Winter in Thabazimbi, Limpopo, brings ideal conditions for spending time in the bush. Cool mornings of around 3 Β°C give way to comfortable daytime temperatures of approximately 25 Β°C, while clear blue skies and spectacular African sunrises and sunsets complete the picture.
At Thaba Nyati, the past few months have also brought several impressive trophies and international visitors who travelled to South Africa in pursuit of a true African hunting experience.
The search for the right buffalo
One of the recent buffalo hunts proved particularly challenging. The hunter was looking for a very specific bull, one with a deep drop and an impressive spread, which meant the team had to put in the time to find the right animal. After two days of searching, they eventually located a mature bull that met the hunterβs expectations.
The hunt presented another challenge, as the hunter was an older gentleman with limited mobility. Getting him safely within range required patience and careful planning, but the team eventually managed to create the opportunity he needed.
The result was an exceptional trophy and a memorable hunt.
The bull was a hard, mature animal with particularly impressive bosses. What made the trophy even more distinctive was the exceptionally small gap between the bosses β a characteristic not often seen, as many buffalo bulls retain a visible gap between them even at maturity.
International hunters enjoy the Limpopo bush
Thaba Nyati also recently welcomed a hunter from Belgium, who thoroughly enjoyed his time in the South African bush. Among his trophies was an old bushbuck ram with the tip of one horn broken, an animal showing clear signs of age and one that may well have been facing its final winter.
Another memorable hunt involved a visitor from France who had dreamt for years of hunting a Cape buffalo in Africa.
The team eventually spotted a suitable bull travelling with several younger bulls towards water. The first shot was taken from approximately 75 m, but struck slightly high and behind the shoulder.
A Jack Russell Terrier accompanying the hunting team was then brought in to assist with locating the wounded bull. The team eventually cornered the buffalo near the dam, where the dog kept it occupied in thick vegetation.
The situation changed quickly when the bull charged from the bush. The hunter managed to place an effective follow-up shot, after which the buffalo crossed the dam wall and went down in the water. Recovering such a large animal presented its own challenge, and the team eventually used a long rope to pull it from the water.
The moment carried particular significance for the hunter: this was the first animal he had ever hunted in Africa and the fulfilment of a lifelong dream.
For the Thaba Nyati team, being part of experiences such as these is about more than the hunt itself. It is an opportunity to help visiting hunters experience the African bush and create memories they will carry home.
Five memorable days with Scott and Tammy
Scott and Tammy, visiting from the Great Falls area in Montana in the United States, joined Thaba Nyati for a five-day hunting trip filled with memorable encounters.
Scott started his hunt by taking an impala ram with a well-placed shot between the shoulders.
The following morning brought another challenge when he hunted a buffalo cow. A shot was placed into the shoulder from approximately 95 m, after which the cow ran roughly 70 m before lying down in a dense acacia thicket.
The team approached carefully and found the cow still alive. Scott placed a follow-up shot, and the animal died shortly afterwards.
Later that evening, he successfully hunted a jackal with a .223 Remington at approximately 130 m.
The following day brought one of the most intense encounters of the trip when Scott hunted a waterbuck from approximately 230 m. The animal disappeared into extremely thick vegetation, and despite the combined efforts of the tracker, tracking dog and even a drone, locating it proved difficult.
The waterbuck was eventually discovered only about 10 m from the team and suddenly charged before veering away. At close range, the resilience for which these animals are known became evident before the hunt was successfully concluded.
On their final evening at Thaba Nyati, Scott added a 23-cm warthog to an already memorable African safari, taking the animal from approximately 30 m.
More than trophies
Every hunt brings its own challenges. Sometimes it takes days to locate the right animal; at other times, thick bush, difficult terrain or a hunterβs physical limitations require the team to adapt their approach.
These challenges are also what make each experience unique.
For Thaba Nyati, welcoming hunters from around the world is an opportunity to showcase not only the quality of game found in the Thabazimbi region, but also the landscape, wildlife and unmistakable character of the South African bush.
With another winter hunting season well underway, there are sure to be many more stories from the veld still to come.
Contact Thaba Nyati
Marius Schrenk: (+27)82-708-2495
Email: info@thabanyatisafaris.com
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