NEWSLETTER 2025

Photo Journey

Reflections on Our Second Season

What a year it has been! Our second season in this new era for BAS brought both excitement and success. We are sincerely grateful to our clients and friends for your continued support and generosity. Your commitment not only enables our growth and helps us showcase the very best that South Africa has to offer but also supports the livelihoods of many families and makes a significant contribution to the conservation of our wildlife. Thank you—your involvement is deeply appreciated by all of us.

Family Updates

We are delighted to share that our family is in good health. With 31 years of experience in outfitting, many of you have witnessed our family's journey through various stages. Updates about our family have always been met with positive feedback and appreciation, and we value the connection we share with you. Our children have now grown into adults, each with their own unique perspectives.

·      Cara spent the year working as a chemical engineer in Saudi Arabia. Despite the challenges of confinement in a hotel room, she had a successful year and is looking forward to exploring new horizons in the coming year.

·      Dries is now an integral part of our hunting company. It is truly a privilege to have our children join us in our work. Dries play a crucial role in maintaining the camps and ensuring the well-being of the wildlife.

·      Nina completed her third year as a mechanical engineering student, with just one more year to go. She recently ran her first full marathon and continues to spend every free moment joining the hunters on safari. Her passion for her heritage remains strong and unwavering.

As for Terina and myself, we are happy and healthy, dividing our time between our home in the Western Cape and our safari business in Limpopo. We are fortunate to work alongside a knowledgeable and dedicated team as we continue this incredible journey.

BAS: A New Chapter in Outfitting

Beginning in 2024, BAS embarked on a transformative new phase in our journey as outfitters. As many of you are aware, we made the significant decision to sell our home ranch, the base from which we had always operated. While this transition presented its share of challenges, we approached it with determination and optimism.

This change enabled us to gain access to millions of acres of land, allowing us to thoughtfully select a variety of terrains and habitats for our safaris. Drawing upon three decades of experience and the dedication of our exceptional team, BAS has evolved into a company renowned for delivering high-quality, diverse safari experiences. Our guests now can explore some of the most pristine and untamed regions that South Africa has to offer.

South Africa has emerged as one of the premier safari destinations, attracting adventurers and nature enthusiasts from around the world. However, this rapid growth has brought significant changes to the industry. While the expansion has led to greater accessibility and a wider range of options for travelers, it has also resulted in the development of practices that prioritize convenience and guaranteed success over authentic experiences. Many operations now offer shortcuts and assurances on all levels, altering the traditional spirit of safari adventures in pursuit of efficiency and certainty.

Our Philosophy and Values

BAS was founded from a deep passion for the African bush and its remarkable wildlife. Our approach is rooted in an appreciation for the expertise of skilled trackers and seasoned professionals, as well as a respect for the unpredictability and mystery that comes with every adventure in the wild.

We treasure the moments spent immersed in the bush, embracing the exhilaration that comes from a genuine pursuit where there are no promises or guaranteed outcomes. Success is found by relying on the persistent effort and natural instincts of the hunter, as well as the practical knowledge and proficiency in using the right equipment. This commitment to authenticity and tradition forms the backbone of every safari experience we offer.

Embracing the Essence of Safari

The heart of our safari experience lies in the camaraderie and genuine friendships we build along the way. Each day brings opportunities for learning, whether through shared stories, quiet moments spent gazing at an unforgettable sunset, or the simple joy of companionship.

We treasure the midday breaks beneath the shade of an Acacia tree, perched on a cliff, or beside a gentle stream. These moments offer a chance to examine the "newspaper of the bush"—the tracks and signs that tell the unfolding story of wildlife around us. On safari, everyone is an equal participant, united by a passion for adventure and the natural world. Appreciations and friendships are formed and shared as a team, creating memories that linger long after the journey ends.

The warmth of the campfire at night becomes a source of longing once you've departed, and the experiences shared in the wild call you back time and again. This is the essence of who we are and what we strive to offer.

Preserving Tradition and Authenticity

Our commitment is to uphold the traditions that make an African Safari authentic and special. We refuse to yield to modern pressures, habits, or shortcuts that compromise the integrity of the experience. Our promise is to ensure that every guest has the opportunity to access wild and unique areas, equipped with the information and choices needed to chart their own path. With us, you will discover the true spirit of safari—unspoiled, genuine, and unforgettable.

Highlights from 2025: A Year of Adventure and Achievement

In 2025, our journeys took us across South Africa, making it an exceptional year filled with adventure and remarkable experiences. We utilized a variety of camps and hunting areas, each contributing to a truly magnificent season. From the expansive free-range Big Five territories to the renowned plains game regions of the Limpopo Valley and the vast long-range shooting plains of central South Africa, every destination offered its own unique charm and challenges.

Our primary hunting area in Limpopo provided access to three distinct camps, each nestled in either the plains or the mountain landscapes. Among these, we are especially proud of our comfortable tented camp, set in a breathtaking location beside a tranquil stream. The Nungu Reserve, our flagship hunting area, extends over 35,000 acres of uninterrupted wilderness, featuring a luxurious lodge in an extraordinary setting. This reserve is home to free-range hippos, crocodiles, numerous leopards, and over 500 kudu, making it one of the finest hunting and safari regions in all of Africa. For those seeking convenience, the reserve boasts a mile-long asphalt airstrip, offering a seamless fly-in and fly-out experience for the discerning safari traveler, along with luxury accommodations and a vast, authentic African wilderness.

