Royal Karoo Safaris – Eastern Cape

A great Cape buffalo hunt that was textbook perfect.

An opportunistic Golden Wildebeest (Gnu) out of nowhere on top of a mountain. Mountain hunting at its best quite extreme at stages, a real hunt.

A five-day stalk, on my nemesis, the Zebra, with a successful conclusion.

All three hunts were fair chase, with nature having the final say.

My PH, Andrew Birch, was brilliant, and his knowledge on African hunting was “second to none”.

Rob Birch (the owner of Royal Karoo) was articulate, honest, and treated me as a family member.

I loved it, great outfitters, lovely genuine people, old style African hunting, with a 5-star accommodation twist to it.

The chef, and cuisine, was like dining at a “3 Michelin hats” restaurant.

I felt like I was in the movie “Out of Africa” and that was only day one of the Safari.

Loved it and didn’t want to come home.

Thank you to Ian head, for organizing a truly great (classic) African Safari, of a bygone era.

Let’s do it again…and again…

George Sianas October 2023

In August 2024 three friends and I hunted with Derian Koekemoer, who runs DK Safaris, on a concession not far from the town of Hoedspruit, near Kruger National Park.

We chose DK Safaris upon the recommendation of Carl Breetzke, who was one of the PH’s who guided us on our 2023 trip to another part of South Africa. 

This was our third trip to South Africa (all arranged through World Safari Xpeditions) and we were keen to hunt in a different location.

Derian Koekemoer and his two assisting PH’s, Carl Breetzke and Christian Viljoen helped the four of us secure excellent trophies: large old Cape buffalo bulls, zebra, wildebeest, impala, nyala, sable and spotted hyena. DK Safaris offers a fabulous range of game, with some really outstanding trophies. We passed up opportunities on many other species in pursuit of the trophies that we took. Derian has access to other nearby concessions and can assist hunters with everything from baboon and warthog to hippo and elephant.

DK Safaris really looked after us and provided excellent accommodation, great facilities and good meals. Their hunting vehicles are well maintained and in good condition.

We had such a good time, that within days of our return to Australia, we had booked through World Safari Xpeditions to return to hunt with DK Safaris in July 2025. 

I cannot recommend Derian Koekemoer and his team at DK Safaris too highly.

Ian Head is right when he says “Once is never enough”

Eland Safaris – South Africa

I contacted Ian to discuss the possibilities of organizing a safari and tour in Africa at short notice – in only a couple months’ time and towards the end of the season.

This was no trouble for Ian who quickly negotiated and organized a custom safari for me to include all animals I was eager to hunt, and a guided tour through Kruger National Park.

Before I knew it, I was in South Africa and on my way to Eland Safari’s.

Johnny, owner and PH, worked overtime to get me the animals I was chasing and nothing was too much. Even when I changed animals mid-hunt. His team of trackers and skinners were amazing to watch and work with.

The hunting was varied from the thick brush, stalking along the Limpopo River for Bush Buck and Water Buck to tracking Kudu through dense vegetation, it had it all with many close calls and plenty of success and beautiful animals taken.

My partner joined me mid hunt and for the tour through Kruger National Park. This was all pre-arranged by Ian, with her collection from the airport and transport to Eland Safari’s lodge organized to happen whilst we were out hunting.

The team at Eland Safari’s were wonderful, it felt like you were hunting with a group of friends back home. From their beautiful accommodation and great food to the drinks around the fire each night as you discussed the days events and planned the next days hunt, it made for a great safari.

The tour through Kruger National Park, again guided by Johnny, was the perfect way to finish our time in South Africa and has left us with many lifelong memories. Getting to see the Big Five up close was the cheery on top of an amazing trip and the perfect way to finish our trip to South Africa.

Massive thankyou to Ian and his team at World Safari Expeditions for organizing the trip so quickly and making sure everything ran so smoothly, I couldn’t recommend his services highly enough!

Damien Burns – August 2023

MJK Safaris

Having hunted dangerous game with MJK Safari’s several times, I am continuously impressed with Tienie’s high level of dedication in finding a suitable target. His vast knowledge of wilderness and its creatures large and small, coupled with his skills to deal with any situation makes a hunt with MJK a special trip to savour. His ability to deliver is thoroughly endorsed.

