Our main destinations are SOUTH AFRICA, mainly in the Eastern Cape province for all your plains game hunt as well as for Buffalo, Rhino, Sable, and in the Free States for big Lions hunted on foot with bushmen’s trackers; TANZANIA for all classic safaris out of 3 areas (Maasailand for Lesser Kudu, Fringed Hear Oryx, Gerenuk, Gazelles and huge Mt Buffaloes and Leopards. Central Tanzania for classic Big Cats safaris, Buffalo, Sable & Roan. Selous for Buffalo, Leopard, Hippo & Croc and plains game); CAMEROON for Lord Derby Eland in the Savannah. CAMEROON RAIN FOREST, one of the very few places on earth where Bongos are hunted spot and stalk and with dogs. Lots Dwarf Buffalo and Forest Sitatunga.
I know your needs and expectations so well when it comes to African Hunting, that I have worked out various options covering the best of what mother Africa has to offer to you, the dedicated hunter. Our meticulous planning and great ethic remain the same, only accommodation and hunting areas vary, dependent upon your desires and game requirements.
GRAND SAFARI, a dynamic organization producing excellent results, taking care of all your needs in Africa during your safari.
We have you covered…Christophe Beau
“Diversity” is probably the most accurate image one could give to the Eastern Cape region. It is as diverse in flora and fauna as it is in cultural and political history. Nelson Mandela has his home here, and from the coastal cities to the rural inland areas, the Eastern Cape is famous for its natural beauty and friendly people.
As well as enjoying the tranquil and malaria-free game viewing at our lodge, you can explore the golden beaches, magnificent marine life and sub-tropical forests of the Eastern Cape. No vaccination or shots required; consult your physician and www.cdc.gov for recommended shots (such as tetanus and hepatitis).
It is from here your hunting adventure will begin. We have, within very short distances, very diverse habitats that support many species that can be hunted. The terrain ranges from coastal bushveld to mountainous terrain, depending on the species to be hunted.
Grand Safari also offers Big Game Hunting (cape buffalo, rhino’s and limited lions). Program and quote on request.
SEA VIEW HUNTING
Was it some Knysna Turaco flying over your private luxury cottage or the sound of the waves licking the unspoilt white sand beach that woke you up this morning? It’s time to go hunting. What should it be today? One of those Cape Buffalo spotted yesterday while stalking a magnificent Nyala, or a Blue Duiker in the coastal forest?
An African Safari with Sea View… …Yes, but a Grand Safari!
In today’s world, choosing your next hunting destination in Africa can be challenging at the time with many great options to choose from. We are offering a unique option with the ultimate balance for both the passionate hunter and his / her adventurous family. We combining great traditional hunting the way we have always done it for over 20 years, with some sea resort vacation.
Itinerary:
Day 1 : Arrival at OR Tembo International in Johannesburg (JNB). Our agent will meet with you to clear your guns with customs and to guide you to the domestic flight to East London (ELS).
Meet and greet with your Grand Safari PH, transfer to our first lodge inland (approx.. 1.5 hours drive).
The lodge is set in the heart of a private game reserve of over 20 000 acres hosting some of the Big Five, with over 60 000 acres concessions to hunt from.
Day 2 to day 4: INLAND / 3 days of hunting, over 30 species to choose from. Here, no sea view to be found but some great spot & stalk and tracking to experience amongst giraffes and cape buffaloes.
Day 5: After a solid breakfast, you will be transferred to our Indian Ocean Coastal resort (about 4 hours drive). The view overlooking the Cintsa Bay is simply breathtaking. Whales and resident dolphins are often been spotted from the deck around the pool while having lunch. Checking in before going hunting or joining on one of the numerous excursion or activity.
Day 6 to day 9: INDIAN OCEAN / 4 days of hunting and/or joining any activities and daily excursions. The choice is yours, you will organize your days as you feel whether you go hunting while your spouse and family go surfing, or you all stay to enjoy the SPA or play some golf on a PGA course. You may want to visit Nelson Mandela’s village or go deep-sea fishing.
