LivingTheDream
AH legend
Overview/Executive Summary
Before I really dive into the report. I want to recognize that I had an amazing trip and I can only describe it as almost spiritual. Kilombero North did a fantastic job and exceeded my expectations. They are under new management, and they seem to really have their stuff together, the special offered is brilliant and opened Tanzania to a regular guy like me. The experience offered is in my opinion a great value (though not cheap) if not one of the best values in Africa hunting… to see no fences, thousands of animals everyday and the trophy quality was exceptional. I would not hesitate to hunt with them again and I hope to someday. On Day 8, I was kicking up Volcanic dust and was thinking how do I get back here. I have never been as relaxed on safari. Quintin was a fantastic PH and we have a similar personality (which was unfortunately for everyone else in camp), I would hunt with him again and we determined that I should be his first client ever year so he can get the rust off. I think Zidane (Bruce’s PH) might end up being a legend, he has the drive, intensity and confidence I think to make it happen. Bruce is a blast to travel with and hunt with. If you ever get the chance to hunt with Bruce, do it!
I took 6 animals, but 5 are pretty exceptional, it was commented that Bruce and I are lucky. I agree and we do well when we hunt together.
Tanzania - Background and Travel Days
I never thought I would be able to hunt Tanzania, given the license structure and charters, it just did not seem like a reality. I remember as a young man watching the hunting channel and seeing a hunt in Africa where they shot a lesser kudu which to me was the most beautiful animal I had ever seen. Given the limited internet capabilities at the time, there was very little information out there and everything led me to believe that to hunt a lesser kudu I needed a 21 day full bag safari which cost more money that my mind could comprehend at the time.
As I grew older and made a formal bucket list of hunting goals, I added a section “In my Dreams” which meant it would probably never happen but it needed to be there to keep it on my mind. I added Lesser Kudu here, as well as Marco Polo and a few others to this section. Because my wife is not a rich heiress, these animals stayed in this section since I was pretty sure I would never get the opportunity. Thanks to AH, I learned more about hunting Tanzania and their license structure, quota and the outfitters, I did have a slim bit of hope, but I pursued other things and just kind of kept this in the back of mind, occasionally seeing a deal and talking to an outfitter here or there. There is a lesser kudu at the national zoo and I spent way too much time looking at it (apparently discussing shot placement at the zoo is frowned upon).
AH is a big reason this hunt was able to happen, as you just never know where a path may lead you. There are some really exceptional members in this community and I have had the pleasure of hunting with Bruce (aka @gillettehunter ) in Wyoming and then we shared a camp (and ultimately a PH and rifle) in Zambia. We have always had a great time, and Bruce is great to share a camp with. I recently took advantage of his going out of business jewelry sale, so when the phone range this past January, my wife was actually excited for me to say that he called. Bruce had spoke to an outfitter regarding a specialized plains game special in Tanzania, what really got my attention was it was a somewhat affordable way for me to be able to hunt Lesser Kudu, not to mention get a few of the glamour plains game species in Tanzania. There was no charter costs given how close Arusha is to the northern Maasai land. I am not sure if the special was because of COVID, but because of COVID and subsequently my other trips being cancelled, I actually had the funds to take advantage of this special. A few more conversations, and a few WhatsApp messages and it was a done a deal. Well…sorta, I need to get my vacation approved and my passport renewed. Surprisingly, I didn’t have any issues there as well. However, Bruce has lost all brownie points with my wife.
Even upon booking I was so nervous that the trip would be cancelled, borders closed, or something would come up, I didn’t really talk about it with anyone. I was just afraid that something would come up and the trip like a few others I had planned would be cancelled. Even writing this now, I still can’t believe that I was able to make it and that COVID, random testing, masks, and temperature checks I was able to make it. My rifle actually made it as well.
Travelling in the Times of COVID
So the plan was that Bruce and his wonderful wife (who is also a blast to have in camp), would be flying in from Denver the night before and instead of staying the night at the airport, they would crash at my place and we would head to the airport together for the longer part of the flight (Dulles to Addis Ababa). All of us got COVID PCR tests, which is a fun way to spend 150 dollars but it is required (at least they said it was, until I got to the counter and they found out I was going to Tanzania, they said they didn’t need to see it). We did have a slight issues with Bruce’s luggage as they didn’t marked it in their system as being a rifle. The nice lady working the counter was great, and we had everything situated. Bruce and his wife went ahead and through security, as I took a nice walk down to TSA with an agent to have my rifle scanned and sent on. I will say, if you want entertainment you just need to go to the Ethiopian check in and watch all of the different items people try to check on a plane. I think one guy had 20 boxes, someone had something on wheels that was wrapped in tape. A rifle and ammo seemed simple in comparison.
