Namibia’s Fish River Canyon

Namibia’s Fish River Canyon is as well known as the Etosha National Park in the north. But it is very few who dare to do the 5 day hike in the belly of this magnificent canyon. It is an experience to be diarised and to be shared by everyone.

After months of planning and dreaming, it eventually became days. Days in which we feverishly packed rucksacks, weighing our packs – hoping, that somehow they would get lighter. They didn’t. As we drove down from Windhoek, we decided it best to overnight in Keetmanshoop – a small quiver tree town, but an excellent halfway stop. Keetmanshoop offers various accommodated options – but as we were in the camping spirit, we decided to do so here as well.

Rising at sunrise, we realised – this is it. In a few hours, we would descend down a canyon wall so steep that chains assist you for the first few meters down. We arrived at Hobas at around noon, filling in forms, trying to gather as much information as possible while we waited for one of our group members to return from Ai-Ais where he had left the car. After what seemed like an eternity, he returned and we nervously got on the shuttle to take us to the view point from where our great journey would start.

Slowly we descended into what seemed a never-ending downward spiral. Further and further we climbed away from life as we knew it. It got more beautiful around every bend and every boulder we had to struggle over. But the sinking sun kept us well on track. Finally, long after sunset, we reached a sandy beach, a haven for the night. We tested the water – too cold. We listened to the silence, tenderly massaging our shoulders and knowing that sleep wasn’t far off.

In the days to come, we meandered along the Fish River, following fresh tracks of other hikers, hikers that we would cross paths with in the days to come. Hikers that would share valuable information with – lending a hand where needed. It seemed that we chose a week of extreme heat in the canyon and though warned of very cold nights and mornings, we regretted every single gram of winter clothing that we had to carry with us. We slept on our sleeping bags, keeping an eye on the moving constellations, counting shooting stars and wishing that the sand would get softer beneath our tired bodies. We started walking early in the morning, having breakfast somewhere along the way, making our way towards a shady spot for lunch. When the temperatures became somewhat more bearable, we moved along, on the lookout for a sandy beach on which to overnight.

The beating of the sun on your body, the creaks of your backpack, the barking of a baboon, the smell of dust as you struggle through another sandy patch, the cry of Egyptian Geese flying low over the river… resting your tired feet in the cold river after a day of walking and climbing – that’s what makes it special. And that’s the very reason I’ll return.

As we neared the end, we all had mixed feelings. We struggled to make peace with the fact that we had to leave this special place, but at the same time the hot water springs at Ai-Ais, the voices of loved ones over the phone, a cooked meal – they were all screaming to be heard. We stepped out – looking back on a journey we didn’t want to forget.

We returned along the same roads, thinking that only a few days before we were still untouched by the beauty that lies at the bottom of a thousand rocks – already making plans to return. But another, small surprise was waiting for us at the Canon Roadhouse, where we decided to have lunch. It was a walk into history with number plates, cars and old sentimental memories surrounding us, while we enjoyed the best sandwiches in the south. We returned to the city with backpacks filled with sand and a dozen memories guiding us into the night.

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Find out more about Namibia and African Hunting Safaris

Becoming a Professional Hunter

When I first told my (then) wife I wanted to qualify as a Professional Hunter, she looked at me aghast and yelled, "you wanna be a WHAT! Are you mad?" When I attended my PH training course and examination, the sentiment was repeated....... but thankfully, this time, in humour!

We get many e-mails from young men and the occasional young lady asking us how they get a job in the industry. Some erroneously see it as a 'glamour' job, some are genuine hunters and some simply need psychiatric help. Sometimes sorting the wheat from the chaff isn't easy, so I usually tend to give as much advice as I can and then it's up to them if they choose to pursue the matter.