Brian Waston - Zimbabwe 2022

In July 2023, together with 3 friends, I hunted in South Africa through Ian Head’s World Safari Xpeditions. This was a return trip for us, having hunted through Ian in 2018. I cannot recommend Ian too highly as a booking agent. Everything was organised for us, including flights and all paperwork for taking our rifles into South Africa (and getting them back into Australia). Ian arranged for us to be met at Johannesburg airport by Air2000 who shepherded us seamlessly through Passport Control and the South African police - upon arrival and departure. Ian had arranged for us to overnight at the Afton Lodge - an excellent, comfortable and very safe private hotel, about 15 minutes from the airport.

We had a 10 day hunt in the north of the Limpopo Province, near to the Zimbabwe border, where we took some spectacular game, including two very good 42 inch Cape buffalo, warthog, impala, nyala, wildebeest, baboon, jackal. Great hunting and great accommodation.

It was such a good trip that we are going back in 2024 and we will of course do this through World Safari Xpeditions.

Classic Arnhem Land Safaris.

On the last day we came on a heavy buffalo at 20 meters. After assessing him to be a younger breeding bull with nice horns we decided to leave him. As we were about to back off the wind came over our backs. The bull changed from passive grazing, unaware of us, to an aggressive charge. With a lot of shouting he propped at 7 meters, stared at us for a minute or so, wheeled to his right as to run off but circled around and came straight at me head lowered. Ian and I fired a second or so apart (both using 416 Rem mag Winchester Model 70 riles), Ian connecting with the bull's left shoulder and me on the right as he veered from Ian’s shot. Two more shots each and a finisher left the bull laying only 7 meters from us. 

Sam Broinowski - September 2019

Beyond Photographic Tour

Well we have returned from our magical trip and finding it difficult to settle back into normal routine. ... just about forgotten how to make a bed or wash a dish!!

Do want to thank you for the amazing organisation that you have put in place to make it such an unforgettable journey. VIP travellers.... accommodation, airports, cars/drivers, and on and on. 

Everywhere we stayed was extraordinary. ... kept saying “oh don’t want to leave here” to find the next place even better. 

Cape Grace was superb- fantastic position and practically our own concierge. Rorkes drift was emotional 😭 and tears shed by all. Phinda was incredible- so many animals wandering around the site and we ladies all fell for Barry, our game Safari driver AND then there is Ngala. Of course Ian had told us that the elephants drink out of the resort pool but I thought that was only photo shopped for tourist brochures. So excited to see that - time and again. The “tents” put a new meaning to “glamping” AND a Butler . Oh lord!!!

Life will seem very mundane from now on. 

Staff everywhere were unbelievable and meals sublime- all a bit heavier tho.

And all of this is because of your meticulous planning and attention to detail. Must have caused you much angst so that we didn’t have to suffer any. 

Thank you so very much.

Andrea and Terry. 

Group Photographic Tour - South Africa September 2018

Schal Pienaar Safaris - Namibia    

Schalk Pienaar would have to be one of the best guides that I have hunted with. Schalk’s knowledge and skill in tracking game is quite remarkable. 

To hunt Eland we drove until he saw bull tracks, then we began a 10 km hunt over the Kalahari sands, finally seeing the group of 3 bulls and a 50 meter shot through dense thorn bush. A hunt to remember and a massive 12 year old bull at the end. 

Hunting with Schalk has been one of the finest safaris I have had and one very well recommended for a hunter that actually wants to track game, hunt properly and secure great memories and trophies.

Sam Broinowski - October 2018

Australian Hog Deer Hunt

This was my daughter Zara’s first deer hunt. She has had difficulty hunting as a 'right hander' with a very dominant left eye so shooting has been a challenge especially off hand shots. This hog deer hunt was perfect as she had time in the blind to get her shot right. This good stag appeared from the waterhole and walked into the bracken fern and slept for over an hour. When he rose he walked for the nearby scrub. Zara took a super shot as he walked at 100 meters. A one shot kill for her first deer from a 240 Weatherby. Her smile says it all.

