Window of opportunity

Many an aspiring hunter is drawn to Africa’s alluring embrace with its unique landscape and impressive array of antelopes. There’s the diminutive and beautiful duiker to the majestic kudu, gemsbok and grand eland to name a few. And for the big game hunter, there is the tough and potentially dangerous Cape buffalo.

However, as a result of the COVID-19 worldwide pandemic, borders were closed and overseas travel was put on hold. For hunters who planned and paid their safari fees, cancellations have been a huge disappointment. We can also spare a thought for outfitters whose livelihood has been severely impacted from the loss of income, particularly in places like Tshipise, South Africa. This is a popular hunting destination, where they have been dealing with record floodwaters from the Limpopo River that destroyed entire campsites and equipment.

However, despite the setbacks created by these unprecedented times, a fortunate few were able to fulfil a lifelong wish to hunt Asiatic water buffaloes