In early June, we welcomed TJ back to South Africa for his third hunting safari with us, and once again it turned into an unforgettable adventure filled with great hunting, good company, and plenty of laughs around the fire at the end of each day.
The main goal for this safari was a quality Hippo Bull. With high hopes, we travelled north to an area where we had previously seen promising animals. Unfortunately, after spending time assessing the bulls in the area, we were disappointed with the trophy quality available at the time. Rather than forcing the issue, we made the call to shelve the hippo hunt, cut our losses, and return to main camp to focus on plains game hunting instead.
That decision quickly paid off.
Morne and TJ spent the following days targeting species that TJ had not yet taken on his previous South African hunting safaris. The hunting was varied, exciting, and rewarding, with every stalk bringing a different challenge in the Eastern Cape terrain.
The Blue Wildebeest and Golden Wildebeest taken on this trip were truly exceptional trophies. Both animals showed the toughness and resilience that wildebeest are famous for, and TJ can be extremely proud of adding these magnificent trophies to his collection.
The success continued with a beautiful Black Wildebeest, bringing TJ one step closer to completing the Wildebeest Slam. Now there is only one left on the list — the impressive King Wildebeest. We are already looking forward to chasing that final piece of the puzzle on a future safari.
By the end of the hunt, the salt room was looking impressive with a fantastic variety of South African plains game trophies including Eland, Ostrich, Red Hartebeest, Bushbuck, and a striking White Blesbuck.
The Eland hunt was especially memorable. As always, these massive antelope demanded patience, careful stalking, and accurate shooting. Taking an old bull like that is always something special and remains one of the great experiences of any African hunting safari.
As much as this safari was about hunting, it was also about giving back. During the trip we made another meat delivery to Mamms Margaret’s “Home of Joy” orphanage, helping provide much-needed protein to the children and families supported by this incredible initiative.
In an incredibly generous gesture, TJ also donated a brand new deep freeze to the orphanage, which will make a huge difference in helping store food and supplies for the community. Contributions like this go a long way and are deeply appreciated by everyone involved.
Safaris like these remind us why we love what we do. Great hunting, quality trophies, unforgettable memories, and meaningful moments shared with good people.
TJ, thank you once again for your continued support and friendship over the years. It is always a pleasure hunting with you, and we are already looking forward to your next South African hunting safari.
Till next time, bud — safe travels, my friend!
