge for dinner and in bed by 9p.
9/24 - Repeat of previous day except for 530a wake-up and departure at 630a. Driving back to lodge at the end of the day, Conrad stops truck and says, essentially, shoot that Warthog. No time for sticks or setup and while I got a shot off and it drew blood, I wounded the animal and we could not find it that evening. The next am, tracker was on it early, but I could not get a shot. I was really, really annoyed at myself for missing (honestly, the first game I wounded in Africa and this was my 4th safari). Missing was all on me. Hopefully it's recovered.
9/25 - Out again by 630 and looking for Buff after trying to find the wounded warthog. Put on two stalks but un-successful. We had seen a Croc in a pond the day before so Conrad put a tracker to watch and see if he came out. Around 10am we got a call that the Croc was out of the water and hanging out on the bank so we drove over. Parked about 300 yards from the pond, walked up and met Doctor the tracker and we could see the Croc on the other side of the pond. After moving 100 yards or so to the left for a clear shot, we dropped the sticks and I made a good shot right at the smile then another in the lungs. The Croc did not move, other than flapping his tail which indicated a spine shot. We waited around 10 minutes then walked around the pond. An eyepoke or two indicated the Croc was still alive, but not moving. We called for the "Recovery Team". Quick measurement showed 11' (later revised to 11'4") and I could not be happier. I was completely "zoned in" for the shot, for which I used Conrad's 7x57. Interestingly, it was the only Croc we saw in the 7.5 days.
Ruan brought out some snacks and drinks and we enjoyed those on the bank while the Recovery Team went about getting the Croc set for pics and then loaded on the trailer. Awesome on all accounts. After lunch, started driving and in short order, came upon a Nyala. Made a short stalk and 1 shot from the 7x57 and a superb Nyala in the salt. We were able to get the Hilux very close and loaded the Nyala up. After some short discussion, we decided to call it a day and rest up for the balance of the afternoon. Had a nice dinner outside and in bed by 930. Great day all-around.
9/26 - Spent the day hunting Buff. Probably did 8 stalks over the day, none successful due to the wind, could not get close enough for a shot or not the right Buff in the herd. This is fun stuff - Conrad's tracker is awesome and we did not blow any stalks, just could not put it all together. If you don't think hunting a cow Buff is challenging, think again. Note: I used Conrad's Model 70 in 375 H&H with Sig glass, as well as the afore-mentioned 7x57, both of which worked superbly. I've taken my rifles to Africa before but I have to tell you, not lugging them around on travel makes things a lot easier.
9/27 - Again after Buff and did probably 4 or 5 stalks in the am with nothing presenting a shot. Back for lunch. Went out around 230p. Made a couple of stalks and got close but Conrad thought the horns were not that great and besides, she had a calf. Got back to the Hilux and drove maybe 10 minutes when we saw a heard 300 yards or so off the road. Jumped down, loaded up and headed off.
After 20+ stalks on Buff these five days, this was the easiest of all - moved maybe 200 yards from the truck and was able to pick out what turned out to be an old, dry cow, put up the sticks and one shot from the 375 put her down about 50 yards from where she was standing. Amazing. Shot behind the left shoulder with a 300 gr Barnes solid copper she was dead on the ground - no bellow, no problems. Awesome hunt and lots of stalks to get there (which are the most enjoyment for me). Called the recovery team and the buffalo was loaded in a short time.
Back for a nice dinner.
This is a team game, from the PH and Assistant, to the trackers and recovery team and the lodge manager and staff. There is a lot behind the scenes that goes into a successful safari and the team here excelled on all.
9/28 - Easy day. I had filled out my tags and since this was my fourth safari, there was not anything else I wanted to hunt. We drove around looking at critters. All good.
9/29 - Into Pongola to the taxidermist, Zululand Taxidermy. What a shop. Most of the skins will get tanned and made into various things. Buff with a European mount and the Nyala a neck mount. I don't have much room on the walls anymore and I think the Croc and Buff skins will make great an assortment of belts, wallets, purses, etc. I have done taxidermy in the US and this will be the first time using Zululand but their work looks great. Had a nice lunch in town.
9/30 - Ruan arranged transport to Sodwana Bay where we went for a few days after safari. On-time and no problems, just like the safari.
Couple of general comments - Conrad's rifles were great. This is the first time I have used a 7x57 and judging from the Croc and Nyala, it punches above its weight. The Barnes 300 grain mushroomed perfectly on the Buff. The Buff went the 50 yards on adrenaline only as the bullet shredded its heart. Mpeti Lodge and food was superb. They have two great chefs. Breakfast was coffee/tea/cereal/fruit/rusks, except for two mornings when we had full English breakfasts. Lunch varied, including toasted sandwiches, cheeseburgers, etc. Apps during sundowners were varied. Dinners were a mix of game, fish one night, steak one night, etc. If you are considering a safari (with Mpeti or otherwise) learn to shoot off sticks. Buy or make a pair and practice getting into comfortable getting into position quickly. If you use a 22 and move up to whatever caliber or equivalent you will be using, that's the way to go. You will be shooting off sticks and if you have not done it, it takes some practice. Not a big deal, but do practice. I've been fortunate on my safaris and the warthog was the only animal I have ever wounded. If you shoot well = 1-shot kills=no wounding = little time looking for wounded game = more time hunting. It really is that simple. This is thick country with a good amount of thorn and good glass really helps. No need to spend $1500 on binoculars, as there are plenty available in the $500-800 range that are really good, but get used to them looking in the shadows - it's amazing how hard it is to pick out a Buff in the thorn, even from 50-75 yards away.
For my first safari, pre-Youtube, I went to the zoo a couple of times to get a sense of the animals I would be hunting. You will rely on your PH for trophy quality (and remember, it is entirely up to you whether to take the shot, but any blood = trophy fees (see shooting well, above)), but it has always helped me to know what a good Kudu or Buff or whatever looks like. "The big ones look big". Conrad was constantly saying that's a 7 or an 8, we can do better, which we did.
Great trip and I can't recommend Mpeti enough. I'll probably go back in two years, just for Buff.
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