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Askari Game Reserve:
This is our base camp for the majority of the hunting. The area is 2500 acres. Kubusi Lodge is situated here. The following species occur here: Cape buffalo, Giraffe, Impala, Blesbuck, Bushbuck, Blue Wildebeest, Black Wildebeest, Springbuck, Grey Duiker, Blue Duiker, Bushpig, Burchells Zebra, Red Hartebeest and Waterbuck.
- Matola: Situated across the river from Askari Game Reserve. The area is 3000 acres. The following species occur here: Nyala, Burchells Zebra, Ostrich, Mountain Reedbuck, Blue Wildebeest, Impala, Blesbuck, Grey Duiker, Warthog, Kudu, Bushbuck, Red Hartebeest, Giraffe, Bushbuck, and Fallow Deer.
- Glen Roy: Situated east along the Great Kei River . The area is 8000 acres. The following species occur here: Nyala, Waterbuck, Common Reedbuck, Mountain Reedbuck, Impala, Blesbuck, Springbuck, Blue Wildebeest, Burchells Zebra, Kudu, Warthog, Grey Duiker, Bushbuck and Cape Eland .
- Lowlands : Situated south west of Askari Game Reserve along the Gonoubie River . The area is 4000 acres. The following species occur here: Nyala, Kudu, Giraffe, Burchells Zebra, Bushbuck, Impala, Blesbuck, Grey Duiker, Warthog and Blue Wildebeest.
- Thomas River : Situated west of Askari Game Reserve on the foothills of Hogsback Mountains . The area is 40 000 acres. The following species occur here: Mountain Reedbuck, Springbuck, Red Hartebeest, Black Wildebeest and Fallow Deer.
Cathcart:
The Lalapa Game Reserve is an 18 000 acre concession. We have a comfortable lodge here which sleeps 8. This is the main bowhunting and handgun hunting area. The following species occur here: Giraffe, White Rhino, Mountain Reedbuck, Black Springbuck, Common Springbuck, White Springbuck, Waterbuck, Eland, Common Reedbuck, Impala, Blesbuck, Red Hartebeest, Blue Wildebeest, Black Wildebeest, Nyala, Warthog, Grey Duiker, Fallow Deer, Ostrich, Bontebok, Kudu, Red Lechwe and Gemsbuck.
Pearston:
Asante Sana Game Reserve is an 18 000 acre Game Reserve. We have a luxury Lodge here. The following Species occur here: Elephant, White Rhino, Cape buffalo, Gemsbuck, Kudu, Nyala, Grey Duiker, Steenbuck, Red Hartebeest, Springbuck, Impala, Blesbuck, Mountain Reedbuck, Red Lechwe, Waterbuck, Ostrich, Blue Wildebeest, Black Wildebeest, Grey Rhebuck and Klipspringer. |
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Founded in 1998 years ago and run by James Williamson and his wife Megan, The Kubusi Lodge so named because it overlooks the Kubusi river valley, has 8 twin share en-suite thatched chalets furnished comfortably and lit with paraffin lamps. Flush toilets and modern plumbing are the only changes to what can only be described as an old world safari experience. Clients have access to other neighbouring lodges when hunting or viewing different species and may stay all or some of the time at other sites due to better availability of their specified quarry at other concession areas.

Their well appointed camp includes a fully furnished hunting lapa (meeting lodge) with soft sofa sets, a wall of trophy mounts and an indoor fireplace for those chilly winter evenings. Satellite camps have the same level of facilities
If watching the myriad of stars in the night sky is more to your taste, then feel free to sit by the fire in their campfire boma (enclosure of logs) that is traditionally lit every evening. In earlier times this campfire would be central to the safety of the camp as the big predators would be wary of man and fire. Nowadays the fire boma is still central to the camp as it is the spot where hunters gather to have their pre-dinner drinks and spin tall tales of the day's hunt.
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There is also a plunge pool and a wide verandah with great view of the Kubusi river valley. Braai (barbecue) is best eaten on this verandah with the bushbucks calling the hunting party from the valley below.
The early morning mist and the view often lulls members of the hunting party to spend the day in with a gin & tonic and a good book. However, the Kubusi Lodge is primarily a hunting camp.
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Both novice and advanced hunters are catered for and all hunting is done in the "fair chase" method. James is a zoologist and conservationist by profession as is very much a proponent of hunting conservation. As such hunters who hunt on the Kubusi managed concessions should be prepared for some challenging stalks on tough terrain. However the professional hunters that guide for Kubusi are excellent in ensuring that you get your trophy buck and always have a high success rate.
