On their very first safari and first visit to Africa, father and son team Sergyy and Nikita from New York took to hunting in South Africa as though they had grown up here. From the moment the hunt began, the pair settled naturally into the rhythm of African safari life and quickly proved themselves capable and enthusiastic hunters.
We spent the opening days easing into the safari, enjoying good company and taking in the varied landscapes of the Eastern Cape. The hunt took us north in search of Kudu before heading down toward the coast for Bushbuck and Nyala. Along the way, we also made time for a visit to the legendary Pig & Whistle pub, the oldest registered pub in Africa, adding another memorable experience to an already outstanding trip.
Nikita collected an excellent Gemsbuck in one of the drier areas we regularly hunt. The conditions suited the species perfectly and the hunt made for an exciting and rewarding experience on his very first African safari. Sergyy meanwhile secured a truly impressive Blue Wildebeest bull, a hard-earned trophy and one of the standout animals of the safari.
The highlight of the trip, however, came late on the final afternoon when Sergyy took a beautiful Sable bull. After a careful approach and steady shooting under pressure, a well-placed shot from just over 200 yards brought the magnificent bull down cleanly and ended the safari on the perfect note.
It was an impressive trophy list for any safari, let alone a first trip to Africa. By the end of the hunt, Kudu, Blue Wildebeest, Red Hartebeest, Sable, Nyala, Bushbuck, Blesbuck, Impala, Gemsbuck and Zebra were all in the salt.
Well done to both Sergyy and Nikita on a hugely successful first African hunting safari. We are already looking forward to welcoming Sergyy back in June 2026 when he returns with friends in pursuit of Cape Buffalo and more South African plains game.
