Quintessential Namibia
NYATI WILDLIFE ART
From Veld to Foyer
TAXIDERMY AND TROPHY SHIPPING
Celebrating 20 years of service to the hunting industry
WHY CHOOSE US
Phone: +264 61 217 111
Mail: nyati@afol.com.na
Address: 23 Newcastle street, Northern Industrial, Windhoek, Namibia
‘Quality is never an accident. It is always the result of intelligent effort.’ - John Ruskin. At Nyati Wildlife Art, our experienced team of dedicated craftsmen and women consistently apply their skill to create trophies of the best possible quality. Allow us to provide you and your clients with a full trophy service: 2004 -
On-site tannery: tanning of trophy capes & rugs
Preparation of Taxidermy Mounts
• Manufacture of rifle sleeves, travel bags & decorative items
• Our in-house logistics department takes care of all export arrangements. Your trophies go directly from our studio to the airport.
NAMIBIA
CONTENTS QUINTESSENTIAL NAMIBIA - 14
HUNTING WITH AN OLD-TIMER - 36 IN THE CROSSFIRE - 42
NAVIGATING THE SAFARI EXPERIENCE - 50
A HUNTER'S JOURNEY THROUGH NATURE, TRADITION AND CONSERVATION - 58
The Wild and the Hunter’s Heart
It is with immense pride that I present my third issue as editor of Huntinamibia . To follow in the footsteps of Rièth van Schalkwyk, who expertly guided this publication for over two decades, has been an honour beyond words. She passed down to me a love for storytelling that has only grown stronger with time. Every year, I have the privilege of meeting extraordinary individuals – hunters, nature lovers and conservationists – who form the backbone of Namibia’s hunting community. Their deep connection to the land, to wildlife and to the principles of conservation continues to ignite my passion for sharing stories that matter.
This year I embarked on a journey that has forever deepened my understanding of what it means to be a hunter and a steward of the wild. I had the chance to experience my first true trophy hunt. Though hunting has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember – on our farm, with my father, brother and with my husband – this time was different. Guided by Gudrun Heger, a passionate voice in Namibia’s hunting community, I ventured into the untamed wilderness with my husband as the hunter. I wasn’t there to shoot. I was there to listen, to learn and to feel the pulse of the wild around me.
On paper it was an “unsuccessful” hunt. We did not take home the Hartmann’s mountain zebra we pursued, but what I experienced was far more rewarding than any trophy. It was a day spent walking quietly through the bush, feeling the earth beneath my feet and sharing the thrill of the chase with those who know this landscape intimately. Gudrun’s deep knowledge and respect for the wild flowed through every moment, reminding me that hunters are not merely participants in a sport – they are protectors of the natural world. This is why hunting matters to Namibia.
The stories in this issue resonate with that very spirit. Everett, one of our new contributors, delves into the indispensable role of professional hunters and how clients, too, can contribute
to the harmony of the hunt. Hagen, meanwhile, takes us on an unforgettable journey to the rugged foothills of the Erongo Mountains, where perseverance, respect for the land and the deep satisfaction of a hard-earned kudu bull intertwine in a narrative that highlights the true essence of hunting. Danene recounts a campfire conversation with a hunter, where a disagreement about the ease of his hunt opened her eyes to the nuances and values of this tradition.
These stories, like mine, reflect a powerful truth: hunting in Namibia is not simply a pastime. It is a cornerstone of our conservation efforts. Hunting farms and concessions – whether private or community-managed – are sanctuaries where wildlife thrives because hunters give them purpose. The sustainable use model incentivises landowners and communities to preserve vast areas of natural habitat, ensuring that our wildlife and ecosystems endure for generations to come.
Hunting imbues these wild spaces with meaning. It is a practice rooted in reason and guided by science, one that maintains the integrity of our landscapes while providing tangible benefits to those who live there. As we continue to share these stories, I hope we all remember that hunting is about so much more than the hunt – it’s about protecting the wild, honouring the land and understanding the vital role we play in the balance of nature.
I trust you will enjoy this issue as much as we have enjoyed crafting it.
Warm regards,
Elzanne McCulloch Editor
elusive nature and remarkable camouflage, making it one of the most challenging species
PUBLISHER
www.huntnamibia.com.na
Venture Publications PO Box 21593, Windhoek, Namibia www.huntnamibia.com.na www.thisisnamibia.com
PUBLISHING EDITOR
Elzanne McCulloch elzanne@venture.com.na
ADMINISTRATION
Bonn Nortje bonn@venture.com.na
LAYOUT & PRODUCTION
Liza Lottering liza@venture.com.na
PRINTING
John Meinert Printers (Pty) Ltd
Huntinamibia is published annually by Venture Media in collaboration with the Namibia Professional Hunting Association (NAPHA) and with the support of the Namibian Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism.
THE VITAL ROLE OF ETHICAL HUNTING IN NAMIBIA'S CONSERVATION LEGACY
Dear Friends and Fellow Conservationists,
It is my pleasure to once again extend a warm greeting to the readers of the Huntinamibia magazine. We come together with these pages united by our shared dedication to Namibia’s remarkable wildlife and the balanced conservation practices that define our approach to sustainable land use.
There are many reasons why hunting is important. Beyond its socio-economic benefits, it is also an effective conservation management tool, especially for a country such as Namibia and particularly during periods of extreme drought such as we are currently experiencing. Wild species need sustainable, regulated management to ensure the conservation of their populations and habitats, as well as to prevent damage to our agricultural and forestry resources. Another aspect is the protection against humanwildlife conflicts, which sometimes result in fatal outcomes for humans and their livestock caused by some of the wildlife species here (such as elephants, lions, hyenas, leopards or hippos). The management of our wildlife species is based on the best available data and methods, and in close alignment with internationally recognised and binding regulations. The harvest, especially of species listed in CITES Appendices I and Il, occurs within a sustainable, strictly regulated framework at a very low percentage and always below the respective reproduction rates. Namibia’s conservation story is one of resilience, strategy and respect for nature. Our constitution enshrines the sustainable use of our natural resources, a principle that guides our approach to wildlife management.
This dedication ensures not only the well-being of our diverse ecosystems but also the livelihood of our rural communities who
live alongside these magnificent animals. Conservation hunting remains a pillar of this model, offering a framework where wildlife protection and rural development are tightly woven together.
Recent global discussions remind us of the importance of advocating Namibia’s successful conservation strategies. The sustainable management of species like elephants, lions and rhinos – populations that thrive under our care – requires a holistic view that recognises the positive role of regulated hunting. Such practices fund local conservation efforts, reduce humanwildlife conflicts and provide significant economic benefits to our communities. Our success in these areas relies on maintaining Namibia's right to responsibly manage and protect our resources, free from undue interference.
Together, as hunters, conservationists and stewards of our natural heritage, we stand as an example of what sustainable use can achieve. Our country’s wildlife is flourishing, and our balanced approach offers a beacon to nations around the world. I thank each of you for your support, your ethical practices and your dedication to our shared vision.
May your time in Namibia be filled with awe, respect and a deep connection to the land we are privileged to protect. Let us continue to safeguard these treasures for the generations to come.
Pohamba Shifeta Minister of Environment, Forestry, and Tourism Republic of Namibia
WHEN LUXURY IS THE DESTINATION
Your journey to the far reaches of Namibia should be as comfortably indulgent as your breathtaking destination.
Five decades of conservation hunting in Namibia
The message conveyed in this year’s edition is not only contained in the stories of the 90-odd pages of our Huntinamibia. It rather is the story of 50 years of conservation hunting in our country. It is the story of NAPHA’s formation and a manifesto for a global Namibian hunting organisation being in harmony with nature, animals and humanity.
NAPHA is based on a deeply rooted conviction: That humans, nature and animals can exist in harmonious balance if we all recognise our responsibility and act with dedication. In a world increasingly threatened by alienation and destruction, we strive to return to the roots of our connection to the earth. We rely on our value system, by building a bridge between humans and nature based on respect, responsibility and wisdom.
Camaraderie is the foundation of our community. This is not just a loose association of like-minded people, but a deep, sincere friendship between people dedicated to a higher cause. It is no coincidence that hunting brings us together, but an expression of an ancient human instinct to act, share and learn together.
Nature is more than just a backdrop to our existence. It is our origin, our food, our home. Respect for nature means that we realise our deep dependence on the earth. Nature does not exist for us, but we are part of a complex system that we must preserve. This respect is not a passive feeling, but an active attitude that guides us. It is the constant contemplation of the beauty of the bush, the grace of the animals, the stillness of the wind and the relentless sun. With respect comes the responsibility to act as guardians of this earth.
Hunting, for NAPHA, is an expression of responsibility. It is the harmony between man, animal and nature. We do not hunt out of greed or lust, but out of a deep connection with the natural balance. Ethical hunting requires discipline, humility and a deep understanding of our role in nature.
We do not operate in isolation but globally, and in every region in which we are present, we recognise the immeasurable value of local communities. They are the custodians of their land, their traditions and their wisdom. Our aim is to work with these individuals and communities to develop a deep understanding of our conservation hunting concept. The respect we show them strengthens the partnership and trust we build. This mutual respect is the basis for a long-lasting cooperation that ensures not only the preservation of nature, but also the well-being of communities. Only by working together can we ensure that nature and our good reputation in conservation management are successful in the long term.
The most beautiful trophies that we take with us from nature are not material possessions, but memories – moments that touch us deep inside. “Memories are the best trophies!” These moments in nature, sitting around the campfire and listening to the sounds of the night, the awakening of the morning in the bush, resting under a camelthorn tree to escape the burning midday sun – these are the true treasures that we keep.
They connect us to the deepest essence of life and remind us why we do what we love. In these moments, we realise that hunting is not the goal, but the path to a deeper understanding of nature and ourselves. We carry these memories with us, and it is these memories that drive us again and again to protect nature and life in all its fullness.
Our commitment to nature and the communities in which we operate must be based on a solid economic foundation. For us, profitability means not only financial success, but the ability to operate sustainably without depleting resources or harming people and nature. If our work bears fruit, if nature thrives and the communities benefit, then we have created a sustainable structure that allows us to work on future projects with joy and vigour. Only if all those involved – nature, game animals, the local people in their respective communities, and ourselves – are successful, can we ensure that our work is sustainable in the long term. Profitability means that we act not just for the moment, but for the future.
We serve a higher mission – the preservation of life in all its diversity. Friendship in our organisation means putting our own needs aside in order to stand up for the good of the whole. Only when we truly understand and support each other can we achieve great things.
Our manifesto should be more than just a set of instructions. It is a call to look at nature, game animals and people with renewed respect. It calls on us to take our responsibility as custodians of this earth seriously and to act in harmony with life. Hunting, as we understand it, is a path to harmony – with ourselves, with our game and with our bush. Let us walk this path together.
Waidmannsheil and God bless,
Axel Cramer NAPHA President
HUNTING CONCESSIONS
IN CONSERVANCIES HELD BY NAPHA MEMBERS
- Namibia's conservation success story
The sustainable use of wildlife, especially trophy hunting, has played a critical role in the development of communal conservancies. Prior to 1998, there were only four hunting concessions operating on Namibia’s communal lands, with none of these concessions providing meaningful engagement with or benefits to resident communities. Today there are 46 trophy-hunting concessions operating on communal lands, with the conservancies being empowered as both the benefactor and custodian of these hunting concessions.
1 - #Gaingu - N. Nolte
2 - Anabeb - M. Misner
3 - Balyerwa - K. Stumpfe
4 - Bamunu - G. Utz
5 - Dzoti - H. van Heerden
6 - Ehi-Rovipuka - M. Misner
7 - Eiseb - J. Wasserfall
8 - George Mukoya - D. Swanepoel
9 - Iipumbu ya Tshilongo - B. Hart
10 - Joseph Mbambagandu - G. Utz
11 - King Nehale - H. van Heerden
12 - Mayuni - J. Traut
13 - Muduva Nyanga - D. Swanepoel
14 - Nyae Nyae - J. Blaauw
15 - Ohungu - N. Nolte
16 - Omatendeka - M. Misner
17 - Omuramba Ua Mbinda - J. Wasserfall
18 - Orupupa - M. Misner
19 - Otjimboyo - N. Nolte
20 - Otjombinde - J. Wasserfall
21 - Ozondundu - M. Misner
22 - Sesfontein - L. van Vuuren
23 - Sobbe - K. Stumpfe
24 - Torra - K. Stumpfe
25 - Wuparo - D. Muller
26 - Bwabwata West – E. Kirchner
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ABOUT VENTURE MEDIA
Venture Media is the pioneer of Namibia tourism and conservation promotion. We are the leader in spreading extraordinary Namibian stories around the world. We distribute accurate, credible, up to date and regular information on paper, via social media, on the World Wide Web, and on mobile apps. We have reached hundreds of thousands over three decades. Be part of our community and let’s do it together.
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uss harin MATTER acro azin orm and share you enc and things matte ess rism munities matt em d ho ut change, wo ch o n entire natio an industry, a community, or even just an individual.
Dirk de Bod Safaris Namibia is one of Namibia’s select hunting destinations, boasting over 48 500 acres of private game reserves with 31 different species available.
www.Dirk de Bod Safaris Namibia
Status of different wildlife species in Namibia
Common name Scientific name
Distribution status
Conservation IUCN & CITES
Notes on distribution
Cape Rock Hyrax Procavia capensis √ Southern African near endemic Secure Distributed across central and southern Namibia
Kaokoveld Rock
Hyrax Procavia welwitchii √ Namibian near endemic Secure Kunene region of Namibia and into SW Angola
Bush Hyrax Heterohyrax brucei √ Peripheral indigenous Secure Extreme NW in Kunene River valley
African Bush Elephant Loxodonta africana √ Indigenous Vulnerable (CITES II) Historically occurred across all of Namibia except Namib sand sea
Aardvark Orycteropus afer No Indigenous Near Threatened Widespread across Namibia except for extreme west
Chacma Baboon Papio ursinus √ Indigenous Secure (CITES II) Widespread across Namibia except extreme west
Vervet Monkey Chlorocebus pygerythrus No Indigenous Secure (CITES II) Confined to northeast and Orange River valley
African Wild Dog Canis pictus No Indigenous Endangered Historically occurred across all Namibia except for extreme west
Side-striped Jackal Canis adustus No Indigenous Secure Northeast Namibia
Black-backed Jackal Canis mesomelas √ Southern African nearendemic Secure Widespread across Namibia
Bat-eared Fox Otocyon megalotis No Southern African endemic Secure Widespread across Namibia
Cape Fox Vulpes chama No Southern African endemic Secure Widespread across Namibia except for extreme west and northeast
Ratel / Honey Badger Mellivora capensis No Indigenous Secure Throughout Namibia except for extreme west
Lion Panthera leo √ Indigenous Vulnerable (CITES II) Historically occurred across all of Namibia
Leopard Panthera pardus √ Indigenous Near Threatened (CITES I) Widespread across Namibia except extreme western Namib sand sea
Serval Leptailurus serval No Indigenous Secure (CITES II) Historically across northern and eastern Namibia Caracal Caracal caracal √ Indigenous Secure (CITES II) Widespread across all Namibia
Cheetah Acinonyx jubatus √ Indigenous Vulnerable (CITES I) Widespread across Namibia except for far west African Wildcat Felis sylvestris No Indigenous Secure (CITES II) Throughout Namibia
Black-footed Cat Felis nigripes No Southern African endemic Vulnerable (CITES I) Across Namibia except for far west, northwest and northeast
Brown Hyaena Hyaena brunnea x Southern African endemic Near Threatened Across all Namibia
Spotted Hyaena Crocuta crocuta x Indigenous Secure Historically across Namibia except for extreme west
Aardwolf Proteles cristata No Southern African nearendemic Secure Across Namibia except for extreme west
Plains / Burchell’s Zebra Equus quagga burchelli √ Southern African endemic Near Threatened
Across Namibia except for extreme west and northeast Plains / Chapman’s Zebra Equus quagga chapmani √ Indigenous Endangered Northeast Namibia Hartmann’s Mountain Zebra Equua zebra hartmanni √ Namibian endemic Vulnerable (CITES II) Western escarpment and central plateau (mountainous rocky terrain)
Black Rhinoceros Diceros bicornis bicornis √ Indigenous Vulnerable (CITES I)
White Rhinoceros Ceratotherium simum simum √ Southern African nearendemic Near Threatened (CITES I)
Historically across Namibia except for extreme west
Historic range across Namibia above about the 250 mm rainfall isohyet
Bushpig Potamochoerus larvatus √ Indigenous Secure Northeast Namibia
Desert / Cape Warthog Phacochoerus aethiopicus aethiopicus No
Southern African endemic Extinct
Extreme southern Namibia – Orange and Fish River valleys
Common Warthog Phacochoerus africanus √ Indigenous Secure Widespread across Namibia except for far west and south
Common Hippopotamus Hippopotamus amphibius √ Indigenous Vulnerable (CITES II) Historically occurred in all perennial river systems in Namibia
Giraffe (Angolan Giraffe) Giraffa camelopardalis angolensis √ Indigenous Vulnerable
African Savanna Buffalo Syncerus caffer √ Indigenous Secure
Historically widespread across all Namibia except for extreme west
Historically widespread except for far west and southern Kalahari
Common name
Nyala Tragelaphus angasi √ Exotic
Secure Occurred naturally in northern KwaZulu-Natal and Kruger NP Lowveld
Greater Kudu Tragelaphus strepsiceros √ Indigenous Secure Widespread across Namibia except for extreme west
Bushbuck Tragelaphus scriptus √ Indigenous Secure Northeast Namibia
Sitatunga Tragelaphus spekii √ Indigenous Secure Reedbeds in north-eastern perennial rivers
Common Eland Taurotragus oryx √ Indigenous Secure Historically throughout Namibia except for far west
Common / Grey Duiker Sylvicapra grimmia √ Indigenous Secure Throughout Namibia except in far west
Sharpe’s Grysbok Raphicerus sharpei √ Peripheral indigenous Secure Extreme eastern Zambezi Region
Steenbok Raphicerus campestris √ Southern African nearendemic Secure Throughout Namibia except in extreme west
Damara Dik-dik Madoqua kirkii damarensis √ Namibian nearendemic
Secure Central, north-central and north-western Namibia
Springbok Antidorcas marsupialis √ Southern African endemic Secure Throughout Namibia except in north-eastern woodlands
Oribi Ourebia ourebi √ Peripheral indigenous Secure Eastern Zambezi Region
Rhebok Pelea capreolus No Peripheral indigenous Secure Huns Mountains in Namibia’s extreme south
Southern Reedbuck Redunca arundinum √ Indigenous Secure Perennial rivers in north-eastern Namibia
Puku Kobus vardoni √ Peripheral indigenous Near Threatened Extreme eastern Zambezi Region – Chobe floodplains
Southern Lechwe Kobus leche √ Indigenous Near Threatened (CITES II) River systems in northeast Namibia
Waterbuck Kobus ellipsiprymnus √ Indigenous Secure River systems in northeast Namibia
Klipspringer Oreotragus oreotragus √ Indigenous Secure Hilly, rocky & mountainous areas of southern, central and north-western Namibia
Common Impala Aepyceros melampus melampus √ Indigenous Secure Historically across central-eastern and northeastern Namibia
Black-faced Impala Aepyceros melampus petersi √ Namibian nearendemic Vulnerable Northwest and southwards to northern central plateau
Bontebok Damaliscus pygargus pygargus √ Exotic Vulnerable (CITES II)
Blesbok Damaliscus pygargus phillipsi √ Exotic
Occurred naturally only in the Western Cape coastal fynbos, RSA
Secure Occurred naturally only in South Africa’s grassland Highveld & Karoo
Tsessebe Damaliscus lunatus √ Indigenous Secure Northeast Namibia
Red Hartebeest Alcelaphus buselaphus caama √ Southern African endemic Secure Kalahari and thornveld savanna ecosystems in Namibia
Blue Wildebeest Connochaetes taurinus √ Indigenous Secure Historically widespread, except in the west & extreme south
Black Wildebeest Connochaetes gnou √ Exotic Secure Occurred naturally only in South Africa’s grassland Highveld & Karoo
Roan Antelope Hippotragus equinus √ Indigenous Secure North-eastern woodlands of Namibia
Sable Antelope Hippotragus niger √ Indigenous Secure North-eastern woodlands of Namibia
Southern Oryx Oryx gazella √ Southern African endemic Secure Throughout Namibia, except for Zambezi region
DEFINITIONS
Indigenous – where the species occurs naturally without any human intervention. This refers to the species’ actual distribution, not the countries where it occurs. For example, Waterbuck and Lechwe are indigenous to the wetland systems of NE Namibia – they are not indigenous to the whole of Namibia. Similarly, Hartmann’s Mountain Zebra are indigenous to the western escarpment and central plateau of Namibia, but not to the Kalahari.
Endemic – where an indigenous species has a naturally restricted range. Thus, a Namibian endemic means that the species occurs naturally only in Namibia. We therefore have a special responsibility for its conservation. A Southern African endemic means that the natural global distribution of a species is confined to south of the Kunene and Zambezi rivers. Near-endemic – where about 80% of the natural range of a species is
confined to the specified area. For example, the Damara Dik-dik is a nearendemic to Namibia, with just a small part of its range extending into southwest Angola.
Exotic – where a species originates from another part of the world and has never occurred naturally in Namibia, e.g. Nyala, Blesbok, Black Wildebeest.
Peripheral – where a species just enters the very edge of Namibia, with most of its distribution occurring elsewhere, e.g. Puku, with a tiny population on the Chobe floodplains but most of its population in Zambia.
Conservation Status – IUCN global conservation assessment (see www.iucnredlist.org - not the Namibian status); and the CITES Appendix status.