Day 10: Drop off your trophies and instructions at Karl Human Taxidermy on the way to the airport. Fly tfrom ELS to JNB where our agent will assist again with firearm and international check in.
Inland Lodge
Lodge on the edge of the Indian Ocean
1 / COUPLE SAFARI
10 days / 9 nights
Including:
- Full board accommodation in double room
- Beer, wine, bottled water and soda
- Hunting logistics, PH, vehicle, skinner / tracker and hunting license
- Field preparation of all trophies and repatriation of trophies to Karl Human Taxidermy
- SPA, 2 sessions (1h « full body massage » + 30 mn « back & neck», per couple)
- Photographic safari for 2 with Cheetah AND Elephant interaction activities
- Laundry
- 15% VAT where applicable
2 / FAMILY SAFARI
10 days / 9 nights
(2 adults + 2 under 13 children)
Including:
- Full board accommodation in 2 double rooms
- Beer, wine, bottled water and soda
- Hunting logistics, PH, vehicle, skinner / tracker and hunting license
- Field preparation of all trophies and repatriation of trophies to Karl Human Taxidermy
- Photographic safari for 4 with Cheetah interaction activity
- 3h snorkeling excursion
- Surfing lesson of 2h1/2 for the whole family (including boards)
- Laundry
- 15% VAT where applicable
Not included in both options:
- Trophy fees. You may send a deposit towards trophy fees before your trip, balance to be settled cash at the end of the safari
- Any other excursions and activities
- Bar (spirits, imported champagne & wines etc)
- Tips (as a guide line, USD 100 / day for your PH – USD 10 / day for your tracker – USD 10 / day to share for accommodation staff). PLEASE NOTE: Tips are not compulsory and at your sole discretion
- Meet & Greet in Johannesburg airport, including firearm temporary import permit: USD 120 / gun owner, includes assistance on the way back as well
- Firearm rental (USD 45 / day + ammunition)
- Hounds for Blue Duiker or Caracal: USD 250 / day
- Taxidermy work & shipping cost to your final destination
Conditions of sale:
- Your safari is confirmed with a 40% deposit
- Balance 45 days prior arrival
Transportation to excursions & activities:
- When the excursion or activity is taking place instead of a hunting session, your PH will take care of all transportation at no extra cost
- When the excursion or activity is taking place during a hunting session, you may have a second guide and vehicle at your disposal at USD 250 / day
- Please note that some excursions and activities (SPA, wave jumping, surfing lesson etc) do not require any additional transportation from the lodge
Excursions and activities:
- Zip Line of about 3km long (1,8 miles), minimum 6 participant (possible de join an existing group or pay extra for exclusive use): USD 45 / person
- Quad Bike (available on 2 private game reserve, do your own photographic safari): USD 40 / hour / person
- Abseiling, minimum 6 participant (possible de join an existing group or pay extra for exclusive use): USD 30 / person
- Canoe on the river, unlimited: USD 30 / person
- Guided game drive with open safari vehicle: USD 100 / person
- Interaction activities with Cheetahs OR Elephants: USD 35 / person
- Walk with the elephants: USD 65 / person
- Elephant back safari: USD 120 / person / hour
- Brewery experience, visit of a local brewery and beer testing (all welcome for the visit, over 18 only for the testing). Minimum 2 participant: USD 15 / person
- Surfing lesson (including surf board hiring), in front of the lodge, from 1 to 10 participant: USD 40 / surfer (no additional transportation needed)
- SPA (we have 2 SPA center, ask for the SPA menus). (no additional transportation needed)
- Golf (opening in May 2016), PGA standard: USD 85 / player, excluding caddie
- Barge river cruise: USD 400 / barge
- Wave jumping, in front of the lodge. High speed semi-rigid inflatable boat jumping waves, from novice to expert level: USD 75 / hour / person (no additional transportation needed)
- Deep-Sea fishing: USD 630 / boat with maximum 4 anglers (includes bottom fishing tackle)
