bpdilligaf
New member
Operator - @DALTON & YORK SAFARIS
Ph - Gareth Brown
Date - Sept 8, 2025 - Sept 23, 2025
Area - Chewore South, Zimbabwe
Species hunted - Buffalo, Hyena, Snoobab
Species seen – Elephant, Buffalo, Kudu, Waterbuck, Grysbok, Duiker, Impala, Baboon, Wart Hog, Bush Buck, Crocs, Hippo, Roan, Hyena, Klipspringer
Rifles - Ruger Alaskan .375
Travel Agent - Gracy Travel (Unbelievably smooth operation, worth every penny)
Flights - (Delta) San Antonio - Atlanta - Johannesburg [Overnight at City Lodge] - (Airlink) Jburg - Harare
Same flights in reverse heading home
TLDR: Had a great hunt with Gareth of D&Y safaris. I would highly recommend D&Y to any of my friends looking to experience hunting in truly wild Africa. Killed a 42.5" buffalo on day 2. Added a baboon and hyena along the way but was unsuccessful on Zebra.
And now the details (with a little help from ChatGPT):
September 8 – Departure
The morning started with unexpected problems at home: Absolutely ZERO water pressure. A plumber was called, and it turned out the water softener had failed and clogged the system. Thankfully, my mother was in town ad took the lead in getting it sorted, giving me the freedom to focus on what lay ahead.
I left San Antonio on schedule, the anticipation of the hunt outweighing any travel nerves. The flight to Atlanta went smoothly, and I had time in the lounge to relax with a couple of beers. There, I met a South African man who had been farming in Havre, Montana, and was now returning home to work in the mines. His story reminded me of the different directions life can pull us.
The flight to Johannesburg was long but bearable. I managed a little sleep, though there was no Wi-Fi to distract me. A small price to pay before stepping into the adventure I had been planning for months.
September 9 – Johannesburg Arrival
We were scheduled to land late evening in Johannesburg. I marked the moment with a screwdriver and prepared for the process of clearing customs and collecting my rifle.
At O.R. Tambo International, I was greeted by Viktor (Gracy Travel), who whisked me through the paperwork and baggage claim with practiced efficiency. He then handed me off to Bruce, who escorted me to the police checkpoint where I retrieved my rifle. Everything was smooth, almost too easy after the buildup of anticipation.
From there, Bruce delivered me to the City Lodge Hotel attached to the airport. It was simple, comfortable, and exactly what I needed. That evening I had a cheeseburger and a couple of beers before turning in. Tomorrow, Zimbabwe awaited.
September 10 – To Zimbabwe
I was up by 4:30 a.m., reorganized my bags, and had breakfast before meeting Bruce. He guided me and my rifle through Airlink check-in without issue.
In the waiting area, I met Peter, a friendly fellow traveler, and we passed the time in conversation. On the short flight to Harare, a six-year-old girl sat behind me, flying alone. A young woman beside her quickly became a friend and guardian, keeping her calm throughout the journey. I simply couldn’t imagine putting my 5 or 6 year old on an international flight by herself. Absolutely insane.
On arrival in Harare, I was driven to Amanzi Lodge, a beautiful oasis tucked among lush gardens. The drive through the city was fascinating: a mix of vitality and poverty, where police stood in intersections instead of driving patrol cars, and street vendors sold everything from fruit to dog collars. Chinese-built compounds and casinos stood out against the otherwise rugged landscape.
At the lodge, I enjoyed a beer and dinner, thinking about the long drive north tomorrow to meet Gareth and finally begin the hunt.
September 11 – Journey to Camp
My driver, having picked me up at 8:00 AM, and I traveled through towns whose names I tried to commit to memory: Mvurwi, Grid, Guruve, Mahler, Mbiri, and Mushumbi, where we stopped for supplies, before finally reaching Angwa.
Outside Mbiri, I met Gareth, my professional hunter. The last client, Derick, had just finished his hunt, leaving with a tremendous 45-inch buffalo. It set the bar high.
By 2:15 we reached camp. After unloading, I met Gareth’s team and was introduced to Charly, who helped run the operation. I had met his wife in Harare, but in camp it was clear Charly was the man who kept things together. He was welcoming, knowledgeable, and immediately put me at ease.