Quintessential NAMIBIA
The Namibian Escarpment is perhaps the most prominent geological feature of the country. People have described this rugged escarpment, where the coastal plains of the Namib Desert rise steeply towards the Central Highlands, as the rocky backbone which runs through the entire country parallel to the coastline. At times these fissured badlands amidst the arid country are of such rough inhospitality that people have called Namibia the country that ‘God created in anger`. Kai-Uwe Denker
The possibly most outstanding single feature within the Escarpment is Gamsberg Mountain. Seen from the coastal plains, this 2349m high table mountain seems to rise in high and mighty repose and sublimity over the turbulent structure of the surrounding mountain ranges. When, in 2023, I was looking for a suitable new hunting area, I eventually contacted my colleague Diethelm Metzger and his wife Katja, as it was known to me that the family owned land at Gamsberg Mountain. With them I reached an agreement for hunting rights in the Ilala Private Game Reserve, initiated by Katja’s father.
Here I eventually found what I was looking for: 18,000ha wild, unaltered Namibia. The southern outskirts of Ilala, where the picturesque farmstead with a magnificent view of Gamsberg lies, is still Khomas Highland landscape. But where the dry riverbed of the Chausib has cut through the last Khomas Highland buttress, another world opens up. Frightening in its brusque inhospitality and liberating in its grandiose vastness.
The terrain now drops in a jumble of limestone ridges from the folded Khomas Highland mountain-chains towards the Kuiseb River. One of my clients has compared this terrain to a gigantic brain in whose folds there is a huge labyrinth - not entirely inappropriate. If one likes to stay with this comparison, one can say that this brain is cut in two halves by the dry riverbed of the Chausib. The essential things for a camp, water and shade, are only found deep down in the ravines, in the labyrinth of the brain-folds, where, however, there is no field of vision. My plain camp is located under a spreading camelthorn tree in the incision of the Chausib. From here one can climb up into the respective brain-halves.
In September 2024, an extremely dry year, my friend Thomas, a veteran of many hunts amongst my clients, came for a hunt in this area. He lives the principle according to which a good experience is more important than the success of a hunt. Amongst our mutual hunts there was outstanding success but also completely unsuccessful hunts. The present hunt was for the Namibian emblem animal, our characteristic, most typical game animal, the gemsbok. The difficulty with experienced clients who have already shot everything, at times lies in the fact that they seek the special challenge. In Thomas' case, in a terrain which in itself is difficult enough, to hunt with a clumsy
big-game rifle fitted with open sights and a pyramid front bead, which, depending on the shooting distance, has “to be taken somewhat fuller or less full.” Well, time would tell.
At first light, following zebra paths in zig-zag fashion over the ribs of rock, Thomas and I climb from the shade of the Chausib riverbed towards the limestone ridges in the west. Where the first scattered deposits of white limestone soil and quartz gravel begin in the clay-brown ribs of rock on the steep slope, the first rays of the morning sun reach us. Soon we are on the glaring white cambers of the plateau and let our eyes glide over it, then, following a game path, turn to the right, stopping every so often to glass into new depressions.
And suddenly a solitary gemsbok stands on a distant hillock. Stopping abruptly, we slowly sink to the ground, cower down and look through our binoculars. Amidst the many-layered pale nuances of colour of a huge, desolate landscape, confined towards the south by the brown buttresses of Khomas Highland folds, the gemsbok, seemingly a bull with short, thick horns, stands on a slight rise, scanning around.
There he stands, a sturdy grey-white body with a black sidestripe, black also the thighs, set off against the white lower legs, a black-and-white facial mask and churlish horn-lances, the sharp-edged ears cocked forward in tense alertness. Strikingly coloured and yet his contours melt with the glaring desert landscape; the king of Africa’s arid zones in his entire, unassuming grandeur. And in a gap far in the southwest Gamsberg Mountain rises sublime and light blue in the cool morning air.
The gemsbok moves down into a depression, and I discuss with Thomas, that although the first day, we should not dally around, because under the circumstances of this drought-year chances might be few and far between. Once the bull is down in the depression we rise and try to get closer. In the huge stillness our steps appear annoyingly loud on the quartz-gravel. When we carefully peer over the next rise the bull already stands facing in our direction, fully alert. It is still too far and thus, freezing motionless, we stare at each other for minutes on end. Then the bull turns and steps away to the right. Covered by a little rise in the ground, we try to intercept him in a semicircle. In this we spook a few Rüpell’s Korhaans, which fly away sounding
the alarm and the gemsbok now finally runs off, disappears in a deep ravine and re-appears at the opposite limestone slope, gallops across the slope for a short while and goes over into a beautifully elegant trot. With every stride the white lower legs accentuate the animal otherwise merging with the grey-white limestone soil. The black side-stripe merges into the bushy tail floating backwards. He falls into gallop again, reaches the horizon and as he disappears behind it, the hornlances, swaying in the rhythm of his steps, are still visible for a short while. Then he is gone.
On our way back, as we descend into the gorge of the Chausib, a klipspringer stands on a crag like a statue, scenting down into a landscape at once of dead-silent grandeur and awe-inspiring loneliness.
In the afternoon we stumble down-river over the rubble and the boulders of the Chausib, the hot afternoon sun on our faces. The riverbed narrows ever more to form a canyon with rock-faces on both sides. In the riverbed, tracks of a leopard and a hyena. Surprisingly the little spring, in spite of the almost complete lack of rain, still holds some water, though very bitter. Many tracks lead towards the spring from downriver, mainly of Hartmann zebras, but also quite a few gemsbok tracks.
When a tributary coming in from the western limestone ridges meets the Chausib, we leave the dry riverbed and climb steeply on a zebrapath over loose slabs into the slope on the left. Six zebras come towards us. With the low sun in our eyes the lifeless landscape now appears blackish, and the contours of the hardy animals become blurred. We turn southward, following a zebra-path on the limestone ridge. To our left the wild rocky gorge of the Chausib canyon, to the right the ravine of the tributary at whose confluence we left the canyon. At the opposite crest of this ravine bizarre bastions of limestone, amalgamated with sandstone and rubble, run along the ridge to form a somewhat more prominent feature in this jumble of ravines and ridges. We trudge wearily up to the limestone plateau, stop at the summit and turn to look back over the wild maze of domes and incisions that drops towards the Kuiseb; over the awe-inspiring lonely land, up to blue mountain ranges in the far distance. Those who say that God created this land in anger are mistaken. He created it in tender wisdom for those who can appreciate the unique and disregard discomfort and dawning despair. To drain the cup of freedom of its harsh grandeur to the full.
The landscape appears completely lifeless. Hardly ever is the voice of a bird to be heard. In the ravines here and there stand leafless Moringa trees with their bulky, water storing trunks and just as
leafless Commiphora glaucescens trees, their golden-brown trunks inconspicuously fitting in with the pale-brown landscape now gilded by the evening light. In this way, stopping every now and then to glass the surroundings, we return parallel to the course of the Chausib River and, as dusk falls, descend towards camp over the rocky ribs.
In this way the days pass; in looking over an awe-inspiring lonely landscape. At sunrise the croaking duet of the Rüpell’s Korhaans. In grandiose panoramas and the sight of Hartmann zebras moving on their paths over the ridges in timeless ease. And here and there a small group of springbuck. Then again only lifeless, windswept desert-plains and scattered gemsbok tracks on the game paths. This is the recipe for survival of the desert animals; continuously migrating from nowhere to somewhere in search of sparse water and fodder resources.
On a morning, we sit on the rocks of a little mountain, looking down onto the limestone ridges and try to look into the deeply cut incisions. We see Hartmann zebras move over the windswept ridges and a small group of springbuck, glassing in vain for a gemsbok. There, an old kudu bull dissolves from the ribs of rock at the foot of the mountain we sit on and steps onto a small quartz-gravel plain sprinkled into the broken terrain towards a Shepherd's tree. It stops there to browse around the tree for minutes on end. Laying the marvellous horns – the tip of the left horn is somewhat broken – far into his back, he browses up into the little tree. The white lips in his coal-black face with the white chevron marking on the bridge
Those who say that God created this land in anger are mistaken. He created it in tender wisdom for those who can appreciate the unique and disregard discomfort and dawning despair. To drain the cup of freedom of its harsh grandeur to the full.” “
of his nose pick every reachable leave full of devotion. Then he turns and steps majestically over the gravel plain, back into the ribs of rock, grey and ponderous. The kudu bull, pendant of the keen-eyed, restless gemsbok amidst the two great indigenous Namibian game animals, in their uniqueness en par with Africa’s other three great antelopes found elsewhere; the sable antelope of the Miombo Woodland Zone, the Lord Derby eland of the north-western savannas and the bongo of the gloomy equatorial rainforests.
When our hunt slowly draws towards its end, without us being able to find a gemsbok in the drought-stricken landscape, I decide to climb into the eastern, if one so likes the right, brain side of Ilala. This is somewhat more arduous, because on this side one first has to climb over a mighty Khomas Highland fold which runs north-westwards parallel to the Chausib. Therefore, we take the hunting assistant Erastus with us, who carries additional water. Following a zebra-path through the riverbed, which first leads over a limestone ridge into an isolated basin of quartz gravel, to then steeply lead up to the saddle of the Khomas Highland fold. In the basin, next to the zebra-path in the scanty shade of a scraggy tree, lie the bones and the horns, turned yellow, of an obviously ancient gemsbok bull, who, in the harsh, silent seclusion of this place, lay down to die and breathed the last of his tough, nomadic life. We look at the remains in silence for a moment, then we climb, still in the cool shade of the slope, towards the crest, in the saddle of which the crags and pinnacles of the rocky ribs stand out against the hot white light of the sun just rising behind it. Amidst all
the lifeless rigour of rock and stone, there is the silhouette of a bizarre Commiphora tree, its branches becoming ever more refined to form a delicate filigree of outer twigs.
Reaching the saddle out of breath and soaked with perspiration, we now have the glaring light of day in our eyes, which certainly will turn hot. We sit down amidst the rocks and begin to glass the terrain beneath us. Soon we spot a few gemsbok. We climb down and start to creep up to the animals slowly moving away to the north. At midday the game eventually comes to rest on a small flat plateau at the foot of a pebble-strewn slope with a big, spreading Shepherd’s tree in the middle. From several sides, more gemsbok come moving to this spot and soon 15 of the big antelopes have gathered here, while we try to close in laboriously in crab-fashion over the rubble. At the edge of the group there is an old bull, always staying close to a cow seemingly in heat. When we have closed in to 200m, the risk that one of the many animals will detect us becomes just too great and we decide to risk the shot. But in an attempt to adjust for the distance, which is somewhat far for the heavy bullet, in “taking full bead”, Thomas fires above the bull. We are left to gaze after the antelopes, running off in panic in a big cloud of dust.
The next morning finds us on the saddle again. After a short while of glassing, we again detect gemsbok down in the plain and notice in delight that it is the old bull and the rutting cow. The bull drives the cow over a ridge into a deep ravine. Here we close in carefully and eventually realise that both animals are bedded down in an idyllic little valley. We creep up to the edge and are within convenient shooting distance now. The bull must just stand up then success should be certain. But suddenly the cow, all the time scanning into all directions, detects us. She stands up, looks up towards us for a short while and runs off. The bull is up and away with her without even pausing for a second. They stop after a while but now it is over 200m once more and the hurried shot misses its target. We all know the deep frustration of such moments. Thomas utters a few swear-words and declares: “Enough now!”
But one does not throw in the towel so soon and, once the first rage has ebbed off, we walk in the direction of the Kuiseb in a wide semicircle. Eventually we sit down on a ridge and start to glass again. We just see three gemsbok, which seemingly got our wind, make off over a ridge far in the south. It is hot noon now and thus makes little sense to go after them. First of all, we try to find some shade, which is not easy. At last, we lie down tightly pressed against a little stony ridge which offers the scantest shade from the hot desert sun, drink a lot of water and chew some biltong.
As it becomes cooler in the afternoon we rise from this hard resting place, beat the dust from our clothes and eventually walk into the direction where we saw the three gemsbok disappear. Carefully stalking along on the ridge, we suddenly detect the animals bedded down in a depression, sink to the ground and retreat into cover. Then we outflank the place and close in again from behind a rocky outcrop behind which the animals are resting, chewing the cud. In this way we come into convenient shooting distance. In the meantime, the animals have risen
and start to feed, amongst them a bull. It is not the old fellow that got away twice, but we cannot be choosy any longer. As Thomas goes into firing position, I can see from his pale, tense features that a heavy burden now rests on his shoulders.
But the gemsbok bull, struck by the heavy projectile, collapses in the foreparts, gets up once more, but finally is down after a short rush. I nod to Thomas – few words are needed between us – then Erastus, who at first had remained behind, arrives and we go down in big relief. By now it is too late to retrieve the meat. Thomas and Erastus will have to spend the night next to our booty, guard the meat against the hyenas, which are plentiful in the Kuiseb River, and start to cut up the animal. We still have enough water, and they can prepare the liver of the bull on the coals. I give short instructions, then quickly look around in the vicinity for a place that I can reach in the morning with the car to load the meat. When I come back, Thomas squats behind the gemsbok bull, holding the legs, while Erastus is busy gralloching. I have the impression that Thomas is still in a turmoil of emotions; of huge, humble vacillation and the simultaneous awareness, that after all, this had been a great hunt. I give him a little slap on the slouch-hat under which he seems to squat down and a somewhat firmer slap on his back, then I set out on my way back to camp.
After days such as this I like to be on my own to savour. The sun is far in the west by now and enchants the barren land with warm colours. Clay-brown the Khomas Highland folds, a mild yellowish white the limestone plains and in a clear light-blue the distant mountain ranges beyond the Kuiseb River. I reach the mountain, toil up to the saddle one last time – here a cool westerly breeze blows into my sweaty face – and let my eyes roam out far, until the contours become blurred by distant coastal fog moving inland over the Namib. Then, as dusk is falling, I trudge down the zebra-path to camp with weary bones.
What would this wild, impractical landscape be without its zebrapaths…
to decision From data
The science and the strategy in conservancy quota setting
Robust, collaborative and driven by science. This is how you can describe the process that the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism (MEFT) has adopted to set quotas in communal conservancies. Richard Fryer, the Control Warden for Human-Wildlife Conflict and Conservation Hunting at MEFT, who manages this process, explains that they needed their quota-setting system to include a more robust process that could withstand scrutiny from anti-hunting critics. To address these concerns, Namibia shifted to a more scientific and evidence-based approach. This change aimed to enhance the credibility of the quotas issued for hunting and ensure they were based on the best available data. Kirsty Watermeyer
“The quota setting is overseen by the Quota Setting Coordinating Committee, which is part of Namibia’s Department of Natural Resource Management. This committee includes representatives from the Directorate of Wildlife and National Parks, the Directorate of Scientific Services and the Namibian Association for Conservancy Support Organisations (NACSO), with consultation from conservancies and also the hunting operators,” Richard explains. He adds that they embark on a year-long vigorous process that will determine quotas for a three-year cycle.
Richard points out that there is a vast area to cover, with 86 conservancies, across different landscapes. Considering this, and the fact that there is not the budget to do costly annual aerial surveys of the entire country, the team needed to come up with a new approach that is rooted in science. This resulted in the current system which is a collaborative and multi-faceted approach, involving various stakeholders and layers of scrutiny.
The process involves specific task teams for different categories of wildlife: elephants, predators, wetland species and general game. Each team is led by experts who gather data and make recommendations based on scientific research and field observations.
FIRST, THERE IS DATA COLLECTION
Different approaches to data collection are used for different species. For elephants, data is collected from aerial surveys and other sources. For wetland species, annual game counts are conducted using helicopters to gather data on species like hippos and crocodiles. Quotas for general game, such as springbok and kudu, are determined through annual game counts conducted by conservancies with support from NGOs and regional MEFT staff.
to address their concerns and incorporate these into the processes. “We do not set quotas on animals for which we lack scientific data. For example, while there is substantial human-wildlife conflict data on spotted hyenas, we do not set quotas for them because we lack the necessary scientific data. We receive pressure from conservancies to establish quotas for animals involved in significant human-wildlife conflicts, but we won’t do so in cases where the scientific data is lacking. When it comes to problem animals and their declaration, there are other avenues to follow which are guided by the HWC Policy.”
The process follows an adaptive management approach, where off-take numbers are determined based on information gathered and feedback loops. And, as Richard explains, “the process is very collaborative at this stage. Each task team leader will go out and consult with various people, including conservancies, hunting operators, researchers and experts in the field. Then they come back and discuss these findings among our team again.”
" By involving multiple stakeholders and relying on rigorous data analysis, Namibia aims to ensure that its hunting quotas are both responsible and transparent."
The approaches differ with regard to predators. There is more comprehensive scientific data available about lions in conservancies, which helps to guide quota setting. Whereas no quotas are set on species like cheetahs and spotted hyenas, because the scientific data is insufficient.
THEN THERE IS CONSULTATION AND REVIEW
After collecting the data, the task teams review the collections and feed the data findings into technical programs that calculate recommendations based on various factors such as population trends, environmental conditions such as droughts as well as other factors such as ecological carrying capacity of the land. This gives a first round of recommended quotas, which are then discussed with conservancies and regional staff to gather local insights and address any concerns. This consultation process is crucial as it ensures that quotas are practical and consider on-the-ground realities.
Richard explains that although they don’t set off-take quotas based on incidents of human-wildlife conflict, they do engage with conservancies
Some of the other areas of consideration in setting the recommendations include a review of environmental factors like droughts and assessing the quality of trophies. “If the quality of the trophies are going down, this is a warning sign that we look out for. So we are also monitoring things like skull measurements of leopards or tusk weight of elephants.”
Richard points out that some species, like desert-adapted elephants, are never placed on quota and that Namibia adheres to international regulations set by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), which restricts the number of trophies that can be exported.
NOW, READY FOR APPROVAL AND FINALISATION
Once the process of reviewing the recommendations together with conservancies has taken place, the recommended quotas are presented to a technical steering committee consisting of senior officials and experts. If approved, the quotas are forwarded to the Minister of Environment for final sign-off. Only after the Minister’s approval are the quotas officially set.
This final step includes the quota allocation determined for each animal species, i.e. recommendations are given for how many animals may be used for trophy allocation – by the traditional authority, and by the conservancies for their own use.
Namibia’s quota-setting process for trophy hunting is a comprehensive and scientifically driven approach designed to balance conservation goals with sustainable wildlife management. By involving multiple stakeholders and relying on rigorous data analysis, Namibia aims to ensure that its hunting quotas are both responsible and transparent. The process demonstrates the country’s commitment to conserving its wildlife while addressing the complex dynamics of trophy hunting.
THREE OLDIES LOOKING FOR A BULL
The type of terrain where the kudu was hunted.
I like old things. In my house I’ve got a wooden carving from a Flemish church dating from the 1800s, some pewter tankards from the mid-1600s, and a smoking pipe of New Zealand origin from around the last war. My usual hunting rifle is an early 1970s Heckler and Koch .308, obtained via the deceased estate of a friend of Erich Honecker, the former communist East German party leader. Piet van Rooyen
Recently I got hold of a German WWI military 7.9x57JS Mauser. The rifle is still in its original condition, made at Spandau in 1916, thus giving it a provenance of almost 110 years ago. From what I could deduce, it saw war service in East Africa, probably issued to one of Colonel Von Lettow-Vorbeck’s askaris. Its barrel bore looked good when viewed against the light, with no evidence of rust or pitting. I tested the rifle with Czech-made military ammunition dating from the early 1950s, which I obtained in an original ammunition crate from Rosenthal Guns in Windhoek. The rifle kicked like a mule, and made a lot of noise, but with proper ear protection and some shoulder desensitisation I got used to it. After a few adjustments to the sights, it zeroed spot-on at the shooting range on my farm, with a bullet grouping of only five centimetres from a hundred yards.
My quest for old things also led me to a post-WWII Willys Jeep, of the so-called flat-fender type, which I found in a backyard at Rehoboth. The Willys needed some tender love and care, but after rewelding its drive shaft, stripping it of some unnecessary extras, replacing its engine oil seals, and some adjustment to the steering, it runs as new. Although the Willys is ideal for climbing the rocky terrain on my farm, looking for game, it has no proper loading space for anything bigger than a warthog. From a scrap yard at a neighbouring farm, recently sold to a new owner from Europe, I retrieved a broken-down donkey cart, which we slowly got back onto its wheels again. This I adapted for use as a flatbed trailer at the back of the Willys. At a Windhoek-based arms dealer I got hold of a packet of modern Sellier & Bellot ammunition for the Mauser, which I tested on the range and got even better results than with the military ammo. Now we were ready for a hunt.
The rocky hills at the northern end of my farm are an ideal habitat for kudu. I often find cows with accompanying young ones of up to fifteen in a group. Now and then, a single breeding bull would join them. Especially in the winter months, during the rut, the single bulls come out of the mountains where they spent time resting and eating browse, in order to herd together the cows for mating. Also in this area, I sometimes find older bulls singly or in a bachelor group. I generally do not shoot kudu bulls, as I have a standing agreement with my neighbour to leave these at an inflated price to his trophy hunting clients. But, with rifle and jalopy ready to rumble, I decided that this was too good an opportunity to let go. I made sure that the Willys’ battery was fully charged and the fuel tank filled up. With my trusted companion Mannetjie /Uirab as lookout and tracker, we set out to look for an animal to hunt.
The terrain is rocky, strewn with quartzite for most parts, with small outcrops of granite spaced throughout the landscape. Trees are scarce. Only here and there some lone wait-a-bit thorn, raisin bush or Shepherd’s tree dots the landscape. Kudu bulls like resting in the shade of these trees, where they are difficult to see, during the heat of the day. Therefore we waited for later in the afternoon before we set out from the homestead. I needed to shift into low range at two places, when we crossed the thick sand in the bed of the Gaub River coming down from the Gamsberg and from the Hakos Mountains, but the Willys took it in its stride.
