"NOT THE CHEAPEST - SIMPLY THE BEST"

African Safaris outfitted by John X Safaris was introduced to the world in 1983 by Rick and Sue van Zijl at the tiny

outpost town of Merriman in The Great Karoo in the Cape Province which lies in the central region of South Africa.

Within a few years Rick and Sue expanded into the Eastern Cape and hired a spike camp in the Kirkwood district

where they were the first outfitter to develop trophy hunting along the coastal areas of the region. John X Safaris was

the first to offer Bushpig and Caracal hunting with dogs, and together with landowners instituted a conservation

program whereby we could offer Blue Duiker to the trophy hunter.   In 1996 we purchased our own land in the

Eastern Cape – as we found there was a real need for a genuine Safari Camp in the area.  Hence was born  the very

first true hunting safari camp in the Eastern Cape. From that simple idea a greater dream emerged, a "Big Five

Reserve" where plains game hunters could live among and experience Elephant, Rhino, Lion, Buffalo and more.

After only eight short years the Reserve was ranked Number 1 in the East Cape; and the Four superb lodges located

on the Reserve are the envy of the African Safari world.

Rick also knew that when hunting for top quality animals in over 40 different species you need more than

one or two concessions, regardless of size.  So over the years John X Safaris has been able to accumulate over

3,000,000 acres of top hunting areas.  This fact combined with true Professional Hunters has provided our

clients with over 630 top SCI Record Book entries.  This also allows our clients to experience many different

areas as they spend several days of their hunt at our out camps in diverse ecosystems.

We offer exclusive hunting on a wide range of terrain that spans over that includes vast semi-arid desert, dense bush, mountains and open grasslands, including over 250,000 acres of open land  for "free ranging animals". This is largely as a result of our reputation amongst land owners, which has enabled us to secure some of the finest hunting areas in the country.  

For over twenty years John X Safaris has been providing an exceptional hunting experience to international sportsmen.  It is

our goal to continue to produce the finest trophies for our clients while at the same time providing an unforgettable African

experience!  

To further enhance the team, John X Safaris of North America was formed in 1998 so that we could better serve the North

American clients.  Dave Harwood, President of John X Safaris of North America, has spent over 40 years hunting big game

with almost 30 of those years spent hunting internationally.  Dave is a six term past President of a Safari Club International

Chapter, a member of the Dallas Safari Club and the International Professional Hunters Association.  In addition, Dave is a

Certified Travel Consultant and owner of AAT Worldwide Travel.  Part of his job is to help our clients coordinate their flight

and travel itineraries in and to Africa.

Send mail to daveatjohnx@aol.com with questions or comments about this web site.
Last modified: July 14, 2007