I would really like to hunt in Namibia in Spring 2005. I have military committments this year and am hunting in Austria and Scotland this fall. Who is the guy to go with and who not?

For the past couple of years, I've been researching this very thing. I guess it depends on what and how you want to hunt. I'm down to two outfits, Otjandaue and Vaughn Fulton. Joof Lamprecht has an outstanding concession and facilities also.

My interest for game in Namibia was Kudu, Gemsbok, Eland, and wart hog. There are many more species of animals to hunt, indeed, Namibia is the only place that you can hunt the Mountain Zebra, if interested. Speaking with Joof, Vaughn and others that have hunted Namibia for these animals, recommend a medium caliber, flat shooting rifle. I asked about carrying my 300 H&H and 338 Win Mag, and everyone said those were fine. The Common Eland will weigh in close to a ton, so it's no push over.

I attended our annual Safari Club International Convention in Reno this year and spoke with a bunch of professional hunters from Namibia, and received a lot of info. Those types of conventions are a wealth of information, but always keep in mind that they are selling you something. I'm not sure what type of SCI chapter you have in Spain, but it is a good organization and can provide you with a wealth of information.

I have a lot of friends in Namibia and have allways hunted there as a local, therefore not using an outfitter.
But, I know a local outfitter by the name of Dirk de Bod personally.
Dirk is a great guy with superb integrity.
I also know that he has some outstanding concessions.
Guys like Jim Carmichael and Craig Boddington have hunted with Dirk, which says a lot about his abilities and credentials.
Dirk can be reached at phone # +264 - 61 - 227655 or at fax # +264 - 61 - 234757 or at e-mail gunshop@iafrica.com.na
He is involved with a local gunshop in Windhoek, where he can be reached.
I hope you manage to put your trip together, Namibia is a wonderful place and the people are just terrific.
I am sure you will enjoy it.
Johan Dippenaar

Johan -

Thanks for the good info!

It's responses like that which really helps our fellow members in their search for quality hunting. Wish I could go to the Dark Continent, but believe the years and health have finally caught up with me.

I have hunted in Namibia twice, in 2002 & 2004 and am going back this May. Leopard Lodge is the place I've been to both times and will for this trip as well. They have all the Namibia plains game. The staff is friendly and accomadating, they took freat care of my 83 year old mother-in-law. Their web page is: www.leopardlodge.com.

Another place we will be visiting is Kansimba. It is managed by the same lady who ran Leopard Lodge the last two years and is now at Kansimba.Her husband is a highly respected PH who does many of his plains game hunts there. I've met him and was impressed by his manner and later saw some good refferals on him at AR's African hunting forum. www.kansimba.com is their web page address.