I should probably take a moment and talk about some of the ancillary things to this hunt.
First the properties. I started off in the Western Cape and then on to the Northern cape. Not areas with high densities of game farms. Much of what we hunted are low fence. Used to keep sheep in. The game goes where it wants to. The eland were kept for the landowners hunting. These properties ranged from maybe 2500 acreas to upwards of 100,000 acres up where we hunted the Vaalies and Klippie. Outside of the springbuck I feel like its been fair chase. The Springbuck on foot in that area would of been challenging.
Second is lodging. I started off in a "bed and breakfast" that also provided the evening meal. Nice and clean. Only minor complaint would be you need your own soap and shampoo. Willie got me taken care of as soon as I mentioned it to him. It was a very nice place. The second is a farm with a game drive for visitors to see the animals. Stars at night and there must be a 4 wheeling area around here. They are full up on weekends and less so during the week. Breakfast and dinner included. Rooms are clean. First night a little cool, but good heavy quilt on the bed allowed me to sleep fine. Plenty of hot water in the shower. Full kitchen facility. Just need to be aware that the internet is only available in the eating hall. For me perhaps a 100 ft walk. No big deal to me.
Third is the food. At the first the breakfast was yogurt and granola and fruit. Works good for me. The evening meals were delicious. Plenty to eat and no complaints. The breakfast at the farm has been sausage, eggs, bacon and toast. Quite nice indeed. The dinners have been hearty and filling. I've felt the need to add some salt, but that is a personal thing.
Willie is a smaller operator. He is not set up for large groups. 1-2 people at a time is what works best for him at this time. He knows a huge number of people and has a variety of animals that he can hunt. His speciality tho is the Vaalies and Klippies. If either of those are on your must have list then he is a great one to consider.
Fourth is time of year. I chose this time because it worked with my Zambian hunt which was set up with another AH member to share camp with. This is a great time to be here because the flowers can be spectacular. I saw pics from 2 weeks before I got here and they were something special. I still saw a lot as you can see from the posts above. The other time Willie likes to hunt Vaalies is around April/May. They concentrate around water at that time and can be just a smidge easier.
Flying into Capetown was nice. I remember 3 yrs ago having to pay a fee to arrive and leave Kimberly. That makes Capetown an improvement.
Bruce
