liam375
AH senior member
Dear AH Community:
I've been a viewer of the site for some time and have always appreciated and enjoyed reading the hunt reviews from others. Being this was my first trip to Africa, it was probably the only way for me to really research and compare the various experiences. The number of destinations is simply staggering. Hopefully you find some enjoyment in the read. In short, I had a fantastic trip at Mbizi, led by my PH and outfitter - Michael de Gre-Dejestam. @Mbizi Safaris I undoubtedly experienced the extremes in the highs and lows of a truly remote and wild African hunting trip. It was everything I was looking for and served as a nice vacation away from the gloom of the Covid lockdowns. It's been a few weeks since I've returned home but this trip continues to be relived in my head everyday. I suspect this will carry on for a very long time. I've had the opportunity to hunt my fair share of species in NA including deer, elk and dall sheep but something about Africa is very different...
Skip ahead on the initial travel section if you please, but I felt others may want to hear about how flights went with Covid 19 restrictions in place.
Few background details before I begin:
Hunt Dates - August 3 to August 12, 2020. 8 total hunting days, 1 travel day in, one travel day out.
Target Species - Buffalo, and plains game with a strong preference for Kudu, Warthog and Bushbuck.
Flights - Qatar Airways from USA to Doha, Doha to Addis Ababa, Addis Ababa to Lusaka. 35 hours travel time.
Weapon - Kimber Talkeetna 375 equipped with a Swarovski Z8 1-8x scope (highly recommend this optic)
Ammo - Softs: 350 grain Norma Woodleighs, Solids: 300 grain Federal Trophy Sledgehammers
August 1st - Flying to Lusaka from CA
Where do I begin? I should say that there was a lot of help from this site that prepared me for the modified travel requirements into Zambia. Namely, the Covid 19 test prior to the flight. Big thank you to those that shared updates. I'll skip the details here as I could write an entire essay but if you're traveling to Zambia right now you need to make sure you have your ducks in a row on the testing procedures. Lots of logistics and contingency planning so be prepared for that and do not work off of any assumptions that you'll be given any slack from the airlines, or authorities at transit points/final destination etc. In the end, it wasn't that bad but it's important to follow everything to a T. I was glad I had multiple copies of everything with me as I needed every single piece of paper work along the way and back. I think it's advisable to know alternate flight routes to your final destination as my flight was cancelled the morning of our departure and rescheduling this was incredibly hectic. Instead of JNB, we would now be transiting through Addis Ababa but thankfully I didn't incur any change fees, loss in ticket class or delayed arrival times. TBH I had a feeling the JNB flight would be cancelled anyways due to SAA's bankruptcy issue so I was somewhat ready for this.
We head to the airport and this is where I'm immediately relieved that I have business class tickets as Qatar was super efficient with the check in, firearms handling etc. The line for economy was quite long and I'm certain we would've been late for our flight. I think they advise showing up 3 hours early these days and that definitely seems to be critical during international travel right now. It was sad to see, but there were numerous travelers getting into heated disputes with the Qatar check in counter staff as many of them felt they were not informed of a mandatory Covid 19 test report and subsequently denied from boarding. Lots of people with families and tons of baggage with very defeated looking faces with no idea how they were going to get a PCR test performed before their flights, let alone in the next day or two. What a disaster!
We whisk past the train wreck at the check in counters to clear security and we board our flight with no issues. A big sigh of relief and growing excitement as we settle into our seats and are greeted by the friendly attendants. Rose or the classic brut? I'm not even a champagne guy but why not both... I have to say, Qatar Airways business class is really amazing and if you get a chance to fly with them it's really worth it for the splurge. Absolutely great experience in the Q suite and we had plenty of rest over the next 15 hours as we then land in Doha. It took the edge off knowing my SO was feeling comfortable. We check in for our in-terminal room at the Oryx Hotel to lay down for the 8 hour layover. Highly recommended and it was great to have a place to shower and a change of clothes. I would 100% do this again. Hamad International Airport is fantastic by the way and will have everything you need for meals and/or last minute shopping. Qatar Airways' Al Mourjan business lounge is top notch.
I'll go ahead and leave out my comments on our flight to and from Addis Ababa to Lusaka. I think we were in the "new" terminal but even then I'm probably going to avoid this airport in the future especially when traveling with firearms. If possible, avoid it, just trust me. I believe Emirates is restoring their route from Dubai to Lusaka shortly, if not already, so this should help future hunters.
