sjones42347
AH member
So this journey started about a year ago. Over dinner, my uncle reminded me that 20 years ago I had told my dad I would take him back to Africa. And the planning began. I spoke with several outfitters but knew I wanted to be on flatter land than the Eastern Cape, as my dad is 70 and has some health issues. Speaking with Neel at Grootvallei, I always felt a good connection and that he could provide what I was looking for. In hindsight, that is the best decision I ever made. It was everything I hoped for and more. I will speak more on that at the end of the thread.
We flew out of Dulles on 7/5 and arrived in Cape Town. Spent the night at the Verde Hotel (which was also great and I would suggest for anyone wanting to stay near the airport). Monday morning 7/6 we caught an early flight to Kimberley. Neel was there waiting with beverages when we landed at 8. Made a quick stop at Wildman Outdoor store in town then were off to the lodge (about a 40 minute drive). We had a quick light breakfast at around 10, hung around then headed out to the range at 12. A few shots from the 2 rented rifles and we were off. Initially looking for waterbuck we spotted a couple nice sable, which was on my dads list. Off the truck and about 1.5 miles later, and 1 shot at 205 yards, we had a 43 inch sable on the ground by 1:30. Skinners came and picked it up and we were off searching again. Spotted a herd of wildebeest and after a short stalk, decided there were no shooters. Continued searching for waterbuck and after a very long stalk, my uncle was unsuccessful. Was able to get on the sticks a couple times but never had a clear shot. Back to the lodge for a nice dinner.
Day 2: Cold morning. 27 degrees when we woke up. Slept in a bit and had a small breakfast and coffee and were off again for waterbuck for my uncle. Spotted a nice bull an after stalking for a while got busted by a kudu. Drove a bit more and spotted a herd, After a short stalk a nice bull was pointed out. Uncle got on the sticks and made a great shot at 200 yards. Ran about 20 yards and expired. Returned to camp for lunch and at around 1 headed out looking for blue wildebeest. Spotted a big herd and began our approach. Somehow, we snuck up on a herd of buffalo about 50 yards away so we swiftly backed out before they noticed us. As we were moving wuickly, the herd of wildebeest spotted us and ran back in a direction that was beneficial to us. They stopped in an opening and we picked a shooter. As I got on the sticks, they spooked and ran. We continued stalking and finally got to about 220 yards. The one I was going for had a younger bull behind him,. After what felt like an hour on the sticks (probably 5 minutes) it cleared out and I took the shot. Ran about 50 yards and was down. Back to camp for some drinks around the boma and a great dinner.
Day 3: Started off with a stalk on hartebeest but no shoortes were in the herd. Found herd of gemsbuck and started the pursuit but out in the open it was a challenge and were ultiamtely busted by some springbok. As we were heading back in for lunch we spotted a nice bull, After a short stalk and a 250 yard shot, he ran about 100 yards and was down. After lunch we had a couple unsuccessful stalks on zebra, which porved to be tough for the next few days. Late in the afternoon we spotted a nice hartebeest about 600 yards out in the open. After closing the distance to 290 yards by crawling and walking crouched over, shot rang out and was hit but a bit forward. I took a second shot at 370 yards and he dropped on the spot.
Day 4: Started out with a good stalk on a black wildebeest. Shot was right around 250 and quartering slighty to us. I made a piss poor shot and hit him in the crease of the rear leg. Spent the rest of the morning following the herd of 3 bulls but out in the open it is hard to tell which was the one. None showed signs of being injured. We returned for lunch and Neel and trackers went out. They noticed one laying down often and expected that was the one. Once we got back out after lunch, that behavior was no longer happening, Finally around 4 and the sun reflecting just right we were able to see some blood. Unfortunately the shot woulde been much longer than I felt comfortable and we could not close the distance on these suckers. Heading back in we spotted some zebra and my uncle was off. However once again they got the best of us.
