Geoff Kohlmeyer

As a returning hunter to the African continent, I was searching for new experiences and had particular (sometimes difficult) expectations.  I did not want to be catered to like a VIP tourist; I wanted to work hard, walk far, get dirty, debate tactics and live primitively between hunts.  I wanted to be involved in the entire process from scouting to post hunt preparations. I had been in South Africa for nearly a year and tried out several outfits only to find that I may never get the experience I was seeking… Then I met Ruan.

It was a chance meeting as he was helping a friend who I had hired to take a couple of greenhorn colleagues for their first hunt in Africa.  Ruan quickly took control of the hunt and before long had led a skillful stalk on an elusive Impala ram.  His cunning and patience impressed me.  There were no high fences; these were free roaming and very wild Impala.  The novice hunter was reeling from the particular adrenaline rush that comes from a hard won stalk and that was it for him, he would be hooked for life.

Later that evening it was my turn.  After some conversation regarding the disappointment with my previous hunts, Ruan made it his personal challenge to change my outlook with a bush pig hunt.  Nightfall found us among rows of mature macadamia trees and after a couple hours I was losing hope of actually encountering pigs; but still in awe of how small I felt in the vast African night miles from civilization but never alone (the calls from unknown animals make the hairs on your neck stand at attention and remind who is really in charge of this wild landscape).

Then we heard an unmistakable sound of animals rustling in the leaves nearby.  The spotlight came on there were three pigs, already sprinting away from us between the trees.  I shouldered the rifle, aimed for the middle pig and fired.  They were so fast that it was impossible to keep the light on them for a second shot.  We got on the track and quickly found the dead pig at the base of a tree. We had just a short time to celebrate, admire the beast and snap a picture before we were racing to camp through a nasty storm; getting soaking wet while the night sky exploded with lightning like I had never seen before.  One of my fondest memories in Africa!

Ruan and I became friends that day and would enjoy many more hunts together.   Bester Safaris had just become my number one source for getaways to the African bush.

During the previous year I had been feverishly hunting for a Bushbuck.  I had spotlighted grazing grounds all night and walked and stalked overgrown riverbanks unsuccessfully for hours on end without seeing a single mature male.  Previous outfitters would send me out with a bobolas (hung-over) tracker because walking the brush was too much work for them. They want you to shoot targets of opportunity from the back of a bakkie (pickup truck); which is the quickest way to lose me as a client.

Once again Ruan was up for the challenge.  We made arrangements and I headed back to Limpopo for what would be my lance chance to get a Bushbuck before returning to the U.S.   Ruan had been scouting hard and found a Bushbuck that seemed to come the same spot for water at the same time every morning.  We set out at first light and were in the hide as the sun rose.  As I looked out from the hide I was skeptical because there was nothing that appeared enticing to game save for a small lone water tank for cattle.  Sure enough not a few minutes later a beautiful bushbuck trotted up to the tank, full of confidence and without the slightest suspicion we were waiting for him.  I must admit that I had buck fever for the first time in a long time, because I finally had a Bushbuck in my sights.  I made the shot and he backed slowly from our view into the brush (wounded Bushbuck do this so they can charge you when you walk up on them).  I sat down to let my heart rate settle and Ruan and I just sat there looking at each other, waiting until we thought it was safe to get out and have a look.  We cautiously approached from the rear and checked that he was down for good, then jumped up and down in celebration.  I had finally got my Bushbuck!

On the same trip my wife harvested a magnificent 52” Kudu with our crossbow:

Other outfits want you to hunt on their terms with the least effort and most profits.  Bester Safaris hunts on your terms and tailors to your skill and ability, which is what sets them apart from other outfits.

I have trusted Bester Safaris with my closest friends and family and they are the best choice for an unforgettable experience in the African bush.  Whether you are a first time or experienced hunter, Ruan has all the resources to facilitate the custom hunt you’ve been searching for.

Geoff Kohlmeyer
San Diego, CA