It's close to 35 hours of traveling time but we arrive in Lusaka feeling rested and excited. Customs was a breeze and the firearms inspection was fast. Those hunting in Zambia this year should be pleased to know that customs is no longer charging the $4/ammo import tax. Michael is there outside the terminal waiting for us in his new Landcruiser.
It's great to see him and it's nice to know this trip is really happening now. It's hard to believe we've made it to Zambia! Michael drives us to the Radisson hotel where we will stay for the evening in the city. We have a quick dinner at the hotel bar/grill and I get a chance to try out a few African beers. I think the Namibian was my favorite followed by Castle. The restaurant was pretty sleepy so I was quite surprised at the food quality which turned out to be great. Michael picks us up at 8AM and we head to Mbizi which is about a 5 hour drive away. The drive is not short, but we were plenty occupied with the sights as we leave Lusaka. I get a chance to ask Michael everything about Mbizi and it's nice for everyone to get to know each other. The villages along the way are very interesting to see. Mbizi also has a private airstrip which you can charter a flight 45 minute flight into but he's right, you'll miss out on everything between Lusaka and camp.
Michael pulling over to pick up a few vegetables and fruits from the market as we towards Mbizi.
We make it into "camp" and are greeted with the line up of the kitchen and grounds keeping staff. Everyone kindly introduces themselves. I forget we are the first guests at Mbizi this year. The property is amazing and the view of the Luangwa is very special to say the least. I can tell my girlfriend is blown away as the pictures on Michael's website don't do this place justice! The grounds are impeccable and it's apparent that the accommodations are super nice.
View of the dining hall/Hemingway bar, viewing platform and guest chalets.
A closer look of the chalets.
View from the deck. I have no clue why this place was such a cocktail magnet?
Cabana and pool overlooking the Luangwa
The "pet" warthogs of Mbizi that frequently grazed the lawn. We saw elephant, puku, waterbuck, and bushbuck as well during our stay.
After a quick lunch we head off to the range to check my zero and after three shots between the softs and solids Michael says we are good to go. It's hard to explain, but this is my first time riding in the back of the landcruiser and there is a noticable "perfume" to the air here. I can't tell if its a mix of mopane or brush which grows here but either way, the sights and smells are very special... I'm sure you African hunting vets know what I'm talking about. On the way back to camp Michael tells me the camp/kitchen is actually short on red meat for meals so we're going to go for a quick loop in the truck and he asks that I keep a few spare softs in my pocket. I enthusiastically accept this duty to assist the camp and off we go! Within just a few minutes we bump a herd of impala and Michael and Stephen the tracker jump out of the truck to see if we can cut them off at another end of the thicket. The stalk is on as we can see their silhouettes moving through the brush to our left. They're sensing danger though and the impala are practically flying off the road in front of us and don't give us a shot opportunity. They're just too spooked. We head off to another area near the river bank on the other side of the main camp where Michael says they like to mill around. I take a second to reflect and noticed how loud my Crispi boots were on the packed dirt compared to Michael's and Stephen's footwear... Not something I've ever had to worry about hunting in NA. Something to keep in mind for the next encounter.
We're back in the truck now and as we creep towards an opening facing an entrenchment by the river, I'm noticing how green this alley of grass is and how hidden this meadow is from plain view. Sneaky spot. Stephen is now obviously seeing something slightly behind us in this meadow and taps on the truck frame to get Kenny to stop. He tells us he's spotted impala further back in this meadow and Michael gives the word on getting out of the vehicle. We carefully walk down a muddy slope to the edge of this meadow and I can tell from Stephen's posture that we are about to get a visual on something. I still can't see what they're seeing as I'm the last in line but Michael brings up the sticks and carefully sets them down and looks back at me with a smile. Game on! By the way, I thought I'd be back in camp now with a drink in my hand and here we are actually hunting! Needless to say, I'm completely fine with this change... I must've had an ear-to-ear smile on this stalk as the suspense was high and it was just plain fun.
