Mountain hunts in the Eastern Cape
The weather finally began to improve as the team moved into the Eastern Cape mountains, where rugged slopes rise above deep valleys, home to some of the region’s most prized endemic species. Among these high ridges, Hal would soon celebrate his birthday in true hunter’s style, marking the occasion with a jewel of an Eastern Cape trophy.
After a night of lively fireside chatter, the team set out together. Handrie and Hal returned to an area known for strong Mountain Reedbuck numbers, with Beans joining to keep the humour flowing. A short hike brought them into position. Across the slope, Handrie spotted a ram, too far for a shot but moving downhill through dolerite rocks and tall grass. The group slipped forward to a bushy outcrop and waited. The air was still; even a whisper could carry. When the ram finally stepped into range, Hal steadied his rifle and took the shot. A fine ram lay in the grass, a reward for patience in one of South Africa’s most scenic hunting grounds.
A Birthday in the Mountains
Hal’s birthday dawned clear and cold. The target: the elusive Vaal Rhebuck, famed for its sharp eyes and wary nature. The ridges demanded long climbs and careful glassing. Late in the afternoon, a mature ram appeared high on a hillside. Using what little cover the grass and rocks offered, the team moved into position. When the opportunity came, Hal made a precise shot, a challenging, memorable birthday trophy from the Eastern Cape Highlands.
Plains Game and Patience
Packing up camp, Hal and Handrie moved onto the open plains in search of Common Springbuck, Lechwe, and Black Wildebeest. Hal had come to Africa with the right mindset, no fixed package, no rigid species list, just a willingness to adapt to the land. From open plains to rugged ridges, this was plains game hunting in South Africa at its best.
Warthog and Bushveld hunts with Tootabi Valley Safaris
Back at Tootabi Valley Safaris, the next morning brought fresh opportunity in the thick valley bush. A fine Warthog stepped from the bush line to feed along a narrow path. Joining the hunt today was Trumpie, Beans’ spirited Fox Terrier. Hal’s shot was clean and in seconds, Trumpie was on the trail, small but energetic, tail high, nose to the ground. Watching him work was a reminder of the breed’s tenacity and instinct for the hunt. Soon after, a mischievous Baboon added to the tally, quick and unpredictable, another highlight of the Cape forests.
The Call — Dangerous Game in the Eastern Cape
That afternoon, tracker Pieter radioed in. He’d glassed a Cape Buffalo bull, the same solitary giant spooked days earlier when a Cape Buffalo herd thundered through the bush. Hal mentioned he was still hoping to rather focus on a Cape Bushbuck, but Handrie wasn’t about to let him overlook an opportunity on such a monster.
“Grab the damn .416,” she said. “We’re going after that Buffalo, you can get your bushbuck later.” Hal grinned, replying with a laugh, “Yes ma’am,” as he reached for the .416 Rigby. Moments later, the team was on the move.
Cape Buffalo — The Heart of the Cape Territories
The hunting party advanced in a silent line, Hal, professional hunter Handrie, and Beans du Preez. Every step was measured, each footfall deliberate. The air hung heavy with anticipation. Not knowing which direction the bull might turn, they moved carefully through the thickets, avoiding other buffalo nearby. At seventy yards, they could hear the bull feeding, the odd breath, slow, steady, the sounds of an animal that ruled the bush. Yet still, they could not see him. Hal’s heart was racing, adrenaline high, as he steadied his breathing while scanning the shadows.
A tap on the shoulder froze him. Through a leafy gap, a flicker, the curve of a shoulder. The bull stepped forward, unaware. Handrie raised the shooting sticks, and the .416 Rigby came up to the shoulder. The bull moved again, lifting his head, startled but uncertain. A second tap and Hal fired.
The bull surged forward, crashing through the undergrowth. Then silence, followed by the deep, resonant death bellow rolling through the forest. Relief washed over the group, a few nervous laughs. The bull lay where he had fallen, massive and scarred, the embodiment of strength and endurance. For Hal, it was the perfect culmination to a journey that had spanned forests, mountains, and plains, a fitting finale to his Cape Territories safari.
The Spirit of the Cape Territories
Hal’s safari captured everything that defines hunting in the Cape Territories, diversity, challenge, and authenticity. Few destinations in Africa let hunters move so seamlessly between dense coastal forests, mountain grasslands, and the open plains of the Great Karoo.
At Tootabi Valley Safaris, every safari is personal. From plains game to dangerous game hunting, each experience reflects precision, respect, and deep knowledge of the land. Owner Beans du Preez hunts alongside his clients, supported by professional hunters, trackers, and the ever-enthusiastic Trumpie. Around the fire, friendships are forged and stories shared, the true spirit of safari life. This philosophy, built on care and respect for the land, it defines a boutique Eastern Cape hunting outfitter and explains why hunters return to Tootabi Valley Safaris year after year.
For Hal, there’s little doubt he’ll be back, for another opportunity at those iconic trophies of the Cape, the Cape Bushbuck and Cape Kudu and perhaps a pursuit of the smaller serval carnivores that continue to capture his curiosity.
Explore the Cape Territories with Tootabi Valley Safaris
Browse our brochure and discover our full range of Dangerous Game and Collectors’ Trophy safaris. Beyond big game, the Great Fish River offers exceptional wild bird hunting opportunities, from waterfowl to upland species, in some of South Africa’s most scenic river country.
The Cape Territories combine world-class hunting with world-class travel. With Cape Town as your gateway, rifle import clearance is handled smoothly on arrival by our partners, making travel effortless. The region’s close proximity means your family can enjoy luxury winelands, seaside escapes, and fine dining while you hunt, a complete African experience unlike anywhere else.
<grin> “You can go to Florida some other time, book your hunt with Tootabi Valley Safaris and hunt the Eastern Cape with us”. <grin>
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