Security was easy, getting to the gate was easy. One of the best things about Ethiopian Airlines is there is a potbelly’s sandwich shop right next to the gate, which is perfect to get a sandwich or two for the road and not have to worry about airline food. I am also happy to report the Duty Free had Basil Hayden, so I was able to get a bottle to make sure I had something to celebrate with. I think COVID has impacted a lot of people, TSA agents doing the final passport check were so happy to see people, they were making jokes.
Once on the plane, it was half empty, so we had plenty of space. This also allowed for me to actually get a little sleep and made the trip go much faster. I also was able to read Brian Herne’s Uganda, which I have been trying to read for 2 years and was finally able to read the whole thing. Once we landed in Addis Ababa, there was a nice lady with a sign for myself and Bruce and off we went to bottom of the airport to review the serial numbers. As a note for future hunters, have at least 3 copies of your passport and at least 3 copies of your 4457. It is also nice knowing that my rifle and luggage made it this far. The rest of the time at ADD was uneventful, grabbed a coke and then we were off to Kilmajaro via Zanzibar. Once landing in Zanzibar most of the plane got off, apparently due to COVID and Tanzania not closing, it has become a rather popular tourist spot. The flight from Zanzibar to Kilimanjaro is extremely short, like maybe 45 minutes. But once we landed in Kilimanjaro it turned into a 2 hour affair. First, they gave you paperwork to fill out, which is useless because they want you to fill it out online. So we get kicked out of line to fill out a questionnaire online. Then we get a temperature check. Then we get a line to get receipt printed, that we then go to another line and pay with the receipt. We then go get in line for a COVID test. We then wait for results, once you get results, you get in the VISA line. You then get your VISA and then go in line to pay for your VISA. You then get your rifle and then you get your rifle permit and pay tax on your ammo. You have to go to another line to actually pay the tax. If this wasn’t complicated enough, there was a French lady losing her mind because she had to pay a tax on Cigarettes. Apparently, she didn’t want to stay in line and couldn’t connect to the internet. This issue was the more she lost her mind, the more amusing the officials found it, and they let this go on for a while. Lucky for us, we have a Safari Representative to help us and it went rather smooth (all things considered).
Finally, we were free, and met with Quintin and Zidane a few others and we were loading up in the 4 door safari vehicle. Reality at this point was setting in. There is a Ron White Skit, where he talked about going on Dr. Phil’s boat….he says he walked on boat and excitedly proclaimed, “no one is stopppppinng me”. This is the same type of feeling I had walking to the Safari vehicle. Though exhausted, I was excited. I feel a bit bad for Zidane and Quintin as we were all like little kids asking questions, “what’s that bird, what’s that tree?” “Do the Maasai do this?” Also, as a note, traffic signals such as signs and lines on the road apparently are more suggestions as it seemed like cars were going ever which away. We were starting our Safari at Lake Natron Camp, which was a 2 ½ to 3 hour ride. I have never felt so good hitting the dirt roads and seeing the clouds of dust that follow. We actually drove through/by the other concession on the way and saw a lots of game. Including a welcoming committee of elephants which we were able to get fairly close to. The number of Giraffes was incredible. We also saw jackal and a wildebeest and a pair of dik diks.
Once in camp we got to a very nice chalet on the hill side, the staff was there to greet us and we ate dinner which consisted of Calamari and rice. We also found out who our PHs were going to be. This was left to chance because it was literally who was written on the permits. I got Quintin, and immediately apologized that he drew the short straw. He told me not to worry, he is a decent PH but the best photography I have ever seen and there we will make the animals look bigger. To which I relied, you actually think I am going to hit something when I shoot, interesting. I put this exchange in this report because this is the type banter that Quintin and I had for 10 days. I tend to like to story tell and joke and Quintin is cut from the same cloth. Bruce was hunting with Zidane and Peter. Peter was a constant gentlemen, and did his apprenticeship under Cotton Gordon. Overall, though left up to chance the pairing worked out well.
I went to sleep with a later than usual wake up for 6:30. The full moon was out and was anticipating the view when I woke up in the morning.
Note: I know due to some reports that there is always much conversation about footwear, I brought 2 pairs on Adidas Terrax hiking/all-terrain shoes. I have worn these now on 3 safaris, and they are lightweight, breathable, and have good traction. They might have lacked a little ankle support for one of the activities and being breathable I got some dust in there but they are easy to clean. And very comfortable. I was going to wear Crocs but upon learning that they did not give an endorsement deal to Hank2211, I decided to pass.
