Our next grand adventure was set—a thrilling 18-day safari in the dark heart of Zimbabwe. Our client, Mike had his sights set on a wild, free-ranging lion, and the anticipation was palpable.
Our first encounter was unexpected—two young male lions came to the bait we’d set up, but they weren’t on our list. Instead, it was the buffalo hunt that got our blood pumping. We tracked a massive herd of 200 buffalo, setting up our ambush on the hill. A magnificent bull presented a broadside shot. The 470 Blaser double rifle echoed through the air, and the once mighty buffalo was down. It was Mike’s first buffalo, an impressive bull with 43-inch horns, destined to become excellent lion bait.
Midway through the expedition, fortune favored us with another lion taking the bait – a mature, majestic beast. Having caught a glimpse of him slipping away in the daytime, we were resolute: this was the lion we sought. Preparations were meticulous. Bait set and blind positioned, we approached early in the afternoon.
At precisely 5:30 PM, the lion emerged, standing quartered away. The moment was tense. Using the double rifle, now armed with 375 barrels, Mike delivered his shot. The lion leaped into the bush. Adrenaline surged; the initial shot seemed solid. Mike fired a second round just before the lion disappeared.
After giving it a necessary pause, we cautiously tracked the lion’s trail. Yet our optimism waned as we followed the blood trail deeper into the dense brush. Tension escalated as we neared a particularly thick patch, the trackers skillfully tossing sticks ahead to discern any lurking danger. Suddenly, the lion burst forward in a remarkable charge. But with simultaneous precision shots from both Mike and the pH, the danger was averted. Relief washed over us; the lion lay motionless. It was a close call, more thrilling than anticipated. We celebrated with triumphant trophy photos and gratitude for emerging unharmed.
Meanwhile, Mike’s wife Courtney was acing her own safari dreams. She skillfully took a magnificent kudu and two impalas, as well as a hippo bull, adding to the cherished memories of their adventure.
Excited by the incredible experiences, Mike is already planning his next expedition. An elephant hunt awaits, and Courtney has her sights set on a leopard. We eagerly anticipate their return in 2025, with countless stories waiting to be written.