Just as we rounded the first prominent rocky outcrop, Mannetjie tapped me on the shoulder: “I think I saw the horns of some animal flashing in the sunlight, just behind those rocks over there”, he said. I gave him the binoculars, and indeed, after some focusing of the lenses, he came out with a crisp: “Kudu bull!”
A group of young bachelor kudus among the rocks at Farm Gamsberg.
What
a privilege to be still able to hunt at this age, and with open sights no less, with good companions, with a rifle that has tasted some blood before, and from a classic hunting vehicle of the oldschool type."
One advantage of the open-bodied Willys is that one can get out of the vehicle fast, without having to slam any doors. Already in advance I had learnt to adopt a sort of tactical roll from behind the steering wheel down to ground level. This was done in one fluid motion, with creaking joints and aching muscles, but anyway. Mannetjie had already decamped and was waiting for me. With the body of the Willys as the initial obstruction we were able to move in behind some rocks from where we could approach unobserved to within 50 metres of the bull. From where we were now we could observe him being very much occupied with a single jittery kudu cow. Fortunately for us, she was so distracted by his antics that she was not in fully-alert mode either.
I shifted myself into position over the broad flat surface of the rocks in front of us and got myself ready for taking the shot. But at the very moment when I had the bull in my sights, my glasses started to get foggy from the sweat in my eyes. “Here, take this!” I hissed at Mannetjie. Now without my glasses, everything shifted out of focus, however. “Give back my glasses!” I instructed the impatient Mannetjie.
Amidst all this commotion the cow picked up some suspicious movement from our side and started running up the slope, towards an area thickly-wooded with blackthorn. Lucky for us, the bull was so focused on the cow as not to heed the danger, and he stopped at about a hundred yards, apparently unsure of why his lady took off so suddenly. That gave me the time I needed to take careful aim and squeeze the trigger. He fell where he stood.
It took some time to get the Willys up to where the bull had fallen, but the loading went smoothly and quickly, even with the manpower consisting only of the two of us. The low bed of the donkey cart provided an ideal surface to slide the carcass onto and secure it with ratchet straps.
Now then, where is the third Oldie? Oh, that’s me. I almost forgot. At 71 years of age, and after a few emergency repairs under anesthetics, I still feel like a youngster, but the calendar tells me something different. What a privilege to be still able to hunt at this age, and with open sights no less, with good companions, with a rifle that has tasted some blood before, and from a classic hunting vehicle of the old-school type.
“
Glassing for game from the cabin of the Willys
The Mauser in its original state
The hunter, his Mauser and the kudu bull
SUPPORT NAPHA BY BECOMING A MEMBER
Since 1974, NAPHA has promoted conservation hunting in Namibia to protect wildlife and support rural communities. This approach maintains healthy wildlife populations, funds anti-poaching, and aids habitat preservation, ensuring biodiversity while benefiting local communities.
MEMBERSHIP CATEGORIES
Sponsoring Member - NAD 2,570.00 per annum
A person who would like to support NAPHA’s objectives who does not earn an income from hunting in Namibia.
Ordinary Member - NAD 4,830.00 per annum
A certified Namibian hunting professional who has passed the official Namibian examination.
Young Hunter - NAD 2,415.00 per annum
A certified Namibian hunting professional under 30 years of age
Group Member - NAD 2,415.00 per annum
A hunting professional under contract with an Ordinary or Extraordinary NAPHA member.
Extraordinary Member - NAD 4,830.00 per annum
A Namibian resident or permanent resident who earns an income from trophy hunting as a full or part-time occupation.
Hunting Assistant / Camp Attendant - NAD 350.00 per annum
A hunting assistant / Camp attendant employed by an Ordinary, Honorary, or Extraordinary member who does not possess an official hunting qualification
NOTE
Membership cycle: 1 September - 31 August annually.
Applications are subject to approval from NAPHA's Executive Committee. Members must adhere to NAPHA's code of conduct and constitution.
Admission fee: NAD 200.00 for all membership applications.
Scan the QR Code for more info, visit www.napha-namibia.com, or contact info@napha.com.na.
Embracing the future:
THE YOUNG HUNTERS OF NAMIBIA
In the vast untamed landscapes of Namibia, hunting is more than just a sport. It is a tradition, a way of life that connects us deeply with the land. The Young Hunters Committee of Namibia carries the responsibility and honour of safeguarding this legacy for future generations.
We are a vibrant group of passionate young individuals dedicated to preserving and enhancing this cherished lifestyle. Though we are new to the industry, hunting has been a part of our lives for as long as we can remember. Now we have the opportunity to infuse fresh ideas into the sector while learning from the invaluable experience of older generations of hunters. Our mission is to honour traditional practices while introducing innovative concepts that can benefit wildlife conservation and foster a deeper understanding of the significance of hunting in Namibia.
GOALS
Our goals for this year focus on attracting more people to become NAPHA Young Hunters and increasing participation in events and engagement. We want to build a great community where we can help each other with challenges and share memorable moments. To kickstart this initiative, we launched our first tradition: the Young Hunters Open Day.
THE YOUNG HUNTERS OPEN DAY
Our inaugural Open Day with the theme The Future of Hunting was scheduled for 6 September 2024. The event was open to all young hunting enthusiasts and their partners. The day featured sessions on hunting and conservation, interactive experiences with seasoned hunters and, most importantly, a chance to have fun together. Our Fun Shoot and Braai at the end of the day created lasting memories. The Open Day was a fantastic opportunity to network and learn from experienced professionals in our industry.
WHO WE ARE
Our committee is fortunate to be guided by
efforts inspire us to do our best.
Eddie Agenbach, our chairman, is a born outdoorsman whose passion for Namibian nature began as a sheep farmer's son and evolved into a fulfilling career as a professional hunter (PH) at Aru.
Sven Günzel's family exemplifies the harmony of conservation and hunting, which profoundly influenced him. His first AGM experience with NAPHA left him in awe of their expertise and commitment to the hunting community, cementing his desire to contribute.
Joana Hagmann, though new to this lifestyle, brings a profound enthusiasm and dedication, eager to contribute to the community and preserve the land that she has come to cherish.
our administrative support with boundless energy, innovative ideas and dedication to our mission.
We are united by a shared love for hunting and the natural beauty of Namibia. Our commitment goes beyond the hunt itself: it encompasses wildlife conservation and environmental preservation. Hunting is more than a pastime – it is a vital part of our heritage and economy. By building a strong, supportive community, we can tackle the challenges ahead and ensure that future generations can enjoy and respect this way of life.
Join us in our mission. Together, we can protect and celebrate hunting, contribute to wildlife conservation and enjoy the camaraderie of a passionate community. If you share our vision, we invite you to become part of the Young Hunters of Namibia.
Jacques Strauss, a member of the NAPHA Executive Committee. His motivation and
Mariaan Kok, who works with NAPHA, provides
Eddie Agenbach, Joana Hagmann, Mariaan Kok and Sven Günzel
A Hunter’s Journey in Erongo
Thomas Kleinbeck
With my gun case and rucksack I set off to Namibia on my own at the end of May 2024. I was looking forward to my second attempt to bag a mature old kudu bull according to the rules of the Erongo Verzeichnis. Like the previous year, my destination is Hagen Denker's hunting ground at the south-western foothills of the Erongo Mountains.
My wife and I had some sightings of kudu last year, but no mature bull turned up and we left without a trophy. The chances should be better this year. I am travelling a little later because now the rut is in full swing and the mature bulls are more likely to be with the cows.
It is an uneventful overnight flight from Frankfurt, and we touch down at Windhoek’s international airport 20 minutes early. Entry formalities and collecting my weapons are a breeze, as always.
I am pleased to see Hagen again. He has come to meet me at the airport. We drive into town for breakfast and to buy supplies for the hunt.
Then we are off to Ameib. After greeting Hagen's family we load our luggage and supplies onto the vintage 1973 Land Rover and continue to the hunting camp. It is already dark when we arrive, but it feels like coming home. I feel deeply grateful that I have the privilege to be here, that this still exists.
My accommodation is a spacious tent with a double bed and a small cupboard. A table and chairs are ready under the awning. The sanitary facilities consist of a bucket shower and a long-drop toilet which
"flushes" without water. Using this type of shower and toilet becomes a challenge only when temperatures are low, or a cold wind is blowing.
There are two more tents – one for Hagen, one for his camp assistant Butti – and there is an open cooking area and a fire pit – everything spaced out between large Leadwood trees near a dry riverbed.
Gazing at the magnificent starry sky, my thoughts turn back to Germany. I am utterly happy that I am here.
Hagen and I meet at the campfire and drink a toast to a successful hunt. Over dinner, we discuss the next few days.
The restful night with its full array of African background sounds ends before sunrise. The alarm clock rings at 6.00 a.m., and I go and join Hagen at the campfire for a cup of tea. Then we set off on my first stalk. On the way we check the gun. The test shot is right on target.
We do not spot any game this morning. Back at camp, we have a substantial brunch and a midday break.
In the afternoon we stalk along a dry riverbed and see some springbok and black-faced impala, but no kudu.
I can’t stop marvelling at the scenery where no fence disturbs the eye. The low density of game, compared to hunting farms that keep cattle, is due to the lack of artificial waterholes. We are back at camp after sunset, in time for dinner.
The next morning we start on foot directly from our camp, along the dry riverbed. We have sightings of gemsbok and zebra. The wind is constantly changing and I am pretty exhausted. It occurs to me that I should have done a bit more physical training in preparation for this safari.
In the afternoon we climb a rock formation on the other side of the dry Khan River. With our binoculars we scan the surroundings for kudu… without spotting any. On the way back to the car we startle a young leopard. It takes off across the dry riverbed in front of us. In the gathering dusk it seems like a mere shadow to me.
As on the previous day we settle down on an elevated vantage point and spend plenty of time scanning the surroundings for kudu –again without success. In the afternoon we spot a group of kudu for the first time. They are on the slope of a mountain in the same area. But there is no bull among them.
The following morning we drive to a new area. As usual, driving is followed by a brisk walk to an observation post. On the way up we hear a jackal calling in the immediate vicinity, but we can't see him. Breathing heavily, I make it to the top. Hagen laughs and is already scanning the area. I will never be able to catch up with his level of fitness.
Our position gives us a direct view of a leopard that has apparently killed a young giraffe during the night – which is something quite unusual. Now he is being harassed by three jackals (hence the “concert” during our ascent) that want a share of the prey. Fascinated, we watch the
action through our binoculars. After several failed attempts, the jackals finally succeed: exasperated by their relentless persistence, the leopard retreats, having had his fill.
A group of giraffes – probably the leopard’s prey was one of them – approaches in the late morning, sniffs the carcass and stays for a kind of wake, which is a rare sight even for Hagen. All this happens about 500 metres from our vantage point. In addition to the leopard, jackals and giraffes we have seen gemsbok, zebra and a young kudu bull in the course of the morning.
On the way back we stop at the site of the kill and examine it. The skull of the young giraffe is completely crushed. We surmise that the mother accidentally kicked her calf while trying to protect it – and thus inadvertently helped the leopard to its prey. Knowing that the leopard is nearby and probably watching you, causes a peculiar feeling.
During the afternoon's stalk along a dry riverbed we come across a group of kudu (no bull among them). In the evening, around the fire, we have a lot of experiences to talk about.
It got very cold overnight. The night-time temperatures are probably just below zero degrees Celsius. Due to the strong wind there is a lot of dust in the air. At the early morning fire, I wish Hagen a happy birthday and give him the present I brought along.
During the morning glassing we observe a black rhino bull. Awesome to see these animals moving about in the Erongo again. It puts us in a happy mood despite the freezing cold and the strong wind.
Our afternoon stalk takes us to the rocks at the rim of the Erongo crater for the first time. Gemsbok, springbok and kudu come into view already on the way there. However, once again there are no kudu bulls among them. But the ancient mountains with their huge granite boulders and the panoramic views to endless horizons make up for it.
The next day starts spectacularly. It has become a little warmer and the humidity has risen. Which has caused fog, especially in the dry river valleys.
Our vantage point lies above a sea of fog, and we watch as the rising sun and easterly wind dissolve the mist. The trees and shrubs along the dry Khan River emerge, and slowly a group of giraffes takes shape. It is a mystical atmosphere.
Our pursuit after the grey ghost leads us away from camp along a dry river-bed in the afternoon. We see black-faced impala and springbok leaping. I am always amazed at how much game there is in this dry area. While stalking, we also come across a zebra snake (spitting cobra), which slowly moves away.
The wind picked up overnight. It is very cold when we have our morning tea. This morning’s stalk takes us to the border of Farm Schlucht, and we climb up into the granite rocks. The aim is to spot kudu in the valleys and on the slopes. Such an impressive landscape, and what a privilege to be able to hunt here under these conditions. There are no kudus to be seen, but various other antelopes. In the afternoon we find many tracks of kudu, including bulls, in a dry riverbed – but still no sight of the much longed-for game.
As always, after driving to the starting point, the morning continues with a brisk walk uphill to a vantage point from where we search the area for kudu. Also as always, Hagen chooses the direct route to the top. I arrive there drenched in sweat and immediately start to feel cold in the chilly morning wind. I am still amazed at how easily you can feel cold in Africa. We find a spot sheltered from the wind and start looking for kudu. We witness a leopard being chased by baboons about 400 metres away. He obviously wanted to snatch a young one from the troop.
His attempt failed and now two or three big males chase the leopard, accompanied by barks and squeals from the agitated troop, until the big cat no longer poses a threat. At the same time we also spot the first female kudus in this part of the hunting grounds. We glass the group and the surrounding area for a long time, hoping to spot a kudu bull. But to no avail.
After a chilly night and an even colder morning, we drive to the area where we saw the group of female kudus the previous day. Again the usual quick ascent to an observation post between the rocks, with a view of a mountain slope and into a valley. As we climb over the crest, a herd of zebras becomes aware of us and clatters off to the opposite slope.
After lengthy glassing, Hagen discovers the kudus from the previous day about 1000 metres away. This time there is a bull with the group of three cows and a calf. Another bull is tagging along behind them, but he is forced back by the first bull.
I am getting tenser. Will I be able to bag this beautiful animal today? We discuss the next steps. With the assumption that the group will move down from the mountain to the Khan River we descend from our vantage point, cross a small plain and climb a granite outcrop that lies in the way we expect the kudus to take. According to Hagen’s appraisal the bull that is with the group meets the criteria of the Erongo Verzeichnis. The group is about 750 metres away from our new position. The final clearance will be given when the bull has come closer. The browsing kudus move slowly towards our outcrop. They move from right to left in the bush in front of us, but they do get closer. When the bull pauses, I find it particularly difficult not to lose sight of him. His camouflage is simply excellent.
We wait among the rocks with bated breath and try to get more comfortable in a position from which we can observe the group and at the same time be a little more sheltered from the cold wind and the hot sun. The kudus lie down about 300 metres away from us and ruminate. After hours of watching, waiting and battling fatigue, the kudus start to get going again. They move slightly away from us to the right. After a brief discussion we decide to leave our position and get closer to the group.
A HUNTER'S JOURNEY IN ERONGO
While briskly climbing down from the boulders, a supposedly solid rock comes loose. Hunter and weapon tumble down, the rock hits me painfully on the shin. The weapon and sights seem undamaged. I am not entirely sure, however. The plan was to approach the new position quietly. Luckily the kudus have not been disturbed by the incident. Our new position is about 150 to 200 metres away from them. We are standing behind man-size rocks, which provide good support. I set up with care.
Nothing must go wrong after all this waiting and effort. Hagen gives the go-ahead for the bull. I am completely calm, surprised that I feel no signs of hunting fever. I will shoot and hit the target as soon as he is standing unobstructed.
A cow moves to the right across a small open space between the bushes. The bull follows shortly afterwards in the typical majestic gait of the kudu, his head slightly lowered. I follow him with the reticle, and when he steps into the open space and stands broadside and free for a moment, I shoot at the chamber behind the front leg.
The bull disappears into the bush to the right. The impact of the bullet was clearly audible. I chamber a new round.
The cow takes flight about 30 metres from our position down the slope towards the dry riverbed. The rest of the herd heads uphill to the left.
With the rifle scope I scan the bushes for the bull, ready for the second shot, but I cannot spot him. Hagen doesn't find any sign either. The kudu must still be among the bushes. We wait about 20 minutes and then walk slowly to the spot where we last saw him. I am ready to shoot, if necessary.
He lies some 20 metres from where he was standing when I shot in a slight depression between bushes and small trees. Relief. The tension slowly subsides. The physical exertion, the alternating heat and cold, thirst, pain, fatigue, joy and sadness – they all combine in this moment as I approach this beautiful animal and touch it for the first time. I never feel closer to life than when hunting this way. Hunting is life.
Hagen congratulates me with a pat on the back, no words are necessary.
Then he goes to fetch the hunting vehicle. That leaves me some time alone with the bull. I give the Erongo kudu his last bite and stroke the coat and horn. I can see myself reflected in his eyes. I am filled with infinite gratitude, joy and a deep humility at being able to experience this. Hunting like this and in this fantastic environment is sublime.
The bull is 8 or 9 years old. I start gutting him. When Hagen returns with the car, we load the bull and drive to the guest farm next to the hunting grounds to cut up the meat.
Back at camp we have dinner and drink a second beer to toast the kudu and the success of the hunt. For me, the hunt is over now. After bagging this kudu I would not be able to justify continuing the hunt.
When the fire has burned down, a wonderful memorable day in a great landscape with great game and a great hunting guide comes to an end.
My heartfelt thanks to all those who make this kind of hunting possible and support it.
CHAMPION
CONSERVATION AND EDUCATION ONE NAPHA MEDAL AT A TIME!
Make a difference today. Order your medals and join the force for positive change in the world of hunting and education!
A portion of NAPHA medal sales funds the Hunters Support Education Nature Awareness Project and supports the association's efforts in promoting ethical and sustainable hunting. NAPHA medals symbolize recognition and honor for hunters who exhibit exceptional skills and ethical practices.
honors hunters for harvesting large, pastprime trophies, essential for preserving strong gene pools and superior genetics for future generations.
The Gold (NAD 900.00), Silver (NAD 800.00) and Bronze (NAD 750.00) medals, together with the appropriate certificate, are obtainable for prime and past prime trophies that qualify.
CONSERVATION MEDAL is awarded to trophies that are disqualified from other medals due to age, deformities, or species like Zebra and Baboon. It is minted in
GAME FIELDS MEDAL
(NAD 950.00)
GOLD, SILVER AND BRONZE MEDALS
"Old Silver."
(NAD 750.00)
Learn more about the Age Related Trophy Measurement System and NAPHAs Medals
BRIDGING THE GAP:
A Journey to Reconnect Youth with Nature
Janke Fourie
Adecade ago, my mother Isabelle and I embarked on a journey that started with a simple realisation. A classmate of mine boldly declared that the source of meat was the grocery store. It struck me – not just because it seemed comically naive, but because I was fortunate enough to have grown up on a farm surrounded by nature and two professional hunters.
This seemingly innocent comment planted a seed that germinated into a project near and dear to our hearts: bringing the youth back into nature. Our mission? To bridge the gap between these "city kids" and the great outdoors. So, we approached the school with an idea. Why not shift our class outing to Osema Gusinde, and sprinkle in a few life-saving tips while we were at it?
When the day finally arrived, my mother and I were pleasantly surprised to witness the transformation. The city kids, as we fondly called them, embraced the experience with enthusiasm. Picture this: 24 students stalking and hunting a wildebeest together. It was a sight to behold, and it was infectious.
What struck me most was the aftermath. Suddenly, classmates who once considered nature a distant concept were eager to learn more. They bombarded us with questions, and even after the outing, their curiosity persisted. Something had clicked.
The change was tangible. These individuals, who once may have overlooked nature, were now going out of their way to pick up trash and educate others about the significance of certain plants. It was heartening to see a shift in perspective.
Not everyone ventured into nature-related careers, but the impact was clear. Out of the 24, three have found their calling in tourism. One is now a skilled chef, another manages a lodge, and the third thrives as a booking agent. These were unexpected outcomes, and it brought immense joy to see the ripple effect of our little project.
As for me, I find myself back on a farm and, excitingly, gearing up for a new adventure. Next year, I'll be pursuing my hunting guide certification, aspiring to become a freelance professional hunter.
Our journey has been a wild ride, quite literally, but the most rewarding part has been witnessing the transformation in our peers. Today, I encourage all of you to embrace nature, step outside your comfort zones, and who knows – you might just discover a passion you never knew existed.
The Nature Awareness Project is dedicated to immersing young people in nature, both through social media and hands-on excursions. The program focuses on instilling values of respect, ethical responsibility, sustainability, and discipline while fostering an awareness of our constitutional right to the sustainable use and conservation of wildlife and natural resources.
For more information on the Nature Awareness Project visit: Gudrun@otjiruse.com www.nature.awareness.com www.youtube.com/@thenatureawarenessprojectn4345 Nature Awareness Namibia
Hunting with an old-timer
Piet van Rooyen
The springbok ram stood quartering towards us at just over 200 metres, its impressive set of horns clearly outlined against the background of yellow grass and granite outcrops. My son, Chris, had the 30-06 Ruger Hawkeye rifle steady on the sticks, with Robin giving extra support with his left shoulder, his well-worn floppy hat shading his eyes from the slanting sun rays. It was just after 10h00 and we had been following different groups of springbok since early morning. The hunting method was to drive to a promising area on Robin’s corporate hunting farm of almost 30,000 hectares, climb up to a vantage point from where we could glass for springbok, and then approach via one of the dry riverbeds in the broken terrain. We were a group of four: myself, my son, Robin Hurt and Gabriel, Robin’s tracker. The animals were tame enough, with Robin only accommodating a minimum number of hunters each season, and allowing nobody to shoot from a vehicle.