- Cultural experience, various tours on offer (Township / Discover Local Culture / East London : USD 50 / pers. (1/2 day) – Steve Biko : USD 70 / pers. (1/2 day) – Nelson Mandela with the visit of the museum and his village Qunu: USD 120 / person. (full day excursion))
- Yoga, Pilates and Zumba on request (no additional transportation needed)
As far as species to be found on each areas are concerned, please find below a more detailed list. You don’t find what you are specifically looking for? Contact us
– INLAND Concessions –
SOUTH AFRICA – * Quota limited
Aoudad | Lynx (Caracal) |
Baboon | Nyala |
Blesbuck, common | Oryx / Gemsbok |
Blesbuck, white | Reedbuck, Common |
Bontebok | Reedbuck, Mountain |
Buffalo, Cape | Roan |
Bushbuck, Cape | Sable |
Bushpig | Springbuck, black |
Deer, fallow | Springbuck, common |
Duiker, common | Springbuck, copper |
Eland, Cape | Springbuck, Kalahari |
Hartebeest, red | Springbuck, white |
Impala | Steenbuck |
Impala (non trophy) | Warthog |
Jackal, black backed | Waterbuck, common |
Klipspringer | Wildebeest, Black |
Kudu, Cape Greater | Wildebeest, Blue |
Lechwe, red | Zebra, Burchell |
– INDIAN OCEAN Concessions –
SOUTH AFRICA – * Quota limited
Baboon | Kudu, Cape Greater |
Blesbuck, common | Impala |
Bontebok | Impala (non trophy) |
Buffalo, Cape | Kudu, Cape Greater |
Bushbuck, Cape | Lynx (Caracal) |
Bushpig | Nyala |
Duiker, blue | Warthog |
Duiker, common | Warthog (non trophy) |
Giraffe | Wildebeest, blue |
Hartebeest, red | Zebra, Burchell |
Wounded and lost animals are paid in full. Other species available on request. TOPS & CITES : USD 50
Best time to hunt is from March to November.
Weather and best Season:
The Eastern Cape has a subtropical climate with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 33°C (68 to 91° F) in summer (December through February) and in winter (June through August) from around – 6°C to 23°C (21 to 73°F).
OTHER SAFARI OPTIONS
« A LA CARTE » SAFARI option
This is an example of a 6 days / 7 nights safari Exclusive luxury lodge |
Hunter on a 1×1 |
Hunter on a 2×1 |
Observer / non hunter |
BIG FIVE SAFARI
Hunt the BIG 4 (Lion, Rhinoceros, Cape Buffalo and Elephant) in South Africa.
All prices and conditions are on request only.
Our prices include:
- Transfer from/to East London airport
- Full board accommodation excluding bar, including table drinks (soda, beer & wine)
- Daily laundry service (we recommend you take 3 sets of hunting clothes only)
- Organized hunting with a professional hunter, 4×4 vehicles, a skinner/tracker & equipment
- First preparation of trophies and transportation to Karl Human Taxidermist in East London
- 15% Value Added Tax (VAT) where applicable
Our prices do not include:
- Trophy fees (see our 2016 lists).
- Hounds for hunting caracal and / or bushpig: US$ 280 / day
- Flights, excursions, restaurants, supplementary nights before & after the safari, bar drinks
- Firearm import permit, US$ 150 if issued before hand with assistance on arrival in Firearm rental (US$ 45 / day + ammunition)
- Taxidermy, we recommend a deposit in cash of 40% to Karl Human Taxidermist at the end of your safari (as per his current price-list). Karl can mount your trophies or ship to the taxidermist of your choice
- Tips for your hunting guide, trackers and camp staff are not obligatory and are to be paid at your Guide line is USD 100 / day for your PH, USD 10 / day for your tracker and USD 10 / day for your camp staff to share
Conditions of sale:
- Animals in packages (if any) cannot be swapped for others
- Any wounded or lost animals to be paid in full
- A deposit is to be paid to the taxidermy, for either dip & pack or mounts
- 50% deposit on your safari to secure your dates (to Grand Safari)
- Balance of your safari 60 days prior departure (contact us for any other arrangements)
Christophe Beau has been involved in Big Game Hunting in Southern Africa since 1994. He is a full member of PHASA (the Professional Hunter’s Association of South Africa) since 1998, and is a registered dangerous game professional hunter and hunting contractor in the Eastern Cape of South Africa.
