My last full day I was able to ride around as an observer/spotter for a father/daughter group hunting also at Olivefountain, which was fun watching others stalk their game. We were able to watch a long and successful stalk on a kudu bull, springbuck and some blesbuck culls. Early that morning I had to go to Grahamstown, about a 45 minute drive, to have my Covid RT-PCR test done to be able to fly home the next morning. So we arrived as the clinic opened (8 am), had the test sample taken (the deep nasal one, I think I left finger impressions in the chair arms), Ampath Labs did the analysis and we had it emailed 12 hours later so it could be printed out that evening.
The only point that I had to show my Covid test results was when I arrived in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from what I remember, I didn't have to show them when I arrived in Chicago. So I flew from Port Elizabeth, SA to Johannesburg, SA, filled out a Covid questionnaire to board my next flight to Ethiopia, then transited through Addis Ababa for the big leg to Chicago (brief stop to re-fuel in Dublin, Ireland). Had a Customs form and Covid questionnaire on the flight for Chicago, all that was requested to be turned in was the Customs declaration, had a couple questions regarding what I did in SA, was asked if I had any wildlife products (none), and that was it. Going through the Covid testing process was not that difficult. I had easy access to get testing done near my home (plus there is a clinic at the Greater Cincinnati Airport with quick results), and easily done while at Nick's ranch. I wish I had known how straightforward it would be. If that is what might be holding up your decision to go this year or even next year, I'd reconsider it.
I had a very satisfying trip, I've already booked a cull hunt plus a couple larger antelope to hunt for July 2022. Everyone at the ranch was enjoyable to spend time with, I certainly felt at home. I already miss the meals, loved having the daily cleaning and laundry service. I have to do all of those things here at home, so nice to have a break from that. Feel free to contact me by PM if you have any questions about my trip. Thanks for reading my report and all of the welcome compliments on my animals.
