+ Hunting & Conservation
   + Ragged Stone
   + Askari Game Reserve

Blaze Sporting Clays is South East Asia 's first Safari agency. We provide global hunt destinations that are tried and tested by us for their consistent reliability and abundance of game. Their services and facilities are checked by Blaze Sporting Clays visits at least twice a year and we participate very closely in the provision of hunting experiences customized to the Asian client. We are also a firm that teaches the use of sporting firearms, Blaze Sporting Clays teaches in Singapore and around the region specializing in Clay Target and practical applications of Shotguns, Rifles & Pistols. If you would like to learn to shoot at targets or hunt Blaze Sporting Clays can show you how.

We only provide the best in shooting sports and hunting. These are places we go ourselves and feel that they are the best in value, service and in the unique African experience they provide.

Kubusi Safaris is a hunting and adventure safari operation run by the Williamsons and their dedicated professional hunters and staff. It is a fully mature hunting camp that is bordered by farmland and a game viewing preserve.

Their primary location the Askari Game Preserve is sited on 2 500acres of bush veldt. They also have access to 200 000 acres of hunting and viewing concessions that range in travel time from 20 minutes to 4 hours away.

Set in the hills of the Kubusi River Valley , 90 km out of East London , Kubusi Safaris occupies some of the best hunting and conservation land in the Eastern Cape .



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Map of Kubusi Safaris Locations


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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.


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.

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
Big Impala Ram

  Big Blue Wildebeest   Bushbuck and Zebra duo
   
Kudu bull with good spread

  Bush Buck, tough & elusive   The house specialty
It is especially good for its trophy bushbuck and is well known for producing many of the elusive, but feisty little antelope.
   
Jack Russell terriers, the toughest tiny dogs!   Bodger posing with his kill. The hunter is just the assistant

  All Cammo'ed up!

Wounded animals are followed up and tracked by Bodger, Manu & Patu, hunting Jack Russell terriers that share the hunting camp with you.

James is also an expert bow hunting guide and bow hunters have the option of using several permanent and ad-hoc hides from which to hunt their quarry.

 
   
Nice warthog!

  Waterbuck   Blesbuck

We do ask that bow hunters please bring all your spare gear, as bow hunting supplies are limited in the East London area. Bow Hunting is extra tough, so aspiring bow hunters are kindly requested to put your practice in before arrival at the Kubusi Lodge.

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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

   

Excluded:

 

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

 
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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