Zara Broinowski - 2018

Argentina Safaris, Argentina

The first day I met my guide Roberto, a hive of bees had taken residence in my room. He was making short work of them with a broom and some bug spray. Roberto didn’t speak much English, but he was soo animated and positive, by the end of the first day he had me believing I spoke fluent Spanish. His knowledge and familiarity with the wildlife in the area was soo extensive, he had me catching armadillos by hand, investigating vulture chicks who had hatched in the blinds and identifying numerous birds from the Pampas. Every trophy was a special hunt in it’s own way. The axis deer was possibly the fattest they had ever harvested and the multihorn appeared so large, I passed it up for an angus cow when we first spotted it. At night, Roberto would take me out varmint hunting where we would spot light for viscachas, european hares and foxes. This all came to a head, when one night we discovered we were competing with a puma, hunting either side of the viscacha mound. 

Diana and Patricia would prepare delicious dishes daily, often from the animals we hunted. Lunches were traditional Argentinian BBQ’s over a fire and at dinner we would enjoy a Malbec wine (or fennec and coke). I thoroughly enjoyed the siestas after lunch and may have to adopt this routine back home. This was more than a hunting trip for me, this was an Argentinian cultural experience. I saw so many things, learnt so much about Argentina and put on a few extra kilos enjoying the food.’

Jade Sarah - December 2018

Whiteswan Lake Outfitters - Canada

Well what an awesome trip that was, everything I was looking for with the ride in and the quietness of being some 30 to 40 km away from anyone else plus the Log Cabin Accommodation. 

The days were generally get up at 5am have a coffee then walk out for an hour and a half sit on a slide for about 4 hours watching and waiting, then back for some Brekky and a bit of fishing in the river not 20 metres from the cabin. Then it was saddle up the Horse and ride out of camp at 5pm to some different slides, stay there till dark then let the horses navigate there way home, Dinner about 10.30pm then to bed to do it all again the next day. As per usual Joyce and Darryl’s hospitality was awesome and it was also nice to see Canada in the Fall the leaves were just starting to turn and drop the week I was there. We had rain every day except for the day we rode back out and it snowed about 100 metres above us every night as well.

Yep took a real nice bull on the 5th night in there they didn’t start bugling until that day but once they did the activity changed a lot, the Bull we took we saw at last light at about 300 yards when we gave a couple of Cow calls he came charging in to around 60 – 70 yards is my guess. 

Thanks for all your help, it was much appreciated and added to a great trip.

Brad Allen - September, 2018

Whiteswan Lake Outfitters - Canada  

Lovely people, work their butts off you for you, and can Joycie cook!  I came home Kg's heavier than when I left and did not need that.  Decent, honest people.

My hunt had finished and Daz was desperate for a wolf for me so we went wolf hunting until virtually time to dress for the plane. Could not ask for more.

Thanks for a great experience team

Gary Ashmead - December, 2018

MJK Safaris - Zimbabwe

As the inventer and co owner of the Woodleigh Hydrostatically Stabilised bullet I am lucky enough to do a lot of hunting and shooting testing bullets.

In doing so I get to deal with lots of people and organisations in the hunting world.

The service and value for money that Ian & Chris provide is truely first class.

If your planning a safari of a lifetime to the Dark Continent I have no hesitation in recommending WSX.

Border Force permits are taken care of, permits to carry ammunition as well as assistance with local permits when you land in Jo burg.

Chris keeps you informed at every stage.

All you need to do is buy your airline tickets.

Ian being a very keen big game hunter himself makes it his business to hunt with the outfitters that he represents so quality and reliability is assured.

Its hunting in the pure sense, on foot and up close.

John Marozzi - September, 2017

Whiteswan Lake Outfitters - Canada

We recently stayed in the company of Whiteswan Outfitters for a Hunt in October 2017.

Whilst it was beautiful countryside and great hunting the experience was made even more special by the hospitality provided by the entire crew at Whiteswan.

They were very aware of everyone’s wants and needs and nothing was too much trouble for them.

Joyce looked after the catering and is nothing but absolutely exceptional in the kitchen.

Cody was our guide and never tired of taking us as far as we needed to go to find whatever it was we were hunting on that day – never letting height or difficulty get in the way of achieving a good result for the hunt.

Darryl was a fantastic overall host, helping with the guiding, assisting in the kitchen and being an overall great help for whatever was needed.

The Sword’s that run Whiteswan are an amazing family and an absolute credit to Whiteswan.

