Namibia South Africa

 On the 21st May this year I embarked upon my second hunt in Africa but unlike my first hunt which occurred approximately 20 years ago and was a rifle hunt in South Africa, this time I was headed to Namibia armed only with a bow.  Namibia is a very dry country and indeed most of it is classed as desert.  Nevertheless, the country abounds in wildlife and during my 9 day hunt I encountered many animals including numerous Warthogs, lots of Springbok, Kudu, Red Hartebeest, Steenbok and Gemsbok.  In some areas other species have been introduced and I saw Blesbok, Zebra, Wildebeest and Eland. All my hunting was conducted on two properties both of which are working cattle stations.  The first is situated near the tiny town of Omitara and is owned by Harald Jacobsz who runs Osombahe Nord Hunting Safaris, the firm I booked with and the second property owned by his father in law St which is located in the Kalahari Desert.  Both properties offer free range hunting and by that I mean no high game fences to impede animal movement.

Most of the hunting was conducted from blinds, some were permanent features overlooking waterholes whilst others we erected on the day.  I was far more succesful with game hunting from blinds although I did manage to bag an animal from a spot and stalk situation.  I found the Namibian wind to be very testing and on two occasions I had my stalk ruined by the constantly changing breeze.  Very frustrating when you manage to sneak to within 20 metres from a big Kudu and Gemsbok bull only to have a sudden wind change blow the hunt.

In the end I was successful with 3 Warthogs, two of which were very nice trophies, 3 Springbok all good heads and a nice Gemsbok.  I missed a very big bull Gemsbok from a blind at 30 metres by shooting under its chest.  A case of buck fever I afraid.  When you see one of this magnificent animals close up it kind of gets your heart a racing. All the food and facilities offered by this hunting firm are first class and I would recommend them to anyone.  I enjoyed it so much I have already booked a hunt for September next year only this time I am taking the wife.

Phil Steele