ZIMBABWE: Leopard Hunting With Nyamazana Safaris

Mike C.

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I just concluded a 14-day Leopard hunt with Wayne Van Dem Bergh & @Nyamazana Safaris. I am disappointed to report that I came home empty handed, yet full of incredible experiences and memories. Wayne and his team exceeded my expectations and had two leopards come into two separate baits, both within an easy 50 yard shot that I simply could not execute on (too long of a story to explain). I was very impressed at the effort and attention to detail that Wayne demonstrated in finding good fresh signs, establishing baits and setting up very comfortable blinds for our all night vigil. While I did not get the leopard, I had the opportunity and without any hesitation I plan to hunt with Wayne & Nyamazana Safaris next year....I know there is a leopard waiting for me. Thanks again for a wonderful experience!
 
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You most welcome Mike, we look forward to your return. I can assure you that everyone that hunts enough will have a story or two similar to your experience. That's why it's called hunting and not every hunt is guaranteed and nor should it be a guarantee.
 
Hi Mike C.
did you travel from the US and if so what were your flight details and covid testing requirements. Were PCR tests readily available in Zim? Thanks
PS look at the bright side- you get to go back and try again. A lot of people in that boat!
 
Glad you had a good experience. Thank you for sharing.
 
What area did you hunt? What did you see for other wildlife and plains game?
 
Hi Mike C.
did you travel from the US and if so what were your flight details and covid testing requirements. Were PCR tests readily available in Zim? Thanks
PS look at the bright side- you get to go back and try again. A lot of people in that boat!
Yes from the US. Took United from Tampa to Houston, to Frankfurt. Lufthansa from Frankfurt to Johannesburg. Airlink from Johannesburg to Bulawayo. United did all the ticketing (two separate tickets) and I made sure United “connected them” so my luggage went all the way through. I didn’t want to have a problem in Johannesburg since I didn’t have a permit there. Worked overall well. Yes PCR testing in Bulawayo went very smoothly (taken by 4:pm, results by 8:am next day). Be VERY careful on your test certification dates....All the airlines looked closely at it. In fact, going into Frankfurt, 9 armed federal police met the plane at the plane door and inspected passports and testing documents. I saw one passenger get escorted away. Hope that helps.
 
What area did you hunt? What did you see for other wildlife and plains game?

About 3 hrs S/E of Bulaway. They had a very wet summer so there was so much vegetation it was difficult at best to see plains game except near the road. We did see some, but primarily limited to Impala and Zebra. Others were there....just couldn’t see them.
 
Yes from the US. Took United from Tampa to Houston, to Frankfurt. Lufthansa from Frankfurt to Johannesburg. Airlink from Johannesburg to Bulawayo. United did all the ticketing (two separate tickets) and I made sure United “connected them” so my luggage went all the way through. I didn’t want to have a problem in Johannesburg since I didn’t have a permit there. Worked overall well. Yes PCR testing in Bulawayo went very smoothly (taken by 4:pm, results by 8:am next day). Be VERY careful on your test certification dates....All the airlines looked closely at it. In fact, going into Frankfurt, 9 armed federal police met the plane at the plane door and inspected passports and testing documents. I saw one passenger get escorted away. Hope that helps.
Thanks for the info. Very helpful. Takes a lot of effort but it’s worth it to be able to go on safari again. Is that covid test at 4am? Where did you stay in Bulawayo? Really appreciate all your help and relaying your experience. Cheers
 
Covid test is available from 8am - 4:pm, with the results available by 8:am the next day. Stayed at the PH home.
 
I just concluded a 14-day Leopard hunt with Wayne Van Dem Bergh & @Nyamazana Safaris. I am disappointed to report that I came home empty handed, yet full of incredible experiences and memories. Wayne and his team exceeded my expectations and had two leopards come into two separate baits, both within an easy 50 yard shot that I simply could not execute on (too long of a story to explain). I was very impressed at the effort and attention to detail that Wayne demonstrated in finding good fresh signs, establishing baits and setting up very comfortable blinds for our all night vigil. While I did not get the leopard, I had the opportunity and without any hesitation I plan to hunt with Wayne & Nyamazana Safaris next year....I know there is a leopard waiting for me. Thanks again for a wonderful experience!
Mike don’t feel too bad leopard is tough. It took me 3 safaris and then he tried to eat me! I am glad you are going again.
We are all dying of curiosity though on what happened. Miss, noise, couldn’t see the cat, or something else? I understand if you’d rather not say. I am just here to note that it happens, whatever it was, to the best of us.
Regards,
Philip
 
Thanks for the info. Very helpful. Takes a lot of effort but it’s worth it to be able to go on safari again. Is that covid test at 4am? Where did you stay in Bulawayo? Really appreciate all your help and relaying your experience. Cheers
Rapid test now allowed on return to US. It’s getting easier!
 
Mike. I applaud your attitude. First to hunt in these trying times , sounds like a very creative flight itinerary . Second to put the work in and realize leopards are indeed the tip of the top hunts and worthy of multiple hunts. I know folks who have taken 6 tries and I know some who sat in the blind once. I’ve always felt leapard would be an excellent chess player. Some games that last long are the most memorable
Third good on you to already planning to return as Wayne,Cowboy and crew are an excellent choice. Cheers. Jacques
 
Well Mike, that´s hunting. In SA, I happened to see a very large tom in full daylight, as he was chasing some Nyalas.

Glad you did have a good experience :D Cheers:
 
Rapid test now allowed on return to US. It’s getting easier!
Are you talking returning US residents from SA and Zimbabwe. When did that go in effect? Great news. Are home tests sold at pharmacies accepted? Thanks
 
I was in that area in March. There was Leopard sign everywhere and I saw 3 during the day. Awesome area and sorry to hear about your luck.
 

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