Before I really dive into the report. I want to recognize that I had an amazing trip and I can only describe it as almost spiritual. Kilombero North did a fantastic job and exceeded my expectations. They are under new management, and they seem to really have their stuff together, the special offered is brilliant and opened Tanzania to a regular guy like me. The experience offered is in my opinion a great value (though not cheap) if not one of the best values in Africa hunting… to see no fences, thousands of animals everyday and the trophy quality was exceptional. I would not hesitate to hunt with them again and I hope to someday. On Day 8, I was kicking up Volcanic dust and was thinking how do I get back here. I have never been as relaxed on safari. Quintin was a fantastic PH and we have a similar personality (which was unfortunately for everyone else in camp), I would hunt with him again and we determined that I should be his first client ever year so he can get the rust off. I think Zidane (Bruce’s PH) might end up being a legend, he has the drive, intensity and confidence I think to make it happen. Bruce is a blast to travel with and hunt with. If you ever get the chance to hunt with Bruce, do it!
I took 6 animals, but 5 are pretty exceptional, it was commented that Bruce and I are lucky. I agree and we do well when we hunt together.
Tanzania - Background and Travel Days
I never thought I would be able to hunt Tanzania, given the license structure and charters, it just did not seem like a reality. I remember as a young man watching the hunting channel and seeing a hunt in Africa where they shot a lesser kudu which to me was the most beautiful animal I had ever seen. Given the limited internet capabilities at the time, there was very little information out there and everything led me to believe that to hunt a lesser kudu I needed a 21 day full bag safari which cost more money that my mind could comprehend at the time.
As I grew older and made a formal bucket list of hunting goals, I added a section “In my Dreams” which meant it would probably never happen but it needed to be there to keep it on my mind. I added Lesser Kudu here, as well as Marco Polo and a few others to this section. Because my wife is not a rich heiress, these animals stayed in this section since I was pretty sure I would never get the opportunity. Thanks to AH, I learned more about hunting Tanzania and their license structure, quota and the outfitters, I did have a slim bit of hope, but I pursued other things and just kind of kept this in the back of mind, occasionally seeing a deal and talking to an outfitter here or there. There is a lesser kudu at the national zoo and I spent way too much time looking at it (apparently discussing shot placement at the zoo is frowned upon).
AH is a big reason this hunt was able to happen, as you just never know where a path may lead you. There are some really exceptional members in this community and I have had the pleasure of hunting with Bruce (aka @gillettehunter ) in Wyoming and then we shared a camp (and ultimately a PH and rifle) in Zambia. We have always had a great time, and Bruce is great to share a camp with. I recently took advantage of his going out of business jewelry sale, so when the phone range this past January, my wife was actually excited for me to say that he called. Bruce had spoke to an outfitter regarding a specialized plains game special in Tanzania, what really got my attention was it was a somewhat affordable way for me to be able to hunt Lesser Kudu, not to mention get a few of the glamour plains game species in Tanzania. There was no charter costs given how close Arusha is to the northern Maasai land. I am not sure if the special was because of COVID, but because of COVID and subsequently my other trips being cancelled, I actually had the funds to take advantage of this special. A few more conversations, and a few WhatsApp messages and it was a done a deal. Well…sorta, I need to get my vacation approved and my passport renewed. Surprisingly, I didn’t have any issues there as well. However, Bruce has lost all brownie points with my wife.
Even upon booking I was so nervous that the trip would be cancelled, borders closed, or something would come up, I didn’t really talk about it with anyone. I was just afraid that something would come up and the trip like a few others I had planned would be cancelled. Even writing this now, I still can’t believe that I was able to make it and that COVID, random testing, masks, and temperature checks I was able to make it. My rifle actually made it as well.
Travelling in the Times of COVID
So the plan was that Bruce and his wonderful wife (who is also a blast to have in camp), would be flying in from Denver the night before and instead of staying the night at the airport, they would crash at my place and we would head to the airport together for the longer part of the flight (Dulles to Addis Ababa). All of us got COVID PCR tests, which is a fun way to spend 150 dollars but it is required (at least they said it was, until I got to the counter and they found out I was going to Tanzania, they said they didn’t need to see it). We did have a slight issues with Bruce’s luggage as they didn’t marked it in their system as being a rifle. The nice lady working the counter was great, and we had everything situated. Bruce and his wife went ahead and through security, as I took a nice walk down to TSA with an agent to have my rifle scanned and sent on. I will say, if you want entertainment you just need to go to the Ethiopian check in and watch all of the different items people try to check on a plane. I think one guy had 20 boxes, someone had something on wheels that was wrapped in tape. A rifle and ammo seemed simple in comparison.