Once he identified a suitable ram, Robin took the lead in the slow approach to the springbok, sometimes crouching low, but often walking in plain sight of the springbok in a wide, gradually closing half-circle, while the springbok were staring at us from a distance, without taking off in full flight. I realised that Robin knew exactly what he was doing, with habits ingrained from many years of hunting experience. He carried a modern Winchester .300 Short Magnum as the backup rifle, but his shooting sticks were in a class of their own – no modern fancy-folding stuff, but sticks made from the indigenous wild pear tree, prevalent in the nearby Gaub River. “It’s difficult to teach an old dog new tricks,” said Robin when he saw me smiling at this setup.
I am an old-timer hunter, hunting many animals in my lifetime of seventy years, among others some good specimens of the Big Five. All of these hunts were self-generated, often with the help of an indigenous tracker, whom I could trust, and on whose instincts and
knowledge of the veld and of animal behaviour I could depend. I never had the desire to hunt under the guidance of a formal professional hunter (PH). This probably stems from my individual personality, and from a jealously guarded emphasis on my personal freedom to make decisions the way I prefer, and not to be told what to do, unless I specifically ask for advice. The main drawback in this regard was that the tracker/guide usually had a strong craving for fresh meat and would urge me to shoot, whatever the consequences. On this basis I made many mistakes in the hunting field, leading to wounded animals and hours of painstaking tracking work, which should have been avoided.
I am, at the same time, an avid reader of stories, especially those on hunting and adventure. The well-known Hemingway story The Short and Happy Life of Francis Macomber has always been one of my favourites. From this, it is evident that the relationship between the professional hunter and his client/s is often a complex one. Since the
Chris and the tracker at the hunting vehicle at Groot Gamsberg.
proliferation of good-quality hunting videos on the internet I also became a dedicated viewer of these. Professional hunters like Jeff Rann, Ivan Carter, and others, became a hallmark of how a successful hunt can be conducted. In this regard, one must probably take into account that only the successful outcomes will be presented to the audience.
A few years ago, I also watched the full-length bigscreen movie In the Blood. It is about the growing up of a young boy and his first blood in the hunting fields of Africa, in which Robin Hurt as the professional hunter for the expedition plays a prominent role as the guide and mentor of this boy. The stories and video clips awakened in me the desire to see how such a “guided” hunt is conducted in practice, and to allow myself to participate in such a hunt.
Some may call it coincidence, but I call it serendipity that myself and Robin Hurt became neighbours on our respective farms in the Khomas Hochland of Namibia some fifteen years ago. Robin Hurt has guided successful hunts for clients on hundreds of trophy elephant, buffalo, lion, leopard and other animals over his decades-long hunting career in Kenya, Tanzania, Sudan, Uganda and elsewhere in Africa. Known as the hunter’s hunter for his dedication and professionalism, he became a legend in his lifetime. Hunting organisations like Safari Club International, rightly so, view Robin as one of the top professional hunters alive in Africa.
Myself and Robin built a solid neighbourly relationship over the years, often jointly attending to the normal day-to-day management of our respective pieces of land, attending to challenges like wildfires, poaching, stray animals, broken fences, etc. Robin is nearing eighty, but he is still amazingly fit for his age, with hunting still very much alive in his blood. However, he himself admits that hunting dangerous game in often politically disrupted countries higher up in Africa has become too much of a risk, and a burden on body and soul. He therefore bought himself the hunting farm Groot Gamsberg in Namibia to “retire” on, inviting his old-time clients, now also older, slower, and more cautious, for plains game hunting there.
My son Chris nowadays works in Australia. He has a much more accommodating personality than me, and is much more willing to take and follow orders. When he and his family came to visit us here in Namibia for a week or two, I thought the moment was ideal to put the possibility of a hunt under the guidance of a professional hunter to the test, a hunt in which I could participate as an objective observer. When I asked Robin if he would take us, he was
Robin Hurt under his well-worn floppy hat glassing the terrain.
Robin, his tracker and hunter Chris returning from a scout for springbok.
The hunters inspecting the plains below for springbok.
“ Robin congratulates
hunter for a good shot made.
For the first time in my hunting career I did not feel the pressure to make decisions. All decisions, up to the moment of the final squeezing of the trigger, now rested with the professional hunter.”
immediately willing to do so, on the basis of our friendship and neighbourliness. The hunt would be for a good springbok ram from his herd of altogether almost 600 springbok.
The terrain was mostly quartz-strewn undulating plains, not heavily bushed, with granite outcrops in between and dry riverbeds winding down via the contours. The massive Gamsberg, one of the highest mountains in Namibia, at over 2,300 meters high, was a blue-hazed presence in the near distance. It was clear from the start that this was to be a different sort of hunt than what I was used to. The decision-making was in somebody else’s hands. That, to me, was a liberating experience that I did not have before. For the first time in my hunting career I did not feel the pressure to make decisions. All decisions, up to the moment of the final squeezing of the trigger, now rested with the professional hunter. Robin knew his hunting area, he knew his animals, he had confidence in his abilities. He calmly surveyed the land and the animals below through his binoculars before starting to move out. His calm assurance also affected us. I experienced none of the former highly charged adrenaline rushes and frantic movements as I did on a self-guided hunt. I think that this calmness also affected the animals which we were stalking, and they moved away only slightly, before starting to graze again. In this way we could approach to within shooting distance before setting up the sticks.
The final shot was almost an anti-climax. The buck stumbled head-down for a few metres before succumbing. Robin gave my son a congratulatory pat on the shoulder. “Good shooting!” he said. That was all that was needed. I again realised that the essence lay in the whole hunt, not only in the eventual kill.
The trophy was of exceptional quality –thick, symmetrical horns curving back at the tips, and measuring nearly fifteen inches a side. I had already prepared a special place for them on my verandah wall, mounted on an indigenous piece of wood, the outlay indicating the lucky trio of father, son and PH.
his
Chris and Robin with the trophy ram after the hunt.
In the crossfire
The fight for African wild dogs in Namibia
In Namibia, the struggle for the survival of the African wild dog unfolds in what the program coordinator at the Kalahari African Wild Dog Conservation Project describes as a “war zone”. Local farmers, fearing for their livestock, often resort to killing these endangered animals. Nadja le Roux reports that the impact of this persecution is alarming. “In 2021 I recorded seven destroyed dens. In all of those dens were puppy mortalities. I estimate that about 100 dogs were lost that year. If you work that out, 100 individuals out of our current global population is a lot.” Kirsty Watermeyer
African wild dogs, also known as painted wolves, are among the continent's most unique and endangered carnivores. Distinguished by their striking coat patterns of black, brown and white, these social animals exhibit complex pack dynamics and exceptional hunting strategies. Unlike other canids, wild dogs boast an extraordinarily high success rate in hunts, often collaborating to chase down prey in coordinated efforts. Their social structure is matriarchal, with alpha pairs leading the pack and maintaining strong bonds that are essential for survival. When key animals, particularly the alpha pairs, are killed, the breakdown of the pack can have far-reaching negative effects, including pack dissolution, which can increase conflicts with farmers, when livestock can be taken as easier prey. Nadja notes, “Young dogs can cause havoc while looking to establish a new pack,” highlighting the crucial need to protect the stability of packs.
Through collar data, the project has revealed that wild dogs in Namibia utilise nearly double the expected home range size. “They avoid farms and are using old riverbeds and drainage lines,” Nadja explains. “Understanding this movement is vital for conservation efforts.” This insight underscores the need for effective land management strategies that accommodate the dogs' natural behaviours.
SHINING A LIGHT ON WILD DOGS
Nadja was born in Namibia and raised in a conservation-focused family. From an early age a passion for wildlife and the natural world ignited a desire to work with animals. However, as time progressed, she transitioned into the tourism sector, working predominantly within communal lands and national parks. This shift sparked a deeper interest in social sciences, particularly in understanding the complex dynamics between people and wildlife.
While working in the Okakarara District, with the Cheetah Conservation Fund, Nadja started to see a pattern emerge in stories that farmers were sharing about wild dogs. “Wild dogs kept coming up in conversations,” she noted. “This wasn’t just about the occasional sighting, it sounded very permanent.” By tracking their movements and gathering information from local communities, it became clear that these dogs were not merely transient visitors, but were establishing dens in the area.
By building relationships with the local community, Nadja uncovered the grim reality of wild dog persecution. Many farmers, driven by the fear of livestock losses, resorted to killing these animals. “We found a destroyed den and two dead adult dogs, along with tenday-old puppies,” she said, recalling the tragic consequences of this conflict.
In 2020, amid the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Nadja founded the Kalahari African Wild Dog Conservation Project. This initiative aimed to focus exclusively on wild dogs outside of protected areas. “We realised that the pack was more established than anyone expected. We had three orphan litters in under a year, indicating a more stable population,” she noted, pointing out the unexpected resilience of these animals in a landscape fraught with danger.
African wild dogs play a crucial role in their ecosystem by regulating prey populations, which ultimately contributes to the health of their habitats.”
One of the project’s significant achievements was collaring the first two free-roaming wild dogs in Namibia outside of protected areas. “This is a unique situation,” Nadja explained. “In South Africa and eastern Africa, most dogs are fragmented in national parks. Here, we still have a free-roaming population.” This distinction is crucial for understanding their behaviour and habitat use.
African wild dogs play a crucial role in their ecosystem by regulating prey populations, which ultimately contributes to the health of their habitats. As Nadja explains, they tend to target weak and sick animals, and this extends to livestock. Their cooperative hunting behaviours, vocal communication and adaptability to diverse environments underscore their importance in maintaining ecological balance. These traits make wild dogs not only fascinating animals but also vital subjects for conservation efforts aimed at preserving biodiversity and ecosystem integrity.
African wild dogs are the second most endangered large carnivores in Africa and the most endangered in Southern Africa. Endemic to the continent, their population is currently estimated at around 6,000 –with only about 1,400 mature adults remaining worldwide.
THE CHALLENGES FACING WILD DOGS
Farming landscapes pose significant challenges for wild dogs, as conflicts with livestock owners are common. “There is no such thing as a wild dog-proof fence,” Nadja cautions. “When they get into a camp, they can cause significant injuries and mortalities to livestock.”
Finding strategies that address farmers' concerns while protecting this threatened species is crucial for the sustainability of both ecosystems and livelihoods. Initiatives like early warning systems are crucial for reducing conflicts, enabling farmers to be alerted when dogs are nearby, in order to kraal their stock.
As the project continues, Nadja remains hopeful. “We are far from where we need to be, but we can still change things.” With a focus on understanding wild dogs and their unique role in Namibia’s ecosystem, the project aims to create tolerance in communities so that wildlife and communities can coexist. In a world increasingly threatened by climate change and habitat loss, the work being done offers a vital chance for the survival of these remarkable canids.
The future of wild dogs is deeply intertwined with the landscapes they inhabit. Their survival is inextricably linked to the health of the ecosystems they roam and the people who share these spaces.
Nadja le Roux, the founder and program coordinator of Kalahari African Wild Dog Conservation Project, received the prestigious Conservationist of the Year Award by the Namibia Professional Hunting Association (NAPHA) in 2023.
Worthy enough?
There is a sense of sovereignty that comes from atop a mountain, a perception of privacy and isolation, even of dominion. In that vast space you can sail unaccompanied for hours, afloat on tree and brush and rock. It is a tranquility born of sheer immensity: it calms with its very magnitude, which renders the merely human of no consequence. I love the painful cold of the morning, the brittle new frost beneath my boots, the breathless clarity of the sky. Put both of these together, combine space and time, weather and opportunity, and possibly there culminates a moment where a kudu hunt embarks. I feel formed by this massive hypnosis, this hushing of human drama. Danene van der Westhuyzen
Itreasure hunting kudu. I appreciate the ritual of the hunt that joins hunter and hunted together with the land that is the mother of both man and beast.
And so it is not often that I find myself in the position where I hate the very first step towards such an anticipation. As we often find ourselves in uncertain situations, it was my turn, and I knew and believed from the get-go that this hunt wasn’t the one I wanted to comply with.
We had a filming team from Sweden with a list of the animals that they wanted to film for a series in Europe. One of these animals was, of course, the greater kudu, and I anticipated and voiced more than once that we would need a good ten days for a true portrayal of a kudu hunt. They all nodded in strong agreement, with the understanding that, seeing that they only had four days, we would make do with any possible opportunity that might arise, and hope and pray that we might stumble onto one of these magnificent beasts, while remembering to press the record button.
And so we started, my mind eased and ready and eager to walk into the beautifully unknown, ready to showcase Namibia in its fullest form, without any pressure, and without any predisposition. I was happy.
We hunted hard for two days before we had to move over to our next reserve. We were successful and harvested more than what we expected. But as time approached where we were to leave, whispers did not elude my ears: a sense of agitation and impatience that crept forward and over my shoulders which just didn’t relent – like a blackthorn bush holding on to me, keeping me back, and making me bleed.
With this sense of disappointment stinging in my ears we got into the prepared vehicles and embarked on our trip to our next destination – a different habitat, a different part of Namibia, a different hunt. I trusted that the wind in our hair, music on the radio and the kilometres passing by would heal some wounds, but it turned out that it only evoked more of a longing to go back. We disembarked in the magnificent Kalahari, where savannah grasslands and witgat abound. But for them it just wasn’t enough. The ghost haunted and the ghost hungered.
After dinner the argument was finally made: “We want a kudu – we need a kudu to feature on this hunt.” And it was here, in this moment
of futile disparateness that I developed a hatred of a kind that I hope I never discern in myself ever again. My face, as always, betrayed every emotion in its most illustrious degree, and I merely walked away, knowing very well that no matter the look on my face, or the image of my back, would ever change the mind of these self-righteous, entitled, wanting, undeserving and unworthy lot.
And so the next morning we set off, back to the land of the kudu, with a smiling crew, and a disgruntled PH.
The ridges on the mountains were slowly starting to glisten subtly and smoothly in the shy and slow dawn, a welcome reprieve to the two hours of silent, cold driving. My trackers on the back equally so, whether from the cold on the back of the truck or the absence of laughter from my heart. They, more than anyone, knew that no matter the outcome – the very cold would persist.
The truck was stopped at the foot of a hill, and while the hunter slowly gathered himself with binoculars, rifle checks and ammunition, I checked the wind over and over again, willing it all the while that it would dance fiercely, wildly, playfully and turning constantly as it would in the fiercest majestic thunder. But to no avail… the frost was crisp underneath my boots, the mountain spoke of protection and solitude, and I could almost smell the anticipation of the ghost.
Step by fateful step we climbed higher and higher, hour after hour, ducking underneath sekelhaak and blackthorn, and as the sun started beating down on us hard footfalls were behind me, and with a swear word every so often as I could hear shirts and trousers getting ripped apart, I felt that revenge was close. I wanted to walk them to the end of the world. I wanted them to feel and breathe and sweat ten very long, hard days. The way it was meant to be. At one point my tracker offered water, and in the moment where the hunter realised the reprieve, I turned around, whistled and adamantly showed that we had no time for a break. Onward, forward, no stop! I was going to the end of the world, demanding the sun to set, for the kudu to walk away, to survive, to be fitter, fiercer… and to be free.
“Make a plan.” All of a sudden this went through my head over and over again, as I had often been told by my parents. “And if that doesn’t work, make another one and if that doesn’t work, you are probably the problem.”
“Was I the problem?” I pondered. Whether it was dehydration, guilt or trepidation, thoughts and conflicts started mulling in my head, and as if the answer presented itself before me, the most majestic kudu bull appeared no more than 80 yards to the left of us. I halted into a brick wall. I was dumbstruck. Horrified. Floored. Amazed. Stunned, I was handed the shooting stick by my tracker. “Miss! Missssss!,” yelped Abraham. “Do you see it?”
I did. And I couldn’t argue. The hunter placed his rifle carefully on the stick, and, as if in slow-motion, the shot rang past my ear, feeling like I could catch it, even stop it, on its way to the fleeting inevitable.
The moment lingered, but just for a second. When I came to, knives were at the ready, and the slaughtering and caping started. “Did we even take photos?” I asked Abraham gauzily. “Yes, miss, you did. But the hunter – he isn’t happy.” My face, me, my inner self objected and gave everlasting meaning to this incredible hunt. The hunter knew and felt already what I was about to say. Which I regret to this day. “You sir, are not warrant of this animal, this grey ghost, this majestical beast. You need days and days and days to be deserving. To be worthy.”
And so we drove back to the Kalahari, with the moon dark and gloomy and unmoving in the back-mirror, with no word spoken, with no consensus and with doubtful glee.
But there is something about a fire on a dark night, a fire shared with others, that pulls the gloom right out of you. And especially in the Kalahari.
“The things that ask the most of us are the things most worth having,” the hunter slowly spoke, the last embers flickering away and me and him the only ones left behind in the gloom.
“Conflicts are good. Only weak people believe in harmony, and as a reward they get to float through life with a feeling of moral superiority while the rest of us get on with other things. I understand your frustration. Because today, for the first time, I understood. It was your face that gave it away.”
“What do you mean? I am the one supposed to apologise,” I answered. “I am supposed to be a professional, to do my utmost and give my best, make you happy.”
“But oh, you did”, he replied. “You see, I am an old man. I love Africa. I have spent more than three hundred and forty days pursuing this ghost over various terrain and mountains throughout this great continent. Maybe it does not add up to your ten, but it most certainly does to mine. Those days seemingly spent in vain, have now culminated in this day. Finally, after all these years, I feel content.”
They say that a person’s personality is the sum of their experiences. But that isn’t true, at least not entirely, because if our past was all that defined us, we’d never be able to put up with ourselves. As I wasn’t that night. Again, I was taught the very important lesson of experience, of two sides of an incredible story, of empathy and of living in the moment.
We never know what will happen next, what we will see, and how important a person will come into our life. If we are lucky enough to be alive, we must give thanks for the miracle of every moment of every day, no matter how flawed.
We are more than the mistakes we made yesterday. We are all of our next choices, all of our tomorrows. All of our kudus.
Client Etiquette Navigating the Safari Experience
Everett Headley
“Talk me through this.”
“OK, we are going to get low, real low as we move to about 300 yards of these buffalo. Then we will be on our bellies until we are close enough that I feel like we are going to spook them. I’ll ease up the shooting sticks. When I do, you slowly raise yourself and mount your rifle. I’ll tell you which one to shoot.”
My professional hunter had enough buffalo under his belt, he had developed a sort of telepathy. He was willing them to stay in the pan and to ignore the movement we undoubtedly were creating. We were in the position that all hunters want to be in, easing into a shot on game undisturbed and unnoticed. I took my time and made the shot. Whether it was high or on target, my guide and I are still debating. Either way it ended with us shaking hands over a dagga boy.
Many times it doesn’t end this well for clients. Animals are wounded and lost or never seen. The professional hunter receives, and often accepts, the blame despite bearing none of its responsibility. The teamwork needed for success is the result of the PH and client giving one hundred percent. Hailing from around Southern Africa, I asked three of those who make their living taking hunters into the bush what clients can do to ensure they get exactly what they are pursuing on safari.
KNOW YOUR EQUIPMENT
Riding in the back of a Land Cruiser is not the moment to learn the features of your new scope. The first appointment is at the range to check zeros and make small adjustments. The expectation is, you have already proven your weapon system at home and are making sure that an errant baggage handler didn’t change your rifle’s point of impact. Significant expense and time is budgeted for logistics, but equally important is your time at the range honing your skills. Poor shooting has lost animals but also the lives of those who have pursued them. Taking a shot or a life should not be taken lightly.
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Appropriate gear for your destination, the weather and the season should be arranged with the input of your host. The Scout motto the world over is “be prepared”.”
The rest of your gear warrants the same inspection. Appropriate gear for your destination, the weather and the season should be arranged with the input of your host. The Scout motto the world over is “be prepared”. This isn’t a licence to bring everything, but a well-fitted kit can save a day or the entire hunt. Failing to inspect worn gear can be perilous in remote locations and there may not be an extra in camp. Ask any questions regarding clothing and equipment long before your hunt.
TRUST YOUR PROFESSIONAL HUNTER
I once watched my PH and his head tracker have a small “disagreement”. A few short words in a language I didn’t speak and the tracker relented, albeit with a look that said “you the boss, but I don't know about this…” As much as he is working for the client, this is his domain. He knows the patterns of each species, the prevailing weather and variables hard earned from days afield. All of this is leveraged in the hunt.
Kyne Edwards has made a career as a dangerous game PH in Mozambique. His thoughts are instructive: “For me it’s about trusting your Professional Hunter. Instead of losing interest and wandering around, ask questions. Why we are doing a thing, what and when. Clients often get irritated because they would do things differently. But we are usually working ten steps ahead and they
don’t see that. So it’s worth asking questions instead of dawdling along behind.”
BE FAMILIAR WITH THE GAME
The wrong shot can cost more than just a trophy fee. Hunters owe it to the game to be able to quickly and accurately identify species, sex and age class. For those who have never been on the savannah or veld, the number and variety of creatures with four legs can be overwhelming. Subspecies with colour and size variation can add to the difficulty. Knowing behaviour and biology can also help predict movements and anticipate reactions, which makes an educated hunter more effective.
For those who have not hunted African species before, an anatomy lesson is in order. The vital organs of most plains game tend to be more forward in the body than with other big game around the world. Shot placements tend to be directly on the shoulder instead of slightly behind. Dangerous game require follow-up shots, oftentimes targeting the brain. Before the moment arrives, ask your PH where he would like the first and second shots placed.