We're still behind some brush and Michael is whispering directions to me on which impala to take and he says it's the second one on the left. There's some hesitation that this shot might be too far so he tells me if I'm not feeling steady to hold off so we can back out. I get my Talkeetna on the sticks though and settle into the sights and am feeling rock solid. I tell Michael I'm good as I eye down this ram through my scope. He is looking right back at me with some VERY nervous body language. Michael tells me to let him have it when he turns broadside and BANG I squeeze off a round with my reticle on his right shoulder just as he begins to turn away. I'm recovering from the recoil and all I can see through my scope is a large dust cloud from the bullet impact in the background and about 20 or so impala leap through the air and run to our right. We all step out into the open to get a better look at where he went and can't figure out if he moved with the herd or if he went behind a bush. Within a few seconds we realize he's actually flat to the ground and is making some very small movements as he expires before we can get to him. Turns out the 350 grain Woodleigh completely leveled him in an instant (and I mean really nailed him) and the dust from the impact was the bullet from the exit. We look back to where we had set the sticks down and we're ball parking this at about 140 yards. I'm feeling great about the shot, high-fives are had and we get a chance to take a few pictures. I'm thrilled and grateful as I get to lay my hands on my first animal in Africa.
A young ram and excellent table fare. We'd end up having grilled impala filet that evening which was fantastic. We'd have ground impala crepes, and impala spaghetti bolognese, and Luangwa Valley cheese burgers over the next few days. Despite being better than any other venison I've previously had including mule deer or elk, there would be even better game meat to be had on this trip...but more on that later though.
We're back in camp now and my girlfriend meets us on the viewing deck just as the sun is going down. She can tell both Michael and I are having a complete blast and the mood couldn't be better. The drinks are not going to drink themselves so it's time to get to work...
The interior dining hall
Well stocked fridge with sodas and great South African wines. Plenty of liquor and beer available. The "Hemingway Bar"
Skull of a man-eater male lion.
Dyson has prepared some appetizers for us and lights the mopane fire for the group. The drinks are flowing and we enjoy our first sunset by the Luangwa River. Absolutely magical scenery.
Smiles all around.
Michael shares a few details with us on the plan for the next few days. Angeline, who helps with the camp's affairs joins us by the evening fire. There is so much we are learning about Zambia, and the history of the property. The stories are fascinating. The time is just flying and I'm losing track of my gin and tonic count. My girlfriend and I are having an exceptional first night and are feeling extremely grateful to have the ability to be here. For lack of a better description, the mood is just celebratory. Off to bed after a nice candlelit dinner on the deck and boy am I going to feel it tomorrow morning...
I've been a viewer of the site for some time and have always appreciated and enjoyed reading the hunt reviews from others. Being this was my first trip to Africa, it was probably the only way for me to really research and compare the various experiences. The number of destinations is simply staggering. Hopefully you find some enjoyment in the read. In short, I had a fantastic trip at Mbizi, led by my PH and outfitter - Michael de Gre-Dejestam. @Mbizi Safaris I undoubtedly experienced the extremes in the highs and lows of a truly remote and wild African hunting trip. It was everything I was looking for and served as a nice vacation away from the gloom of the Covid lockdowns. It's been a few weeks since I've returned home but this trip continues to be relived in my head everyday. I suspect this will carry on for a very long time. I've had the opportunity to hunt my fair share of species in NA including deer, elk and dall sheep but something about Africa is very different...
Skip ahead on the initial travel section if you please, but I felt others may want to hear about how flights went with Covid 19 restrictions in place.
Few background details before I begin:
Hunt Dates - August 3 to August 12, 2020. 8 total hunting days, 1 travel day in, one travel day out.
Target Species - Buffalo, and plains game with a strong preference for Kudu, Warthog and Bushbuck.
Flights - Qatar Airways from USA to Doha, Doha to Addis Ababa, Addis Ababa to Lusaka. 35 hours travel time.
Weapon - Kimber Talkeetna 375 equipped with a Swarovski Z8 1-8x scope (highly recommend this optic)
Ammo - Softs: 350 grain Norma Woodleighs, Solids: 300 grain Federal Trophy Sledgehammers
August 1st - Flying to Lusaka from CA
Where do I begin? I should say that there was a lot of help from this site that prepared me for the modified travel requirements into Zambia. Namely, the Covid 19 test prior to the flight. Big thank you to those that shared updates. I'll skip the details here as I could write an entire essay but if you're traveling to Zambia right now you need to make sure you have your ducks in a row on the testing procedures. Lots of logistics and contingency planning so be prepared for that and do not work off of any assumptions that you'll be given any slack from the airlines, or authorities at transit points/final destination etc. In the end, it wasn't that bad but it's important to follow everything to a T. I was glad I had multiple copies of everything with me as I needed every single piece of paper work along the way and back. I think it's advisable to know alternate flight routes to your final destination as my flight was cancelled the morning of our departure and rescheduling this was incredibly hectic. Instead of JNB, we would now be transiting through Addis Ababa but thankfully I didn't incur any change fees, loss in ticket class or delayed arrival times. TBH I had a feeling the JNB flight would be cancelled anyways due to SAA's bankruptcy issue so I was somewhat ready for this.