Getting started in the industry isn't easy for anyone, but it's not impossible. After all, if an Englishman like me can do it, then anyone can. Two of the hardest challenges you'll be faced with is getting your initial training and then getting your first few seasons' experience, especially with dangerous game. I was lucky in that my first few years experience was in a more relaxed generation and I was the luckiest SOB in the world to meet and become friends with the late Mr Vivian Good. Viv was not only a great PH, he was also a good man who gave unstintingly of his advice, hospitality and friendship. When I first went along to get my official training and sit my first PH exams, I struck lucky yet again by attending the Goss Professional Hunting Academy in Kwa Zulu Natal, run by Ian Goss. Ian is a tough, 'old school' taskmaster, but he gives a superb standard of training and strict examination. Even today, when I tell someone I passed with Ian Goss, they'll often comment something like, 'hell, you must be good then!'

One of the most valuable things Ian gave to me was his parting advice as I drove off with my very first PH licence tucked in my pocket. He told me, "Steve, don't for a moment think that I've made you into a good Professional Hunter. I haven't, but I have put you on the road to becoming one, and as you take your first steps down that road, you'll learn something new every day." Nearly 20 years later, that statement still rings as true today as it was then. I'm still learning new things about the business on a daily basis and I doubt I'll ever be able to thank Ian enough for all his help, friendship and support he's given me over the years.

The South African Professional Hunting academies, although occasionally criticised by some, are a very good way for the novice to start his PH training and get his first licence, but remember, if you're not a South African resident, you are forbidden to sit the exams, which means that although you'll have completed the training, there is no possible way you can actually gain the PH licence.

Don't even consider attending one of these academies unless you have at least a reasonably good knowledge of the basics such as rifles, ballistics and a general knowledge of the common mammals in general and hunting in particular. If you turn up not knowing a kudu from 30.06, you'll be wasting your money and everyone's time and you may very well get kicked out on your ass!

It should be noted that at the time of writing this article, South Africa is currently considering revising the Professional Hunter training and examination system, and if this happens, the course will become considerably longer, more expensive and harder to complete. The proposed syllabus currently looks like it'll comprise of something like 150+ unit standards and each unit standard will equate to a day's work or study.

Another option if you are unable or reluctant to attend one of the South African PH training academies, or even if you do attend the course. Your next step will be to begin looking for your first seasons work.

If you live in South Africa and want to restrict yourself to that country, then it's fairly straight forward, all you have to do is join PHASA and put an advert in the magazine and hope that something comes up. If you're from overseas, then it's a bit more difficult. My advice would be to get on the internet and start researching for good quality hunting companies that might pique your interest and operate in the countries you'd like to work in. Then you get yourself organised with a good quality, professional CV/resume and start sending it to the companies of your choice and asking for work. Remember that even if you offer to work for nothing but keep and tips, and you may well have to, it still costs the safari company a great deal of money to keep you in camp and train you, so if you and your application needs to be of the highest possible standard. If it's not, then forget it until you can make yourself more desirable to any potential employers. I've never forgotten one bloody idiot that wrote to me many years ago telling me that just because he had a masters degree in medieval history, had been chairman of his university clay pigeon club for a year and lived on a farm in the shires, he was ideally suited for me to employ him as a Professional Hunter. Quite why, I could never fathom - he hadn't even ever fired a rifle and knew zero about even the basics of Africa or the African hunting industry........ Needless to say, he didn't get a job, but he did give me a laugh!

If you're lucky enough to break into the safari industry, and some do manage to do it, you can expect your first season or two to be spent doing some of the more mundane tasks such as road and camp building and vehicle maintenance. You'd better make sure you make a good job of everything you do. Stuff something up and you just might be out of a job the next day. After all, a safari company simply can't afford vehicle breakdowns in the middle of the bush for instance. - The good news is that if you get it right, you'll be taking the first steps down the road to a great career.

Working as a PH is a great job, but don't expect it to ever make you rich. If you want to make serious money, go get a job as a lawyer or a banker or something, sure it's not as much fun as working as a PH, but you'll probably make enough money to come on safari on a regular basis. If you feel you can forego the money in exchange for the lifestyle of a Professional Hunter, then I'd encourage you to go for it. I did, and I've never regretted it. My bank manager and my ex-wife might have done, but I never have........