COMMUNICATE WELL
Don’t be afraid to speak up about the experience you desire on safari or if something isn’t working for you. Then be a
good listener when the responses come in. Francois Potgieter, PH in Namibia, explains: “Tell him what you want and how you would like to hunt. Be honest about your skills and limitations. If you let something build up over a couple of days, you or him, or both of you, are likely to explode –ruining the experience.”
While afield, communication is often truncated and hand signals replace words. Read the situation and if possible ask for clarification. If not, ask when the stalk is over or back at camp so you can be prepared for the next hunt. Study your PH and tracker’s body language and mirror it closely, especially when in the final steps of the chase. Lastly, when in a group setting use a common language everyone can understand.
Other wisdom that was offered: Take adjustments in stride. Accept what the bush offers and don’t be married to your list. Manage your expectations. Always be ready. Admire the scenery but don’t get lost in it, neither mentally nor literally. Everyone wants a good hunt where each man comes back safe and the truck is heavy with game. More than that, it is impossible to not fall in love with Africa and you will want an invitation to come back.
Everett is an outdoor writer based in Montana, USA. You can find more of his work at www.everettheadley.com
Namibia's vision for black rhino conservation
black cust CUSTODIANS IN RHINO CONSERVATION
Another Namibian conservation success story is that of the Black Rhino Custodianship Program. This initiative has achieved unparalleled success, resulting in significant population growth and allowing for regulated trophy hunting of older bulls. Kirsty Watermeyer
Namibia's vision for its black rhinoceros is to re-establish viable, healthy breeding populations of Diceros bicornis bicornis throughout its former range by 2030. The Black Rhino Custodianship Program Manager at the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism, Birgit Kötting, has witnessed firsthand the incredible transformation that is being seen in Namibia's black rhino population. It is a journey that began in the aftermath of a near-total decline due to poaching in the late 20th century.
“Namibia lost almost all of its black rhinos during the late 60s and early 70s,” Birgit says. “At that time, only a few remained on farmland and in small pockets in the Kunene Region.” To save this iconic species, the government intervened, relocating
rhino cust
Elzanne McCulloch
surviving rhinos to Etosha National Park, where they began to flourish. “Etosha became a haven for black rhinos, and from there, we reintroduced them to other parks,” Birgit adds.
However, simply placing rhinos in parks wasn't enough for long-term success. Recognising the need for a more sustainable approach, the ministry developed the Black Rhino Custodianship Program in 1993, allowing farmers to care for these magnificent creatures on their land while they remained the property of the government. This innovative model has since expanded to include 30 freehold properties and 13 communal custodians, facilitating a significant increase in the black rhino population.
The Black Rhino Custodianship Program is designed to relocate breeding populations of these animals to suitable habitats on farmland and communal conservancies. This is contingent upon the willingness and ability of landholders to provide basic care and security for the rhinos. Custodians are responsible for monitoring and overseeing their populations, ensuring they have access to food and water, and safeguarding them to the best of their ability. “We don't dictate how they should do it, but we support them where we can. From just 11 translocated rhinos in 1993, we now have around 750,” Birgit says proudly. This impressive growth rate has made Namibia a global leader in black rhino conservation. “We aim to have over 2,000 black rhinos. While poaching has reversed some gains, our community-based approach is proving effective.”
Birgit emphasises that poaching remains a widespread threat, with no area completely safe. “Etosha National Park is still the biggest target due to its large population, but poachers are mobile, making it a constant challenge to protect these animals,” she explains.
One of the program's remarkable achievements includes the regulated trophy hunting of older bulls. As younger bulls displace older breeding bulls, the latter often sustain serious injuries in battles for dominance. Consequently, post-reproductive older bulls are considered for conservation hunting to generate income. Recently, the first conservation hunts for custodianship rhinos were arranged. “Namibia has set a quota of five trophy bulls a year, but typically, we hunt fewer than that,” Birgit explains. This
practice not only aids in managing the rhino population but also provides financial benefits to the custodians, effectively integrating conservation with economic incentives.
“Currently, we face a challenge: there are more rhinos than we can accommodate in the program, necessitating the relocation of some of them back to national parks. The difficulty lies in determining safe locations for these transfers. Given the current poaching crisis, we must carefully evaluate where these animals can be placed to ensure their safety. Once you have a significant number of breeding females, the population can grow exponentially. That’s exactly what we’re experiencing now – there are so many breeding females that the number of calves born each year is astounding. To manage these increasing numbers, expanding the size of the property is one option. However, this presents a challenge for the custodian program. It has been so successful that many properties are now facing an overpopulation of rhinos. As a result, we need to explore options for relocating some rhinos to maintain a healthy balance.”
As the program continues to evolve, Birgit is optimistic about the future. “We have a new strategy in place that will reward custodians for their efforts, and we’re exploring ways to support financially weaker custodians”, she says. This collaboration aims to strengthen the entire community of custodians, ensuring that everyone can contribute to the program’s success.
This program is an example of how innovative solutions can offer hope for the future, not only for black rhinos but for the preservation of our planet’s rich biodiversity. “Exciting changes are on the horizon for the Black Rhino Custodianship Program, and I believe we’re just getting started,” Birgit maintains.
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This impressive growth rate has made Namibia a global leader in black rhino conservation.”
Elzanne McCulloch
A hunter's journey through
Nature, Tradition, and Conservation
Hagen Denker
On the last day of a safari this past season we were sitting on a small granite ridge overlooking a gentle valley. I often think of it as the fossil floodplains of the ancient Khan River. I am in a state of deep contentment. I am truly relaxed and able to savour every moment of the scene in front of us. It is a chilly early evening in late July. The sun is just above the horizon near the Spitzkoppe, painting everything in the softest of lights.
In the valley not far beneath us, two or three Sparrow Weavers are foraging on the ground, looking for some late dinner. Every now and then they fly to “their” tree with their nests and return again shortly afterwards. They are followed by a Fork-tailed Drongo that probably feeds on the insects which the large weavers flush out while hopping around on the ground. Between its forays for insects the Drongo perches on a bush and – as usual – sings its very versatile song. I have always marvelled at the Fork-tailed Drongo and how it imitates other birds and even a meowing cat.
Suddenly a pair of Yellow-billed Hornbills joins the feeding session. It is a scene of such natural harmony that I am overcome by a feeling of deep gratitude: gratitude for being able to call a place like this my home and to be able to experience nature in such an unadulterated way. And to be able to partake in a tradition as old as man: hunting.
We are on the granite ridge to give our quest for brown hyena one last try – we had hunted very successfully so far, bagging old trophy carriers in fair-chase hunting on foot in their natural habitat. My hunter, Georg, also wanted to go for a hyena, though not in the traditional way over a bait but rather leaving it more to chance.
On a hunt earlier in the season we had witnessed from a distance how a leopard (we had four leopard sightings in broad daylight on that safari) had tried to snatch a young baboon on the granite ridge on which we were sitting now. When the rest of the baboons noticed what happened they quickly turned against the leopard, chasing him around between the boulders and crevices. It was a huge commotion with lots of screaming from the baboons and growling from the leopard. Suddenly all the smaller baboons took flight while the bigger ones stood around a crevice.
A big cloud of dust came from the crevice and in the next moment the leopard shot out of the large crack and leaped away, the three biggest baboons hot on his heels. After some 400 metres the leopard disappeared in the shrub and the baboons let him be. We again shifted our focus on our actual quarry, kudu. Only later, after not spotting a bull, I decided to check on the scene of the morning. As we approached the crevice from which the leopard had leaped, we heard sounds as if something was moving along the granite. I assumed that it was the badly hurt baboon which the leopard had grabbed and cautiously peered into the crevice, only to barely see a dark creature disappear deeper into the crevice while a pungent smell came from the rather narrow hole. There was no blood, however, and when we moved around to the entrance of the crevice, the tracks of a brown hyena were visible in a small patch of powdery sand. I could not help but chuckle at the thought of how the brown hyena must have felt when a leopard suddenly plunged into its living room, and how the hyena decided that its peace had been disturbed enough. The dust cloud must have been from the moment when the leopard and hyena had a brief scuffle and the leopard had to leave.
So, because of this episode I decided that we would wait for the hyena, hoping that it was in the den and would appear before dusk. Although the hyena never appeared, this evening was the perfect end to a successful safari. It once again reminded me of the blessing of being able to offer hunting safaris in my own hunting area, where one is able to follow long-term objectives and truly act on sustainability and fair-chase principles.
Nonetheless, I am always drawn to the vast hunting areas of communal conservancies or concessions. In the modern age of hunting, where everything is subverted by business and profit-optimising goals, there is no place for true adventure anymore – at least, not in the eyes of someone who grew up in these areas in a time when they were still largely wild and untouched. I cannot help but indulge in memories I made as a boy and young man in what was then Bushmanland, especially on occasions like the experience with the hyena or the leopard.
When I was 11 or 12 years old we were spending school holidays in the Nyae Nyae Conservancy where my father held the hunting rights at the time. The hunter in camp had wounded a spotted hyena and my father allowed me to participate in the follow-up, but not at the front, of course. Two of the San trackers had been instructed to keep me constantly by their side while we followed the others tracking the hyena. It was an extremely exciting experience for me as a young boy. Initially the tracking was slow, but when the spoor got hot I remember running after the trackers and feeling the blood of the hyena on my shins as we rushed through the brush. Then again progress was slow as the hyena went into aardvark holes and we started digging to open the holes, only to find out hours later that the hyena had already left through a secondary exit – and the pursuit continued. In the end the hyena had circled back almost to where we had started in the morning and my father was able to put her out of her misery. Still, at my young age this was a defining experience and a lesson in persistence and not giving up.
NATURE, TRADITION &
Seven or eight years later, I am accompanying my father on an elephant safari. Early on in the safari, while on the way back after a long day of walking in search of elephants, we happen upon a big warthog feeding on a small clearing late in the afternoon. The hunter takes a shot at the boar and hits it. The warthog does not go down but rather speeds off into the bush. As the sun is setting already, we are not able to hold the spoor for long in the fading light and decide to continue the next morning.
Early that morning I am given the task to follow the wounded warthog together with two trackers, while my father and the hunter and other trackers continue elephant hunting.
For the first hour we are able to follow the tracks relatively easily. The sand is soft and there is some blood, though not much. Then, however, the ground gets harder and almost no blood can be seen, only a drop every few metres. We do not really make any progress, and on top of it, the tracks of the boar join those of a female and they both disappear in an aardvark hole. I remember having a flashback of the hyena story described above and already expect that we will have to start digging. But the trackers – who do an excellent job that day – think that the warthog is not that badly wounded and only went into the burrow for the night. Therefore we circle the area and soon find the tracks and tiny drops of dry blood. The warthog does not seem to be doing too badly and as noon approaches, we decide not to spend too much more time on the follow-up. After another half an hour or so, the sand becomes softer again and the vegetation changes. We are moving towards a water hole and decide to call it quits there, unless we find the warthog first –against all expectations. As we discuss this on the spoor, we come to a place where the whole ground is all ploughed up across a large area. Small
bushes have been uprooted: a big fight has taken place here not too long ago. Our closer investigation reveals that the warthog had run into a big male leopard which tried to catch the warthog, of course. From the obvious evidence this must have been quite a battle, and we don’t know yet whether the leopard won or whether the boar got away.
We try to make some sense of where the fight moved to and after a while walk onto the warthog, dead, lying half underneath the low branches of a large bush. We approach with the utmost caution, not sure whether the predator is still under the bush – he isn’t. We pull ‘our’ quarry out from underneath the bush. The leopard has barely eaten anything. He must have been so exhausted that he went to rest first, probably even close by. I feel bad about taking his prey away. More so, because the bullet had only gone through the brisket without any vital damage.
After having our lunch sandwiches we discuss how best to take the meat and trophy the long way back to the hunting truck. We decide to tie the warthog by its legs to a long pole and two of us would take turns carrying the heavy animal while the third one carried our rucksack and the entrails. Each of us had one more item to carry, be it a water bottle or rifle.
Off we go on our long hike back. The warthog dangles from the left to the right and – as I walk in front when I am carrying – blood drips onto my calves and into my vellies. The best and the hardest part of a successful hunt.
The trackers have to carry more weight, because they are much shorter than me and the weight bears down on them. But as usual, not a single complaint comes from their lips and I follow their example. Lessons you learn when hunting with the true hunter-gatherer.
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It is a scene of such natural harmony that I am overcome by a feeling of deep gratitude: gratitude for being able to call a place like this my home and to be able to experience nature in such an unadulterated way.”
NATURE, TRADITION &
Luckily, we are now able to walk on the wider elephant paths as long as they lead into our general direction. I cannot help but think of what would happen if we would run into an elephant on its way to the waterhole, especially since at times the bush left and right is quite thick, almost impenetrable. And, of course, late in the afternoon we suddenly hear something moving into the bushes just ahead of us on the game trail – around the next bend we find the fresh tracks of an elephant bull. Fortunately he moved out of the way, but he still got my blood pumping.
Other than that, and apart from our brief rests, our walk back is uneventful, albeit exhausting, and with the sun just above the horizon we arrive at the car.
Moments of relief and camaraderie after a long day, as we wait for the elephant hunters to return. We admire the beautiful trophy: one tusk broken off, the other one long and curved.
Back in the here and now – and no hunting rights in a concession area – I realise over and over again what a truly special place the Erongo Mountains and the surrounding foothills are. To call this hunting area my own, even if we are ‘just’ stewards and custodians for past and future generations, is something I have to remind myself of more often. Not least, of being in and part of a bigger conservation area and project here in the Erongo Mountains: a project that spans 160,000 hectares across property borders and allows indigenous game to move freely and react to the seasons. Outside of communal conservancies, this is a rare thing on freehold land and something worth protecting.
This realisation comes easier when on safari right here. When I am out in the bush 24 hours of the day. When we have leopard sightings in broad daylight on almost every safari and sometimes even four times on one safari – each sighting remarkable in its own right. And where we are able to observe the critically endangered black rhino in its natural habitat on every safari. And, of course, all the ‘little’ moments in between, with the Drongos and Hornbills, the inquisitive black mongoose and the occasional call of the African Scops Owl at night in the tented camp under massive and ancient leadwood trees. And so much more. Yes, this is worth the while and it makes hunting (here) worth the while.
Our private conservation area covers 30,000 hectares (70,000 acres) in northern Namibia, just south of Etosha, itself one of Africa’s largest national parks. Over the last three decades, Ken and Lynda Morris, together with a dedicated staff, have restored the natural habitat, from once over-grazed and barren farms. They removed fences and allowed the native plants, animals, and birds to flourish in an area that had been destined for desertification. In this surprisingly diverse terrain, kudu feed on the mopane forests and giraffe nibble the tops of the acacia trees in the woodlands. Mountain zebra clamber over rocky hills and oryx roam the grasslands. Here, lilac breasted rollers and crimson breasted shrikes compete with bateleur eagles and pale chanting goshawks for a visitor’s attention.
The nature of the Hunt
Having grown up in Namibia, surrounded by its rugged landscapes and abundant wildlife, I have always been a nature lover and conservation enthusiast. This love is what guided my life toward the path of storytelling, with a focus on travel, tourism, conservation and, of course, hunting. As the editor of a hunting magazine that celebrates responsible hunting practices, it felt only right that I should experience a proper trophy hunt firsthand. After all, how could I fully understand the intricacies and emotions of a hunt if I hadn’t lived it myself?
Elzanne McCulloch
That is how I found myself on Gudrun Heger’s farm, just west of Okahandja. Gudrun, and her late husband Frank, are legends in Namibia’s hunting circles, known for their dedication not only to the cause of hunting but to the conservation of Namibia’s wild spaces. Frank has served as president of NAPHA, and the couple’s legacy has long been intertwined with ethical hunting and wildlife management. Together they built a philosophy around hunting that went beyond the quarry – it was about conservation, about respect for the land, the animals and the delicate balance that sustains them both. Gudrun, a woman of unyielding grit, still manages the farm with the same passion that has shaped her family’s life for decades.
The land around us was vast, wild, and untamed – its edges softened only by the steady, warm drizzle that had accompanied us since
morning. My husband, Sean, was the hunter, while I had come along for the experience, to be an observer in this world where patience and persistence seem to weave a different rhythm to life. The day started grey, a light rain falling, as we set out in a small kitted-out Landy. It navigated the rocky terrain with ease, ducking and weaving through the thick bushveld. The clouds hung low, mirroring Gudrun’s cautious hopes for a successful hunt. “Jag werk nie na 'n plan nie”, she said as we drove. Hunting doesn’t follow your plans. “Ek sê altyd die regte een sal vir jou staan.” I wondered if today, the right one would indeed stand for us somewhere.
Gudrun’s energy matched the gritty determination of the wild landscape. She was flanked by two of her farmhands, Bafana and Asser, who seemed to know every inch of the terrain. We drove
THE NATURE OF THE HUNT
Together they built a philosophy around hunting that went beyond the quarry – it was about conservation, about respect for the land, the animals and the delicate balance that sustains them both.” "
in silence, save for the occasional whispered conversation, all eyes scanning the bush for movement. It wasn’t long before we spotted a herd of gemsbok in the valley below. My pulse quickened as Sean, binoculars in hand, scanned the herd from the hilltop. From our vantage point, the gemsbok seemed almost unaware of us – silent figures against the misty backdrop. But before Sean could even raise his rifle, the white masks of the gemsbok turned, and in a blink, they scattered. The herd had sensed us, their swift escape reminding us that nature is rarely predictable. It was over before it even began. But that was okay, because our true quarry for this hunt was the Hartmann’s Mountain Zebra anyway.
As we continued, we spotted our striped prize in the distance, their forms ghosting between the acacias. We followed them on foot, Gudrun leading us down a rocky slope. From its height, we glassed the valley below, watching as kudu and zebra wandered through the scrub. The wind was in our favour and we tracked them for a while, careful not to break the delicate thread of stillness that held them in place.
But again, nature had other plans. The herd disappeared into the distance, their tracks leading us deeper into the bush. Along the way, as we explored the farm, we spotted a black mamba, a rock python and various birds of prey.
At one point, as we made our way through the dense sickle bush, Gudrun shared her thoughts on the state of the land. The drought had taken its toll, but she spoke with quiet resilience. “Every morning, when I wake up here, I’m grateful,” she said, her gaze sweeping across the bushland. “Through all the hardships, being surrounded by this –by nature – makes it all worthwhile.”
The day wore on, and the rain began to let up, but our hunting list remained empty. A small herd we spotted led us on a chase on foot. We wove through the bush, thorns pulling at our clothing, trying to stay as silent as possible, but the zebra kept well ahead of us. Not pausing for a true opportunity for us. The excitement of pushing forward through the wild at this clipped pace both surprised and delighted me. We had
come close – closer than I thought possible – but in the end, the wild had won. Our quarry had eluded us.
Yet, as we headed back to the farmhouse, I realised that the tally of animals wasn’t what defined the day. The real treasure had been the experience itself: watching my husband’s steady resolve, learning from Gudrun’s wisdom and soaking in the raw beauty of Namibia’s untamed landscape. The moments of suspense, the whispers of movement in the brush, the quiet pauses where you feel connected to something ancient and enduring – that is the nature of the hunt.
The hunt is not always about triumph. Sometimes, it is about the fleeting moments when nature outpaces you. Sometimes, it is about standing in the rain, watching as footprints vanish, and feeling the quiet wonder of being part of something much larger than yourself. On paper, we may have come back empty-handed, but in truth, we returned with a wealth of memories. In the end, the beauty of a hunt isn’t always in the final shot – it is in the journey, the challenge and the deep reverence for the wild.
ihre endgültige Gehörnform mit 6 Jahren weitestgehend erreicht, es folgt nun nur noch minimaler L ängenwuchs. Mit 6 Jahren ist ein Kudubulle jedoch keineswegs alt. In diesem
Alter weisen die Hornspitzen jener Bullen, die diese Veranlagung haben, bei zwei vollen
of the EV
assess
A True Hunter to the end
Kai-Uwe Denker pays tribute to Felix Marnewecke
Mitglieder der EV Arbeitsgruppe untersuchen auf einer Tagung Exemplare verschiedener Antilopengehörne.
On 1.4.2024 Felix Marnewecke tragically passed away in Cameroon.
– 579 –
I still met Felix immediately before his departure to Cameroon when he hunted with Swedish clients from my son’s camp at Ameib. Sitting together on the low veranda wall in front of my wife’s office at Ameib Guesthouse in uncomplicated fashion so typical for Felix, dangling our legs and gossiping, of course talking about hunting, Felix mentioning that this time he would hunt a Bongo in Cameroon for himself as well, none of us could imagine that this was the last time that we would share time with this dear friend.
Felix and I were close friends since the early 2000s, sharing common interests, believing in many of the same ideals and standing up for them in NAPHA and elsewhere, sharing a booth at the “Jagd und Hund Fair” in Dortmund for many years, being on hunts together or just sharing time in, as I said – and this is to me very memorable about Felix – so utterly relaxed, so naturally friendly and uncomplicated fashion.
If I am asked who Felix was, I would of course, as hunting was a mainspring of his life, want to mention that he was a fine, true hunter, a lover of all things unadulterated African and of its original wilderness. In this he lived and experienced many of the risks and dangers the African hunters of old had to face. He related the ice-cold fear of an incident to me, when he and a friend were pulling a boat to shore of an island somewhere in Zambia, when the head of a huge crocodile suddenly appeared from the river next to them, the crocodile, however, had somehow miscalculated its attack or was hesitant in the very last moment, and the gruesome mug sank back into the water. Some years ago, Felix was badly gored by a buffalo in the Zambezi region. Recently he told me that on a hunt in the rainforest a red forest buffalo had eyed him from very close distance in a way which brought back all the
horror of that near-fatal encounter and that he feared that a buffalo would bring about his end. But the African wilderness holds other, often neglected dangers. Felix contracted Typhus in the rainforest and died of the complications.