Christophe is a Master Measurer for SCI and Rowland Ward, and is also a member of ACP (Association des Chasseurs Professionnels).
Turquoise Horizon c.c. trading as GRAND SAFARI work with other registered hunting contractors in RSA as well as in Tanzania, Cameroon, France and Congo.
GRAND SAFARI is a trade mark of Turquoise Horizon c.c. owned by Christophe Beau.
Christophe guide a few safaris himself during the season, mainly for dangerous game, and make sure everything run smoothly in all Grand Safari camps and lodges.
Methods of hunting
Different game requires different tactics, each day being different from the next. So, with this thought in mind, we take each day as it comes. Some clients are fitter than others and prefer to walk more, some prefer to rest up in the comforts of our well equipped air conditioned 4×4 vehicles. Usually, plains game is hunted with the aid of our 4×4 vehicles. The game is spotted and stalked on foot from that point.
All tastes are catered for, be it wing or fleet footed game, we will put you on target. Please be sure to advise us of all animals that you wish to hunt before your arrival in RSA as some animals are not available in the Eastern Cape and these can be hunted only if prior notice is given.
The same principle applies in Tanzania where, for example, gazelles are only to be found in the northern region of Maasailand.
Arms and ammunition
Rifle and cartridge are a matter of personal choice. The most important issue is that you have had enough practice to be comfortable with your rifle. Your deer rifle may be a better choice than a rifle purchased for the hunt.
A suggested marksmanship standard is 8 inch groups at 200 yards when shooting from a rest, and 8 inch groups at 50 yards when snap shooting from an off-hand (unsupported) standing position.
We suggest that clients use either a 270 Winchester, 30-06, 7mm, or .300 Magnum for plains game like springbok, mountain reedbuck and greater kudu. Premium ammunition with a bullet that is heavy for its caliber is recommended; ask us for details.
A .375 H&H Magnum would also be a good choice if bigger game like cape eland would be hunted. A
.300 Magnum is the suggested minimum for eland.
For big game in Tanzania .375 H&H Magnum is a good option. For Cape Buffalo, Hippo & Elephant, a bigger caliber, if you are comfortable with your gun, is a good idea.
Fit your rifle with a good quality scope with variable power, such as 1.5-6 x 42 or 3-9 x 36. Consider bringing an inexpensive 4 power scope as a backup in case your primary scope is damaged. Sufficient ammunition to re-zero your scope is advised.
Make sure your firearm is protected in a good quality LOCKED case for airline transportation. UNLOADED firearm and ammunition must be declared to an airline representative upon check-in. Well before your departure, obtain a US Customs Form 4457 that records the serial number of your firearm: you will need this form upon re-entry to the United States, and serves as a “US firearm license” for some countries (such as France and Namibia). For airline transportation, it is best to remove the bolt from your rifle (or barrel from your shotgun) and place them both inside your locked case, in such a way that both are separately visible to a TSA x-ray machine.
Factory ammunition boxes in a metal ammo case that can be stored in a checked bag other than the firearm case will comply with all known airline regulations. Airlines prohibit tracer, incendiary, and explosive ammunition. Airline regulations require that a maximum of 10 pounds (or 5 kilograms) of ammunition in factory boxes is transported in checked baggage. A total of 100 rounds of ammunition (five boxes of 20 rounds) is a typical limit.