Initial spotting of the quarry will be done from vehicles, and the final stalk will be done on foot.
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IfThe Askari Game Reserve is noted for its mature herds of the following species:
| Common Duiker |
Bushbuck |
| Blue Duiker |
Nyala |
| Springbuck |
Blue Wildebeest |
| Mountain Reedbuck |
Black Wildebeest |
| Common Reedbuck |
Red Hartebeest |
| Warthog |
Zebra |
| Impala |
Kudu |
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The following services are all part of your Safari package.
Included in Safari package:
| Airport Transfers from East London |
All hunting transport |
| Airport |
All Professional Hunting Services |
Accommodation (Twin Sharing) |
All Trackers, Guides & Skinners |
All food, soft drinks & limited wine and beer. |
All trophy fees for the package species |
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Excluded: |
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Flights to Johannesburg International Airport |
Gratuities |
Flights to East London Airport |
Dipping & Salting |
Rifle Hire (US$15 per hunting day) |
Taxidermy |
Ammunition ( US$35-45 per box of 20 depending on caliber & brand) |
Bow Hunting/handgun hunting surcharge (US$50 a day) |
Options : Singaporean Guide available at US$250 per day.
Taxidermy can be provided by Karl Human taxidermy which you will be able to visit on your way to your hunt.Taxidermy, Shipping and handling are extra costs. |
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The following services are all part of your Safari package.
Included in Safari package:
| Name |
Duration |
Game Bag |
Species |
Cost |
| Quick Fix Special |
4 days/3 nights Hunting Inclusive of transport time |
2 head |
1 Impala Ewe
1 Blesbuck Ewe
(upgrade to rams
add US$400 per hunter) |
1X1
US$1500
2X1
US$1250 |
| Best Value Hunt |
5 days / 4 nights |
3 head |
1 Bushbuck
1 Impala or Blesbuck
1Springbok or Mountain Reedbuck |
1x1
US$3000
2X1
US$2500 |
| Hunter's Choice |
6 days/5 nights Hunting inclusive of transport time |
3 head |
1 Kudu or Blue Wildebeest or black Wildebeest.
1 Springbok or Grey Duiker
1 Impala or Blesbuck or Warthog |
1X1
US$3250
2X1
US$3000 |
| Plains Game Grand Slam |
6 days/5 nights Hunting inclusive of transport time |
4 head |
1 Kudu or Red Hartebeest
1 Blue Wildebeest or Black Wildebeest.
1 Mountain Reedbuck/Springbok/Grey Duiker
1 Impala or Blesbuck or Bushbuck or Warthog |
1X1
US$5000
2X1
US$4750 |
| Fin & Fur |
6 days/5 nights Hunting inclusive of transport time
3 nights hunting & 2nights game fishing with accommodation at beach lodge |
2 head
Game fish unlimited catch & release.
Limited bag for table.2-4 Table Sized Fish |
1 Impala or Blesbuck
1 Springbok or Warthog
Available fish species Zambezi shark, Mako shark, Great White shark, Ragged-tooth shark ,Tiger shark,Rock,cod, Red Roman,Sea bass, Dhories, Cob, Spotted Grunter, Pig -nosed Grunter, Tuna , Marlin (only in season and rare) |
4 X 2 only! (Minimum of 4 hunters in the party)
US$ 3500 |
| The Macnab |
8 days/7nights Hunting inclusive or transport time
3 nights hunting
2 nights golf
2nights game fishing with accommodation at beach lodge |
2 head
Game fish unlimited catch & release.
Limited bag for table.2-4 Table Sized Fish |
1 Blue/ Black wildebeest
1 Springbok or bushbuck or impala.
Golf includes 2 different 18 hole golf courses, all equipment, and lunch at the club.
Available fish species Zambezi shark, Mako shark, Great White shark, Ragged-tooth shark ,Tiger shark,Rock,cod, Red Roman,Sea bass, Dhories, Cob, Spotted Grunter, Pig -nosed Grunter, Tuna , Marlin (only in season and rare) |
4 X 2 only! (Minimum of 4 hunters in the party)
US$ 5000 |
All Safari packages can be flexible. We can substitute game drives & photo safari days for animals if required. If you have extra hunting days, you may participate in other activities for the standard activity fees. Extra game as per trophy list should only be hunted if there is extra time available. We do however encourage you to participate in the planning of your safari. Please feel free to let us know of any special requirements you may have, or any additional requests.