Above all Felix was a trustworthy, reliable friend. He was very decent. Not in a way a well-behaved model boy is. No, we all know that in many ways he was sort of chaotic and had no problem, if need be, in “letting five be even”. There was very much an other trait to him: he was of truly decent and honest character. In a rare and truthful way. Of ready and uncomplicated helpfulness whenever needed. That is why we will dearly miss him.
I still grapple making peace with Felix’s passing. He was like a younger brother to me. It appears to me as though all of a sudden, he just vanished into the rainforest of Cameroon. Somehow, I can’t come to terms with this. Having been trapped in the rainforest myself in 1993 with a bad injury and with malaria in 1998, I think I can imagine how very miserable his end must have been, and this makes matters almost unbearable. I very deeply would have wished him that he at least would have gotten his Bongo. It seems to me – and I hope that in a way I can express what I feel – that his spirit is still away chasing a bongo in that gloomy forest. But life continues and we must accept the ways of fate.
Apart of the things mentioned, for me Felix will always be remembered as one of the six founding members of the “Erongo Verzeichnis” which developed the Age-Related Trophy Measuring System: Felix Marnewecke, Ernst-Ludwig Cramer, Sigurd Hess, Gerd Liedtke, Ernst Scholz and myself. A happy gang of dedicated African hunters.
I would be hard pressed if asked to mention anyone more passionately interested in and fascinated by the raw beauty of good mature hunting trophies – I will dearly miss our get-togethers, rest in peace my friend.
Members
working group
age criteria on various trophies. Felix is on the right in the dark shirt, Kai-Uwe with his back to the camera in the yellow shirt.
Remembering Royston
Royston Wright, a devoted conservationist and stalwart of sustainable hunting, passed away unexpectedly on 4 February 2024, leaving behind a legacy of education, passion and commitment to Namibia’s wildlife. For over 20 years, Royston made an indelible mark on the conservation and hunting community through his work with SCI International, SCI Alaska, the Namibia Tourism Board and the Namibia Professional Hunting Association (NAPHA). As a proud and active member of NAPHA, Royston served in numerous leadership roles, including Vice President, Chairman of the NAPHA Education Committee and leader of the NAPHA Leopard Specialist Group. His contributions to the NAPHA Executive Committee further underscored his dedication to the organisation and its principles.
Royston’s greatest passion was sharing his knowledge and instilling a love for conservation in the next generation. His vision culminated in the establishment of the NAPHA School of Conservation, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at educating aspiring hunters, trackers, skinners and guides in sustainable practices. Held annually at Farm Okatjeru, these courses have become a cornerstone of professional hunting education in Namibia. Royston’s efforts ensured that students not only gained technical expertise but also developed a deep respect for wildlife and the principles of ethical hunting. The school remains a testament to his unwavering belief in education as the foundation for preserving Namibia’s natural heritage.
Royston’s wife Charmaine and his son Dylan have taken up his mantle with remarkable dedication. Together with the loyal staff at Okatjeru they continue to champion the values he held dear. Charmaine and Dylan are steadfast in their commitment to conservation education, ensuring that the training programs Royston pioneered thrive and expand. Their work not only honours his memory but also reinforces the importance of sustainable hunting and wildlife preservation in Namibia.
Though Royston is deeply missed, his legacy endures in the hearts of those he inspired and through the ongoing efforts of his family. Charmaine and Dylan remain dedicated to ensuring that Royston’s vision of conservation, education and ethical hunting continues to shape future generations, preserving Namibia’s wildlife and natural beauty for years to come.
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Royston’s greatest passion was sharing his knowledge and instilling a love for conservation in the next generation.”
Gert van der Walt A Tribute to
It is with great sadness that we mourn the loss of Gert van der Walt, a professional hunter from Swakopmund, who tragically lost his life in an incident involving a problem animal control (PAC) hunt in the Tsandi Constituency, Omusati Region. Gert was fatally trampled by an elephant during a hunt conducted under the legal parameters of a permit issued by the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism of Namibia.
As an association, NAPHA stands firm in supporting ethical and legal hunting practices, emphasising that such activities are regulated to ensure both the safety of individuals involved and the conservation of wildlife.
Our hearts go out to Gert's family, especially his children, who have suffered the loss of a beloved father. As a community, we recognise the vital role that trophy hunting plays in conservation and its contribution to local communities. We remain dedicated to promoting sustainable and ethical hunting practices.
In times of loss, we find comfort in the words of Psalm 34:18: "The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit." May Gert’s legacy inspire us all to continue striving for a responsible and compassionate approach to wildlife conservation.
NAPHA Thanks the DSC Frontline Foundation
NAPHA would like to sincerely thank the DSC Frontline Foundation for their outstanding support to Namibia this year. Their help has had a strong and positive impact on our hunting community and conservation efforts, providing essential aid when it was needed most.
For those who may not know, the DSC Frontline Foundation gives financial help to professional hunters, their families, and others in the hunting community who face unexpected challenges like accidents, severe illness, or other sudden hardships. While their work often goes unnoticed, it is crucial in covering medical expenses and reducing financial strain during recovery, allowing those affected to focus on getting better.
This year, several individuals and families in Namibia have directly benefited from the foundation's generosity. NAPHA has seen firsthand the significant difference this support has made. The quick and caring response from the DSC Frontline Foundation has greatly relieved the burden on those affected, helping our community members regain their footing during difficult times.
Editor’s Note: In tribute to the late Felix Marnewecke, we share one of his most memorable stories from the pages of Huntinamibia.
Lion Hunt in the rugged northwest
It was October, the beginning of the hot, dry season in Namibia, when my hunting client and I drove up to the area. The whole of the northwest was still in the clutches of a severe drought. The barren red rock plains which stretched to the horizon were all but devoid of grass, and the game was sparsely distributed over this massively impressive area. An opportunity arose to hunt a trophy lion in the Torra Conservancy in northwestern Namibia. For the past years the lion population had grown in this area and the human-wildlife conflict increased as a result. The Ministry of Environment and Tourism invited professional hunters to the opportunity to hunt these problem animals, rather than taking the risk that entire prides are poisoned by communal farmers who lose their livestock. Felix Marnewecke
We spent the first day scouting for lion tracks, and securing bait. For this we managed to bag a springbok and a Hartmann’s zebra. While going about our business we located the tracks of two separate prides of lion – the first consisting of one male and six females, and the second group of one male and two females. We also noted a few solitary leopard tracks as well as numerous hyaena spoor, which seemed to cover every road we travelled on. Predators were in abundance, which I found surprising, considering that other game (their food source) was so sparsely available. We put up bait in two separate valleys and kept the rest of the meat for the next day, as we were planning to explore new areas and hopefully find more lion activity.
Sunrise the next day found us out and about amongst the mountains. Neither of our baits had been touched, so we pushed on into areas which we hadn’t been to yet. We came across a fountain at the bottom of a valley, surrounded by rugged mountains – a beautiful oasis in the middle of this harsh world. A lot of milk bush and salvadora thickets were scattered at the bottom of the valley around the waterhole creating ideal ambush sites for predators, and sure enough, after closer inspection we found a spot where a big male lion had wandered from one shady clump of bush to the next, to escape the heat of the day. He had moved off in a southerly direction, so we decided to carry on scouting in the direction in which he had left. It was now nearing midday, and the heat was building up steadily. We decided to find a shady tree for a short siesta, before continuing with the hunt.
As we crested a long flat hill, we saw an animal standing on an opposite hill at roughly two kilometres from where we were. At first both of us thought it was a zebra, but as soon as I had him in my binoculars, it felt like my heart got jammed in the back of my throat. It was a big male lion. He was staring straight at us from across the valley. We immediately dropped to the ground, in the hope that he wouldn’t run off. But this is exactly what he did. He trotted off to a clump of milk bush and lay down facing in our direction. We remained motionless lying on the ground, studying him through our binoculars. Even at this distance I could see his dark mane and the slightly bluish grey colour of his body. Due to lack of cover there was absolutely no way for us to get closer to him.
While we were lying flat on the hot rocks, I started to study the surrounding terrain. There was a deep ravine separating the two hills on which we and the lion were, at the bottom of it was a singular mopane tree, which sort of stuck out like a sore thumb. This tree was covered with Pied Crows. I pointed this out to my client, and as the lion seemed reluctant to leave the area, we concluded that he must have had a kill somewhere close by. I told my client that we should leave and return in the late afternoon in the hope that the lion would be back at his kill. This would hopefully provide us with an opportunity to pull off a good stalk. We returned at about four in the afternoon on the downwind side of the ravine and stopped the truck about a kilometre away from the area, behind a hill. We proceeded very cautiously on foot, trying to make as little noise as possible – not an easy feat,
Wynand & Claudia
du Plessis
considering that we were walking on loose rock the whole time. I kept the mopane tree in sight and moved slowly towards it. There was no sight of the lion. When we were still roughly 400 metres away from the tree, the lion suddenly bolted out from under a bush, and ran up the hill. While the lion was facing away from us we used the opportunity to find cover under a milk bush. Again we were lying flat on our stomachs on the hot rocks. The lion trotted up the hill and soon lay down again under a bush, facing in our direction. There was very little we could do, other than to continue lying on the ground, waiting for the big cat to make the next move. We lay there for about an hour, constantly glassing the lion on the opposite hill. A jackal wandered past us with a piece of meat in his jaws, confirming our suspicion that there was a kill at the bottom of the valley. Another two jackals came down the hill and disappeared into the scrub next to the mopane tree.
This seemed to be too much for the lion who stood up and proceeded down the hill at a fast pace towards his kill. He then disappeared into the bush at the base of the tree. This was the opportunity I had been waiting for. We immediately got up and started crawling down the hill, using the scattered milk bushes as cover. By now the sun was setting and our time was running out. We eventually reached the bottom of the hill and made our way to another small mopane tree, where I set my client up, so he could use a low hanging branch to rest his rifle on. We were about 40 metres away from the big tree where we suspected the kill to be. By now the adrenalin was pumping, I believe for both of us. We could not
see the lion. Suddenly a jackal bolted out of the scrub and trotted off. I scanned the low bush with my binoculars and eventually made out the tail of the lion which was sticking curled up from a bush. As I pointed it out to my client, the lion moved out of the bush and walked a few metres up the hill, where he lay down again facing us.
I tried to explain to my client to shoot it in the chest, which I could see clearly from my position, but my client could only see the head. We stood dead still. The lion seemed to be staring straight at us, an eerie feeling looking into the big orange eyes. I didn’t say anything more to my client, leaving the decision to him when to take the shot. We stood like that for about five minutes – which felt like an hour – nerves tingling. And then the unexpected crash of the shot. The lion disappeared from view behind the rocks. I asked my client where he had aimed? He told me for the head, and that he was confident about his shot. We moved cautiously out from behind our tree and immediately saw the lion lying on its side motionless. I tossed a pebble onto its stomach. It didn’t move. We approached the lion slowly. I saw that the shot was a good one – just above the right eye. A wave of relief came over both of us, I guess the release of tension during the last two hours. The lion was a superb trophy, with multiple scars from past fights on his face and body. He was lacking in condition though, his bony spine sticking out quite prominently. My client was overwhelmed and knelt down next to the big cat, stroking its mane. I left him with his lion and walked back to the truck. The mountains around me were turning from red to purple. The silence of the desert was complete. What a fantastic day of hunting.
CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF NAPHA
A legacy of conservation, camaraderie and community
For fifty years, the Namibia Professional Hunters Association (NAPHA) has stood as a beacon of ethical hunting, conservation and community. This golden anniversary marks a significant milestone on a journey defined by dedication to the land, respect for wildlife and the preservation of Namibia’s unique hunting heritage. From its founding day, NAPHA has pursued a mission far beyond hunting: it is all about stewardship, cultural respect and the profound relationship between people and nature. In conversation with past NAPHA presidents we have unpacked the who, the why’s and how’s of NAPHA’s five decades.
In his celebratory message current NAPHA President Axel Cramer reflects on the association's core values. “Humans, nature and animals can exist in harmonious balance,” he says, “if we all recognise our responsibility.” This idea of balance – of being guardians, not conquerors, of the earth – has always underscored NAPHA’s approach. From its earliest days the association’s leaders saw hunting as an expression of respect and responsibility, not merely as a sport. The result has been a model of conservation hunting that has shaped NAPHA’s legacy as a respected, conservation-minded organisation in Africa and beyond.
Danie Strauss, one of NAPHA’s former presidents, recalls the early challenges that arose after Namibia’s independence in 1990, when new dynamics and divergent interests threatened to pull the association
apart. In a move that would become foundational to NAPHA’s stability, Strauss introduced a more structured leadership model, appointing the association’s first CEO and separating governance and operational management. He believed that NAPHA’s strength lies in unity and open dialogue among its members. "Every member should feel heard," he insisted, reinforcing an open-door policy that welcomed all voices. It was this commitment to inclusivity and transparency that helped NAPHA grow into an organisation as resilient as much as it is respected.
The road was not always smooth. The ethical principles that define NAPHA today faced serious challenges as the international spotlight turned to issues surrounding trophy hunting. During the presidency of Kai-Uwe Denker, NAPHA had to respond to the global controversy surrounding the Cecil the Lion incident, which cast a shadow on hunting across Africa. Denker led the organisation’s response with calm and deliberate action, ensuring that NAPHA’s stance was clear: hunting in Namibia was – and would continue to be – an ethical, conservationfocused practice. He describes the incident as a defining moment that required a “thoughtful and circumspect reaction.” Under his leadership, NAPHA published a position paper on trophy hunting, articulating its ethical standards and reaffirming its commitment to conservation.
The tension between ethical hunting and commercial pressures has been a recurring theme in NAPHA’s history, one that each president
has confronted in their own way. Denker’s stance on resisting artificial breeding and the manipulation of wildlife for “outstanding trophies” encapsulates NAPHA’s insistence on conservation over profit. For NAPHA, wildlife management is not about creating commodities: it is about safeguarding the ecological integrity that sustains both the animals and the communities that coexist with them.
As the world changes, NAPHA has faced an evolving set of challenges, particularly in recent years. Social media has become a powerful tool but also a divisive one. Strauss speaks of the early days when disagreements were settled over coffee or around a table, and his hope that future leaders will return to that “traditional way of talking.” This emphasis on genuine human connection is woven through NAPHA’s culture, from the camaraderie among members to the relationships they cultivate with local communities.
Danene van der Westhuyzen, the first woman to lead NAPHA, expanded this focus on community impact and inclusivity. With a background steeped in hunting since childhood, van der Westhuyzen brought a fresh perspective on NAPHA’s role within Namibia’s broader socio-economic landscape. She championed the involvement of local communities, particularly in rural areas where hunting tourism has a significant economic impact. She saw NAPHA as an essential part of Namibia’s GDP, arguing that it wasn’t enough to be conservationists and hunters – NAPHA had to be recognised as a key stakeholder in Namibia’s sustainable development. She believes in the power of education and outreach to counter misconceptions about hunting. This view continues to shape NAPHA’s advocacy efforts today.
One of van der Westhuyzen’s most lasting contributions was her emphasis on NAPHA’s role in empowering women in the hunting industry. Reflecting on her time as president, she noted that women often bring a unique sense of responsibility and forward-thinking to conservation. This sense of legacy – of building something sustainable for future generations – is a core element of NAPHA’s mission. “We want to leave a better world for our children,” she said, echoing NAPHA’s dedication to nurturing both the land and the lives it supports.
Axel Cramer, the current president, sees this commitment to community as an integral part of the association’s future. “We recognise the
immeasurable value of local communities,” he says. Working hand-inhand with Namibian communities ensures that conservation is not just an external agenda but a shared responsibility, one that brings tangible benefits to the people who live closest to the wildlife. For example, hunting revenues often fund local infrastructure, schools and healthcare facilities, helping to improve lives in some of Namibia’s most remote regions. Danene van der Westhuyzen underscores the importance of these partnerships, noting that rural communities are “the final implementers” of conservation efforts.
For the next 50 years, NAPHA’s leaders envision an association that continues to prioritise ethical hunting, conservation and community integration. The commitment to core values remains unwavering: ethical hunting, conservation-focused practices and community involvement are the principles that guide NAPHA’s decisions. The goal, as Kai-Uwe Denker puts it, is to maintain Namibia as “Africa’s best hunting destination”, not through sensational marketing but by upholding the integrity and authenticity of Namibia’s hunting heritage.
Education, both for members and the wider public, remains a cornerstone of this mission. NAPHA leaders agree that the ongoing threat of international bans on trophy hunting underscores the need to educate local and global audiences about the real impact of ethical hunting on conservation. As van der Westhuyzen observes, “We are the true, real conservationists.” NAPHA is not simply responding to these challenges, it is setting a standard for how ethical hunting organisations can contribute to biodiversity and community resilience.
NAPHA’s legacy, fifty years in the making, is a testament to its commitment to ethical hunting, conservation and community. From the vision set forth by its founding members to the stewardship of leaders like Cramer, Strauss, Denker and van der Westhuyzen, NAPHA has grown into a model of what professional hunting associations can achieve. As the world changes and new challenges emerge, NAPHA’s commitment to nature and Namibia remains steadfast. With memories of the bush, the thrill of the hunt and the bonds formed around campfires, NAPHA’s members and leaders look forward to the next fifty years – united in purpose and dedicated to the preservation of Namibia’s wilderness.
Jagen in Namibia
• Exklusive Jagd-Abenteuer
• Familiäre Atmosphäre
• Bogenjagd
• Long Range Shooting bis 3,2 km
CONGRATULATIONS ON 50 YEARS from our partners
Robbie Kroger, Blood Origins
"Blood Origins commends NAPHA on 50 years of promoting ethical and sustainable hunting.”
Angus Middleton, Namibia Nature Foundation
"On behalf of the Namibia Nature Foundation, I extend our warmest congratulations to the Namibian Association of Professional Hunters on 50 years of hunting and conservation. NAPHA has set the standard for responsible hunting not just in Namibia but across the region, and the dedication to responsible hunting practices and conservation has played an important part in Namibia’s remarkable conservation success story. There is, as ever, still much to do and we look forward to the next 50 years of collaboration in safeguarding our natural and cultural heritage. In our ever-changing world we will be looking to NAPHA to continue to be a standard bearer for responsible hunting.”
John Jackson III, Conservation Force
“Congratulations to NAPHA on an incredible 50 years of leadership in conservation hunting. Your work has inspired hunters worldwide to uphold ethical standards and contribute positively to wildlife conservation. We are proud to celebrate this achievement with you!”
John
McLaurin,
President, SCI
“To all our friends, colleagues and fellow NAPHA hunter/wildlife conservationists. Congratulations on 50 years of outstanding achievement in protecting the freedom to hunt and the sustainable use of wildlife for conservation. It takes tremendous dedication to maintain these efforts in the face of continuous anti-hunting and animal rights agendas that are well funded, even though their claims and protests are characterised by fanciful fictional rhetoric. I am proud to thank NAPHA for steadfastly and effectively pushing back with undeniable facts, studies and logic. Looking forward to another 50 years of working together for hunters, hunting and sustainable use of wildlife for conservation!”
Maxi Pia Louis, NACSO
“Wishing NAPHA a happy 50th Birthday, a partner in sustainable hunting.”
Chris Brown, Namibian Chamber of Environment
“Congratulations to NAPHA and Members on your 50th anniversary. Thank you for your contribution to biodiversity conservation and economic development in Namibia. We look forward to another 50 years of sustainable hunting and wise investment in our wildlife and natural landscapes.”
John Patterson, DSC Frontline
President
“Congratulations on your 50th anniversary.”
Perspectives on African hunting
An American's observations
Every accolade credited to Africa is well earned. Perhaps William Burchell’s thought most accurately sums them all up: “Nothing but breathing the air of Africa, and actually walking through it, can communicate the indescribable sensations.” Words are a paltry attempt to raise images of buffalo charging out of the reeds or burning sunsets beyond brilliance in the minds of those who have not been favoured to set foot on the continent. This is the greatest truth which challenges a wordsmith from America to contrast hunting there with hunting here. Everett Headley
Without question, Africa’s greatest offering to the sportsman is its wide selection of game. This great variety provides challenges distinct for each species and region. African antelope species alone are more than double the number of all big game species in North America. Learning about each of them from a book beforehand is not nearly as beneficial as seeing them in person. A reedbuck might seem to be just a smaller waterbuck, but once observed in person its smaller frame and sleeker body are clearly different from a bigger-bodied, shaggy cousin. Subspecies provide even more diversity and extend adventures. One might have the southern reedbuck, but what about the mountain reedbuck? If so, was it a western, southern, or Chanlers? The wealth of African wildlife is one of the world’s most significant treasures.
It is the dangerous game that first captures an American’s attention. All animals in their own right and especially when forced to fight for their life can be lethal. But, it is those animals who sport callous and cantankerous feelings towards any who dare draw too close that elicit the greatest desire of a hunter. The testing of oneself is innate in hunters and only a handful of species rise to the task. The brown bear, found only in the northern latitudes, is the only real answer to Africa’s Big Five. But even the bear seems docile compared to a
Cape buffalo inadvertently roused from an afternoon nap in the tall grass. Writers of old glorified these encounters which now inspire modern day hunters to see if they have the mettle to ease into the reeds after a creature that can just as effectively deal death.
Wildlife management is also very different. The North American Model of Wildlife Conservation depends on sportsmen for funding through an excise tax, but all wildlife are held in trust for the people regardless of their physical location. Africa’s privatisation of game is more akin to the USA’s version of livestock ownership. This places a value on local wildlife which provides them with security and transfers the responsibility of management onto the shoulders of those closest to them*. It also provides a greater flexibility for game managers to make adjustments as habitat and conditions warrant. Both models have proven to be successful. White-tailed deer that once neared extinction now number thirty million, and since the sanctioning of private ownership of white rhino, numbers are greater than 20,000 in just a few years.