That evening I unpacked, shared a few beers with Charly, and settled into my tent.
September 12 – First Stalk
I was up at 4:00 a.m. after a restless night filled with hippos grunting in the river and bushbuck barking in the dark. Coffee by the fire warmed me before we headed out at 7:00.
We started with a rifle check, then found fresh tracks. The first stalk lasted 45 minutes, but the wind betrayed us, and the buffalo ran. Gareth decided not to press them, hoping for another chance.
Through the morning we saw animals ranging from elephant to kudu, but no suitable buffalo. Lunch was taken at an old, abandoned camp called Kachowe — shade, breeze, cold beer, and a welcome rest.
The afternoon brought no success, though we found fresh spoor. Back in camp by 4:30, I showered, enjoyed a few beers, and had dinner: chicken-fried buffalo, potatoes, vegetables, and chocolate mousse. By 8:30, I was in bed.
September 13 – The Buffalo
Up at 4:00 a.m., rested and ready. Coffee by the fire, then off at 5:00 for an hour’s drive.
Near a river, the trackers were set out to search for fresh sign. An hour or so later, they returned reporting the unmistakable sign of 2 Dugga Boys having watered that morning.
We saddled up, check our weapons and fell in line behind the lead tracker Kushinga and his partner Joe. They worked the trail tirelessly, losing and regaining it several times. After what seemed like miles, but was closer to ¾ of a mile, they suddenly dropped flat. There, just ahead under a shade tree, a massive bull lay staring directly at us. Only his forehead and horn tips were visible.
We closed the distance and got into position on the sticks. We took our time and Gareth ensured I was comfortable and my nerves were calm. After ensuring him I was ready, he made soft bellows to rouse the bull, but the he wouldn’t move. A second buffalo shifted behind him and I realized we had actually found both Dugga boys.
Gareth asked again how I felt and I explained to him my shot was blocked by a small branch. He repositioned us 10–15 yards closer. Still, the bull held his ground. Finally, Gareth whispered that if I aimed at the middle of his hanging right ear, the shot would strike his shoulder.
At 10:45 a.m., I fired. The bulls sped away before I could get a follow up shot. We waited 40 tense minutes before tracking him into a ravine. Before I could comprehend what was going on, the trackers were laying down again….oxpeckers having betrayed the location of the bulls. Being above the lying bulls, we approached to 25-30 yards. My second shot hit the shoulder. He rose, and a chaotic exchange followed: shoulder, hip, stomach, then another hip shot that broke him down. I fired eight rounds in total before the bull collapsed, eyes fixed on me until the end.
He taped at 42.5 inches. A trophy bull in my eyes. Photos were taken, and given the fact he was dead in a ravine, the long process of quartering and packing began. We didn’t return to camp until late, exhausted but triumphant.
On my way to shower, I nearly collided with a hippo in the dark — a reminder that Africa always keeps you alert. That night we feasted and celebrated around the fire.
September 14 – A Day of Rest
After the chaos of yesterday, I slept in until 6:30. Coffee by the fire tasted especially good without the rush of a hunt ahead. A full English breakfast — eggs, bacon, sausage, beans, and toast — set the tone for a slower day.
In the afternoon, we set two baits for hyena not far from camp. The trackers were efficient, tying meat to trees and selecting locations where hyena traffic was likely. I enjoyed observing the process and the team’s experience.
A new set of arrivals in camp helped make the day eventful. Mark O, his PH Johnny Russel, and their videographer arrived and quickly began making plans for their tuskless elephant hunt.
Dinner was relaxed, conversation easy. Sleep came quickly.
September 15 – Baboons and Fossils
We checked the hyena baits at dawn but found no action. Later, we followed baboons along the Chewore River. The troop was large, noisy, and nervous. The Ruger .375 did it’s work on a nice male and another trophy was secured.
The midday sun was brutal. Driving along the riverbed left me a little carsick, the bouncing relentless. We broke for shade and water before continuing.