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You may of course tailor your own hunt with the prices below. The daily rate for this kind of hunt is $350 per hunter and $200 per observer. If you do have the opportunity on your package to stalk an animal that is not part of your paid for hunt, please inform you professional hunter that you are aware that the animal will be an additional cost to your package, but you would like to hunt it.
Species |
Male |
Female |
Baboon |
US$170 |
US$ 170 |
Bontebok |
US$ 1360 |
NA |
Blesbuck |
US$340 |
US$145 |
Bushbuck, Eastern Cape |
US$455 |
NA |
Bushpig (chance ) |
US$230 |
US$230 |
Bushpig (bait or dogs) |
US$570 |
US$570 |
Duiker, Blue |
US$800 |
US$800 |
Duiker, Grey |
US$290 |
NA |
Fallow Deer |
US$680 |
US$290 |
Grysbuck, Cape |
US$680 |
NA |
Gemsbuck |
US$1080 |
US$1080 |
Hartebeest, Cape |
US$910 |
NA |
Impala |
US$340 |
US$145 |
Jackal, Black Backed |
US$115 |
US$115 |
Kudu, Eastern Cape |
US$1020 |
NA |
Lynx (Caracal) |
US$570 |
US$570 |
Nyala |
US$2500 |
NA |
Oribi |
US$1360 |
NA |
Ostrich |
US$680 |
NA |
Reedbuck, Mountain |
US$340 |
NA |
Steenbuck |
US$290 |
NA |
Springbuck, Common |
US$340 |
NA |
Springbuck, White |
US$800 |
NA |
Springbuck, Golden |
US$2050 |
NA |
Springbuck, Black |
US$510 |
NA |
Warthog |
US$340 |
US$170 |
Wildebeest, Black |
US$910 |
US$490 |
Wildebeest, Blue |
US$850 |
US$490 |
Zebra, Burchells |
US$1250 |
US$970 |
Eland, Cape |
US$2500 |
NA |
Lechwe |
US$2840 |
NA |
Reedbuck, Common |
US$850 |
NA |
Rhebuck, Vaal |
US$910 |
NA |
Waterbuck |
US$2500 |
NA |
Cape Buffalo |
POR |
NA |
White Rhino |
POR |
POR |
White Rhino, Green Hunt |
US$12000 |
US$ 12000 |
Our specialty is White Rhino green hunting. In which you will get to dart a White Rhino. James Williamson is registered animal capture and relocation specialist and has many years experience in using M99 animal tranquilizer to ensure that Your Rhino has sweet dreams while you take your trophy photos. |
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We run Safaris into Namibia and Zimbabwe for Dangerous Game. Elephant, Buffalo , Hippo, Crocodile, Leopard and Lion are available for the experienced hunter. If you've not hunted in Africa before, we suggest you try one of our plains game safaris or packages before you embark on a dangerous game safari. These are in wilderness lands bordering government game parks or in National game reserves set aside for hunting. Truly deepest darkest Africa , travel time can be up to 48 hours from Johannesburg International and hunts may last as long as 3-4 weeks.
Please ask Blaze Sporting Clays for details as we will be only to glad to produce a customized quotation on the costs of an expedition like this.
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Askari Game Reserve is home to the "Back to Africa " Cape Buffalo project where they are kept free roaming. This project is a conservation program to breed and home Cape Buffalo free from bovine tuberculosis in game reserves and parks across southern Africa . In the 2004/2005 season the 4 buffalo seen in the picture are expecting their first calves and perhaps on your visit you will have the privilege of viewing the first young ones that have returned to Africa and have been born free in the land of their ancestors.
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James Williamson is an accomplished teacher of hunting safety and is capable of teaching Bush survival, Navigation, Tracking, Guiding Etiquette, Hunting ethics, Field skinning and Marksmanship. These courses are an ideal way for a young person who has never hunted before to learn about nature and themselves. This course teaches the participant to be patient, disciplined, determined and gives them a whole new respect for nature. It is ideal as a course for 15-18 year olds of both sexes. It primary purpose is for young people to be introduced to ethical hunting, conservation through hunting and learn all the required skills to be a good hunter.
Normally a week long it is structured in such a way that the course is fun and informative with many practical sessions and few theory lessons. Young hunters will end their course by stalking and hunting a single animal. Usually an Impala, blesbok, springbok or similar sized animal.