We head to the airport and this is where I'm immediately relieved that I have business class tickets as Qatar was super efficient with the check in, firearms handling etc. The line for economy was quite long and I'm certain we would've been late for our flight. I think they advise showing up 3 hours early these days and that definitely seems to be critical during international travel right now. It was sad to see, but there were numerous travelers getting into heated disputes with the Qatar check in counter staff as many of them felt they were not informed of a mandatory Covid 19 test report and subsequently denied from boarding. Lots of people with families and tons of baggage with very defeated looking faces with no idea how they were going to get a PCR test performed before their flights, let alone in the next day or two. What a disaster!
We whisk past the train wreck at the check in counters to clear security and we board our flight with no issues. A big sigh of relief and growing excitement as we settle into our seats and are greeted by the friendly attendants. Rose or the classic brut? I'm not even a champagne guy but why not both... I have to say, Qatar Airways business class is really amazing and if you get a chance to fly with them it's really worth it for the splurge. Absolutely great experience in the Q suite and we had plenty of rest over the next 15 hours as we then land in Doha. It took the edge off knowing my SO was feeling comfortable. We check in for our in-terminal room at the Oryx Hotel to lay down for the 8 hour layover. Highly recommended and it was great to have a place to shower and a change of clothes. I would 100% do this again. Hamad International Airport is fantastic by the way and will have everything you need for meals and/or last minute shopping. Qatar Airways' Al Mourjan business lounge is top notch.
I'll go ahead and leave out my comments on our flight to and from Addis Ababa to Lusaka. I think we were in the "new" terminal but even then I'm probably going to avoid this airport in the future especially when traveling with firearms. If possible, avoid it, just trust me. I believe Emirates is restoring their route from Dubai to Lusaka shortly, if not already, so this should help future hunters.
It's close to 35 hours of traveling time but we arrive in Lusaka feeling rested and excited. Customs was a breeze and the firearms inspection was fast. Those hunting in Zambia this year should be pleased to know that customs is no longer charging the $4/ammo import tax. Michael is there outside the terminal waiting for us in his new Landcruiser.
It's great to see him and it's nice to know this trip is really happening now. It's hard to believe we've made it to Zambia! Michael drives us to the Radisson hotel where we will stay for the evening in the city. We have a quick dinner at the hotel bar/grill and I get a chance to try out a few African beers. I think the Namibian was my favorite followed by Castle. The restaurant was pretty sleepy so I was quite surprised at the food quality which turned out to be great. Michael picks us up at 8AM and we head to Mbizi which is about a 5 hour drive away. The drive is not short, but we were plenty occupied with the sights as we leave Lusaka. I get a chance to ask Michael everything about Mbizi and it's nice for everyone to get to know each other. The villages along the way are very interesting to see. Mbizi also has a private airstrip which you can charter a flight 45 minute flight into but he's right, you'll miss out on everything between Lusaka and camp.
Michael pulling over to pick up a few vegetables and fruits from the market as we towards Mbizi.
We make it into "camp" and are greeted with the line up of the kitchen and grounds keeping staff. Everyone kindly introduces themselves. I forget we are the first guests at Mbizi this year. The property is amazing and the view of the Luangwa is very special to say the least. I can tell my girlfriend is blown away as the pictures on Michael's website don't do this place justice! The grounds are impeccable and it's apparent that the accommodations are super nice.
View of the dining hall/Hemingway bar, viewing platform and guest chalets.
A closer look of the chalets.
View from the deck. I have no clue why this place was such a cocktail magnet?
Cabana and pool overlooking the Luangwa
The "pet" warthogs of Mbizi that frequently grazed the lawn. We saw elephant, puku, waterbuck, and bushbuck as well during our stay.