Big Five Hunt in South Africa Meant for Adventurous Hunters

Should you go on a Hunting Safari in Africa

Some people go on safaris in order to enjoy the sights of nature, others to enjoy the outdoors in exotic locations. Still, others like to combine the two with their love of hunting. Traditionally, hunting safaris in Africa was the main draw and the source for the traditional look you'd expect from these, with khaki clothes, pith helmets, and all. For those who are looking for a new experience while hunting, a safari in Africa may be just what you need, though there are many things to consider.

The Animals

Years ago, you might go on a hunting safari in Africa expecting to bag a lion, or perhaps an elephant with some huge tusks. But due to the endangered status of many African animals, those sorts of safaris are merely a thing of the past. Still, you can expect to hunt exotic creatures like the kudu and the impala while on a hunting safari in Africa. And while you won't be allowed to shoot at any lions, for those looking to hunt tougher game, you can shoot a cheetah or leopard for your trophy.

The Guides

Most packages for hunting safaris in Africa include a personal guide, which can be a valuable asset for hunters. African game animals have plenty of natural predators to watch out for, so an experienced hunter can make the difference between a trophy and a miss when you're going after one of these highly-aware animals. Many companies that offer hunting safaris in Africa also give a guarantee that you'll get a trophy, since they're so confident in their guides. And best of all, even if you don't bag any game while out hunting, you'll still basically have your own personal guide; most hunting safaris in Africa consist of one or two guides and one or two customers.

The Cost

One thing that you do need to keep in mind while planning a hunting safari in Africa is that they do cost a lot of money. In order to prepare for such a trip, you would need to get a passport, immunize yourself against local diseases in some cases, and ship appropriate clothing and equipment to your destination country. And then, once you've bagged an animal, you often have to pay trophy fees; most hunting packages include a few in the cost, but only for specific animals. If you bag a leopard, for instance, you'll have to pay a hefty fee on top of what you've already spent. This can rapidly add to the cost of your trip. However, if you're willing to pay the cost, then a hunting safari in Africa might provide the unique hunting experience that you've been looking for.

Source: Ezine Articles
Africa Hunting Safaris

Hunting Rifles

Possessing some of the highest game populations and variety of species still seen in Africa, makes it a paradise for any hunter, with more than 20 species available. An unforgettable rifle hunting experience guaranteed...

Trophy quality is of exceptional standard. A total of 145 trophies were taken during the 2003 season. 84%of these trophies were SCI record book standard, while 70% receive NAPHA gold medals, 14% Silver Medals and 7% Bronze medals and 9% were non-trophy animals, i.e. Jackal and Zebra.

Kowas Adventure Safaris takes a limited amount of only 25 trophy rifle hunters per annum to ensure outstanding quality trophies and personal attention at all times. Ever wonder why hunters keep on coming back...?

HUNTING METHOD

Hunts are only conducted on foot. Please note that shooting from vehicles is not allowed.
The animals are located while cruising in a 4X4-hunting vehicle. A large area can be covered, without losing valuable hunting time walking through dead terrain. Once game has been spotted, the stalk is planned, and the vehicle drives off, leaving the hunter and his guide in a suitable position.

Walking distance will not exceed three miles per day. All our PH's are highly qualified and will therefore ensure high quality trophies. They will be able to bring you in a shooting distance between 80 to 200 yards. "Shooting sticks" (a rest for your rifle in order to ensure a stable position to shoot from) will then be set up.

Once the stalk is completed, the vehicle can be called back by radio.

FAIR CHASE:

Fair Chase is defined as pursuit of a free roaming animal or an enclosed roaming animal possessed of the natural behavioral inclination to escape from a hunter and be fully free to do so.

Said animal is to be hunted without an artificial light source, not from a motorized mode of transport.
No ethical hunter while hunting shall take a female animal with a dependant young.
A hunted animal should exist as a naturally interacting member of a wild sustainable population located in an area large enough for it to breed and forage or hunt freely.
Hunted animals should be sustained within a natural state of balance between forage, predators and prey.

RIFLE IMPORT REQUIREMENTS:

African Hunting Safari Adventure