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Askari lodge is located on a high elevation about 30 kilometers from the coast. As such coastal weather conditions are prevalent. The months of December, January and February are the warmest with mid-summer temperatures around 35 in the day and 18-20 at night. The best time to visit is from March onwards with the winter season May to August being the best time to hunt with day temperatures in the 18 - 25 range and nights being around 10. Some winter nights can be sub-zero so 1 set of thermal underwear is always a good thing.
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All non-hunters are very welcome at the Askari Lodge. There is much to see and do around the lodges. Accompanying the hunters is free, but the rest are available at a little extra cost.
| Observation of the hunt |
FOC |
| River Fishing |
US$25 |
| Game viewing |
US$120 |
| Game Fishing |
US $125 |
| Horse Riding |
US $120 - $250 |
| Abseil & Rappel |
US $120 |
| Quad Biking |
US $120 |
| Golf |
US $200 -US $250
(inclusive of lunch at the clubs) |
| Shopping in East London |
US $100 (per car load transfer) |
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Centrally located for travel to the seaside at East London commonly known as the "wild coast of Africa " and close to a golf course it is a haven for non hunters as well. In East London an hour's drive away, there are great curio shops, lovely restaurants and great views of the Indian Ocean . East London itself is the home of South Africa 's rich and famous and there are many millionaires' houses dotted on the scenic hills and plains around the town. Property is available for sale and Blaze Global Safaris can put you in touch with the right people if you should feel the need for a new holiday home.
Conclusion
Kubusi Safaris is a magnificent introduction to Africa and a great place for hunters and travelers to experience the unique sights, sounds and smells that Africa can offer.
It is suitable for the most discerning guest, who will get a warm and hospitable welcome, with modern facilities, but the feel and ambience of traditional Safari camp. Please call or email Guy Hoh of Blaze Sporting Clays for enquiries. |
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Morning Snack
Coffee, Tea, Rooibos Tea
Rusks, toast
Brunch
Bacon, sausages, mushrooms, tomatoes and eggs
Toast, jam and fruit
Yoghurt
Fruit Juices, coffee tea & Rooibos Tea
Lunch (in the field)
Filled Rolls (chicken, ham, egg, tuna etc)
Salads and fruit
Crisps and chocolate
Beer,Soft Drinks and bottled water
Dinner
Green salad
Beetroot salad
Hot Garlic rolls
Game Casserole
Beef Steaks/Roast Chicken
Poached peaches with cream
Cheese and crackers
Fresh Fruit
Beer, Wine, Soft Drinks and bottled water
Beer and Wine are served with dinner, but other liquors are available on a per drink or bottle basis. Special dietary requirements can be catered for and may be extra cost items, please let us know beforehand of any special request you may have. |
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Q: Isn't South Africa very dangerous with a high crime rate?
A: No it isn't, the urban centres are where most crimes happen. Kubusi Safaris is located far away from those areas and as our valued guest; you will be met inside East London Airport and escorted from then on by our staff who will see to your safety.
Q: Is it a very long trip to South Africa and to the Safari area?
A: The trip to South Africa from Singapore or KL is 10.5 hours. Singapore Airlines flies direct from Changi and MAS flies direct from KLIA. On touch down at Johannesburg International Airport at 0700hrs, you'll checkout and transfer terminals to take a domestic flight to East London . There is normally a wait of 1.5 hours before you fly again and the short domestic flight takes a little over an hour. With the Lodge a short hour's drive from East London Airport , you should be in the hunting area at 1500hrs on the day of your arrival.
Q: Are there any dangerous animals?
A: We have no large predators in the area; however as with every wild place there are a few snakes, spiders and scorpions. The Cape buffalo can be dangerous if wrongly approached, but as long as one respects their personal space then there is no danger. If one is cautious, there should be no problems with any of these creatures.
Q: What preventive medicine & inoculations should I use?
A: Kubusi Safaris is located in the bush veldt area of the Eastern Cape Province . As such though we have a few mosquitoes, the malarial transmitting species is not encountered in the area. Larium & Chloroquin are not needed on a visit to Kubusi. We recommend that you bring whatever prescription medications you use as well as a basic traveler's medical kit. It is wise when holidaying in Africa to get full travel and medical insurance for your trip. We can recommend a policy if you would like single trip insurance. This will be a non-negotiable part of your safari preparations and Blaze Global Safaris will check that these policies are valid. For dangerous game hunting in Zimbabwe , we suggest Medical Air Rescue Service (MARS) at US$150 per person per trip, this too is non-negotiable. Inoculations for typhoid & tetanus are strongly recommended as a safety precaution. A comprehensive first aid kit is carried by your professional hunter while hunting.
