Africa-“The Dark Continent” A trip outside Maryland worth mentioning

My dad, “Charlie” came to me one day and said “Boy” we’re going to Africa… to do a Father/Son hunting safari.  I was surprised by his choice, and slightly skeptical, for I didn’t know a whole lot about Africa, and really never gave it much consideration.  We discussed going for elk and such…but Africa? The BIG GAME destination of the world? OK I’m in. 
     My father had in his possession, numerous flyers, brochures, booklets, etc… he gathered from the Harrisburg Hunting Show held in PA, all of which he handed to me except one, which he held in his hand and said, “This is the place that interest me, Eland Safaris.” ……….

     Pops went on to explain how he met this guy, Larry Reese, the booking agent who was representing this particular “Ranch” for the past 15 years or so.  Dad explained that Larry was a taxidermist from the Eastern Shore of Maryland, very close to our homes.  To make a long story short, my father was very impressed and was ready to book, I on the other hand wanted to conduct my own “Investigation” if you will, not that my dad is a poor judge of character, just because I never take avoidable risks.   

     I am a Police Officer and first and foremost I consider safety more then most.  I wanted to meet this guy Larry Reese and see what this trip was all about as well as him.  If I was going to a foreign land especially Africa, I wanted to know who we were going there with.  Larry was very impressive to say the least.  He answered all my questions and presented me with answers other clients have posed as well.  Larry finally said, “You and your Dad are going to have an outstanding trip, so don’t you worry.   

     Well after touring through his impressive studio, (Check out “Wildlife Artistry” for yourself, he has his own web page), we started the booking process.  Larry took care of all the preparations; all we had to do was show up at the airport with our stuff and passports.

      The flight was long but the airline did their best to accommodate and it was not nearly as bad as I anticipated, as a matter of fact, not bad at all.  I must say I was dreading the flight. 

      No other then the owner/operator of Eland Safaris, Du Toit Leonard, greeted us at the Airport.  I liked this guy immediately.  He and Larry started “Ribbing” each other right off the bat, and you could tell these guys had a strong relationship.  Du Toit lead us to his awaiting SUV, packed up the gear and off to Eland Safaris.  Du Toit said, you guys are going to have a great time, and if you don’t “THEN THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG WITH YOU”. 

      I guess the trip from the airport was about an hour or so, but it seemed much, much shorter with all the talk of hunting going on.  I have to point out Larry carefully booked us with a third guy, “Bunky” and he was with us the whole time.  Great guy, and now a friend for life… but enough about “Bunky”…great guy, a lot of fun, back to Africa.

      We arrived at the lodge “Eland Safaris”, and as we approached we observed waterbucks running through the thickets.  We just showed up at this place and HOLY COW …these things were huge, much bigger then the whitetail of home, the blood was already pumping.

      We pulled up to the Lodge/restaurant and some of Du Toit’s family members met us outside to greet us and invited us into the restaurant.  We were told to leave our bags; it would be taken care of, at which point the staff put our equipment and bags into our rooms (very nice private rooms) while we went into the restaurant. 

      My dad, “Bunky” and I walked into the restaurant and met the rest of Du Tois’ family, PH’s and friends and we were immediately taken in as FRIEND/FAMILY, not client.  I cannot emphasize enough, I have never met such a warm bunch of people right from start and it continued through out the entire trip. 

      I already conceded in the first hour of our arrival that if we were not fortunate enough to get any game, the trip was going to be a special one with or with out the animals.

      The Leonard family provided well prepared, 1^st class meals served in the first rate restaurant heated by the indoor campfire.  You will miss the smell of the lodge, it’s a campfire aroma accented with preparation of the food.  You will love it and miss it…

     If you’re lucky Aloma, Du Toit’s wife, will serve the “House Specialty”…it’s a treat you won’t forget. (Ask for the KUDU oysters)

      The Internet pictures do not do the lodge justice, it’s much warmer and full of life and it’s their home.  Du Toit essentially opened up his home; arms opened wide and invited us in to become part of his family.  The only time we left the comfort of the lodge was to embark out to different ranches; they call them “Concessions”.  My dad and I didn’t want to go anywhere else; it was all there, although going to the different concessions was an added treat.

      The hunting was phenomenal.  We were led by the hunting professionals, known as the “PHs” who were good and long time friends of Du Toit.  Frik and Cobie were like family to the Leonards and they treated us like life long friends.  They too, I will consider life long friends.  Coincidentally they too were Police (CSI investigators), taking their vacations to guide our hunts, which to me meant a lot, so I thank you, both Frik and Cobie (pronounced strangely enough as “Quiby”).  

     Each morning, we were greeted with coffee and a nice breakfast.  During breakfast Du Toit laid out the day’s itinerary, which was always subject to change at a moment’s notice, always for the better, keeping in mind, each day started out with incredible expectations.

      The hunting with respect to keeping this as short as possible was truly amazing, in all aspects.  The equipment provided was with out flaw, the scenery was amazing, and the animals were in plenty, all sorts of species.  Each concession held its own charm as well as different species to pursue. 

      Each day, dad, “Bunky” and I hunted together which enabled us to share the experience directly and provided great opportunity for photos and “Film”.  I used four cassette tapes in my camcorder, so bring plenty of memory cards and batteries.  There are so many animals you will want to photograph.  The days went by in an absolute flash, so document your time with camera, and you may want to keep a note pad with you, just for recollection purposes.  The days flew by with out delay and before you know it you’ll be back on the plane wondering where the time went, and trying to figure how you’re going to manage another trip. 

     Each day, each animal, was the “One of a Lifetime”.  I’ve never done so much hand shaking and hugging, in a manly kind of way, of course…these days spent with my father at Eland Safaris will always be cherished.  The memories were captured on film but most importantly burnt in my heart forever.

      I look forward to taking my boys, to give them what my father gave to me, thanks dad and mom, you two are the best, what a birthday gift!  Hopefully Dad will once again be there right beside me during this time.