They made our hunt all the better with the additional touches that made us feel right at home and part of their beautiful family.

We have not only made a good contact for hunting, we have also made friends for life.

We will definitely be hunting with Whiteswan Outfitters again and would recommend other hunters do the same.

I personally have been trophy hunting for over 15 years and this is by far one of the best outfitters I have ever hunted with.

Andrew Connors - October, 2017

Whiteswan Lake Outfitters - Canada 

Just a note to let you know that my twelve day grizzly hunt in British Columbia with Whiteswan lake outfitters has just been completed. Hunting out of Cranbrook near Whiteswan Lake was certainly a picturesque location to hunt Grizzly in the amazing Rockies. 

Not much happened on the first day with just a couple of black bears showing themselves whilst eating the lush green pick along the roadside. On the second day Tim the co-owner of Whiteswan walked up a quiet lonely road, which led to a good feeding area that grizzlies often habit. He found good sign on the road so up the hill for evening was the plan .The evening seems to be much more productive in relation to bear hunting. Walking in single file about two ks up the road Daryl suddenly stopped and signaled to get to the roads edge. A grizzlies head appeared around the corner looking slightly wary. After what seemed like an eternity it stepped out and began grazing on high protein green pick on the roads edge. At thirty three yards it was the most amazing sight I have ever witnessed the bears silver tipped shoulders chocolate brown legs with long white claws and brown hump stood out in the soft afternoon sun. Looking back at Daryl he gave the nod to touch the trigger on the 300wsm a few seconds pause and the money shot was on its way and the trophy of a lifetime was on the ground. 

Much back slapping and elation at getting me a grizzly really showed on the faces of these fantastic working guides, their enthusiasm to get results was contagious. Everybody hooked in and we soon had the magnificent cape in Tim’s pack ready for the walkout. Daryl asked for my grizzly tag and honors were performed. The walk back down the mountain was a reflective and euphoric occasion, was this the pinnacle of my hunting life.

I am often asked when in my hunting room which is your favorite trophy I think my thoughts will always drift back to the wild strawberry’s flowering high above the Kootenay river with the Rockies capped in snow reaching to the sky with the trophy of a lifetime standing on that grassy road .Thanks go to Ian and Chris of World Safari Expeditions for their flawless organization which always makes the journey so smooth and a special thanks Daryl, Tim ,Cody and Joyce from Whiteswan lake outfitters who made my dream a reality they are true hardworking hunters. Their warmth infectious will stay with always,

Thanks to all “The Grey Ghost”. Southern NSW - 2016

African Safari Trails - Namibia

It was my good fortune to meet Ian Head & Chris Cole from WSX, after discussing my requirements, I travelled to New Zealand for the 2015 Duck Opening week and had a excellent hunt on ducks, feral and Canadian Geese and the meals were BRILLIANT!!.

That was part 1 the next trip in early September was to South Africa & Namibia for a 3 week plains game / bird hunt, everything went according to plan the SA hunt with Tshipise Safaris, ware 7 species were taken, due to the hard working PH, Peet Bezuidenthout and his trackers!! will always be remembered.

The Namibian hunt with African Safari Trails, was my fist trip to that country and what a joy it was the Egyptian Geese, Doves & Pigeons kept me occupied for hours!! and the trip to the Kalahari region for Sand Grouse was fast and furious in the mornings and late afternoons and once again the meals were excellent, in some cases using the days harvested birds, nothing is wasted!!!.

The PH, Gerrit Utz, worked his butt off looking for Kudu, Gemsbok, Warthog and Steenbok for myself and two other hunters that joined me, once again I will have fond memories for life.

Tom Tweedie - 2015

Ngahere Game Lodge 

We had an awesome trip to Ngahere Game Lodge . Beautiful county to hunt and the deer were big and plentiful. We were treated like kings the hospitality was outstanding. Cant wait to get back there 

Clint Bugter - 2015

Albert Alberts Safaris - South Africa

A dream come true!  Ian and Chris from World Safari Xpeditions left no stone unturned to make my dream of hunting a black maned lion come true.  My hunt for a lion and lionessplus assorted plains game has been burned into my memory for years to come.