Day 5: Back out after the injured wildebeest. We spotted them and were able to make a great stalk low and slow across 200 yards of nothing but grass and ant hills. Got set up on ant hill and took the shot at about 215 yards. He ran 15-20 yards and was down, finally ending that tought time I had created. Continued with our day and uncle made a stalk on some zebra but could not get within 350 yards. We had a nice bush lunch wihc was a loin tasting out in the field. After lunch we went out and spotted some waterbuck. After a short stalk my dad was on the sticks and another 1 shot kill at a little over 200 yards. This one was not as long as the first but was very heavy and had some nice secondary growth. Skinners picked him up and we were off agai. Spotted a herd of zebra and again were in pursuit. He was finally able to get a shot off at 305 yards. Smascked it right on the chevron and she was down within 100 yards!!
Day 6: Up early and made a 1 hour drive to another property in the Northern cape in pursuit of Nyala and warthog. After glassing from a hilltop, a couple bulls were spotted. We drove to a better starting position and my dad was off after them. After a bit of a stalk we located one who was skylighted up on a ridge. We closed the distance to about 210 yards, he was on the sticks and dropped him. He was still alive so one more insurance shot was put into him. With the Nyala loaded up, we were after warthog. After about 10 minutes we spotted a few, and one wsa pointed out to shoot. They were running away so I had to use the Texas Heart shot at about 80 yards. We had a small lunch adn were off looking for more. While looking we spotted a cow gemsbuck in bad shape. The guide offered it up for free due to her deteriorating quickly from his previous spotting, and expecting her to not last much longer. My dad and uncle passed, so I took him up on it. We had a short stalk to get to 230 and took the shot. She dropped instantly. Walking up and seeing the shape she was in, I know it was the right decision.
Day 7: Our final day we decidied I was going to chase zebra. Based on previous stalks, I wasnt sure it would happen, especially with it being a very windy day from the moment we woke up. We headed out at 7:30 and wuickly spotted a group of 3, surrounded by wildebest and eland. We worked up a plan which included getting the wind in our favor, and slowly moving through an open area to a brush line about 250 yards away. We moved slowly, and low when needed to avoid being spotted. We reached the brushline and worked through it to get view of the zebra. They were about 290 yards out. I got on the sticks and made the shot. It hit a bit high and the zebra ran about 100 yards directly away then stopped. I had already chambered another one and the ph adjusted the dial and I send a second one which landed just behind the shoulder. He ran about 30 yards and dropped. Was not expecting to be successful so quickly on what had proven all week to be tricky, but it was a perfect scenario. We went in to camp to retrieve my uncle who was planning to sit in a hide and wait for warthog to come in, but on the way out, a bachelor herd of black impala was spotted. He had turned down several as he wanted a wide one. There was a wide one in this group so the chase was on. It was a long stalk which ended in us driving to a location they expected them to head to. And they did. We saw them 400 yards away and he began his stalk. Shortly after the shot rang out and he had a nice black impala. We headed in for lunch and planned the go after springbok in the afternoon. It was extremely windy, and they had been hanging out in the open but we gave it a try. We spotted a massive one but the conditions would not allow us to get within 5-600 yards. We decided to move to a more densely vegetated area and look for impala or black impale, and hope to come across springbok in the process. Which is exactly what happened. We spotted some feeding close toa tree line that was could stalk in through, with the wind in our favor. We got to about 240 yards and I made the shot and dropped a 12.5 incher. Not as big as the one we had been chasing, but still very nice and I was thrilled with it. That was the end of our hunting so we headed in for a big feast and quite a few drinks.
While the hunting was incredible, what stood out the most was the hospitality we received. The meals were all incredible and we couldn't go 5 minutes without being asked if we needed anything. All of our needs were met, including the hunting style (specifically for my dad), the patience they had when I made a bad shot. It was just amazing. I highly recommend Neel and Grootvallei Safaris if anyone is looking to hunt the free state. I can not think of a single thing during the stay that I would change, or wish was different. I am already planning to go back with the whole family in 2 years. I apologize for the long post and not being written as well as some of these reports. I could add so much more but this is long enough. Hope you all enjoy the report and photos.