That afternoon, we discovered fossilized dinosaur tracks in the riverbed — an incredible surprise. To see the imprint of something that had walked there millions of years ago, while standing with rifle in hand hunting in modern Africa, was surreal.
September 16 – Bones in the River
After checking our Hyena baits we began the search for Zebra. Coming to another river, we stopped at a place called “Vaughn’s Crossing” where we discovered what appeared to be fossilized bones in the rock. Perhaps dinosaur remains, perhaps something else — but ancient, for certain. It was a reminder that Africa’s history stretches far deeper than our presence here.
The heat was unrelenting, and the day passed without major hunting action. Still, it was memorable for the discoveries in stone.
September 17 – Elephant Recovery
This morning started the same. We checked our Hyena baits and both had been hit. We will go back this evening and build a blind. We drove a big loop looking for zebras but came up empty handed so we headed back for lunch.
Johnny’s elephant crew came in and exclaimed they needed help with a recovery. We drove to the site, to find the crew already in the process of butchering Mark’s tuskless. I had the forethought to grab a beer for Mark and I from camp, which were rightly used to celebrate his success.
What followed was sobering. Dozens of men swarmed the carcass, cutting and carrying meat. I stood back, watching the sheer scale of the operation — the size of the animal, the efficiency of the men, the reality of Africa’s relationship with its wildlife. It was humbling, and at times amazing, and I was grateful to witness it.
That night, as darkness fell, lions and leopards roared near camp. Their presence was unmistakable, vibrating through the tent walls. Sleep was restless.
September 18 – Setting Hyena Blinds
Our wakeup time was 0400 but about an hour before a lion decided to serenade us from the bush by camp. When leaving camp, we confirmed his presence by seeing tracks on the camp road.
We headed to the ele recovery site to look for Hyena and check the motion cameras. No luck, oddly, only Jackals had found the kill.
After lunch, we built blinds near our second bait site. The team skillfully and carefully weaving brush and arranging shooting lanes. Patience and positioning were key. It was hard, sweaty work, but satisfying to see the blinds take shape.
That evening we spent a few cool hours in the blind but our efforts brought no success, though anticipation was high.
September 19 – Hyena Success
At first light, we returned to the elephant carcass. Hyena tracks crisscrossed the sand. Sure enough, three hyenas were busy working on the remains. Gareth, having made several hyena calls set up the shooting sticks. I steadied, aimed, and fired. The shot was true.
We took photos and admired the animal — not beautiful, but an essential predator, cunning and strong. Later, we returned to camp where bait was set out for crocs. What a truly astounding experience.
That evening, we climbed a ridge for sundowners, looking out over the valley as the sun set in gold and crimson. It was one of those moments that imprints itself forever.
September 20 – Zebra Chase
The day was devoted to zebra. We left camp around 7 AM and drove for hours, searching constantly for tracks. The scenery was simply amazing. Given how vast the landscape is, I can understand why there isn’t a trophy animal behind every tree.
Frustrating, but part of hunting.
September 21 – Final Day in Camp
Another attempt at zebra came up empty. By now, the heat was punishing, and fatigue had settled in. I spent more time reflecting — on the buffalo, the hyena, the land, the people.
That evening, we lingered long around the fire. The camaraderie in camp was strong, laughter easy, and stories endless. It was the perfect way to close the hunt.
September 22 – The Long Road Home
We rose early, packed gear, and loaded the trucks. The drive back to Harare was long and dusty, with one last stop at York’s house for a short wait prior to heading to the airport. Mrs. Mare arived, while we waited, and made me feel right at home.
At the airport, the familiar chaos of African travel returned. Paperwork, bag & rifle checks, and long lines blurred together until finally I boarded the flight. After nearly 38 hours of planes and airports, I was back in San Antonio — tired, grateful, and carrying memories that will last a lifetime.
Closing Thoughts
This hunt tested me, rewarded me, and left me with a deep respect for the land and people of Zimbabwe. From the tense final moments of the buffalo, to the laughter by the fire, to the fossilized tracks, and newly discovered fossilized bones of creatures long gone, every day offered something unforgettable…..Oh, and if you ever get a chance to swap stories with Vaughan Vooslo, do yourself a favor….they are unbelievable.