Brett Beesley - 2014

Albert Alberts Safaris - South Africa

 We are still coming to terms with the trip and all that we have experienced.  Every person we uncounted during our stay treated us beautifully and with enormous respect.  We would certainly recommend the Outfitter to anyone seeking Lion and plains game. 

Graham and Fiona Duncan - 2014

Albert Alberts Safaris - South Africa

Ever since I was a young boy shooting rabbits back in Wales, I dreamed of hunting the big game of Africa.  Now in my sixties, Ian and Chris helped make those dreams come true.  Nothing was left to chance when booking with Ian and Chris, absolutely everything was nailed down before my departure from Australia.  I hunted the buffalo that had been haunting my dreams for so many years with a great outfitter and can't wait to go back to visit them for my next safari.  I would not consider anyone else to organize my hunting safaris.  Thank you Ian and Chris for making this old man very happy.

Neil Goodings - 2014

Bird Hunters Africa - Group Bird Hunt

I was privileged to on Ian Head's 60th birthday wing shoot in July.  Birds were in abundance, therefore shooting was brilliant.  Food and accommodation was 6 star.  A big thankyou to Ian for a fantastic and so well organised trip.  The great company also made it a great time.

Terry Linke - 2014

Argentina Safaris - Argentina

The trip to Argentina (‘La Pampa’) in June was a fantastic experience. The host Louis was a great organiser - the location of base camp, the hospitality of the people and the weather were also great. I have to hand it to the hunting guides, especially Charlie Watson (love that name), for taking us to prime spots for the ducks in the morning and pigeons and doves in the evening. We had lots of shooting and using autos again was fantastic. We had a great time and it is an experience I will keep in my memory bank - good stuff. We will do it again because ‘Once is Never Enough’. Charles Mercieca.

Charlie 1 and I really enjoyed the hunt and are looking forward to going over again in the not too distant future. Everything went really well – plenty of birds and good food. We were absolutely spoiled. What else could you ask for? 

 Carmel Zahra 2014

Argentina Safaris - Argentina

The trip to Argentina (La Pampa) in June was a fantastic experience.  The host Louis was a great organizer, the location of the base camp, the hospitality of the people, the weather and the hunting guides were all just great.  I've got to really hand it to them, especially Charlie Watson (love that name) taking us to the prime spots for ducks in the morning and pigeons and doves in the evening.  Lots of shooting was done and the autos were fantastic to use again.  A fabulous time and an experience to keep in my memory bank - good stuff.  We will do it again because 'Once is Never Enough!'

Charlie Mercieca - 2014

&Beyond Tour - Botswana

I have recently returned from a magical African safari. The trip was an amazing experience exploring the diversity of South Africa, Botswana (the &Beyond Botswana Explorer) and Zimbabwe. I felt completely safe at all times and was met and greeted warmly at every destination stop. The food was amazing, the accommodation fabulous and being surrounded by the glorious animals was hard to describe. The Elephant Camp on the Zambezi River is a must and the majestic Victoria Falls were breathtaking. I highly recommend African Safari Expeditions as the company to organize your African adventure as they were fantastic to deal with. 

Cheryl Yeats, December 2014 

Zambeze Delta Safaris - Mozambique

I would like to thank you again for your superb organizational skills.  It made the trip so much easier.  I look forward to my next overseas trip with you.

John Sutherland - 2013

Marromeu Safaris - Mozambique

Hunting there was like 'old Africa' the way it was meant to be - no fences and free range.

The old camp of PH Harry Manners (writer of the wonderful book 'Kambaku' is still on the concession and visiting the camp meant a great deal to me personally.

It was a fantastic hunt.

Ron Bennington - 2013

High Pheasant Shoots - Australia  

I dont usually write many emails of praise but in this case it would be remiss of me if I didn't congratulate you on the professional manner in which the shoot was run yesterday.

As you are aware I regularly shoot driven pheasant in England and have shot many of the famous drives on large estates.

Your birds were presented high and flew well, they were in excellent feather, (no sign of cage rearing).  On cleaning the birds they truly are of restaurant quality not shot up which confirms the presentation of the drives.  The spit roast lunch at the wool shed was a most enjoyable finish to an excellent day.  Thank you once again.

