Safari Report – Matson & Wood Hunt

At John X Safaris we’re all about the experience while allowing our hunters results and testimonials to do the talking on our behalf. We’re not posting pictures from ten, twenty or even thirty years ago. We’re giving you the opportunity to judge us on current real time results on an ongoing basis. We’re only as good as our last hunt, so enjoy our most recent safari reports from the field, then judge us on what we’re producing today and what we can do for you on your next adventure.

Paul Matson

My name is Paul Matson and I embarked on my third hunt with John X Safaris during March 2020 as the Global Lock Down Strategy for Covid-19 was evolving. I flew into Johannesburg on Delta Airlines from Atlanta without issue and was on the last scheduled flight back to the US on April 30th. Was I concerned? Yes, but not enough to skip this year’s hunt. Here is why…

While I’ve had two prior wonderful hunts with John X Safaris, I found the Woodlands experience peerless. The expanded and modernized facilities retain the original character from a hundred plus years ago, while being ultra-comfortable and WIFI connected.

Woodlands was designed for the hunter. Fireplaces, comfortable conversation pits, individual rooms and gourmet dining. Lee and her crew present a truly new level of cuisine. It’s a wonderful opulent blend of “Country French meets Africa”.

Woodlands boasts an amazingly diverse environment— impenetrable brush, hilly mixed terrain and high rolling plains. I loved the abandoned homestead. Its terraced pastures were virtual salad bowls for multiple species. We would sneak into position above and just glass for the pure enjoyment of watching the game. My primary target for this hunt was Sable and then anything else that may present an opportunity. Needless to say, I enjoyed my time with Greg and Bless and we were once again extremely successful with our endeavors out in the field.

At the end you may ask – Would I do this again? And I can confidently answer that with a positive YES, and here is why.

While I traveled “on the edge” of the travel shutdown it was not a disorganized exercise. British Air and Delta Airlines were professional and their websites worked. I knew what was solid information wise and what I needed to reschedule I did without hassle. But even more important to me was my support of John X Safaris and their staff. As a long-term SCI member, I support the right to hunt and those who are on the front line protecting and conserving wildlife in wild places. For John X Safaris and fellow outfitters, the next few months are critical for their survival. When the “coast is clear” I’ll hit the road again for my next hunt and I challenge you to do the same.

Stay well,

Paul Matson

Paul & Amy Wood

This was our first hunt with John X Safaris and it’s been fun.  We’ve loved Woodlands and the staff have been amazing.  The customer service here has been nothing short of outstanding catering to all our needs each and every day.  The hunting has been incredible with our team of Martin and Thandi who worked together seamlessly and shared many great experiences.  Our time here has been a welcomed break from the normal hustle and bustle of everyday life.  We are very much looking forward to a return trip in the future.

Paul & Amy Wood

Contact us today for more information on our hunts and feel free to mail Carl directly on hunting@johnxsafaris.co.za with your specific safari requests or quotes. We look forward to hearing from you and sharing a campfire in Africa.

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