May/June 2015 – Newsletter
The beginning of May was an outstanding elephant hunting period for Buffalo Trails Safaris and PH Jannie Meyer. Jannie was fortunate enough to guide Don and Charl on a short but memorable elephant bull hunt in the Chipinda & Chibwedziwa Communal Areas bordering Gonarezhou National Park. There had been good elephant movement in the area for several weeks and it was decided to try and hunt for a bull in the 60lb class or better. On day one, at first light they were patrolling the banks of the Runde River to ascertain if the three bulls that had become resident in the area had retreated back in to the safety of the park. As it turned out, they were in luck and they quickly located three bulls on “right side” of the river in some thick cover. It was evident that one bull towered over the others both in body and tusk size-although I did not think that bull would be 80lbs. Charl was backed up well by Don and soon the bull was down (pictured above left and right).
What a hunt !!!! A magnificent trophy and a community reaping the benefits both financially and nutritionally – CAMPFIRE at it’s best. Congratulations Charl on an amazing elephant-if Jannie ever gets round to writing a book-this hunt will definitely fill an entire chapter!!!
After a short break at home, it was up north to Chirundu & Nyakasanga (pictured top right) to begin pre-baiting for our VVIP guest who was returning again this year. The hunt kicked off in late May after many baits were set for both leopard and lion. A much larger group than is normal poses
certain challenges but it wasn’t long before all of the PH’s came to grips with the situation.
Several good buffalos were hunted, a host of plainsgame, a big leopard tom (pictured above right). Although the lion proved to be somewhat elusive as we were targeting a specific animal. We finally shot the big lion (pictured above centre) towards the end of the hunt. We were also successful on elephant, hunting an elephant bull
along the Nyakasanga River which proved to be very exciting. Nyaksasanga, although still relatively thick and still having an abundance of water, still proved to be one of the finest concessions in Zimbabwe. Hard bossed buffalo were seen on a daily basis, numerous cats (both leopard & lion) were on bait regularly throughout the hunt and several good elephant bulls were seen. All in all-the hunters and their accompanying observers had an experience they will never forget!!! It was also memora- ble for all of the Professional Hunter’s involved as hunts on this scale are few and far between and everyone did a phenomenal job in making it such a success!!
We do have limited availability remaining in 2015 for elephant, buffalo and leopard-so please do not hesitate to contact us for further details.
