Bucket List Trip to South Africa

By Rick Hearden

On February 25, 2020, my good friend Ron Hugo, owner of A-Fox Hunting in Abrams, Wisconsin, invited me to an event at his home to meet Ken Whiley from Gamka Safaris in South Africa. Ken gave a presentation about his hunting safaris, and from the moment he started talking, I was hooked. I had been hunting Whitetail Deer, Mule Deer, and Elk in the United States since I was 12 years old and had enjoyed countless hunts with family and friends. But this was different. The scenery, the wildlife, and the adventure of hunting in Africa looked incredible.

The only question was who would go with me and when we would make it happen.

As life often does, it got in the way. Plans were made and postponed several times. Then, six years later, my longtime friend Bob Toonen finally said, “Let’s do it.” Bob is a serious hunter who owns nearly 1,000 acres of prime hunting land in Buffalo County, Wisconsin—Whitetail Deer heaven. If there was anyone I wanted to share an African adventure with, it was Bob.

Ron booked the trip through Gamka Safaris, and on April 30, 2026, we left Green Bay, Wisconsin, for South Africa. By then, Ken had retired and turned the business over to his partner, Albert Swart. I had never met Albert, but Ron assured us we would love him. Thankfully, he was right.

 Cape Town

Drive along False Bay.

Our first stop was Cape Town for three nights before heading north for the hunting portion of the trip. Neither Bob nor I had ever been to South Africa – or Africa for that matter. We arrived to rainy weather, but our first experience was excellent. An employee from Afton House met us at the airport and helped us through the arrival process. Since we chose to use rifles supplied by Gamka rather than bring our own, customs was quick and easy. For anyone considering a similar trip, I highly recommend leaving your rifles at home and using those provided by your outfitter.

Waiting outside was our driver and guide, Graham Haywood, who quickly became more friend than chauffeur. We checked into Afton House, a beautiful guesthouse operated by Tony and Marika Futter. After a long journey, we were happy to settle in, enjoy a wonderful dinner, and spend the evening getting to know our hosts. The accommodations were comfortable, clean, and spacious, and we enjoyed a great first night’s sleep. The next morning, after breakfast, Graham drove us along the coast toward Seal Island. Bob and I had decided that if we were coming all the way to South Africa, we were getting in a shark cage.

Copper shark.

The plan was to see Great White Sharks, but we quickly learned they have largely disappeared from the area. The most popular theory is that Orcas have moved in and driven them away by preying on them. While there were no Great Whites, we still had an unforgettable experience. We climbed into the cage and came face-to-face with several large Copper Sharks. They were aggressive and exciting to watch, but fortunately not interested in turning us into lunch.

Afterward, Graham took us on one of the most scenic drives I have ever experienced. We followed the coastline back toward Cape Town with spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean and dramatic cliffs. At one point, I reminded Graham he should probably keep his eyes on the road so Bob and I could enjoy the scenery safely.

Later, Graham convinced us to visit South Africa’s famous wine country. We traveled to Stellenbosch and visited Uva Mira Mountain Vineyards. I am not much of a wine drinker, but even I had to admit the wine was excellent. Bob enjoyed it so much that he purchased four cases to ship home. He promised me a bottle when it arrived. I’m still waiting.

Afton Cape Town.

Into the Karoo

On May 5th, Albert Swart met us at the airport in George. Within minutes, it was obvious why Ron had spoken so highly of him. The drive north to our hunting destination took us through spectacular mountain passes and breathtaking scenery. After stopping in Beaufort West, we continued to a 62,000-acre game ranch nestled among the mountains. Our accommodations were called Little London, and the setting was incredible.

Even on the drive into camp we saw zebras, giraffes, Cape kudu, springbok, gemsbok, fallow deer, and rhebok. Unfortunately, shortly after arriving, the rain started—and it didn’t stop for a day and a half. This was unusual for the season, but weather is one thing nobody can control.

The storms were severe enough that the day after we traveled through the beautiful Franschhoek Pass, flash floods washed out major portions of the road.

Fortunately, camp life was fantastic. Albert was an outstanding host. My Professional Hunter, Gerald Middleton, was exceptional, and Albert’s partner, Jolene, kept us well-fed with incredible meals. We spent the rainy days eating, drinking, laughing, and sharing stories while waiting for the weather to improve.

Finally, the sun came out. It was time to hunt.

Day One

Bob got on the board first with a mature Red Hartebeest. Meanwhile, Gerald, our tracker Wayne, and I spent the morning stalking Springbok and Gemsbok through muddy conditions without success. After several miles of hiking, we had nothing to show for our efforts except muddy boots.

The afternoon turned everything around. While driving near a swollen creek bed, we encountered a herd of Red Hartebeest. After manoeuvring into position, Gerald pointed out the largest bull. My first shot connected, and after a brief repositioning, a second shot dropped him for good. My first African animal. What a feeling.

