This story begins three years ago when I received a message through the ‘This is Africa’ YouTube channel. It was from a viewer named Dan. Now, Dan had always dreamed of hunting in Africa but confessed, “Andy, hunting in Africa is just out of my budget!” I said, “Dan, why not pay your deposit now, book for three years ahead, and save up? That way, the cost won’t hit you all at once!”
Fast forward three years, Dan finally lands in Africa with his wife Ariana. Picking them up from the airport, I watched them transform into kids in a candy store, wide-eyed and giddy with excitement. A dream was about to come true.
As we reached the safari area, the first night was all about relaxation and preparation. The next morning, bright and early, we were on the trail of some fresh Dagga boy tracks – five bulls! Dan was ready, clutching his .375 rifle like Rambo in his own jungle adventure.
We found our buffalo, a magnificent beast lying down with horns that’d make any hunter’s heart race – 44, maybe 45 inches wide! Dan lined up his shot – and missed! Dust flying everywhere, the buffalo bolted. Dan was momentarily crushed but hey, it’s all part of the game!
That afternoon, luck rolled our way again. We tracked a lone Dagga boy into a canyon. This one was alert and watching us, but with a cool head, Dan nailed a fantastic shot. First day, and the dream buffalo hunt was complete! Naturally, we celebrated in style that night.
The rest of the safari was about chasing kudu. Oh, the kudu – elusive and taunting us at every turn. We tracked them, stalked them, but those crafty creatures always stayed a step ahead.
But then – a break, a blessing. Dan spotted a graceful grysbok and seized the moment, securing a trophy worth every commendation. And of course, an impala, stalked beautifully through the dry riverbeds where we’d also spotted lions, elephants, and more. Dan nailed his shot, keeping the dream alive.
Ariana, meanwhile, loved fishing. So, on our last day, rods in hand, we hit the waters. And wouldn’t you know it, Ariana out-fished the lot of us, catching the biggest Vundu catfish you’ve ever seen in the Zambezi River!
It was a fantastic adventure, and Dan’s already plotting round two. We’ll be seeing him at the Dallas Safari Club and SCI convention to plan his next escapade. Here’s to more stories and adventures yet to come!