Regardless of country, all outfitters, professional hunters, trackers and camp staff carry immense pride for their role in the safari. There is an awareness of a storied history of hunters entering the bush to discover its richness for themself. This was particularly
clear when I invited my tracker and PH to join me for a final picture. They eagerly responded, the beautiful hartebeest representing their hard work as much as my shooting ability. As I smiled for the photo I noticed movement of their hands. Folding the forefinger partly and extending the thumb, they recreated the shape of Namibia and I quickly copied. Great care was taken with every animal as though it might be the last of its kind. Smiles were always my greeting and every thank you was quickly met with a sincere “pleasure.” It was a hospitality rivalled only by those who hailed from the states of the deep south.
What was most endearing were the ceremony and traditions of safari life that had long ago been incorporated into its mythos. First arrivals into camp included a presentation of the staff followed by hot towels and refreshing chilled drinks. Successful hunts required the acceptance of a shot of Jägermeister or Amarula, depending on the host. I kindly delayed successful morning offerings until lunch was served. And if a particular hunt really warranted it and the camp was feeling especially boisterous, a loud dance and song would be performed, as was the case for our return with a Cape buffalo. These are the elements of a place that make you feel included, like one belongs here. Hunting can be demanding and troublesome and rituals like these recognise perseverance through the pursuit.
Regardless of country, all outfitters, professional hunters, trackers and camp staff carry immense pride for their role in the safari. There is an awareness of a storied history of hunters entering the bush to discover its richness for themself.”
* THE ESSENTIAL ROLE OF CONSERVATION HUNTING IN NAMIBIA
Hunting is often foretold but never foreordained. I took what the bush offered me and never felt myself wanting. Even when an impala evaded me on my last two days and was left somewhere on the plains to live its life, I did not feel cheated. Whatever images I had dreamt of before my first trip to Africa were washed away by its reality. It left a picture more of a masterpiece than anything before.
In Namibia, conservation hunting plays a vital role in communitybased natural resource management (CBNRM) by empowering local communities to manage and benefit from their wildlife. Conservation hunting generates almost 25% of conservancy revenue, funding essential community game guards and providing vital protein for local families. This sustainable approach ensures that wildlife is fully utilised. It prevents poaching by creating financial incentives for locals to protect their natural heritage.
The restoration of hunting rights after independence has allowed conservancies to harvest wildlife under regulated quotas, ensuring stable animal populations. For many conservancies that lack tourism potential, income from trophy hunting is crucial for economic viability, allowing them to support anti-poaching efforts and maintain conservation initiatives. Ultimately, conservation hunting not only fosters economic growth but also reinforces the link between community well-being and wildlife conservation, making it an essential component of Namibia’s successful conservation strategies.
at www.everettheadley.com
Everett is an outdoor writer based in Montana, USA. You can find more of his work
NAPHA AWARDS 2023
Most active NAPHA member/ committee 2023
Hunters Support Education Committee
Gudrun Heger, Barbara Rogl, Isabelle Fourie and Nadia Geiger
Most approachable NAPHA Member 2023
Elzanne McCulloch earned the award for her unwavering support and willingness to assist whenever asked.
Conservationist of the Year 2023
Nadja Le Roux with her Kalahari African Wild Dog Project
MEDAL SALES AWARDS 2023
Individual Category:
3rd Place: Johann Thiessen
2nd Place: Hans Werner Erpf 1st Place: JC Kotze
Group Category:
3rd Place: Onduno Hunting
2nd place : Otjiruze Safaris CC
1st place: Aru Game Lodges
Hunting Assistant of the Year 2023
Abraham Phage – Aru Game Lodges
Camp Attendant of the Year 2023
Naomi Awa-Eises – Okatjeru Hunting & Safaris
Chef of the Year 2023
- Maria Musongo, Namibia Hunting Experience
- Ina Breed, Eintracht Jagd Safaris
- Hansina Swartbooi, Osprey Hunting Safaris
Media House of the Year 2023 Kosmos 94.1
Sponsored by Hollard
Most medals sold - 1st place Individuals: JC Kotze
Most medals sold - 2nd place Individuals: Hans Werner Erpf
Hunting assistant of the year: Abraham Phage – Aru Game Lodges
Media House of the Year: Kosmos 94.1
Camp Attendant of the year: Naomi Awa-Eises – Okatjeru Hunting & Safaris
Most active committee: Hunters Support Education Committee
Most approachable member: Elzanne McCulloch
Most medals sold - 2nd place Group: Otjiruze Safaris
Most medals sold - 3rd place Group: Onduno Hunting
Most medals sold - 1st place Group: Aru Game Lodges
Conservationist of the Year: Nadja le Roux
Most medals sold - 3rd place Individuals: Johann Thiessen
Hunt the more than 80 000 acres in the Mountains of the Khomas Hochland and the Dunes of the Kalahari on Innesfree, Wildheim West and Langvlakte.
For more info visit: www.kalaharihuntingsafaris.com
Email us at: Jean van Rooyen- drjavr@iafrica.com.na / LisMarie Hansen lismarih@gmail.com
Down-to-earth hunting with down-to-earth people
Welcome to our family ranch (since 1908). Within 13 000 ha of beautiful and varied thorn-bush savannah (riverbeds, plains, moountains, granite outcrops and many waterholes), you experience personalised hospitality in a rustic atmosphere. We offer exceptional hunting possibilities on more than 22 wildlife species e.g. Kudu, Oryx, Eland, Impala, Damara Dik-Dik etc. (also special offers). We are looking forward to welcome you at our ranch.
Georg Engelhard
Tel/Whatsapp: (+264) 81 2540356
Email: info@kovahange-safaris.com | Website: kovahange-safaris.com
Hunting professionals registered with the Namibia Professional Hunting Association
Surname Initials Name
Operation Name
Agenbach E J Eduard Johannes "Eddie" Aru Game Lodges
Email Website
eddie@arugamelodges.com www.arugamelodges.com
Ahrens E G Ernst Gernot RW Rowland Hunting Safaris info@geva-sales.com
Alberts C J Christiaan Joahnnes "Chris" Hunters Pride Taxidermy huntpride@iway.na www.huntinnamibia.net
Arnold W J Werner Jost Wildacker Tourism (PTY) Ltd t/a Wildacker Guestfarm arnold-erbach@t-online.de www.wildacker-namibia.com
Badenhorst C Chris Farm Mimosa chris@farmmimosa.co.za www.farmmimosa.co.za
Bank J Joseph Oshingulu Hunting Safaris oshi@africaonline.com.na www.africasafari.hu
Barreras Garcia Reboredo L G Luis Gaspar Na-Gumbo Lodge & Safaris l.barreras@bartap.com.na www.nagumbo.com
Bartlett D D Danny Dudly Onguma Game Ranch (Pty) Ltd carmen.onguma@gmail.com
Barz PA Patrick Alexander Rechtsanwalt Barz pb@rechtsanwalt-barz.de
Basson J M Johannes Marthinus 'Marius" Okamapu (Pty) Ltd t/a Osprey Safaris Namibia info@ospreyhunt.com
www.ospreyhunt.com
Bauer A K Axel Karl Aigamas Hunting bauer@iway.na www.aigamas.com
Baumann H Horst hbaumann@nubibmountain.com
Beyer M.A B Malte Anselm Beyer ma.beyer@yahoo.de
Bezuidenhoud S B Stephan JSB Safaris stephan@jsbsafaris.com https://jsbsafaris.com
Binding H R Heiko Rainer Kataneno Hunt kataneno@iafrica.com.na
Blaauw J N Jacobus Nel "Japsie" Dzombo Hunting Safaris japsie86@gmail.com www.dzombo.com
Blauwkamp T A Terry Allyn Dallas Safari Club blauwkampt@gmail.com
Böckmann H Horst Farm Rudelsburg
Böhmcker A D André Doglef Moringa Jagd & Gästefarm moringa@iway.na www.moringasafaris.com
Bohn K-H Karl-Heinz Kleepforte kleepforte@afol.com.na
Boshoff B Benjamin "Bennie" Duiker Safaris Namibia bennieboshoff918@gmail.com www.duiker.iway.na
Botes R Rezando "Zana" Zana Botes Safari CC zanabotes@gmail.com www.zanabotessafari.com
Botha R A Ruan Albert Sesembo Hunting Safaris ruan@sesembohunting.com www.sesembohunting.com
Botha JHB Johannes Hermanus "Manie" Mountain View Game Lodge mountainviewgamelodge@gmail.com
Bothes FA Francois NAPHA napha@napha.com.na
Bouwer SV Serena Veronique The Eco Hunter kontakt@theecohunter.com www.theecohunter.com
Brand J J Janneman Getaway Kalahari Safari info.kalahari.safari@gmail.com www.kalahari-safari.com
Brits J J Jan Justus Africa Hunt Safari justus@afrihuntsafaris.com www.afrihuntsafaris.com
Bronner AB Andries Ratau Safaris ratuasafaris@protonmail.com www.ratausafaris.com
Bross K A Klaus Alfred Klipkop Farming CC brossklaus@aol.com www.klipkop.de
Brüsselbach G M W Guido Maria Werner guidomwb@gmail.com
Campbell AA Andrew Alan Okangawa Farming & Hunting Safaris andrewac16@gmail.com www.okangawahunting.net
Chapman J W James William Huntafrica Namibia info@huntafrica.com.na www.huntafrica.com
Chapman A C Anna Christine Huntafrica Namibia info@huntafrica.com.na www.huntafrica.com
Cilliers A D Allan David Allan Ciliers Hunting Safaris allan@cillierssafaris.com www.cillierssafaris.com
Cilliers W A Wynne Anthony "Wayne" Aru Game Lodges wayne@cillierssafaris.com www.cillierssafaris.com
Clausen K P Kurt Peter Okosongoro Safari Ranch info@okosongoro.com www.okosongoro.com
Conservation Force John Jackson III Conservation Force JJW-NO@att.net www.conservationforce.org
Cooper Z D Zane Dirk Mahonda Hunting Safaris info@mahondahunting.com www.mahondahunting.com
Cramer A G Axel Günther Namibia Hunting Experience - Inside Back info@namibia-hunting-experience.com www.namibia-hunting-experience.com
Dallas Safari Club Corey Mason Dallas Safari Club Corey@biggame.org de Bod D W Dirk Willem Dirk de Bod Safaris Namibia - p11 info@safarisnamibia.com www.safarisnamibia.com de Lange PJ Petrus Jacobus "Pieter" Hemingway Hunting Safaris delangp@gmail.com
Deloch H G Hans Georg Hans Hunt Safaris hanshunt@iway.na
Deloch H P Hans Peter Oryxhunt oryxhunt@iway.na www.oryxhunt.com
Delport P J Petrus Jacobus "Pieter" Eintracht Jagd Safaris pieter@delportlaw.com www.eintrachtjagd.com
Delport J H T Jan Hendrik Tobias "Jannie" Toekoms Hunting Safaris toekomsbowhunting@gmail.com www.toekomshunting.com
Denk H C Hans Christian Jagdfarm Mecklenburg denk@jagdfarmmecklenburg.com www.jagdfarmmecklenburg.com
Denker K-U Kai-Uwe
Denker H Hagen
Diekmann W G Wilhelm
African Hunting Safaris kaiuwe@erongosafaris.com; denkerk@ erongosafaris.com www.kaiuwe-hagen.com
African Hunting Safaris hagen@erongosafaris.com www.kaiuwe-hagen.com
Hamakari Safaris hamakari@iway.na www.hamakari.com www.hamakarihunting.com
Dietz H Horst Askari Tours & Hunting etendero@iway.na www.askari-hunting.com www.namibiatours.de
Doman J F Johan Frederik Aloegrove Safari Lodge aloegrove@afol.com.na www.aloegrovehunting.com
Donhauser J Jürgen Forst Eibenstein juergen.donhauser@forst-eibenstein.eu www.forst-eibenstein.de
Dorfling B T Barend Tromp
Hartland Hunting Safaris Namibia bd@hartlandhunting.com
Dresselhaus D Dieter Heja Game Lodge dieterd@afol.com.na
Dreyer D Divan
Sandheuwel divan@delm.co.za
du Plessis P J Petrus Johannes "Hannes" Bergzicht Game Lodge - p64 hannesd@africaonline.com.na www.bergzicht-hunting.com
du Toit C J Cornelius Johannes "Neels" Omutati Game & Guestfarm neels@ingplan.com.na omutatisafaris.com
Düvel M Marco Farm Omambonde Tal marcoduvel@gmail.com
Ebach E.H U Haus Udo
Ebach Messer info@messerdesign-ebadu
Egerer M Manfred Nyati Wildlife Art - p1 nyati@nyati-wildlife-art.com.na www.nyatiwildlifeart.com
Eggert H B Hagen Bendix Omatjete Safaris hagen@omatjete.com www.omatjete.com
Eichhoff E Elfried Otjitambi Guestfarm elfried@iway.na
Eichler K U Kai-Uwe Namibia Safari Services - p62 kai@namsaf.com.na www.namibia-safari-services.com
Eichler K U Kai-Uwe Smart Dip - p62 smartdip@namsaf.com.na www.namibia-safari-services.com
Engelhard G Georg Jagdfarm Georg-Ferdinandshöhe - p88 info@kovahange-safaris.com www.jagdfarm-namibia.de
Epler C F G Clemens Florian Gerd Otjikaru Farming otjikaru@iafrica.com.na www.otjikaru.de
Erni E W Ernst Wilfried Hunting Farm Urusis erniurus@afol.com.na www.namibiahuntersguide.com
Erpf H R Hans Rudolf "Hansi" Jagdfarm Otjenga otjenga@gmail.com www.otjenga.com
Erpf H W Hans Werner "Bunsi" Oase Guest & Hunting Farm - p80 bunsi@jagdoase.de www.farm-oase.com
Esterhuizen A Antonie "Anton" Estreux Safaris CC info@estreuxsafaris.com www.estreuxsafaris.com
Esterhuizen W Wanda
Estreux Safaris CC info@estreuxsafaris.com www.estreuxsafaris.com
Falk W A Wolfgang Adam Ondjondo Jagdfarm ondjondjo@iway.na www.ondjondjo.iway.na
Fechter M L H Michael Ludwig Hubertus Nababis Hunting mfph@iway.na www.jagd-hunting-nababis.com
Fechter H F Horst Friedrich Falkenhorst Safaris falcon@iway.na www.falkenhorst.jimdo.com
Fechter SF Sebastian Authentic Namibia Adventures info@ana-namibia.com
Fietz A E Armin Erhard Etemba Jagd info@etemba-hunting.com www.etemba-hunting.com
Fourie I V Isabelle Verena Chapungu - Kambako Hunting Safaris hunting.isabelle@gmail.com www.emantumbe.com
Friedensdorf S Sylvia
Friedensdorf K Karsten
Hunting & Guestfarm Ondombo - p68 kfriedensdorf@iway.na www.namibia-jagdfarm.com
Hunting & Guestfarm Ondombo - p68 kfriedensdorf@iway.na www.namibia-jagdfarm.com
Friederich H H Helmuth Heinrich Baobab Game Ranch driehoek@mweb.com.na www.baobab-namibia.com
Surname Initials Name Operation Name Email Website
Fritsch H R J Harald Rainer Josef International Huntrs Bavaria h.fritsch@arbitas.de
Fug G German Terranova Tourism & Farming majavonreekenfug@gmail.com
Gall E Edmund The Riflemaker CC theriflemaker@yahoo.de
Garbade B T Bernd Thodo Onduno Hunting - p88 onduno@gmail.com
www.onduno.com
Garbade H H Henner Helmut Onduno Hunting - p88 onduno@gmail.com www.onduno.com
Garbade T B H Thodo Bernd Hermann Onduno Hunting - p88 onduno@gmail.com www.onduno.com
Gorn M W K A Manfred Walter Karl August manfred@kgss.com.na
Grahl I Ilona Scheidthof Hunting Safaris grahl@iway.na www.scheidthof293.com
Groenewald J C Johannes Christoffel Okarusewa okarusewa.j@iway.na
Gruhn B W Bernhard Winfried Bellerode Hunting Jagd Safaris pbgruhn@iway.na www.bellerodejagd.com
Grünschloss K Karel "Kabous" Jamy Traut Hunting Safaris kgrunschloss@yahoo.com
Günther HM Hans Martin AD Hunting info@ad-hunting.com www.ad-hunting.com
Günzel G G T Götz Georg Tobias Ovisume Jagdfarm info@ovisume.eu www.ovisume.com.na
Haag A G F Andreas Georg Felix Otjikoko Game Ranch haag@otjikoko.com www.otjikoko.com
Haase H P Hans Peter Haasenhof Gästefarm haase@iway.na www.haasenhof.com
Haase O Olaf Jagd & Gästefarm Wilhelmstal Nord olaf85@gmail.com www.wilhelmstalnord.na
Hagmann J.G H Joana Gabriela Hagmann Advenbia Safari CC jaoana.hagmann@bluewin.ch
Hakenjos G E Günter Eugen Hetaku Safari Lodge hetaku@iway.na www.hetaku.com
Halenke H Helmut Hohenau Hunting Ranch halenke@iway.na www.namibianhunting.com
Halenke R Rainer Hohenau Hunting Ranch hohenau@namibianhunting.com www.namibianhunting.com
Hauffe W E G Wilko Ernst Georg Beenbreck Safaris wilkohauffe@gmail.com www.huntnamibia.info
Hegele C Christoph Albert christophhegele22@gmail.com
Heger G E Gudrun Ellen Otjiruse Hunting gudrun@otjiruse.com www.otjiruse.com
Heger N O Nikolai Otto Otjiruse Hunting nikolai@tandelta.biz www.otjiruse.com
Heimstädt K-D Klaus-Dieter Game Ranch Transvaal klausheimstadt@yahoo.com www.namibiahuntingandsafaris.com
Hennings S P Steven Philip Khomas Highland Hunting Safaris philip@khomas-highland-hunting.com www.khomas-highland-hunting.com
Herbst H Helmut Bull River CC t/a Kansimba Game Lodge kansimba@iafrica.com.na www.kansimba.com
Herzog H Hubert Herzog Hunting hubert@herzoghunting.com; ulrike@ herzoghunting.com www.herzoghunting.com
Hess S B Sigurd Bernhard "Sigi" Zighenzani-Africa Safaris sigurd@zighenzani.com www.zighenzani.com
Hihuilepo AH Ambrosius ARU danene@arugamelodge.com
Hillermann M Marc Blaser Safaris Ltd blasersafaris@afol.com.na www.blaser-safaris.com
Hinterholzer P E M Peter Edgar Marten Erongo Lodge erongolodge@iway.na www.erongo-lodge.de
Hobohm H G Horst Gustav Abachaos #2025 Farming heide@fpc.com.na
Holzinger W Wolfgang Holzinger GTML wolfgang.holzinger@gtml.at Horsthemke B Birgit Jagdfarm Stoetzer hbhorst@iway.na www.hunting-stoetzer.com
Horsthemke (Jnr) H H Harald Helmut Jagdfarm Stoetzer hbhorst@iway.na www.hunting-stoetzer.com
Horsthemke (Snr) H W Helmut Werner Jagdfarm Stoetzer hbhorst@iway.na www.hunting-stoetzer.com
Hübner MGH Marion Gisela Hella Namibia Safari Services weffie@iway.na Hufnagl Y Yorck IFN Airfright Logistics yorck@ifn.com.na
Hurt R A Robin Anthony Robin Hurt Safari Company (Pty) Ltd robinhurtnamibia@gmail.com www.robinhurtnambia.com www.robinhurt.com
Krieghoff R Ralf Mueller Krieghoff - Inside front page Ralf.Mueller@krieghoff.de www.krieghoff.de Ipinge J A John Ali Ovitoto Game and Hunting Safaris (Pty) Ltd hafeni2@gmail.com Irvine DSI Duncan Stuart Hunters Lens dunc.irv@gmail.com
Jacobs S M Stephanus Marthinus "Stephan" SMJ Safaris info@smj-safaris.com www.smj-safaris.com
Janse van Rensburg J F Janse Francois Portsmut Hunting Safaris jansej@tgh.na www.phs.com.na
Jansen J A B Jan Adrian Botha Acacia Hunting Safaris acaciahunting@gmail.com www.acaciahunting.com