Less than two hours later, things became even more exciting.

A trophy Cape Kudu appeared near our truck. Gerald tracked him while Wayne and I prepared for a shot. When the kudu finally paused and looked back, I took the opportunity. The shot was good, and after a short search we recovered him.

I stood there in disbelief.

Bob’s Blue Wildebeest.

Within ninety minutes, I had harvested both a trophy Red Hartebeest and a trophy Cape Kudu. The kudu carried beautiful 45½-inch horns and represented one of the animals I most wanted to bring home. The morning’s frustrations had completely disappeared.

That evening we celebrated with drinks, great food, and plenty of stories around the dinner table.

Day Two

The next morning, Bob and Albert headed to another property in pursuit of a Sable. Gerald and I focused on my second bucket-list animal: a Gemsbok. We located a large herd early but were detected before we could get into position. Watching thirty Gemsbok disappear into the distance was both impressive and frustrating.

Eventually, Gerald spotted a lone bull. A trophy.

Using the terrain and every bush available for cover, we carefully worked our way closer. When the opportunity came, my first shot struck slightly higher than intended and hit the neck. The bull retreated.

We repositioned quickly and eventually found him resting. This time, I settled in and made a perfect shot through the heart.

Success. The Gemsbok carried thick 34½-inch horns and was one of the animals I had dreamed about hunting since first seeing Ken Whiley’s presentation years earlier.

At that point, I had already harvested the two animals I most wanted.

Everything else would be a bonus. The bonuses came quickly.

Later that afternoon we spotted two mature Springbok rams. Gerald identified one as exceptional. At approximately 200 yards, I squeezed the trigger, and the ram dropped instantly. When we reached him, Gerald simply shook his head.

That evening Albert told me he had harvested over 1,500 Springbok during his career and had never taken one larger. The ram carried 15-inch horns and was significantly larger than average.

Not bad for my first Springbok. Meanwhile, Bob successfully harvested an outstanding Sable, often called the Prince of Africa. It was a beautiful trophy and a tremendous accomplishment.

Day Three

The following morning, Bob continued searching for a Kudu and Gemsbok while Gerald and I looked for an Impala, an animal that to me simply looks like Africa.

After several hours of searching, we had seen plenty of wildlife but no mature Impala ram. Then, while driving through thick brush, I noticed what looked like two reddish-brown animals hidden among the vegetation.

At first, I assumed they were Blesbok. Gerald took a closer look and immediately got excited.

“Holy cow,” he said. “That’s a trophy Red Lechwe.”

We quickly got into position and waited for the ram to separate from a female. When the opportunity came, one well-placed shot through the heart ended the hunt.

The Red Lechwe carried beautiful 24½-inch horns and became another unexpected highlight of the trip. By now I had far exceeded every expectation I brought to Africa.

Back at camp, Bob returned with another excellent trophy—a Blue Wildebeest. While he was still searching for his Kudu and Gemsbok, the Wildebeest was a fantastic addition to his safari.

That evening I decided my giant Springbok needed a friend. The next day’s goal would be a Black Springbok.

Final Day

Rick’s Black Springbok.

For our last hunting day, Gerald arranged access to a neighboring property. Within minutes of arriving, we spotted several herds of Springbok. Before long, Gerald identified a mature Black Springbok among them.

At approximately 185 yards, I settled in for the shot. One trigger pull. Success.

The Black Springbok was a beautiful animal and the perfect way to finish an unforgettable safari. In roughly three days of hunting, I had harvested six outstanding trophies:

• Red Hartebeest
• Cape Kudu
• Gemsbok
• Common Springbok
• Red Lechwe
• Black Springbok

It truly was the hunting trip of a lifetime.

Reflections

Bob’s Sable.

Rick’s Springbok.

Although Bob never connected on the Kudu or Gemsbok he hoped for, he returned home with an exceptional Red Hartebeest, Sable, and Blue Wildebeest.

Together, we brought home trophies beyond our expectations and memories that will last forever.

Yet the animals tell only part of the story. What made this trip truly special were the people. The hospitality of Tony, Marika, and Graham in Cape Town.  The friendship and professionalism of Albert Swart. The incredible skill of Gerald Middleton, whose ability to spot animals remains the best I have ever seen. The amazing meals prepared by Jolene. The opportunity provided by Michael Allsop to hunt his spectacular 62,000-acre ranch.

Most of all, it was the experience itself – the scenery, the wildlife, the camaraderie, the laughter around the dinner table, and the adventure of exploring a part of the world neither Bob nor I had ever seen before.

South Africa exceeded every expectation.

We arrived as visitors and left with memories that will stay with us for the rest of our lives.

Thank you to everyone who made this dream possible.

South Africa – we’ll be back.