SOUTH AFRICA: White Lion Safaris

[JimR]

Congrats on the trip and the fine animals! Also, looked up your studio on Facebook - nice work!

Thank you, I really appreciate it.

 

[JimR]

Sounds like the saying “never buy a car from a mechanic, because they never have time to work on their own”.
Some fine trophies you got! Congratulations!

Haha, that's exactly right, and thank you.

 

[jpr792]

Dear JimR
Thank you for taking the time to share your hunting experience with us.
Congratulations with your trophies taken.
Cherish your memories.

 

[PapaPaint]

I should have posted this some time ago but a hectic work schedule prevented me writing it before now.

I'm not a writer but I'll do my best to honestly descibe my experience with White Lion Safaris. I wasn't asked to do it, I do it because they deserve credit for their hard work and honesty.

Every couple of years I take a group of hunters for a plainsgame hunt in Namibia or South Africa. Last June /July I booked a hunt for our group with Ricus DeVillers at White Lion Safaris. My group consisted of myself and my dad, as well as 3 other hunters. As I've already stated, I've hunted in Africa a number of times but I can honestly say I've never felt more welcome or more comfortable anywhere than I did with Ricus and his staff. Ricus and his professional hunters (Jaco Wessels, Ben Botha and his son John) poured their hearts and souls into this hunt, and worked tirelessly to make sure all the hunters got the trophies they had come so far to get. Every PH I've ever hunted with has worked hard, and I've never personally experienced a lazy one, but these guys went above and beyond, and they were genuinely happy to do it. Of course they're paid to do it, but it meant more than just a paycheck to these guys, and it showed. I think in all our group of 5 hunters took a total of 36 animals, and there were plenty around when we left.

I'm a hunter, and I go to Africa for the hunting, so personally I could care less about the accomodations, I'm just as happy to sleep in a tent, but the lodge was very clean and comfortable and the food was amazing. All the camp staff were cheerfull and friendly, and always eager to help if they could.

The two things that are the most important to ME when choosing an outfitter, are his honesty and how he cares for my trophies. As a taxidermist I've seen my fair share of poorly prepared trophies, so it was refreshing to see that Ricus really does know what he's doing to properly care for the trophies once they're collected and he has a staff that can do it. They all SAY they can, but not all of them can.

Lastly, Ricus is an honest man. There were no surprises and he did exactly what he said he would do, and that's exactly how it should be. Thank you Ricus, I hope to see you again one day.

Jim Rice
Cutting Edge Taxidermy Studio

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Glad I ran across this. Yes, it was 2017, but still an exceptional review.
We are locking in a 4-person hunt with White Lion for Spring 2027.