Brian Hinger(E-Mail address only by request for security reasons.)My father came up with the idea of an African Safari for plains game about two years ago. We decided to attend the Outdoor Show in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania in February of 2004 to interview potential outfitters. After visiting with five or six, we discussed the merits of each while having lunch. While some of the outfitters had slicker brochures, more ornate displays or slightly lower prices, we chose Tino and Trophy Game Safaris because of his enthusiasm and the feeling he would work hard to give us the best possible experience. Our instincts would prove to be right on the money!
The months between booking and our September 2004 departure passed very slowly, even though there was much planning and preparation to be done. Tino had recommended we make our air arrangements through Custom Travel, which proved to be an excellent choice as they provided a great deal of information regarding the transport of our rifles and general information about our destination. Every few weeks we thought of more questions, which were patiently answered via e-mail by Tino or Amanda - his fiancée. With the warmth and informality of the e-mails, I felt as if we had developed a friendship before we even arrived.
Freddy greeted us at the Johannesburg airport after a long, but rather pleasant flight. It was later decided he would be my "PH" for the week. He would quickly become my friend as well. The ride to the main camp was filled with many new sights and pleasant conversation. The main camp and our accommodations were attractive and comfortable beyond our expectations. After settling in to our cottages, we enjoyed cocktails and our first African sunset while seated on the patio next to a warm fire. That was followed by the first of many delicious and bountiful meals. Not surprisingly, I slept better than I had in ages.
As someone who enjoys food and drink far more than I should, I simply must spend more time writing about the meals. When you make your reservation, Tino prepares a comprehensive list (with your input, of course) of your party's food and beverage preferences. In our case, we were anxious to sample the local game. We had the opportunity to enjoy impala, kudu, gemsbok, wildebeest and eland. Amanda prepared each with great care and creativity, whether they were grilled over wood coals, baked in a conventional oven or in the wood-fired oven in the stunning bar/lounge. For the less adventurous, they also served chicken, beef, pork and lamb. If you have even a passing interest in wines, South African Wines are quickly earning a worldwide reputation as some of the finest. Is there any better way to end a successful day of hunting than fireside cocktails to discuss the events of the day, followed by a splendid meal accompanied by world-class wines and the gracious company of your hosts and newfound friends?
It is difficult to sum up the hunting in several pages, let alone one paragraph. To call it "memorable" would be a gross understatement. It was among the most exhilarating things I have ever experienced. The game you wish to pursue on a given day will determine where you will hunt. Tino has 3000 private acres at his doorstep and has access to several other excellent concessions as well. Freddy was my PH (professional hunter) during my stay. While a relative newcomer to Trophy Game Safaris, he was nevertheless knowledgeable, enthusiastic and blessed with boundless energy and patience. I just cannot say enough about how hard he worked for me. He climbed trees, rocks and scrambled to the edge of cliffs to glass for game and painstakingly tracked animals for hours. With his guidance, I was able to take an impala, gemsbok and a magnificent waterbuck. The waterbuck itself is a special story. Freddy positioned me on a cliff overlooking a dry riverbed below because he felt it held great promise. He did this even though he knew success would mean several hours of backbreaking labor in sweltering temperatures to prepare the animal and pack it out to the nearest access road. This is typical of the commitment you can expect from Tino and his staff. One day my father and I hunted together with both Tino and Freddy for gemsbok on a nearby farm. The teamwork and coordination between them and their helpers was superb. Through their considerable efforts, my father and I were able to take two, fine gemsbok. It was especially pleasing to see how devoted they are to recovering wounded animals. From PH's to trackers, skinners, kitchen and housekeeping, Tino has surrounded himself with the best people.
As much as I was looking forward to touring Kruger National Park with Tino and Amanda, it was hard to leave the main camp. I was already thinking about how awesome it would be to come back. The drive to Kruger took us through mountainous areas that were breathtakingly beautiful. I had read my Lonely Planet Guide to South Africa, but was still overwhelmed by the scenery. Somehow, I did not expect to drive through seemingly endless forests of eucalyptus and hillsides covered in banana trees and tea plants. The accommodations at Blyde River Canyon were spacious and comfortable, the resort itself perched aside the canyon with stunning views.
Taking a few extra days to tour Kruger National Park is something I would recommend for every visitor, particularly first-time visitors. A common goal for visitors is to spot "The Big Five."(Elephant, rhino, buffalo, lion and leopard) The variety and abundance of wildlife is staggering. We saw zebra, giraffe, wildebeest, kudu, waterbuck, bushbuck, buffalo, hippo, elephant, nyala, impala, jackal, lion, warthog, crocodile, ostrich and a multitude of other bird species. The lodging at Letaba and Satara was clean, modern and would no doubt be a pleasant surprise to many other first time visitors. Some of the rooms were larger than those in my house!
The most difficult part of the trip was bidding our hosts goodbye at the Hoedspruit airport. I left with the feeling I would always have friends in Africa and I would like nothing more than to visit them again someday. Thank you Tino and Amanda!
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