Ian Waldron - 2013

Wedding - Zambia

We cannot sing praises enough for you Ian, Chris, Pam and Wato.  You have dedicated many months of your time to ensure that my husband and I, and family and friends experienced the most magical 'African' wedding and hunting holiday ever!  You guys think outside the square and brought our dream holiday and hunt to life. You saw to every minute details of our wedding and hunt so that it was seamless - definitely exceeding all our expectations.  Your tireless efforts have not gone unnoticed and we have appreciated every thing that you have done for us.  There have been so many unexpected gestures of kindness from you all that have touched us deeply.  'Once is Never Enough' Ian - you are so right!

Heidi and Simon Pierce - 2013

Argentina Safaris - Argentina  

Bird shooting was excellent - we shot pigeons, doves, ducks and geese. One morning Mark Rogers, myself and two other elderly American gentlemen shot 92 geese.  The trip was well organized, the shooting was more than I expected, the guides were helpful even though the language was a bit of a problem.  The accommodation was very good, the food was great.  Mark Rogers shot 5,000 cartridges, I shot 3,000 but he is quite a bit younger and fitter than me!

Paul Holt - 2012

High Pheasant Shoots - Australia

Thank you for arranging a terrific shoot for us yesterday.  The whole day ran like clockwork and the BBQ at day's end is a MUST.  The shearing shed, about 10kl from where we shot was brilliant with lots of ambiance and style and the food delicious and wholesome.

Tiger McMasters - 2012

African Safari Trails - Namibia

I hunted South Africa with Tshipise Safaris in 2009 through Ian Head's World Safari Xpeditions.  After making the booking there was noting to do except wait.  Chris Coles, Ian's Personal Assistant had taken care of everything.The time to depart finally arrived but like all good things it was over far too soon.  We had a fabulous safari and I took some great trophies and came home with memories I will never forget.  So when my partner Debbie and I decided 'Once wasn't Enough', we didnt hesitate to book through Ian again for our trip to Namibia.  Once again it all went smooth as silk - WSX bend over backwards to get everything spot on.  Namibia is a wonderful country with a very diverse landscape and it reminds me very much of the center of Australia.  The people are very helpful and courteous and the safari was everything I had hoped for.  I came home with some top trophies.  In a few years time I intend to return to Africa, this time after a Cape Buffalo, and I most definitely will put my trust in Ian and his wonderful staff.

Wayne (Griffo) Griffiths - 2012

Pro Safaris Africa - Zimbabwe

The best hunting trip I have ever been on!  Spike and Louis certainly n=know their stuff! Tinney wasnt bad either.  Hyena baiting is a 'Poor man's Leopard Hunt'.  Everything you need to do to shoot one of these critters is the same as you need to do a to bag a leopard, but without the price tag.  On our second visit to the bait, after I had already shot a Hyena, we watched a Leopard feeding for 20 minutes - and I had him in my scope for at least four killing shots.  I will never forget the two Hyenas that I shot on this trip.  I could, and probably will write a couple of magazine articles about the trip, as there is too much to say about it in this short comment.  I went to the trouble of taking two rifles on this trip - my .375 Dakota, and myRemington .458 Lott.  I probably could have shot every animal with the .375 but the .458 Lott is my favorite heavy rifle and I wanted to use if for something big.  I am extremely pleased with the performance of both rifles and cannot make up my mind which to take next.

John Pearson - 2012 

Pro Safaris Africa - Zimbabwe

Two elephants hunted this year, both with a Westley Richards 500NE.  First, only hours from our arrival at camp was a nasty little non-trophy bull that was just coming out of musth and gave us a serious charge, but we were protected by a steep embankment that he could not negotiate.  On racing up the slope to intercept he again made two more less serious charges before I was able to dispatch him.  Second beast was a very old tuskless cow tracked into the bush and we were lucky to catch up with the herd before they got into the real thick jesse.  She was standing side on.  I was well positioned for the shot only to have her detect my presence and suddenly wheel forward to face me.  A frontal brain shot decided the outdome.  Extremely satisfying to watch the effect of a classical brain shot, with the back legs collapsing and trunk thrown high into the air.  Can't wait for next year.

Brian (Wato) Watson - 2012

&Beyond Tour and Tshipise Safaris hunt - South Africa

Everything was fantastic.  The hunt with Tshipise was great, and I am speechless about the stay at &Beyond.

Pat Condon - 2012