After a quick lunch we head off to the range to check my zero and after three shots between the softs and solids Michael says we are good to go. It's hard to explain, but this is my first time riding in the back of the landcruiser and there is a noticable "perfume" to the air here. I can't tell if its a mix of mopane or brush which grows here but either way, the sights and smells are very special... I'm sure you African hunting vets know what I'm talking about. On the way back to camp Michael tells me the camp/kitchen is actually short on red meat for meals so we're going to go for a quick loop in the truck and he asks that I keep a few spare softs in my pocket. I enthusiastically accept this duty to assist the camp and off we go! Within just a few minutes we bump a herd of impala and Michael and Stephen the tracker jump out of the truck to see if we can cut them off at another end of the thicket. The stalk is on as we can see their silhouettes moving through the brush to our left. They're sensing danger though and the impala are practically flying off the road in front of us and don't give us a shot opportunity. They're just too spooked. We head off to another area near the river bank on the other side of the main camp where Michael says they like to mill around. I take a second to reflect and noticed how loud my Crispi boots were on the packed dirt compared to Michael's and Stephen's footwear... Not something I've ever had to worry about hunting in NA. Something to keep in mind for the next encounter.
We're back in the truck now and as we creep towards an opening facing an entrenchment by the river, I'm noticing how green this alley of grass is and how hidden this meadow is from plain view. Sneaky spot. Stephen is now obviously seeing something slightly behind us in this meadow and taps on the truck frame to get Kenny to stop. He tells us he's spotted impala further back in this meadow and Michael gives the word on getting out of the vehicle. We carefully walk down a muddy slope to the edge of this meadow and I can tell from Stephen's posture that we are about to get a visual on something. I still can't see what they're seeing as I'm the last in line but Michael brings up the sticks and carefully sets them down and looks back at me with a smile. Game on! By the way, I thought I'd be back in camp now with a drink in my hand and here we are actually hunting! Needless to say, I'm completely fine with this change... I must've had an ear-to-ear smile on this stalk as the suspense was high and it was just plain fun.
We're still behind some brush and Michael is whispering directions to me on which impala to take and he says it's the second one on the left. There's some hesitation that this shot might be too far so he tells me if I'm not feeling steady to hold off so we can back out. I get my Talkeetna on the sticks though and settle into the sights and am feeling rock solid. I tell Michael I'm good as I eye down this ram through my scope. He is looking right back at me with some VERY nervous body language. Michael tells me to let him have it when he turns broadside and BANG I squeeze off a round with my reticle on his right shoulder just as he begins to turn away. I'm recovering from the recoil and all I can see through my scope is a large dust cloud from the bullet impact in the background and about 20 or so impala leap through the air and run to our right. We all step out into the open to get a better look at where he went and can't figure out if he moved with the herd or if he went behind a bush. Within a few seconds we realize he's actually flat to the ground and is making some very small movements as he expires before we can get to him. Turns out the 350 grain Woodleigh completely leveled him in an instant (and I mean really nailed him) and the dust from the impact was the bullet from the exit. We look back to where we had set the sticks down and we're ball parking this at about 140 yards. I'm feeling great about the shot, high-fives are had and we get a chance to take a few pictures. I'm thrilled and grateful as I get to lay my hands on my first animal in Africa.
A young ram and excellent table fare. We'd end up having grilled impala filet that evening which was fantastic. We'd have ground impala crepes, and impala spaghetti bolognese, and Luangwa Valley cheese burgers over the next few days. Despite being better than any other venison I've previously had including mule deer or elk, there would be even better game meat to be had on this trip...but more on that later though.
We're back in camp now and my girlfriend meets us on the viewing deck just as the sun is going down. She can tell both Michael and I are having a complete blast and the mood couldn't be better. The drinks are not going to drink themselves so it's time to get to work...
The interior dining hall
Well stocked fridge with sodas and great South African wines. Plenty of liquor and beer available. The "Hemingway Bar"
Skull of a man-eater male lion.
Dyson has prepared some appetizers for us and lights the mopane fire for the group. The drinks are flowing and we enjoy our first sunset by the Luangwa River. Absolutely magical scenery.
Smiles all around.
Michael shares a few details with us on the plan for the next few days. Angeline, who helps with the camp's affairs joins us by the evening fire. There is so much we are learning about Zambia, and the history of the property. The stories are fascinating. The time is just flying and I'm losing track of my gin and tonic count. My girlfriend and I are having an exceptional first night and are feeling extremely grateful to have the ability to be here. For lack of a better description, the mood is just celebratory. Off to bed after a nice candlelit dinner on the deck and boy am I going to feel it tomorrow morning...
