News

It’s been quite the season so far, and I must apologise for the delay in getting this (now lengthy) newsletter out — things have been non-stop with hardly a moment to catch my breath between hunts! As I write this, I’m sitting in a Johannesburg hotel room, getting some much-needed maintenance done on my prosthetic leg — it’s certainly earned it after the year we’ve had.


 
Wolf returned again this year in early July, joined by Ingomar and newcomer Rudi. We kicked things off in Gache, where the action started fast — two excellent buffalo, a hippo, and a crocodile all taken in quick succession, along with some fantastic plains game: waterbuck, impala, several warthogs, and the ever-elusive bushbuck.
Congratulations to first-time Zimbabwean hunter Rudi for some impressive shooting — he made every shot count. Add in unforgettable sunsets, daily sightings of lion and elephant, Corris’s infectious laugh, and superb food, and it made for a truly memorable safari.  We wrapped up the hunt in Chirundu, where we enjoyed more great plains game opportunities — impala, warthog, hyena, and bushbuck — all against the backdrop of the mighty Zambezi. Many thanks to Wolf for his continued support over the years; hunting with such a positive and enthusiastic group is always such a pleasure.


 

 
Next up were Buffalo Trails newcomers, Phil and Craig, with a wish list that included a crocodile each, a hippo for Craig, a tuskless elephant for Phil, and any other “targets of opportunity.” It’s rare for a hunt to go this well — these two truly filled the salt room!  Phil got his tuskless on day one, and Dawie and Craig followed with a hippo that same afternoon — setting the tone early. Soon after, both took massive crocodiles, and the momentum didn’t stop there: Phil added another huge hippo, and Craig was fortunate enough to cap things off with an impressive wiley old leopard. Add multiple impala, hyena, duiker, grysbok, zebra, waterbuck, civet, jackal, and kudu, and you’ve got one for the books.  Congratulations Phil and Craig on a phenomenal hunt — it’s not often we see such a line-up of quality trophies in a single safari. Many thanks to Dawie, especially his persistence on the leopard.


 

 
August brought the return of “Lucky” Les and Joanne, joined by their son Eric, for a lion and elephant hunt in Deka. Les had his heart set on a big-maned, old lion — but true to form, he started by frontal-braining a big elephant bull late on day one!  With Joanne and Eric there to witness it, it was a moment none of us will soon forget. The following days were spent recovering and hanging lion baits far and wide. Before long, we had plenty of action: leopard, lionesses, and finally a huge male caught on camera. We built the blind, settled in, and as the light faded, the old lion appeared at the very last minute. Les, calm as ever, assured me he had the range — and delivered a perfect shot.
It couldn’t have been better: full mane, perfect age, and most importantly, Joanne was there — just as she’s been since Les’s “once-in-a-lifetime” buffalo hunt about ten years ago. It was an absolute pleasure to have Eric along for all the excitement too – as you know we love a family hunt.  So looking forward to next year’s escapades!!


 

 
In early September, I headed back to Nyakasanga with Hubert, Fred, and Philippe (a.k.a. Mr Bean or “shoot-shoot kaput”). Fred started with a bang — a big, bossed, old dugga boy on the afternoon of day one, taken cleanly with a single shot from his .375 Barnes TSX.  The newcomers followed with superb plains game — big kudu, impala, warthog, and an outstanding waterbuck. It was also an honour to guide Monsieur Delcorte to his 60th buffalo bull — a magnificent old warrior, perfectly taken after textbook tracking and a truly emotional milestone.  The group’s humour, enthusiasm, and full participation  in the safari made it an absolute pleasure. A day spent drifting down the Zambezi provided the perfect ending. I’m already looking forward to next year’s adventures with the Delcorte clan in new areas.


 

 
After a quick one-day break, Bruce joined me for a very brief add on to his fishing trip with one goal: to finally get that tricky bushbuck that had eluded him in the past. Luck was on our side — on day one, he made a perfect shot on a fine old ram. The next day, he followed up with a superb grysbok taken from deep shade, and of course, no trip to Africa is complete without an impala to round things off. Great shooting all round, Bruce — looking forward to next year’s big buffalo with you and Erik!
 

 

The second half of September brought the long-awaited return of Rudy, this time with his sights set on a big elephant bull. The heat was intense — it felt like October had arrived early — but the timing couldn’t have been better. With the acacia pods dropping, bulls were moving through the area in numbers.  After several stalks, we found the one. Rudy made a perfect shot on a magnificent 56-pounder — an exceptional bull for the area.  A fine grysbok and the obligatory impala rounded off another successful safari. Congratulations, Rudy, for braving the heat and for a truly memorable hunt. It was great to share the bush with you again after a decade — may the rest of your bucket list fall just as neatly into place.
 

 
That wraps up this season’s highlights to date with one last safari to finish off the year which I’m really looking forward to – it should be a great one if somewhat toasty at this time of year.

Also for all of our American clients – just to let you know I am in posession of the now very elusive U.S.Visa and will definitely be at S.C.I in Nashville 18 – 21 February 2026, Booth #2500 – but in the meantime please don’t hesitate to get in touch regarding my availability for 2026 and 2027.
 
“And into the forest I go, to lose my mind and find my soul.” – John Muir

                     UNTIL THE NEXT EDITION………………As always – stay safe and have fun!!

E-Mail: buffalotrailssafaris@gmail.com  Jannie Tel: +263 772 265 571 Hayley Tel: +263 787 223 068
Website: http://www.buffalotrailssafaris.com