Ph - Gareth Brown
Date - Sept 8, 2025 - Sept 23, 2025
Area - Chewore South, Zimbabwe
Species hunted - Buffalo, Hyena, Snoobab
Species seen – Elephant, Buffalo, Kudu, Waterbuck, Grysbok, Duiker, Impala, Baboon, Wart Hog, Bush Buck, Crocs, Hippo, Roan, Hyena, Klipspringer
Rifles - Ruger Alaskan .375
Travel Agent - Gracy Travel (Unbelievably smooth operation, worth every penny)
Flights - (Delta) San Antonio - Atlanta - Johannesburg [Overnight at City Lodge] - (Airlink) Jburg - Harare
Same flights in reverse heading home
TLDR: Had a great hunt with Gareth of D&Y safaris. I would highly recommend D&Y to any of my friends looking to experience hunting in truly wild Africa. Killed a 42.5" buffalo on day 2. Added a baboon and hyena along the way but was unsuccessful on Zebra.
And now the details (with a little help from ChatGPT):
September 8 – Departure
The morning started with unexpected problems at home: Absolutely ZERO water pressure. A plumber was called, and it turned out the water softener had failed and clogged the system. Thankfully, my mother was in town ad took the lead in getting it sorted, giving me the freedom to focus on what lay ahead.
I left San Antonio on schedule, the anticipation of the hunt outweighing any travel nerves. The flight to Atlanta went smoothly, and I had time in the lounge to relax with a couple of beers. There, I met a South African man who had been farming in Havre, Montana, and was now returning home to work in the mines. His story reminded me of the different directions life can pull us.
The flight to Johannesburg was long but bearable. I managed a little sleep, though there was no Wi-Fi to distract me. A small price to pay before stepping into the adventure I had been planning for months.
September 9 – Johannesburg Arrival
We were scheduled to land late evening in Johannesburg. I marked the moment with a screwdriver and prepared for the process of clearing customs and collecting my rifle.
At O.R. Tambo International, I was greeted by Viktor (Gracy Travel), who whisked me through the paperwork and baggage claim with practiced efficiency. He then handed me off to Bruce, who escorted me to the police checkpoint where I retrieved my rifle. Everything was smooth, almost too easy after the buildup of anticipation.
From there, Bruce delivered me to the City Lodge Hotel attached to the airport. It was simple, comfortable, and exactly what I needed. That evening I had a cheeseburger and a couple of beers before turning in. Tomorrow, Zimbabwe awaited.
September 10 – To Zimbabwe
I was up by 4:30 a.m., reorganized my bags, and had breakfast before meeting Bruce. He guided me and my rifle through Airlink check-in without issue.
In the waiting area, I met Peter, a friendly fellow traveler, and we passed the time in conversation. On the short flight to Harare, a six-year-old girl sat behind me, flying alone. A young woman beside her quickly became a friend and guardian, keeping her calm throughout the journey. I simply couldn’t imagine putting my 5 or 6 year old on an international flight by herself. Absolutely insane.
On arrival in Harare, I was driven to Amanzi Lodge, a beautiful oasis tucked among lush gardens. The drive through the city was fascinating: a mix of vitality and poverty, where police stood in intersections instead of driving patrol cars, and street vendors sold everything from fruit to dog collars. Chinese-built compounds and casinos stood out against the otherwise rugged landscape.
At the lodge, I enjoyed a beer and dinner, thinking about the long drive north tomorrow to meet Gareth and finally begin the hunt.
September 11 – Journey to Camp
My driver, having picked me up at 8:00 AM, and I traveled through towns whose names I tried to commit to memory: Mvurwi, Grid, Guruve, Mahler, Mbiri, and Mushumbi, where we stopped for supplies, before finally reaching Angwa.
Outside Mbiri, I met Gareth, my professional hunter. The last client, Derick, had just finished his hunt, leaving with a tremendous 45-inch buffalo. It set the bar high.
By 2:15 we reached camp. After unloading, I met Gareth’s team and was introduced to Charly, who helped run the operation. I had met his wife in Harare, but in camp it was clear Charly was the man who kept things together. He was welcoming, knowledgeable, and immediately put me at ease.
