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Safari in Africa with Askari Adventures

 By Jeff Dennis

Outdoor Correspondent

            Breath-taking vistas await those who seek adventure in South Africa, and those whose pulse quickens with the anticipation of the plains game hunt will be welcomed as protectors of the wild herds. Askari literally means “the protector,” and Askari Adventures as well as the South African rural economy, hails the well-meaning African hunter as an essential ingredient in the recipe of conservation.

            Based in the Limpopo Province of South Africa, Askari Adventures specializes in combination plains game hunting, where customers can choose between medal class animals and the trophies of the big five. Owner and professional hunter Paul Ferreira has hunted across the African continent for over twenty-five years, and brings the experience of a lifetime spent on safari.

            Veteran P.H. Paul Ferreira chimes in from South Africa, “I believe that conservation owes so much to the hunter who has been responsible for millions of acres that has been set aside in game preserves. We will continue on our path to selectively remove animals to maintain a good balance in our ecosystem.”

Two brothers, Trompie and A.J. Hofmeyr, both professional hunters, became partners with Ferreira five years ago and are currently promoting the classy elegance that their facilities offer to willing hunters. Trompie Hofmeyr is a 36-year old native South African who has been a professional hunter for the past twelve years, but possesses the intangible knowledge of a man raised in the Kalahari. Hofmeyr speaks about “Afreeka” in a heavy accent, telling me “The Kalahari changes from desert to semi-desert over time, but there is a wide diversity of habitat across South Africa and I call them all home.”

            This widely varied habitat that he refers to as the “bush” sets South Africa plains game hunting apart from the wide-open spaces of East Africa. Hofmeyr explains that the bush is perfect for walk-and-stalk hunting and generally there will be only three people in a hunting party: the client, the P.H. and his tracker. He tells me that his tracker, know simply as Flippie, has been with him since they were little boys and that he considers them “bush buddies,” adding  “I know Flippie better than I know my wife.”

            The selection of plains game that Askari Adventures holds on their concessions is not lacking, and specializes in the big five, known as Africa’s most dangerous animals: Lion, Leopard, Cape Buffalo, Elephant and Rhino. Other species available are duiker, steenbok, zebra, sable, eland, gemsbok (oryx), giraffe, kudu, ngala, bushbuck, wildebeest and impala. Predator hunts offer hyena, jackal, caracal, cervil and cervit.

            Hofmeyr states that a .270 rifle is recommended for the smaller plains game, but hunters should use larger guns for larger game. He recommends a .338 for bigger plains game, and .375 for the biggest of animals, with use of a .416 not being uncommon.

            The fact that Askari provides a fair chase hunt on hundreds of thousands of acres helps them maintain a healthy herd, allowing them to take many “medal class” animals. The hunting conservation group Safari Club International (SCI) defines medal classes, and Hofmeyr adds, “We support SCI and also belong to the South African professional hunter organization known as PHASA, because these groups protect the interests of the client.”

            It is quickly evident to me that in addition to high quality rifle and bow hunting, Askari Adventures is ready to impress clients with their service. They offer four different lodges for guests to stay in, with the most opulent rating a five-star benchmark that is sure to please. Another lodge rates three-stars but does not diminish the level of personal service that Hofmeyr states the natives will provide. When hunting in nearby Zambia guests will be using a permanent tent lodge, and while the cost for this lodging is diminished, lodging in the bush affords you the best views. This hunting is more like the traditional rustic African hunting that conjures up tough conditions for the body, but great rewards for the soul.

            Hunting parties set out on Land Rovers into the bush, until the trackers locate the desired game species and then the stalk begins. Modern trail cameras monitor likely game locations like watering holes in an effort to give clients every advantage of locating their quarry. The smaller the hunting party the less the chance of being betrayed by scent or noise, and thus the greater chance for success. Hofmeyr says “We want to share the African experience with our clients and the stalk is the truest, most reliable way to provide that.”

            Non-hunters are certainly not forgotten and Askari Adventures can organize photo-safaris for guests, spa services are available at all of its lodging facilities, and diamond dealers can be summoned for some shopping. Fresh flowers and fresh produce are sure to please as well. Hofmeyr gushes, “The South African climate offers optimum growing conditions and we have all of the best vegetables and fruits nearby.”

            Dining with Askari is meant to be a culinary highlight of your trip with meat from your game animal prepared by their chefs. Any other requests, for something like steak or chicken, will also be prepared, along with the award-winning South African table wines the area is famous for. Stronger spirits are located in the “cool box” at the full bar, making it the perfect setting for a recount of the days hunt, and what’s better than some story telling after a memorable day spent hunting in Africa.

            Getting to Africa is not part of your safari but you can probably count on your flight arriving in Johannesburg, South Africa. Askari Adventures will see that you are taken care of from that point on. They will help with the considerable paperwork that must be completed before bringing guns into the country, and they will recommend which private charter company to fly with to the lodge.

            Charleston businessman Harrington Bissell hunted with Askari last year and told me “When I arrived in hunting camp it was already dark, but when morning broke I was in awe of my surroundings, looking across the border to the mountains of neighboring Lesotho. The hospitality I received was reminiscent of southern hospitality in antebellum days, with lots of polite native staff to serve the food and even do the laundry.” Hofmeyr relates, “The camp staff of native people are very dependent on the African hunter and are always glad to see them come visit.”

            Mr. Bissell’s aim was accurate while abroad, harvesting wildebeest, a cape eland, an impala and other medal class trophies. Fees for hunting trips, and further facilities information can be sought after visiting www.askariadventures.com. Safari fees include lodging, meals, licensed P.H., field transport, daily maid service, liquor, trackers and trophy field prep. Each animal taken carries a trophy fee in addition to the concession fees and special permits’ fees that may apply. Gratuities are encouraged.

            As the interview progressed it seemed Mr. Hofmeyr was missing his homeland as he told me a revealing thought, “It feels strange to be around buildings.” We gazed towards some docks along the Charleston Harbor and the keen eye of this P.H. became evident as he spotted an elusive otter, and his nature-loving side began to show as he delighted in watching some porpoise coming up for air as they swam by.

            Askari Adventures’ motto is aimed at sportsmen saying we don’t offer the hunt of a lifetime, we offer a lifetime of quality hunting options. If you are looking for something a little different to harvest why not try to take a hippo, warthog or a crocodile. It seems only one’s imagination could limit what is available to the hunter on the continent of Africa.

Jeff Dennis is a Charleston native and a Lowcountry outdoorsman. He can be reached at JBDinSC@ yahoo.com.

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Last modified: 01/05/09