Jason Rodd
AH member
- Joined
- Aug 16, 2011
- Messages
- 26
- Reaction score
- 54
- Website
- www.beeclear-windows.co.uk
- Media
- 3
- Hunted
- Zimbabwe, Namibia, SA, Zambia
As usual I found the 10 hour flight from Heathrow rather gruelling. On arrival in Johannesburg the transition to the domestic flight was very easy with both domestic and international flight arrival and departures essentially in the same building. A word of advice here, without a gun, I would leave at least 2 hours between the flights as immigration and domestic booking can be slow. If travelling with a gun and you are taking a connecting flight you would be brave to allow yourself anything less than 3 hours because you need to do all of the usual passenger stuff plus go to the firearms collection point that can take time. You then to take the guns to another customs area in another part of the airport to book them in again. TIA! Having narrowly missed my connecting flight 2 years ago on my way to hunt in Limpopo region, this time, I decided to hire a gun. Just to be clear, if you are not taking a connecting flight then the process isn't too bad at all!
So, with the international flight over and my bags rechecked in for the domestic flight, it was time for coffee and cake in the domestic departure lounge. Here you will find a few nice coffee shops that serve sandwiches etc. as well as bar and Wimpy burger restaurant. I had allowed myself 2 hours and this gave me plenty of time for a relaxed transition. Now it was time to fly one and three quarter hours over to the Eastern Cape and the pretty town of Port Elizabeth.
On the final approach to Port Elizabeth you swing out over the Indian Ocean before cutting back and down to the tarmac. As I watched the white horses race towards the shore, being an avid fisherman, I couldn't help but imagine what lurked beneath the waves down there. The immortal line "we're going to need a bigger boat" floated into my head sending a little shiver down my spine.
Port Elizabeth airport is small and with no immigration or customs to clear I found myself wandering into the reception area, bag in hand, within minutes of landing. I immediately recognised Wikus (pronounced Vikus)sporting his game4africa apparel. Hand shakes and greetings were duly made and off we headed to the hunting area, a pleasant drive of 1 hour 45 minutes. A nice little touch was that Wikus, on my request, had purchased beforehand, a few postcards that I could send to my children. So we popped into Port Elizabeth, quickly scribed my dispatches and had them posted within 30 minutes of landing. Hunter and super-dad sorted!
On arrival at Kudu Ridge Lodge I was taken aback by the sheer size of the grounds and the beauty of the surrounding hills. I have been to Africa many times so please take my word for it that this outfit is in a stunning location. The hills are almost mountains and are covered in everything from dense Speck Boom and Buffalo thorn to stands of tall Wild Plum and Gum trees. The diversity of terrain and flora is surely second to none in South Africa.
The lodge itself is set in an elevated position looking out over a huge grass area which stops abruptly where dense bush takes over. This irrigated grass area serves as a "honey pot" for the huge number of plains game and other beasties residing close by. This affords guests a 24/7 game viewing experience as wild animals drift in and out of the bush onto the grass where they feed, play and fight.
I was given a quick tour of the main lodge which houses, a lovely bar area with extremely impressive trophy room to wet the appetite. The lodge is modern, open plan and extremely comfortable. There are spectacular views from every area. There is a lovely infinity swimming pool on the terrace where fires and Braais are made and hunting stories shared.
After a nice cup of tea (I needn't have brought my own English tea bags!) I was introduced to my partner for the week, the lodge's SAKO 85 7mm Rem Mag. Rifle and me passed swiftly past muster and we returned to the lodge for more hunting talk and some cold South African wine. After all the travelling Wikus had thoughtfully arranged for dinner to be taken early. The meal itself was thick sliced leg of succulent lamb with loads fresh vegetables. It was obvious I was not going to be disappointed with the food. Ponge is the housemaid and cook and she was to prove a real star throughout.
A quick note on my room; spacious, amazing view, super comfy bed (and I'm fussy) with a silent fridge stocked with anything you want. Although all the buildings are modern with air conditioning, the decoration and incredible location combine to create a very genuine African experience.
Now to sleep.
So, with the international flight over and my bags rechecked in for the domestic flight, it was time for coffee and cake in the domestic departure lounge. Here you will find a few nice coffee shops that serve sandwiches etc. as well as bar and Wimpy burger restaurant. I had allowed myself 2 hours and this gave me plenty of time for a relaxed transition. Now it was time to fly one and three quarter hours over to the Eastern Cape and the pretty town of Port Elizabeth.
On the final approach to Port Elizabeth you swing out over the Indian Ocean before cutting back and down to the tarmac. As I watched the white horses race towards the shore, being an avid fisherman, I couldn't help but imagine what lurked beneath the waves down there. The immortal line "we're going to need a bigger boat" floated into my head sending a little shiver down my spine.
Port Elizabeth airport is small and with no immigration or customs to clear I found myself wandering into the reception area, bag in hand, within minutes of landing. I immediately recognised Wikus (pronounced Vikus)sporting his game4africa apparel. Hand shakes and greetings were duly made and off we headed to the hunting area, a pleasant drive of 1 hour 45 minutes. A nice little touch was that Wikus, on my request, had purchased beforehand, a few postcards that I could send to my children. So we popped into Port Elizabeth, quickly scribed my dispatches and had them posted within 30 minutes of landing. Hunter and super-dad sorted!
On arrival at Kudu Ridge Lodge I was taken aback by the sheer size of the grounds and the beauty of the surrounding hills. I have been to Africa many times so please take my word for it that this outfit is in a stunning location. The hills are almost mountains and are covered in everything from dense Speck Boom and Buffalo thorn to stands of tall Wild Plum and Gum trees. The diversity of terrain and flora is surely second to none in South Africa.
The lodge itself is set in an elevated position looking out over a huge grass area which stops abruptly where dense bush takes over. This irrigated grass area serves as a "honey pot" for the huge number of plains game and other beasties residing close by. This affords guests a 24/7 game viewing experience as wild animals drift in and out of the bush onto the grass where they feed, play and fight.
I was given a quick tour of the main lodge which houses, a lovely bar area with extremely impressive trophy room to wet the appetite. The lodge is modern, open plan and extremely comfortable. There are spectacular views from every area. There is a lovely infinity swimming pool on the terrace where fires and Braais are made and hunting stories shared.
After a nice cup of tea (I needn't have brought my own English tea bags!) I was introduced to my partner for the week, the lodge's SAKO 85 7mm Rem Mag. Rifle and me passed swiftly past muster and we returned to the lodge for more hunting talk and some cold South African wine. After all the travelling Wikus had thoughtfully arranged for dinner to be taken early. The meal itself was thick sliced leg of succulent lamb with loads fresh vegetables. It was obvious I was not going to be disappointed with the food. Ponge is the housemaid and cook and she was to prove a real star throughout.
A quick note on my room; spacious, amazing view, super comfy bed (and I'm fussy) with a silent fridge stocked with anything you want. Although all the buildings are modern with air conditioning, the decoration and incredible location combine to create a very genuine African experience.
Now to sleep.
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