INGOZI
AH enthusiast
I have just returned form a short 5 day hunt with Juan Pace of Shangwari Safaris out of his South African camp and consession known as Leopards Lair just outside of Alldays. This is an incredible piece of mopani bushveldt of more than 8600 Acres set very close to the mighty Limpopo river which forms the border between South Africa and Botswana. I was primarily after Kudu and Waterbuck which is a tall order when considering the hunt would take place in the still incredibly hot month of February with the bush very, very thick and I would be hunting exclusively on foot by means of fair chase and walk and stalk.
Although I saw a great host of animals from Eland, Kudu, Waterbuck, Impala, Wildebeest, Zebra, Warthog, Bushbuck, Hippo as well as some unnervingly fresh Leopards tracks within the boot tracks of both Juan and I, I was unfortunately not able to connect with a trophy bull. Juan Pace however went out of his way and above and beyond what can ever be expected from a Proffesional Hunter to help me in trying to get a shot at my animals. But as mentioned the bush was so incredibly thick that one would have had a very hard time connecting with an animal even if you used a rifle. The area has recieved about 20% more rainfall this year and this is very apparent when one sets foot in the field. We even had two days of rain when I was there which made stalking a real pleasure but as far as the heat and humidity it was fierce.
As far as the camp in which we stayed and the curtuos staff I cannot say enough good things, the whole camp works like a well oiled machine and one often has to take a step back and remind yourself that you are in the very heart of the bushveld, not some holiday resort. I have already booked my return visit for April when I hope the weather would be more moderate and the bush more open so that I can close those precious few yards nessicary to ensure a perfect bow shot. I must also mention that the area has some great numbers of immense trophy Waterbuck, which judging by the brief glimpses we saw during the trip and the video material Juan showed me would easily surpass the magical 30" mark, one very wide horned bull possibly going 34".
Below are a few photos of the area and the fantastic hunting camp.
Although I saw a great host of animals from Eland, Kudu, Waterbuck, Impala, Wildebeest, Zebra, Warthog, Bushbuck, Hippo as well as some unnervingly fresh Leopards tracks within the boot tracks of both Juan and I, I was unfortunately not able to connect with a trophy bull. Juan Pace however went out of his way and above and beyond what can ever be expected from a Proffesional Hunter to help me in trying to get a shot at my animals. But as mentioned the bush was so incredibly thick that one would have had a very hard time connecting with an animal even if you used a rifle. The area has recieved about 20% more rainfall this year and this is very apparent when one sets foot in the field. We even had two days of rain when I was there which made stalking a real pleasure but as far as the heat and humidity it was fierce.
As far as the camp in which we stayed and the curtuos staff I cannot say enough good things, the whole camp works like a well oiled machine and one often has to take a step back and remind yourself that you are in the very heart of the bushveld, not some holiday resort. I have already booked my return visit for April when I hope the weather would be more moderate and the bush more open so that I can close those precious few yards nessicary to ensure a perfect bow shot. I must also mention that the area has some great numbers of immense trophy Waterbuck, which judging by the brief glimpses we saw during the trip and the video material Juan showed me would easily surpass the magical 30" mark, one very wide horned bull possibly going 34".
Below are a few photos of the area and the fantastic hunting camp.