Security was easy, getting to the gate was easy. One of the best things about Ethiopian Airlines is there is a potbelly’s sandwich shop right next to the gate, which is perfect to get a sandwich or two for the road and not have to worry about airline food. I am also happy to report the Duty Free had Basil Hayden, so I was able to get a bottle to make sure I had something to celebrate with. I think COVID has impacted a lot of people, TSA agents doing the final passport check were so happy to see people, they were making jokes.
Once on the plane, it was half empty, so we had plenty of space. This also allowed for me to actually get a little sleep and made the trip go much faster. I also was able to read Brian Herne’s Uganda, which I have been trying to read for 2 years and was finally able to read the whole thing. Once we landed in Addis Ababa, there was a nice lady with a sign for myself and Bruce and off we went to bottom of the airport to review the serial numbers. As a note for future hunters, have at least 3 copies of your passport and at least 3 copies of your 4457. It is also nice knowing that my rifle and luggage made it this far. The rest of the time at ADD was uneventful, grabbed a coke and then we were off to Kilmajaro via Zanzibar. Once landing in Zanzibar most of the plane got off, apparently due to COVID and Tanzania not closing, it has become a rather popular tourist spot. The flight from Zanzibar to Kilimanjaro is extremely short, like maybe 45 minutes. But once we landed in Kilimanjaro it turned into a 2 hour affair. First, they gave you paperwork to fill out, which is useless because they want you to fill it out online. So we get kicked out of line to fill out a questionnaire online. Then we get a temperature check. Then we get a line to get receipt printed, that we then go to another line and pay with the receipt. We then go get in line for a COVID test. We then wait for results, once you get results, you get in the VISA line. You then get your VISA and then go in line to pay for your VISA. You then get your rifle and then you get your rifle permit and pay tax on your ammo. You have to go to another line to actually pay the tax. If this wasn’t complicated enough, there was a French lady losing her mind because she had to pay a tax on Cigarettes. Apparently, she didn’t want to stay in line and couldn’t connect to the internet. This issue was the more she lost her mind, the more amusing the officials found it, and they let this go on for a while. Lucky for us, we have a Safari Representative to help us and it went rather smooth (all things considered).
Finally, we were free, and met with Quintin and Zidane a few others and we were loading up in the 4 door safari vehicle. Reality at this point was setting in. There is a Ron White Skit, where he talked about going on Dr. Phil’s boat….he says he walked on boat and excitedly proclaimed, “no one is stopppppinng me”. This is the same type of feeling I had walking to the Safari vehicle. Though exhausted, I was excited. I feel a bit bad for Zidane and Quintin as we were all like little kids asking questions, “what’s that bird, what’s that tree?” “Do the Maasai do this?” Also, as a note, traffic signals such as signs and lines on the road apparently are more suggestions as it seemed like cars were going ever which away. We were starting our Safari at Lake Natron Camp, which was a 2 ½ to 3 hour ride. I have never felt so good hitting the dirt roads and seeing the clouds of dust that follow. We actually drove through/by the other concession on the way and saw a lots of game. Including a welcoming committee of elephants which we were able to get fairly close to. The number of Giraffes was incredible. We also saw jackal and a wildebeest and a pair of dik diks.
Once in camp we got to a very nice chalet on the hill side, the staff was there to greet us and we ate dinner which consisted of Calamari and rice. We also found out who our PHs were going to be. This was left to chance because it was literally who was written on the permits. I got Quintin, and immediately apologized that he drew the short straw. He told me not to worry, he is a decent PH but the best photography I have ever seen and there we will make the animals look bigger. To which I relied, you actually think I am going to hit something when I shoot, interesting. I put this exchange in this report because this is the type banter that Quintin and I had for 10 days. I tend to like to story tell and joke and Quintin is cut from the same cloth. Bruce was hunting with Zidane and Peter. Peter was a constant gentlemen, and did his apprenticeship under Cotton Gordon. Overall, though left up to chance the pairing worked out well.
I went to sleep with a later than usual wake up for 6:30. The full moon was out and was anticipating the view when I woke up in the morning.
Note: I know due to some reports that there is always much conversation about footwear, I brought 2 pairs on Adidas Terrax hiking/all-terrain shoes. I have worn these now on 3 safaris, and they are lightweight, breathable, and have good traction. They might have lacked a little ankle support for one of the activities and being breathable I got some dust in there but they are easy to clean. And very comfortable. I was going to wear Crocs but upon learning that they did not give an endorsement deal to Hank2211, I decided to pass.
You two gents had a fantastic safari. 