That evening I unpacked, shared a few beers with Charly, and settled into my tent.
September 12 – First Stalk
I was up at 4:00 a.m. after a restless night filled with hippos grunting in the river and bushbuck barking in the dark. Coffee by the fire warmed me before we headed out at 7:00.
We started with a rifle check, then found fresh tracks. The first stalk lasted 45 minutes, but the wind betrayed us, and the buffalo ran. Gareth decided not to press them, hoping for another chance.
Through the morning we saw animals ranging from elephant to kudu, but no suitable buffalo. Lunch was taken at an old, abandoned camp called Kachowe — shade, breeze, cold beer, and a welcome rest.
The afternoon brought no success, though we found fresh spoor. Back in camp by 4:30, I showered, enjoyed a few beers, and had dinner: chicken-fried buffalo, potatoes, vegetables, and chocolate mousse. By 8:30, I was in bed.
September 13 – The Buffalo
Up at 4:00 a.m., rested and ready. Coffee by the fire, then off at 5:00 for an hour’s drive.
Near a river, the trackers were set out to search for fresh sign. An hour or so later, they returned reporting the unmistakable sign of 2 Dugga Boys having watered that morning.
We saddled up, check our weapons and fell in line behind the lead tracker Kushinga and his partner Joe. They worked the trail tirelessly, losing and regaining it several times. After what seemed like miles, but was closer to ¾ of a mile, they suddenly dropped flat. There, just ahead under a shade tree, a massive bull lay staring directly at us. Only his forehead and horn tips were visible.
We closed the distance and got into position on the sticks. We took our time and Gareth ensured I was comfortable and my nerves were calm. After ensuring him I was ready, he made soft bellows to rouse the bull, but the he wouldn’t move. A second buffalo shifted behind him and I realized we had actually found both Dugga boys.
Gareth asked again how I felt and I explained to him my shot was blocked by a small branch. He repositioned us 10–15 yards closer. Still, the bull held his ground. Finally, Gareth whispered that if I aimed at the middle of his hanging right ear, the shot would strike his shoulder.
At 10:45 a.m., I fired. The bulls sped away before I could get a follow up shot. We waited 40 tense minutes before tracking him into a ravine. Before I could comprehend what was going on, the trackers were laying down again….oxpeckers having betrayed the location of the bulls. Being above the lying bulls, we approached to 25-30 yards. My second shot hit the shoulder. He rose, and a chaotic exchange followed: shoulder, hip, stomach, then another hip shot that broke him down. I fired eight rounds in total before the bull collapsed, eyes fixed on me until the end.
He taped at 42.5 inches. A trophy bull in my eyes. Photos were taken, and given the fact he was dead in a ravine, the long process of quartering and packing began. We didn’t return to camp until late, exhausted but triumphant.
On my way to shower, I nearly collided with a hippo in the dark — a reminder that Africa always keeps you alert. That night we feasted and celebrated around the fire.
September 14 – A Day of Rest
After the chaos of yesterday, I slept in until 6:30. Coffee by the fire tasted especially good without the rush of a hunt ahead. A full English breakfast — eggs, bacon, sausage, beans, and toast — set the tone for a slower day.
In the afternoon, we set two baits for hyena not far from camp. The trackers were efficient, tying meat to trees and selecting locations where hyena traffic was likely. I enjoyed observing the process and the team’s experience.
A new set of arrivals in camp helped make the day eventful. Mark O, his PH Johnny Russel, and their videographer arrived and quickly began making plans for their tuskless elephant hunt.
Dinner was relaxed, conversation easy. Sleep came quickly.
September 15 – Baboons and Fossils
We checked the hyena baits at dawn but found no action. Later, we followed baboons along the Chewore River. The troop was large, noisy, and nervous. The Ruger .375 did it’s work on a nice male and another trophy was secured.
The midday sun was brutal. Driving along the riverbed left me a little carsick, the bouncing relentless. We broke for shade and water before continuing.
That afternoon, we discovered fossilized dinosaur tracks in the riverbed — an incredible surprise. To see the imprint of something that had walked there millions of years ago, while standing with rifle in hand hunting in modern Africa, was surreal.