Trophies and Diversity

Throughout the year, BAS celebrated the harvesting of many outstanding trophies. What sets us apart is the diversity of areas we hunt, combined with our knowledge and experience, which enables us to pursue a wide variety of trophies in their natural habitats. Our extensive hunting grounds support an impressive array of species, all accessible from a single camp. In 2025, we successfully harvested numerous buffalo, several species from the Tiny Ten collection, superb sables, majestic kudu, elusive bushpig, and many more.

Family Safaris: Memories and Values

Our family-oriented approach attracted wonderful families, and we were honored to host several throughout the past season. Watching families engage and witnessing the educational value of an African safari is a privilege. We take great pride in providing a setting where these core values can be practiced and strengthened, and we sincerely hope these trips created lasting memories and opportunities for quality time together.

Experiences for Trophy Hunters and Couples

BAS also catered to serious trophy hunters and couples seeking a unique opportunity in the African bush. The caliber of trophies speaks for itself. With exclusive rights to our big game area, expansive wilderness, and several specialized locations, our guests need look no further to book their next African adventure.

Season Highlights and Reflections

Our 2025 season began in March with our Austrian friends and continued non-stop through the end of September. There were far too many outstanding experiences and trophies to mention individually! This year, we are excited to share a photo journey that captures the spirit and enjoyment of our adventures. Presented without any particular order or emphasis on specific trophies or clients, these images highlight the memorable moments and camaraderie that defined our year together.

Looking Ahead to 2026

We are pleased to announce that we have once again secured access to the expansive wilderness areas in the mountains for the 2026 season. The unmatched diversity and natural beauty of this region promise another year of exceptional safari experiences. The area features two river systems, dramatic mountain cliffs, lush riverine forests, and supports healthy populations of game, including over 250 buffalo and sable each, as well as 500 kudu. Additionally, guests can look forward to sightings of free-range hippo, crocodile, bushbuck, klipspringer, leopard, nyala, and many more species, making it one of the most comprehensive safari destinations available.

Accommodations in this remarkable area are equally impressive. The luxury lodge offers en suite rooms with private decks overlooking the river, outside showers, a private pool, and opulent interiors, ensuring comfort and relaxation at the end of each day. As evening falls, the atmosphere around the campfire comes alive with the nocturnal sounds of leopard, baboons, hippo, and other wildlife.

For those seeking a more rustic experience, a comfortable tented camp styled in classic Out of Africa fashion is available. This camp features a wooden deck over the river, providing an immersive connection with the surrounding wilderness. Additionally, our safari-style Knob Thorn Lodge serves as the ideal base for plains game hunts in the Limpopo Valley.

With exclusive access to both the wild, free-range Big Five area and numerous diverse hunting locations across central South Africa, we offer a wide array of safari options tailored to your interests. Your perfect safari experience is just a conversation away.

Ongoing Commitment and Personalized Safari Planning

BAS is dedicated to the ongoing pursuit and acquisition of new hunting areas throughout the year. We invite you to reach out and inquire about the most recent opportunities, as our 31 years of experience in the field provide us with access to many exceptional regions.

Should you wish to tailor your safari adventure, please feel free to contact us at any time. Additionally, if you would like us to consider a visit to your area during our 2026 marketing trip, let us know so we can accommodate your interests and preferences.

Exceptional Experiences and Lasting Friendships

Our goal at BAS is to deliver an experience that goes beyond the ordinary, taking you to destinations less traveled and offering authentic adventures guided by our seasoned staff. BAS lets you pursue your dream trophy in outstanding locations.

We deeply appreciate your continued support and friendship—it means a great deal to all of us at BAS. We look forward to hearing from you, connecting at upcoming shows, or welcoming you in Africa for another unforgettable safari.

Season's Greetings

We wish you and your family a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year. Until we gather around the fire again, take care and thank you for being part of the BAS community!

Show Season and Marketing Trip

Our upcoming show season and marketing trip will take us across several key locations in the United States. Below is our itinerary and contact information for your convenience.

Houston, Texas

We will begin our journey in Houston, attending the Houston Safari Club meeting in The Woodlands from January 23rd to 25th. Following the meeting, we will remain in the Houston area until January 28th. Visit us at booth 700.

Dallas and East Texas

From January 29th to February 4th, we will be traveling through Dallas and the eastern regions of Texas, meeting with clients.

Atlanta, Georgia

We will participate in the Dallas Safari Club Convention in Atlanta, Georgia, from February 6th to 8th. You can find us at booth 2832 during this event.

Florida and Georgia

Our itinerary continues as we visit the Florida and Georgia areas from February 9th to 16th. Specific plans for this portion of the trip are still being finalized.

Nashville, Tennessee

We will conclude our show season at the Safari Club International Convention in Nashville, Tennessee, from February 18th to 21st. We invite you to visit us at booth 2151.

Marketing Team

This year, our marketing team includes Schalk, Terina, Dries, and Robert. We are available for contact via WhatsApp, messaging, or by reaching out to our mobile numbers:

·      Schalk: +27 82 452 0749

·      Terina: +27 83 257 8667

·      Dries: +27 83 299 2991

·      Robert: +27 78 841 9027

We invite you to enjoy our photo album showcasing highlights from the 2025 season.