We flew out of Dulles on 7/5 and arrived in Cape Town. Spent the night at the Verde Hotel (which was also great and I would suggest for anyone wanting to stay near the airport). Monday morning 7/6 we caught an early flight to Kimberley. Neel was there waiting with beverages when we landed at 8. Made a quick stop at Wildman Outdoor store in town then were off to the lodge (about a 40 minute drive). We had a quick light breakfast at around 10, hung around then headed out to the range at 12. A few shots from the 2 rented rifles and we were off. Initially looking for waterbuck we spotted a couple nice sable, which was on my dads list. Off the truck and about 1.5 miles later, and 1 shot at 205 yards, we had a 43 inch sable on the ground by 1:30. Skinners came and picked it up and we were off searching again. Spotted a herd of wildebeest and after a short stalk, decided there were no shooters. Continued searching for waterbuck and after a very long stalk, my uncle was unsuccessful. Was able to get on the sticks a couple times but never had a clear shot. Back to the lodge for a nice dinner.
Day 2: Cold morning. 27 degrees when we woke up. Slept in a bit and had a small breakfast and coffee and were off again for waterbuck for my uncle. Spotted a nice bull an after stalking for a while got busted by a kudu. Drove a bit more and spotted a herd, After a short stalk a nice bull was pointed out. Uncle got on the sticks and made a great shot at 200 yards. Ran about 20 yards and expired. Returned to camp for lunch and at around 1 headed out looking for blue wildebeest. Spotted a big herd and began our approach. Somehow, we snuck up on a herd of buffalo about 50 yards away so we swiftly backed out before they noticed us. As we were moving wuickly, the herd of wildebeest spotted us and ran back in a direction that was beneficial to us. They stopped in an opening and we picked a shooter. As I got on the sticks, they spooked and ran. We continued stalking and finally got to about 220 yards. The one I was going for had a younger bull behind him,. After what felt like an hour on the sticks (probably 5 minutes) it cleared out and I took the shot. Ran about 50 yards and was down. Back to camp for some drinks around the boma and a great dinner.
Day 3: Started off with a stalk on hartebeest but no shoortes were in the herd. Found herd of gemsbuck and started the pursuit but out in the open it was a challenge and were ultiamtely busted by some springbok. As we were heading back in for lunch we spotted a nice bull, After a short stalk and a 250 yard shot, he ran about 100 yards and was down. After lunch we had a couple unsuccessful stalks on zebra, which porved to be tough for the next few days. Late in the afternoon we spotted a nice hartebeest about 600 yards out in the open. After closing the distance to 290 yards by crawling and walking crouched over, shot rang out and was hit but a bit forward. I took a second shot at 370 yards and he dropped on the spot.
Day 4: Started out with a good stalk on a black wildebeest. Shot was right around 250 and quartering slighty to us. I made a piss poor shot and hit him in the crease of the rear leg. Spent the rest of the morning following the herd of 3 bulls but out in the open it is hard to tell which was the one. None showed signs of being injured. We returned for lunch and Neel and trackers went out. They noticed one laying down often and expected that was the one. Once we got back out after lunch, that behavior was no longer happening, Finally around 4 and the sun reflecting just right we were able to see some blood. Unfortunately the shot woulde been much longer than I felt comfortable and we could not close the distance on these suckers. Heading back in we spotted some zebra and my uncle was off. However once again they got the best of us.