Q: In case of real medical emergencies, how close is the nearest hospital?
A: Our nearest hospital is in Mpumga, 35 minutes drive away.
Q: What happens if I get lost?
A: It is pretty hard to get lost on Askari game reserve. The property is mostly covered by Mobile networks (gsm), guests are always with staff and staff have radio communications with the main lodges and manager's residence.
Q: What kind of experience do I need?
A: We cater to hunters of all levels of experience. We prefer that the hunter has some passing knowledge about the sport. If you are a total novice, shooting lessons can be had from Blaze Sporting Clays, 2-4 sessions should make it easy for you to transition from target shooting to the basics hunting game in Africa . We do stress high levels of firearms safety for all including observers, so please be prepared, by having a word with Blaze Sporting Clays.
Q: What if I wound an animal?
A: If you wound an animal, every effort will be made to track it, so that we may shoot it again. If this is not possible, our trackers will continue to track the animal after your departure, to do what is necessary and you'll still be charged the full trophy fee. If the animal is part of your package hunt, then that animal is considered shot and in the bag. We would urge every hunter that hunts with us to be mindful of the basic rules of ethical hunting and sportsman-like conduct. Your assistance and patience may be needed by your professional hunter and fellow hunters, and will be much appreciated when given. Hunting is a sport that has elements of chance and risk inherent in the activity, while we can give you a better than 95% chance at getting all your trophies, there may always be a chance that a missed shot or an unlucky day might see you miss a trophy or finish the hunt without completion of the package. We do stress that this is highly unlikely.
Q: What should I pack?
A: Normal clothes in earth colours are the best. Khaki, greens and browns are the most suitable for hunting in (camo is allowed in RSA) and any comfortable casual clothing will do for the hunting lodges. It is advisable to bring comfortable clothes that have been worn several times before as they'll be worn in and not chafe should you walk some distance in the bush. Please bring 2 pairs of strong hiking boots (with ankle protection) as the terrain can be rough. Winter nights can be cold, so gloves and thermal underwear may be necessary.
Q: What special items should I bring?
A: Cameras, a good pair of binoculars and a knife are good things to have on hunting Safaris. We also find card games, a novel or two and a travel scrabble or chess set are great items to add to your bag.
Suggested packing list |
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| 1) Long trousers (chinos or combat style) (2) |
14) Gloves (1 pair |
| 2) Shorts (2 |
15) Hats/Caps (1) |
3) Jeans/slacks (1) |
16) Sunglasses |
4) Shirts Long Sleeved (2) |
17) Sun block |
5) Shirts Short Sleeved (4) |
18) Travel First Aid Kit |
6) Pajamas (1) |
19) Ear plugs (2pairs) |
7) Boots (1) |
20) Prescription Medicines |
8) Sports Shoes(1) |
21) Binoculars |
| 9) Underwear for 5 days(socks etc) |
22) Camera |
| 10) Swim trunks/suit (1 |
23) Swiss Knife |
11) Slippers or Sandals(1) |
24) Torch |
12) Jumper/fleece/sweater(2) |
25) Extra batteries |
13) Windbreaker(1) |
26) Journal & writing kit |
We can provide a fantastic deal on Safari tested gear for the hunter. Please ask for our current gear package!
Q: How do I book & pay for my Safari?
A: Blaze Sporting Clays acts as an exclusive agent for The Askari Game Reserve, Africa . As such all deposits & hunt payments should be remitted directly to Kubusi Safaris . Blaze Sporting Clays will co-ordinate this process & will transmit relevant banking details when necessary. A 50% deposit is normally required for a confirmed booking. We are taking bookings for 2005/2006 at present. Full payment is expected 6 weeks before your hunt starts. We do handle last minute bookings on a fully paid up basis. Blaze Sporting Clays can have arrangements made within a week to have you on your hunt in Africa . The client accepts all responsibility for flights, inoculations & travel insurance as is the custom with all hunts. All hunts must be paid for in advance before traveling.
Q: What if I have to cancel a booked & paid for hunt?
A: We will try our best to reschedule booked hunts if given as much notice as possible. In the event of cancellation within 6 weeks of the hunt, 30% of the fee is taken as a deposit and the rest is returned. |
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Copyright © 2004 Blaze Sporting Clays. All rights reserved. |
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