Jansen van Vuuren L Lodewyk "L'wyk" Leopard Legend Hunting Safaris info@leopardlegend.com www.leopardlegend.com Joubert S J Stephan-Johann "Steph" Bergzicht Game Lodge steph@bergzichtgamelodge.com www.bergzicht-hunting.com Jupke P G R Peter Günther Reinhard Jagdportal Namibia peter.jupke@t-online.de www.jagdportal-namibia.eu Kaiser P Petra Kuhwerder Jagdfarm kaiser@iway.na Kaiser D U Dirk Ulrich Kuhwerder Jagdfarm kaiser@iway.na www.jagdfarm-kuhwerder.de Kamatuka GU Gideon Uavangua Kataneno Hunt guk@iway.na Kibble P D Peter Douglas "Pete" Trophy Safaris trophysa@africaonline.com.na www.trophysafarisnamibia.com
Kiekebusch H H Heiner Hermann Jagd & Rinderfarm Hochfels hochfels@iway.na www.hochfels.iway.na
Kirchner EHBK Emile Beowulf Woldemar Kou Kuas Adventure Safaris emile@koukuasadventures.com www.koukuasadventures.com
Koch S Dr Steffen CIC steffen.koch@hww.eu Koekemoer G J Gert Jacobus Omuramba Hunting Lodge info@omuramba.com www.omuramba.com
Kok M Mariaan NAPHA office@napha.com.na
Kotze J C Johannes Christiaan Omatako Hunting Trails omatakoranch@iway.na www.omatakohuntingnamibia.com
Kotze D J Dirk Jacobus Tiefenbach Bow Hunting kotzedj@iway.na www.bowhuntnamibia.com
Kotze H J L Hendrik Johannes Louis Chapungu Kambako Hunting Safaris louis@omujevehuntingsafaris.com www.chapungu-kambako.com
Kotzé H R Hugo Rossouw Hugo Kotze Safaris hugo@namibia-hunt.com www.namibia-hunt.com
Krafft R Rene Ibenstein Hunting Safaris rkrafft@afol.com.na www.ibenstein.com
Kreiner H A Hubertus Alfried Ekongo Hunting & Safaris endlesshorizonsnamibia@iway.na
Kretzschmar K E Kurt Ekhard Onduasu Jagd onduasu@iway.na www.onduasu.de
Krieghoff Ralf Müller Krieghoff - Inside front Ralf.Mueller@krieghoff.de www.krieghoff.de
Kruger J J N Joachim Johannes Nicolaas "Nic" Omujeve Hunting Safaris (Pty) Ltd sumbron@africaonline.com.na www.omujevehuntingsafaris.com
Kruger CK Cornelius Omujeve Hunting Safaris (Pty) Ltd cornek79@gmail.com https//omujeve.com
Kurz M Martin MK-Hunt MK-Hunt@web.de www.mk-hunt.de
Labuschagne D Divan
Ndumo Safaris huntingdivan@gmail.com www.huntingsafaris.net
Lambrechts TM Tertius Malan Arub Safaris namfab9@gmail.com www.arubhunt.com
Lamprecht H-L Hanns-Louis Hunters Namibia Safaris hannslouis@lamcc.co www.huntersnamibia.com
Langner A Anthea Omuramba Hunting Lodge info@omuramba.com www.omuramba.com
Leuchtenberger JM Jan Munir Barg Büttner GmbH leuchtenberger@barg-buettner.com www.barg-buettner.com
Leuschner L I Lorenz Ingo
Glenorkie Hunting Farm glenorkie@iway.na www.glenorkie.com
Levin J Jaco jacolevin@icloud.com
Leyendecker H J Hans-Jürgen Namibia Dreams info@namibia-dreams.de www.namibia-dreams.de
Lichtenberg C Christian Otjisororindi Jagdfarm lichtenberg@iway.na
Liedtke G P Gerhard Paul "Gerd" Okondura Nord Hunt & Guestfarm - p80 okondura@africaonline.com.na www.okondura.com
Lindeque M Malan malan.lindeque@gmail.com
Lopes J F Julio Fernando Damara Dik-Dik Safaris dikdik@iway.na www.dikdiksafaris.com www.la-rochelle.com.na
Lourens M J Martin Johan Socotra Island Investment martin.l@komsbergfarm.com.na
Lueke M Michael Blaser Safaris Ltd blasersafaris@afol.com.na
Lüesse H-G H A H Hans-Gerd Holger Andreas Hubertus Panorama Hunting Ranch doc.lueesse@icloud.com www.farm-lichtenstein.com
Lughofer K F Klaus Ferdinand klaus@lughofer.com
Luhl KRL Kai Richard Farm Okuje kailuehl@hotmail.com
Lühl KE Kristin Etta Hunting Farm Okuje kristin@diridaub-namibia.com
Lung J C Jean Charles Ozondjahe Safaris ozond@mweb.com.na www.africanhuntingsafaris.com
Surname Initials Name
Lüsse D Detlef
Operation Name
Email Website
Achenib Hunting achenib@iway.na
Mamvure-Gava MGVS Victoria Siphiwa Vee Self Accommodation vikki@africaonline.com.na
Manusakis D Dimitrios
Omatako Big Game Hunting namibia@omatako-safaris.com www.omatako-safaris.com
Marais S Stephen Keibeb Safaris info@keibeb.na www.keibeb.na
Maritz K Kristin NAPHA info@napha.com.na
Marker L Laurie Cheetah Conservation Fund director@cheetah.org
Matthaei R H Roland Horst
Ombakata Jagd & Safaris booking@ombakata.com
www.ombakata-safari-namibia.com
Matthaei J F E Juergen Friedrich Ernst Ombakata Jagd & Safaris info@namsafcon.com www.ombakata-safari-namibia.com
Mc Donald A Alexander Gun and Bow Hunting Safaris / NamAgri alex@namagri.com
McCulloch E Elzanne Venture Media elzanne@venture.com.na www.venture.com.na
Meier T Thorsten Ohorongo Safaris ohorongo@iway.na www.ohorongo.net
Mentrup C H Christoph Hubertus "Menti" mogoto1913@gmail.com
Menzel-Ritter M Marion Ritter Safari Adventures CC info@namibia-jagd.com www.rittersafaris.com
Metzger K B Katja Birgitta
Makadi Safaris katja@makadi-safaris.com www.makadisafaris.com
Metzger D Diethelm Makadi Safaris diethelm@makadi-safaris.com www.makadisafaris.com
Meyer J Jürgen juergen.meyer2010@web.de
Michaels R Robby Namib Taxidermy namibtaxidermy@africaonline.com.na
Michels S Stefan Kambaku Lodge and Safaris smichels@kambaku.com www.kambaku.com
Moolman M Meyer Wabi Game Lodge wabigamelodge@gmail.com
Morris K Kenneth Byseewah Safaris - p65 byseewah@iway.na www.byseewah.com
Mostert P Pieter Afrika Jag Safaris Namibia erongofp@gmail.com
Mousley D B Daniel Boyce "Dan: Robin Hurt Safari Company (Pty) Ltd danbmousley@live.com www.robinhurtnambia.com
Muller L P Ludwig Phillip Okatare Safari okatare@afol.com.na www.okatare.com
Muller D A Dawid Andreas Daggaboy Hunting Safaris damuller@iway.na www.daggaboy.com
Muller G J Gert Johannes Otjinuke Hunting Ranch gmuller@afol.com.na www.huntatrophy.com
Namene R K Riva Kambindja Boskloof Hunting and Guest Farm rknamene03@yahoo.co.uk www.boskloofna.com
Nebe J F C K Johann Friedrich Christian Klaus "Claus" Ovita Game & Hunting info@ovitawildlife.com www.ovitahunting.com
Nel N Nelson Nelson Nel Hunting Safaris & Tours nelsonnel74@gmail.com
Neubrech J G Joachim Georg Etemba Jagd etemba@afol.com.na www.etemba-hunting.com
Neumann J A John Allen jaeger1johann@gmail.com
Niel N Nikolaus Nikolaus.Niel@gmx.at
Nolte N J Nicolaas Johannes "Nick" Nick Nolte Hunting Safaris CC info@nicknoltehunting.com www.nicknoltesafaris.com
Odendaal G H Gerhardus Hendrik "Gerrie" Gohunt Namibia Safaris gohunt@iway.na
Oelofse A Alexander Jan Oelofse Hunting Safaris alex@etjo.na www.janoelofsesafaris.com
Olivier G H Gert Hendrik Panorama Rock Game Ranch Safaris panoramarock@africaonline.com.na
Oosthuizen A J Andries Jacobus "Jaco" Game Trackers Africa Safaris jaco@gametrackersafrica.com www.gametrackersafrica.com
Otto C K Christian Kurt Hunting Farm Kachauchab info@namibia-hunter.com www.namibia-hunter.com
Otto V Volca Ondjiviro Hunting Safaris - p65 info@ondjiviro.com www.ondjiviro.com
Pack H Harald Jagdfarm Ottawa ottawa@iway.na
Pack RU Robert Ulrich Okasandu Farming - p56 info@okasandu.com www.okasandu.com
Pape I G Imke-Gesa Okatore Lodge & Safaris info@okatore.com www.okatore.com
Pauly S H Sven Harald Hayas Hunting shpauly@gmail.com
Pienaar S W Schalk Willem African Plains Safaris schalk470@gmail.com www.spsafarisnamibia.com
Pienaar J H Jacobus Hugo "Koos" (Snr) Hunt Africa Namibia Safaris info@huntafrica.com.na www.huntafrica.com.na
Pienaar J H Jacobus Hugo "Kobus" (Jnr) Hunt Africa Namibia Safaris info@huntafrica.com.na www.huntafrica.com.na
Potgieter C Chrisjan Eureka Hunting Safaris info@eurekahuntingsafaris.com
Preschel H Harald Namibia Safari Services harald@namsaf.com.na www.namsaf.com.na
Prinsloo S Stefanus First Class Trophy Taxidermy stefanus@firstclasstrophy.com www.firstclasstrophy.com
Putzler MP Mechthild NAMSAF mechti1973@gmail.com
Rademeyer D W David William "Dave" Collect Africa Ltd dave@northernoperationsafrica.com
Redecker F W Friedrich Wilhelm Die Keiler - Farm Westfalenhof westfalenhof@iway.na www.namibianhunting.com
Redecker U G Uta Gudrun Die Keiler - Farm Westfalenhof westfalenhof@iway.na www.namibianhunting.com
Redecker J W Jürgen Walter Die Keiler - Farm Westfalenhof J_Redecker@gmx.de www.namibianhunting.com
Redecker G A Gernot Armin Die Keiler - Farm Westfalenhof birte.redecker@gmail.com www.namibianhunting.com
Reinhardt P M Peter Michael Bushman Trails Africa bushmantrailsafrica@gmail.com www.bushmantrailsafrica.com
Reinhardt E C Elke Christel Bushman Trails Africa kalaharisonne@gmail.com
Ritter R D Rolf Dietrich Ritter Safari Adventures CC marion@ritter-farming.com www.rittersafaris.com
Muller R Robert
Rode A Andreas rode@kleinemas.de
Rogl A Alexander Otjiruze Safaris CC - p40 alex@otjiruze.com www.otjiruze.com
Rogl M Markus Otjiruze Safaris CC - p40 markus@otjiruze.com www.otjiruze.com
Rogl B F Barbara Friederike Otjiruze Safaris CC - p40 barbara@otjiruze.com www.otjiruze.com
Rogl W Werner
Otjiruze Safaris CC - p40 werner@otjiruze.com www.otjiruze.com
Rossouw J A N Jacobus Andre Nel Moreson Bird & Game Trophy Hunting Farm moreson@afol.com.na www.withoek.com
Rowland R W Ronald William "Ronnie" RW Rowland Hunting Safaris r.rowland@geva-sales.com
Rumpf J E Jürgen Combumbi Jagd combumbi@iway.na www.combumbi.com
Rust H G W Harald Godofred Werne Erongo Hunting Safari omandumba@iway.na
Sack B Bernhard Jagdfarm Maroela maroela@iway.na www.maroela.com Safari Club International Laird Hamberlin Safari Club International laird@safariclub.org
Savoldelli N Nadia Okarumuti Game Lodge info@okarumutigamelodge.com www.okarumutigamelodge.com
Schickerling J F John Frederick "Johnny" (Snr) Agarob Hunting Safaris hunting@agarobsafaris.com www.agarobsafaris.com
Schickerling J F John Frederick "John-John" (Jnr) Agarob Hunting Safaris johnkiamsab@gmail.com www.agarobsafaris.com
Schlettwein J C Jürgen Conrad "Charly" Otjitambi Guestfarm jcsotjitambi@iway.na www.otjitambi.iway.na
Schlettwein W U B Wiebke Ursula Brigitte Ovita Game & Hunting info@ovitawildlife.com www.ovitahunting.com
Schmidt W F R Walter Ombu Jagd & Gästefarm ombufarm@iway.na www.ombufarm.com
Schmidt A M Alan Michael Okatjeru Hunting CC alan@okatjeru.com www.okatjeru.com
Schmidt M Markolf info@ram-schmidt.de
Schmitt C Christian Okambara Elephant Lodge okambara@iway.na www.okambara.de
Schneider-Waterberg H Hinrich "Harry" Waterberg Game Guest Farm harry@waterbergnamibia.com www.waterbergnamibia.com
Scholtissek Y Yanik Namigo Safaris CC y.scholtissek@otji-safaris.com www.jagdfarm-namibia.com
Scholz E G Ernst Gernot All African Safaris allafricansafaris@gmail.com
Schoon CF Christiaan Frederik (Rik) Natuurlijk! fauna-advies r.schoon@planet.nl
Schoonbee D G Douw Gerdbrand SMJ Safaris dgschoonbee@gmail.com
Schubert C F Christian Franz Hunting and Guestfarm Aurora huntingfarm.aurora@gmail.com www.jagdfarm-aurora.com
Schuetz GA Gerd Alexander Hefner Farming farmhefner@gmail.com www.huntinglifestyle-hefner.com
Schünemann H Henning Zighenzani-Africa Safaris henning@zighenzani.com www.zighenzani.com
Schwalm R Reinhild Omalanga Safaris reservations@omalangasafaris.net www.omalangasafaris.net
Schwarz F O W Falko Otto Wolfram Ondjou Safaris fowschwarz@gmail.com www.ondjousafaris.com
Sentefol R Rainer African Shipping Services CC rainer@africanshippingservices.com www.africanshippingservices.com
Siege H Hannes CIC siegeh@web.de
Surname Initials Name Operation Name Email Website
Skrywer B Benjamin
Slaney W H Wilfried Hermann
Aru Game Lodges info@arugamelodges.com www.arugamelodges.com
Otjimbondona wilfried@profilesafaris.com www.profilesafaris.com
Smit D J Dirk Orpa Hunting Safaris hunting@orpahunt.com www.orpahunt.com
Spangenberg J J Jannie Gras Hunting Lodge grasgame@iway.na www.jagdfarmgras.com
Stein GB George Barker Stein Safaris Gbarkerstein3@gmail.com
Sternagel H M F Helena Maria Francesca "Helen" Ganeib Jagd & Gästefarm ganeib@iafrica.com.na
Sternagel W K Wolfgang Kai Ganeib Jagd & Gästefarm ganeib@iafrica.com.na
Strauss J Jacques Kowas Adventure Safaris kowasadv@iafrica.com.na www.kowasadventure.com
Strauss AS Ansie Kowas Adventure Safaris kowasadv@iafrica.com.na
Strauss ES Elleni
Kowas Adventure Safaris kowasadv@iafrica.com.na
Strauss DS Daniel Boyce “Dani” Kowas Adventure Safaris kowasadv@iafrica.com.na
Stumpfe K Karl Ndumo Safaris karl@huntingsafaris.net www.huntingsafaris.net
Sturm JPS Jan Philipp Namib Naukluft Lodge afex@afex.com.na
Svenblad H Herbert Otjandaue Hunting Farm diane.svenblad@aland.net www.otjandauehuntingsafaris.com
Swanepoel A Andre Aru Game Lodges accounts@arugamelodges.com www.arugamelodges.com
Swanepoel D B Drikus Bruwer Ekuja Hunting Namibia ekuja.hunting@gmail.com www.ekujasafaris.com
Swanepoel SFS Sarel Francois Leras Hunting Safaris CC lerashunting@gmail.com
Taseb HAT Hendrik amon Taseb ARU danene@arugamelodge.com
Theofelus MT Matheus Theofelus Kowas Adventure Safaris kowasadv@iafrica.com.na
Thiessen J Johann Otjimbuku Hunting Farm otjimbuk@iway.na
www.otjimbuku.com
Traut P J Peter James "Jamy" Jamy Traut Hunting Safaris info@jamyhunt.com; jamytraut@gmail.com www.jamyhunt.com
Trümper U Uwe
Airport Hunting & Guestfarm info@airportfarm-namibia.com www.airportfarm-namibia.com
Trümper B Bernhard "Max" Airport Hunting & Guestfarm max.trumper@gmail.com www.airportfarm-namibia.com
Uffindell AF Arthur Frederick Aloe Hunting Safaris aloesaf@mweb.com.na
Utz G Gerrit African Safari Trails african-safari-trails@afol.com.na
Utz (Snr) W Wilfried wilutz@iway.na
van den Berg WJ Wynand Johannes "Johann" Mashété Safaris info@mashete.com
van der Merwe J S Jacobus Schalk "Jaco" Namibia Safari Corporation - p88 jaco@jsvdm.com
www.namibiasafaricorporation.com
van der Merwe R Roy Otjandaue Hunting Farm otjandaue@iway.na www.otjandauehuntingsafaris.com
van der Westhuizen N H Nicolaas Hermanus "Nico" Quadrant Namibia (Pty) Ltd / Ikhanas nico@ikhanas.com www.ikhanas.com
van der Westhuyzen D Danene Aru Game Lodges - p48, p68 info@arugamelodges.com www.arugamelodges.com
van der Westhuyzen G N Gysbert Nikolaas Aru Game Lodges - p48, p68 gysbert@arugamelodges.com www.arugamelodges.com van Dyk C Christiaan Chui Hunting Safaris chuihunting@gmail.com van Heerden B H Barend Hendrik "Hentie" Van Heerden Safaris, Ondjou Safaris - p80 vhsaf264@gmail.com www.vanheerdensafaris.com van Heerden P W J Pieter Willem Johannes "Johann" JJ Hunting Safaris johannjjhs@iway.na www.huntadventures.jj-safaris.com
van Heerden C A Carl Alexander "Callie" Namibia Trophy Hunting Safaris namibiatrophy@gmail.com van Niekerk H H Hugo Hendrik "Hoekus" Uhlenhorst Hunting Safaris hoecon@afol.com.na www.huntuhlenhorst.com van Rooyen Q Quinton Portsmut Hunting Safaris qvr@tgh.na www.phs.com.na van Rooyen JA Johannes, Albertus, "Jean" Kalahari Hunting Safaris - p88 drjavr@iafrica.com.na www.kalaharihuntingsafaris.com van Schalkwyk PB Philippus Bauke "Phil" Farm Marienhof Trust philvs@afol.com.na Van Wyk HVW Jan Hendrik Beenbreck Safaris wvw@afol.com.na van Zyl A J L Antonie Johannes Louw Track A Trail Safaris trackatrailsafaris@hotmail.com www.trackatrailsafaris.com Veldsman J F Johann Frederik Shona Outdorr Safaris and Lodging CC shona@africanhuntingnamibia.com; shonaoffice@africanhuntingnamibia.com www.AfricanhuntingNamibia.com
Viljoen E P Enrico Pierre "Rico" Tactical Sports CC - p72 rico@tac-sport.com www.tac-sport.com Vogel I W Immo Wode Hunting & Guestfarm Gross Okandjou immo.vogel@gross-okandjou.com www.gross-okandjou.de Vogl M Markus info@pferde-vogl.de Voigts R W Reinhard Wolfgang Voigtskirch voigtskirch@iway.na Voigts U D Ulf-Dieter Krumhuk ud.voigts@krumhuk.com.na www.jagdfarm-krumhuk.de Volek C J Conway James Blaser Safaris Ltd conwayvolek@gmail.com www.blaser.de von Gossler O Ortwin Orua Hunting Farm (Die Keiler) orua@iway.na www.namibianhunting.com von Hacht H J Hans-Joachim "Achim" Okatjo Jagdfarm okatjo@iway.na www.namibia-jagd.net von Koenen S A Sebastian Andreas Jagdfarm Hüttenhain svkoenen@mweb.com.na von Schuman H W Hans Wolf Omupanda Jagd Safari CC info@omupanda.com www.namibiajagd.com von Seydlitz-Kurzbach H S Hartwig Sigismund Schoenfeld Hunting & Safaris schoenfeld.safaris@gmail.com www.schoenfeld-namibia.de von Seydlitz-Kurzbach W Werner
Immenhof Hunting & Guestfarm - p22 werner@immenhofhunting.com www.immenhofhunting.com von Treuenfels M J G Michael-Jasper Gebhard "Michi" CIC michivt@t-online.de Walker C J D Clifton John Douglas "Cliff" Cliff Walker Safaris cliff@cliffwalkersafaris.com www.cliffwalkersafaris.com
Weiken CFH Christian Fritz Heinrich Maria christian@weiken.de
Wenske M C B Markus Christian Benjamin Klipkop Farming CC wenske_m@hotmail.com Werner CH Christian, Hermann Blumen_werner@t-online.de
Wiedenroth S Sven Harald Stolzenberg Farming sven@bsmr.com.na; stolzenb@iway.na www.stolzenberg.com.na
Wiggins W William H. NAMSAF/Smart Dip - p62 SmartDip@namsaf.com.na
Wilckens S Siegfried "Siggi" Omateva Hunting omateva@iway.na
Wilckens H Henner Okaturua Hunting okaturua@afol.com.na www.okaturua-hunting.com
Wilckens I Immo Die Keiler - Jagdfarm Ongangasemba onganga@iway.na www.africanhuntinginfo.com/en/
Willnegger L Ludwig l.willnegger@gmail.com
Willnegger (Dr) E Eva ew@montgomery-ip.eu
Witjes T G F Theodorus Gougerius Frederikus "Theo" european@planet.nl
Wölbling G Gerd
Waterberg Hunting Namibia gerd@hellabron.com www.waterberg-hunting.com
Woortman H C Harm Curt Omatako Hunting & Tourism (Pty) omatako@omatako.com www.omatako.com.na
Woortman DV Dirk Volker Omatako Hunting & Tourism (Pty) omatako@omatako.com www.omatako.com.na
Woortman V H H Volker Heinz Harm Omatako Hunting & Tourism (Pty) omatako@omatako.com www.omatako.com.na
Wrede A F A Aschwin Friedrich Arthur Gurus Farm wredemad@africaonline.com.na
Wright CW Charmaine Okatjeru Hunting Safaris bookings@okatjeru.com www.okatjeru.com
Ziller H H Hans hansziller@hotmail.com
Zimny M Michael Haasenhof Gästefarm michizimny@gmail.com www.haasenhofhunting.com
Zimny M Michael Haasenhof Gästefarm michizimny@gmail.com www.haasenhofhunting.com
namibia professional hunting association
www.napha-namibia.com info@napha.com.na