In regards to the importation of firearms and ammunition, please contact us and we will advise you according to your destination and its regulations. We will take care of all import permits on your behalf, as this must be done well in advance.
Condition of sale
40% to 50% deposit to secure booking and the remaining balance to be paid in 45 to 90 days prior to arrival. Conditions may change from one destination to another and will be confirmed accordingly.
Note to the hunter
We suggest you bring one or two pairs of WELL BROKEN IN lightweight leather boots, plus binoculars: 10×40 for plains game and leopard, 8×30 for buffalo. Personal gear should include a hat, sunscreen (SPF 30 or better), lip balm, insect repellant (for Zimbabwe and Tanzania), cartridge pouch, canteen with shoulder strap or belt clip, rain jacket, and a fleece jacket with hood for mornings.
MALARIA: NO Malaria in the Eastern Cape of SOUTH AFRICA. Anti-malaria drugs are recommended in TANZANIA, CAMEROON, UGANDA & BURKINA FASO: consult your physician.
Suggested Reading List
African Hunter II, Boddington and Flack (intro to safari, plus country by country hunting info)
Safari Guide, Conrad (how to plan and book a safari, and what to expect)
Death in the Long Grass, Capstick (sensational style, but a factual account of what to watch out for)
The Perfect Shot, Robertson (selection of cartridges & where to place the shot on a variety of species) Horn of the Hunter, Ruark (classic 1950’s hunt chronicle in Tanzania)
Green Hills of Africa, Hemingway (1930’s Kenya & Tanzania, at times more mystical than narrative) African Game Trails, Theodore Roosevelt (a US president chooses one year safari over re-election) SCI Record Book of Trophy Animals, Africa Field Edition XI Vol. 1&2 (where to find what species & how big)
The Hunting Report, Don Causey (monthly newsletter, “consumer reports” for hunting)
Seasons
- South Africa: Year round, best from 1st March to 30th November
- Tanzania: From 1st July to 31st December
- Cameroon : Savannah and Rain Forest 15th December to 15th April
- France: Year round, but depends on the specie targeted
Observers
Observers can experience the thrill of the hunt from the comfort of our 4×4. They can share in the anticipation, the frustrations and the victories toasted at the end of each hunting day.
Observers often enjoy bringing a video camera to record the hunt.
South Africa is well known as a nature lovers’ paradise, beautiful scenery and a large variety of fauna and flora will keep you busy while the hunt is on. As South Africa is considered to be “the world in one country” there are many things to do and see. Be sure to inquire about the many excursions that are available in your choice of hunting area. Arrangements can be made to spend time in some of South Africa’s major game parks like the “Kruger National Park” or the “Hluhluwe Umfolozi Game Reserve” or in one of our many local private or national game reserves in the Eastern Cape, such as Addo Elephant Park. We hunt all year round.
Fishing is also great fun from Port Alfred aboard one of the local “ski boat” rigged for deep sea fishing.
Tanzania
This is possibly the ultimate hunting experience today in Africa. From Cape Buffalo to big Tuskers, we have them all in the Selous Game Reserve. We have had a 100% success rate on Cape Buffalo since 1992. Also lots of excursions available, ranging from a photographic safari in the Ngorongoro crater to visiting the well-known Zanzibar Island.
Hunting season is from 1st of July to 31st of December.
Cameroon
Where we are very fortunate to be able to offer both Rain Forest and Savannah hunting. From Bongo to Lord Derby Eland (not to forget dwarf and savannah buffalo, roan, elephant, korrigum, duikers and many more species), the 3 areas we are now running have been producing great trophy quality for the last 7 years.
Cameroon is not the best tourism destination, although for the more adventurous, gorillas are spotted every week in the Rain Forest while hunting with pygmy trackers.
France
With the Eiffel Tower, le Louvres meseum, the Bordeaux wine route, the Castles on the Loire river and much much more to discover…