Anniversary Safari…

18th May 2012

Late April saw Tom and Ellen Manning join us on their first African safari. Tom’s nephew, Pete Stout, and wife Elizabeth, were on safari with Professional Hunter, Carl van Zyl, when the Manning’s first arrived in camp. Unfortunately their schedules did not allow for both couples to be with us at the same time, but the few days shared were magical.
What made this safari even more memorable than the fact that this was their first African experience was the celebration of their 29’th wedding anniversary. Keeping that in mind the Manning’s decided on a couple of days of R&R down in Cape Town prior to their hunt.

Tom and Ellen Manning down at Cape Point.

They took full advantage of the warm weather and visited the many breath-taking beaches along the Cape coast.

Stopped off at the popular V&A Waterfront and enjoyed fun-filled days along the docks.

From Cape Town they caught the 50min connection to Port Elizabeth, where they joined up with Professional Hunter, Gary Phillips.
The plan was to spend a couple of days hunting from our coastal area before heading north. The Manning’s had no set ideas or wishes regards species, they were here to experience Africa and have a good time.
We’d like to invite you to join them as they reminisce and share their safari album with us…

Welcome to “The Manning’s on safari”!

Not many hunters start their African career with a Waterbuck – Tom however needed no second invitation when a great Waterbuck stepped out on that first day.

The following day the hunting party headed north to the Great Karoo.

The Manning’s first experience of the Karoo opened their eyes to this arid wonderland. They soon learnt the animals preferred to keep a distance of more than 200 yards and the terrain, while at the outset looked gentle, was nothing near easy. They found their feet in navigating through the many hundreds of perfectly round boulders and rocks, earning a superb Cape Hartebeest

Tom had to work hard for his Kudu bull, trying from both our coastal and northern areas. When his luck turned, it turned in a big way. Thank goodness Tom was packing his 300 Ultra Mag, the shot was long and extremely challenging. Great shooting Tom!

When the time came, and a group of Eland had moved up into a favorable valley, Tom and Gary started the long hike. It was early morning when they’d first set out after Tom’s bull, by 10.00 am temperatures were reaching well into the 80’s.

By noon they’d earned their bull. A great old blue bull with a weathered tuft on the forehead, a real old-timer.

Having enjoyed the excitement of the hunt, it was time for the real work to start. Packing a 1600 pound Eland down a mountain is never an easy task, especially when any form of protein waste is not tolerated. Every single part of the Eland get’s utilized.

And we mean it! Even the intestines are rung out and used for tripe.

Before heading back south Tom added a Gemsbuck to what was already an impressive collection; it turned out to be one of his favorites.

Having arrived back south, it turned out to be the Stout’s last evening in camp. It was cause for celebration and a reminder of the good times!

The African dancers provided the rhythm and beat…

While the men and their hunting stories kept up the mood in the bar. It was certainly an evening to cherish.

Over the course of the hunt, Ellen was never far from the action, always at Tom’s side.

Taking pictures at every available opportunity…

Enjoying the benefits of a luxurious safari camp…

Or giving back to our local community by being part of our Humanitarian Initiative 2012.

It was therefore only fitting that she be rewarded too. Her first African trophy, a great Impala!

With their hunt drawing to a close, Tom and Ellen opted for lazy days along the coast, enjoying the last bit of relaxation before jumping back into the real world.