April 2016 – Newsletter
Winter in Zimbabwe-what a great time to hunt!!!! Etienne returned to Sengwa with his son Mike for a 2 on 1 buffalo plainsgame hunt in the middle of July, guided by Jannie Meyer. Mike lucked out on the first day, taking a fine, big bossed buffalo (pictured top left)!!! Mike pulled off a perfect heart shot at about 60 metres!! Well done Mike on an awesome shot!!! That afternoon, Etienne managed to bag a much sought after bush- pig (pictured below centre) -what a great start to the hunt. Carrying on as we started, an outstanding waterbuck (pictured below left), eland (pictured below right) and bushbuck followed with Etienne taking a good buffalo later on in the hunt (pictured top right).
It is always a pleasure for us to guide hunters who like to spend the necessary time on foot and in the end we were rewarded with truly wonderful experiences and exceptional memories. Thanks so much Etienne and Mike and we look forward to the next adventure.
Sadly, we must begin this edition by paying tribute to Claudio & Max Chiarelli who passed away in the afternoon, on Sunday 13th of March in a tragic accident in Mana Pools whilst on an anti-poaching exercise. Claudio and Max will be sorely missed by so many and Nyakasanga will not be the same without their presence. We extend our deepest sympathy to Guiliana and Virginia especially, as we as their extended family.
And the month of April will now, never go by without stories of Gibbo coming to the fore. These stories always bring a smile and fond memories of a true gentleman and hunting legend!!!! We miss you Gibbo!!! Our thoughts are always with Gibbo’s loved ones.
On the hunting side, it has been a great start to 2016 for Buffalo Trails Safaris !!!! Jannie Meyer Jnr has just returned to HQ after guiding Don on the hunt of a lifetime for a much anticipated Gonarezhou elephant bull. After accompanying Charl in 2015, on his hunt resulting in an 80lb bull, Don was determined to come back and give his luck a try-which fortunately paid off. He took an impressive trophy (pictured above left and right) in the Chipinda/Chibwedziwa CAMPFIRE area. Don had early success on his hunt-taking his elephant in the late afternoon of the third day. At 15 metres Don pulled off a perfect frontal brain shot, dropping the elephant bull in it’s tracks. As is typical of the Gonarezhou ivory, Don’s bull sported very long tusks (195cm in total length) and weighed in at 55lbs. Another great trophy and a very memorable hunt!!!! Congratulations Don!!!!!
Next week sees Jannie back in Chirundu & Nyakasanga preparing for the annual VIP hunt and following on from this the season then begins in earnest with 2016 set to be a fantastic year. We are really looking forward to welcoming back so many familiar faces !!!
We do still have some quota available for Buffalo, Hippo and Crocodile for 2016-so for any of you who may be interested please contact us for the reduced rates and all details.