September 16 – Bones in the River
After checking our Hyena baits we began the search for Zebra. Coming to another river, we stopped at a place called “Vaughn’s Crossing” where we discovered what appeared to be fossilized bones in the rock. Perhaps dinosaur remains, perhaps something else — but ancient, for certain. It was a reminder that Africa’s history stretches far deeper than our presence here.
The heat was unrelenting, and the day passed without major hunting action. Still, it was memorable for the discoveries in stone.
September 17 – Elephant Recovery
This morning started the same. We checked our Hyena baits and both had been hit. We will go back this evening and build a blind. We drove a big loop looking for zebras but came up empty handed so we headed back for lunch.
Johnny’s elephant crew came in and exclaimed they needed help with a recovery. We drove to the site, to find the crew already in the process of butchering Mark’s tuskless. I had the forethought to grab a beer for Mark and I from camp, which were rightly used to celebrate his success.
What followed was sobering. Dozens of men swarmed the carcass, cutting and carrying meat. I stood back, watching the sheer scale of the operation — the size of the animal, the efficiency of the men, the reality of Africa’s relationship with its wildlife. It was humbling, and at times amazing, and I was grateful to witness it.
That night, as darkness fell, lions and leopards roared near camp. Their presence was unmistakable, vibrating through the tent walls. Sleep was restless.
September 18 – Setting Hyena Blinds
Our wakeup time was 0400 but about an hour before a lion decided to serenade us from the bush by camp. When leaving camp, we confirmed his presence by seeing tracks on the camp road.
We headed to the ele recovery site to look for Hyena and check the motion cameras. No luck, oddly, only Jackals had found the kill.
After lunch, we built blinds near our second bait site. The team skillfully and carefully weaving brush and arranging shooting lanes. Patience and positioning were key. It was hard, sweaty work, but satisfying to see the blinds take shape.
That evening we spent a few cool hours in the blind but our efforts brought no success, though anticipation was high.
September 19 – Hyena Success
At first light, we returned to the elephant carcass. Hyena tracks crisscrossed the sand. Sure enough, three hyenas were busy working on the remains. Gareth, having made several hyena calls set up the shooting sticks. I steadied, aimed, and fired. The shot was true.
We took photos and admired the animal — not beautiful, but an essential predator, cunning and strong. Later, we returned to camp where bait was set out for crocs. What a truly astounding experience.
That evening, we climbed a ridge for sundowners, looking out over the valley as the sun set in gold and crimson. It was one of those moments that imprints itself forever.
September 20 – Zebra Chase
The day was devoted to zebra. We left camp around 7 AM and drove for hours, searching constantly for tracks. The scenery was simply amazing. Given how vast the landscape is, I can understand why there isn’t a trophy animal behind every tree.
Frustrating, but part of hunting.
September 21 – Final Day in Camp
Another attempt at zebra came up empty. By now, the heat was punishing, and fatigue had settled in. I spent more time reflecting — on the buffalo, the hyena, the land, the people.
That evening, we lingered long around the fire. The camaraderie in camp was strong, laughter easy, and stories endless. It was the perfect way to close the hunt.
September 22 – The Long Road Home
We rose early, packed gear, and loaded the trucks. The drive back to Harare was long and dusty, with one last stop at York’s house for a short wait prior to heading to the airport. Mrs. Mare arived, while we waited, and made me feel right at home.
At the airport, the familiar chaos of African travel returned. Paperwork, bag & rifle checks, and long lines blurred together until finally I boarded the flight. After nearly 38 hours of planes and airports, I was back in San Antonio — tired, grateful, and carrying memories that will last a lifetime.
Closing Thoughts
This hunt tested me, rewarded me, and left me with a deep respect for the land and people of Zimbabwe. From the tense final moments of the buffalo, to the laughter by the fire, to the fossilized tracks, and newly discovered fossilized bones of creatures long gone, every day offered something unforgettable…..Oh, and if you ever get a chance to swap stories with Vaughan Vooslo, do yourself a favor….they are unbelievable.
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Great report and thank you for sharing