Day 5: Back out after the injured wildebeest. We spotted them and were able to make a great stalk low and slow across 200 yards of nothing but grass and ant hills. Got set up on ant hill and took the shot at about 215 yards. He ran 15-20 yards and was down, finally ending that tought time I had created. Continued with our day and uncle made a stalk on some zebra but could not get within 350 yards. We had a nice bush lunch wihc was a loin tasting out in the field. After lunch we went out and spotted some waterbuck. After a short stalk my dad was on the sticks and another 1 shot kill at a little over 200 yards. This one was not as long as the first but was very heavy and had some nice secondary growth. Skinners picked him up and we were off agai. Spotted a herd of zebra and again were in pursuit. He was finally able to get a shot off at 305 yards. Smascked it right on the chevron and she was down within 100 yards!!
Day 6: Up early and made a 1 hour drive to another property in the Northern cape in pursuit of Nyala and warthog. After glassing from a hilltop, a couple bulls were spotted. We drove to a better starting position and my dad was off after them. After a bit of a stalk we located one who was skylighted up on a ridge. We closed the distance to about 210 yards, he was on the sticks and dropped him. He was still alive so one more insurance shot was put into him. With the Nyala loaded up, we were after warthog. After about 10 minutes we spotted a few, and one wsa pointed out to shoot. They were running away so I had to use the Texas Heart shot at about 80 yards. We had a small lunch adn were off looking for more. While looking we spotted a cow gemsbuck in bad shape. The guide offered it up for free due to her deteriorating quickly from his previous spotting, and expecting her to not last much longer. My dad and uncle passed, so I took him up on it. We had a short stalk to get to 230 and took the shot. She dropped instantly. Walking up and seeing the shape she was in, I know it was the right decision.
Day 7: Our final day we decidied I was going to chase zebra. Based on previous stalks, I wasnt sure it would happen, especially with it being a very windy day from the moment we woke up. We headed out at 7:30 and wuickly spotted a group of 3, surrounded by wildebest and eland. We worked up a plan which included getting the wind in our favor, and slowly moving through an open area to a brush line about 250 yards away. We moved slowly, and low when needed to avoid being spotted. We reached the brushline and worked through it to get view of the zebra. They were about 290 yards out. I got on the sticks and made the shot. It hit a bit high and the zebra ran about 100 yards directly away then stopped. I had already chambered another one and the ph adjusted the dial and I send a second one which landed just behind the shoulder. He ran about 30 yards and dropped. Was not expecting to be successful so quickly on what had proven all week to be tricky, but it was a perfect scenario. We went in to camp to retrieve my uncle who was planning to sit in a hide and wait for warthog to come in, but on the way out, a bachelor herd of black impala was spotted. He had turned down several as he wanted a wide one. There was a wide one in this group so the chase was on. It was a long stalk which ended in us driving to a location they expected them to head to. And they did. We saw them 400 yards away and he began his stalk. Shortly after the shot rang out and he had a nice black impala. We headed in for lunch and planned the go after springbok in the afternoon. It was extremely windy, and they had been hanging out in the open but we gave it a try. We spotted a massive one but the conditions would not allow us to get within 5-600 yards. We decided to move to a more densely vegetated area and look for impala or black impale, and hope to come across springbok in the process. Which is exactly what happened. We spotted some feeding close toa tree line that was could stalk in through, with the wind in our favor. We got to about 240 yards and I made the shot and dropped a 12.5 incher. Not as big as the one we had been chasing, but still very nice and I was thrilled with it. That was the end of our hunting so we headed in for a big feast and quite a few drinks.
While the hunting was incredible, what stood out the most was the hospitality we received. The meals were all incredible and we couldn't go 5 minutes without being asked if we needed anything. All of our needs were met, including the hunting style (specifically for my dad), the patience they had when I made a bad shot. It was just amazing. I highly recommend Neel and Grootvallei Safaris if anyone is looking to hunt the free state. I can not think of a single thing during the stay that I would change, or wish was different. I am already planning to go back with the whole family in 2 years. I apologize for the long post and not being written as well as some of these reports. I could add so much more but this is long enough. Hope you all enjoy the report and photos.
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