TRACKS IN THE AFRICAN SAND

Here we were, headed back to Africa once again. Beware if you dare to partake in an African adventure because once you go there, she’s like a hunger that you can’t seem to satisfy. There is something about Africa that gives you a feeling of gratitude to be alive. So far from home, yet it seemed to be like we were going back home. This would be our second trek to African Barefoot Safaris owned and operated by Reon and Elmay van Tonder. This is a family run business with a personal desire to provide the experience of a lifetime for all their clients. Last year was so amazing we had to come back for more. They have become friends, people that you want to spend time with. Once again Elmay worked her magic to arrange every detail so there were no worries. We were on our way.

Michele and I flew into Johannesburg where we caught another flight to our first destination in Zimbabwe. Elmay had arranged for us to base our first four days at the distinctive A’Zambezi lodge located on the banks of the Zambezi River. Much more than ample accommodations. The first thing we noticed was the Zimbabwean hospitality. No matter where we went or who we met they always greeted us with refreshingly big smiles followed by “hello” “how are you?” After a good night’s sleep, we were up early to begin a 4 ½ hour horse ride in the vast 140,000 acre Zambezi National Park. These horses were well trained so regardless of the experience a rider might have – this is a must do. As we rode through the bush our guide followed tracks getting us close to giraffe, elephant, waterbuck, impala and warthogs. This is a most interesting way to see the wildlife as they seemed to be at ease, allowing the horse to pass closely. Then there were the giant Baobab trees. These arborescent giants feature enormous trunks and can live to 1200 years old. After the horse ride the afternoon found us at one of the world’s seven wonders – Victoria Falls. It is most difficult for me to describe this stunning aberration. We were in awe as the water plunged 300 plus feet causing the misty spray to rise high into the air. The locals call it Mosi-o-Tunya “the smoke that thunders” due to the roaring noise and spray as the water crashes into the rocks below. Everyone in the world needs come and experience this firsthand.

Elmay arranged for us to spend our second day at Chobe National Park in the country of Botswana. On the way we were treated to a rare daylight sighting of a leopard. The morning found us cruising on a large pontoon boat down the mighty Chobe river. The array of animals we saw was amazing. After lunch we switched to a safari vehicle for a ride along the shore that was choked with dense Mopane bush. I watched Michele smile as she absorbed this paradise where we saw hundreds of elephants, hippos, giraffe, letchwe, crocodiles plus numerous other critters and birds. Wow!

Day three started at daybreak with another captivating African sunrise then it was off to yet another safari where we hoped to see the rare endangered black rhino. As we whisked along a gravel road a bull elephant suddenly burst out of the dense bush. As our driver swerved to miss the bull he lost control. We careened out of control into the bush as our land cruiser flipped onto its side. Now many of us have had the misfortune to have a deer or other critter jump out in front of us while driving our own car. This was much the same just that the critter was a bit bigger. Luckily Michele escaped unscathed, but I unfortunately broke three ribs. Soon we were loaded onto another safari vehicle where we enjoyed a pleather of animal sightings topped off with breakfast in the bush. That afternoon found us drifting the Zambezi river on a romantic sunset dinner cruise where we were treated to a gorgeous sunset while sipping Amarula which is a cream liquor made from the nuts of the African Marula tree. Hippos grunted as cape buffalo came to drink as the last of the orange light set the sky afire. What a way to spend time with my bride. Life is good.

The next day we caught a flight to South Africa, where Reon picked us up from the airport. What a comforting service African Barefoot Safaris has providing transport to our destination. The next day found us at their luxury bush camp. The feeling was beyond comprehension. Each day Elmay and her staff prepared delicious African traditional meals, accentuating each evening with a blazing fire under the stars. Their business ideology is such that when you book time to stay here, they cater only to you. Our smiles told the real story of what we thought of this amazing place. I am a lucky man.

After sighting in the crossbow, it was time to get after Cape buffalo. Since I was a young man, I have always dreamed of one day tracking this clever surly beast. Having read countless stories about the one they call “black death” I was about to find out if what they say is true. Since I would be hunting with archery equipment Reon thought it would be prudent to have back-up so Michele and I would be backed up by three professional hunters (PH) consisting of Reon, Deon and Redge. These fellas emulate the true meaning of “professional hunters.” A comfortable feeling enveloped my being knowing that if things got ugly they would be there to protect us. Reon got word about a problem buffalo with an attitude that has been causing trouble. The locals were afraid that he was going to harm one of the many unarmed natives that lived in the area. Another hunter had rifle hunted this buffalo the previous seven days without getting a chance, and here we were with archery equipment trying to outwit this crafty old fella. Midday we found his giant track in the African sand. The hunt was on. Our PH’s were expert trackers following the spoor though the dense thorn bush. Several times we closed in for a shot, but this wary old boy was having none of that. Suddenly there he was, 2000 pounds of muscle and horn coming at us. Somehow instinct took over as we stood our ground, I managed to arrow the cantankerous bovid. When it was over I approached him, my legs feeling like rubber. I put my hand on his horns as tears ran down my cheeks. Until you experience this yourself no amount of words can describe the experience. African Barefoot Safaris had made my dream come true.

The next day, after another spectacular sunrise and a hearty breakfast, Michele and I found ourselves in a hide where we were treated to a steady array of African animals that included Kudu, Sable, Blue Wildebeest and Warthogs. I watched Michele as she gleefully maneuvered the camera to capture images. I quietly smiled as I could see that she was thoroughly enjoying herself. Mid-afternoon I spied a large Nyala bull coming our way. I whispered to Michele that if I got a chance, I was going to try to take him. A good shot and this beautiful antelope was mine. The evening was topped off with what our African friends call sundowners. A bottle of wine and an arousing sunset completed the day. After another delectable dinner and some time by the fire with our friends it was time to drift off to our private chalet. Our last couple days we spent in hides and tracking animals. I managed to bag a Baboon, but it was the steady flow of animals, and spending time with my amazing wife in the bushveld of Africa that promised that we would be back once again. You owe it to yourself to spend time with African Barefoot Safaris. I promise you they will inspirit you with a lifetime of memories. Thank you Reon and Elmay.

Contact Mike vande Ven on maximumstretch@yahoo.com

Hunter