Introduction to Bowker Hunting
Ownership & Structure
Bowker African Hunts (Pty) Ltd owns the Bowker African Hunts website and trademarks. The company is wholly owned by Robert (Rob) Bowker, who also serves as a director.
Through Bowker African Hunts, Robert manages all inquiries and bookings, ensuring clients are connected with the right hunting operation:
- Nick Bowker Hunting – Co-owned by Robert Bowker and Nick Bowker, specializing in free-range plains game hunting in South Africa’s Eastern Cape.
- Bowker Safaris – Independently owned by Meyrick Bowker, focusing on dangerous game safaris, bird hunting, and family-oriented safari packages.
This structure means that all bookings are professionally coordinated by Robert Bowker through Bowker African Hunts, while hunters benefit from the expertise of Nick Bowker and Meyrick Bowker in their respective operations.
About Rob Bowker
Rob Bowker is the owner and founder of Bowker Hunting. Drawing on his international business background and passion for the outdoors, Rob ensures every guest enjoys a personalized African safari from first inquiry to the completion of their hunt.
The Bowker Hunting Experience
Turn your dream of an African hunting safari into reality—it’s far more affordable than you might think. With Bowker Hunting, you’ll experience fair-chase, free-range african hunting adventures, from the thrill of dangerous game to world-class plains game.
We specialize in plains game hunting safaris, offering unforgettable experiences for first-time hunters, seasoned African hunters, and those returning for another safari. Every hunt is designed to be ethical, exciting, and truly authentic—delivering not just trophies, but memories that last a lifetime.
Come join us in Africa with Bowker Hunting and experience the thrill of a lifetime and hunt with Nick and Meyrick Bowker.
Experience the best of africa hunting with us as we guide you through the breathtaking landscapes and thrilling adventures that await.
Table of Contents
About Nick Bowker
Nick Bowker has earned a strong reputation for delivering exceptional African hunting safaris in the Eastern Cape, specializing in free-range, ethical plains-game hunts.
We offer an authentic African hunting experience, blending expert guiding, diverse free-range terrain, comfortable lodge accommodations, and access to a wide variety of species. Our safaris are ideal for first-time hunters and seasoned sportsmen alike, providing a personalized, unforgettable adventure.
Nick Bowker Hunting Google My Business / Google maps listing
Hopewell Lodge – Your Safari Base
Nick Bowker is based in the Eastern Cape of South Africa, with Hopewell Lodge serving as our central hub and your home throughout your safari. The lodge is situated near the historic town of Bedford, about two hours northeast of Port Elizabeth—now officially known as Gqeberha.
Nick was born and raised on a fifth-generation sheep ranch and has been deeply involved in every aspect of the local farming community throughout his life.
Thanks to these long-standing relationships, Nick has exclusive access to over 2 million acres of prime hunting land in and around Bedford. The region’s diverse terrain—spanning mountains, open plains, valley bush-veld, and savanna—supports an exceptional variety of plains-game species with a remarkably high density of animals.
Wildlife Management and Sustainability
The wildlife is carefully managed by local farmers, each with a vested interest in maintaining healthy populations. Landowners own the game on their property, including transient animals that roam freely between properties. This sustainable approach ensures thriving ecosystems and exceptional trophy quality while preserving the natural balance.
A Family-Owned Hunting Operation
Nick Bowker Hunting is a family-owned business, managed by brothers Nick and Rob Bowker.
- Nick oversees all day-to-day operations and personally guides each hunt.
- Rob manages marketing, finance, and client communications, bringing decades of global financial expertise and a deep passion for hunting and land management.
Our family has lived in this area for five generations, and hunting is in our blood. With more than 25 years of experience conducting fair-chase hunting in the Bedford region, we know every corner of our hunting concessions and take pride in providing a highly personalized safari experience.
Fair-Chase, Free-Range Hunting
Your safari will be a true fair-chase hunt in a free-range African environment. We do not hunt behind high fences, except for a few specific species where this is required. This approach allows for authentic stalking, natural animal movements, and a more rewarding hunting experience.
Safety and Professionalism
The Eastern Cape is one of the safest hunting regions in Africa, and in our decades of professional hunting, we have never experienced a security incident. From your arrival to your departure, your safety, comfort, and enjoyment are our top priorities.
Nick will be personally present throughout your entire safari—from the moment we pick you up at Port Elizabeth Airport until we drop you off at the end of your adventure.
First-Time Hunters Welcome
Whether you are a first-time African hunter or returning for another safari, we will be with you every step of the way. From planning your trip to guiding you in the field, our goal is to ensure you have an unforgettable and stress-free African hunting experience.
About Meyrick Bowker
In addition Nick Bowker works in close cooperation with Meyrick Bowker of Bowker Safaris to bring hunters a wider and more varied range of African hunting opportunities than ever before, including exclusive packages offered by Bowker Safaris.
In addition to exclusive family plains game hunts Meyrick specializes in dangerous game such as buffalo, leopard, lion, elephant, and rhino; bow hunting and world-class wing shooting.
“Our hunting heritage, however, goes back much further – to the early 1800s, when the Bowker family first arrived in Southern Africa. From that time, Bowker men and women have hunted extensively, from the rugged Eastern Cape to the wild expanses of the continent.
With over eight generations of hunting heritage, Bowker Safaris is deeply rooted in the traditions, values, and respect for nature that have defined African hunting for centuries.
Today, Frank, Meyrick, Alexis, and Lily Bowker continue this proud legacy from our original homestead – a place steeped in history, rich in atmosphere, and renowned for warm hospitality that makes both local and international hunters feel at home.”
Children are welcome. I will be delighted to guide your children. We offer Big 5 guided tours to our National Parks in the Eastern Cape for observers and family members who are not hunting.
Bowker Safaris Google My Business / Google maps listing
About Robert Bowker
Robert Bowker is the owner of Bowker Hunting, which he manages for the purpose of booking clients for both Nick Bowker Hunting and Bowker Safaris. Through Bowker Hunting, Rob ensures that every client enjoys a seamless, transparent, and professionally managed safari experience from first inquiry to the completion of their hunt.
In addition, Rob is part-owner and director of Nick Bowker Hunting, where he is responsible for finance, marketing, and client communications. Working alongside his brother Nick, he helps oversee one of South Africa’s premier free-range plains game hunting operations.
Before focusing on Bowker Hunting, Rob built a successful 25-year career as an international finance executive. He served as Chief Financial Officer at several multinational companies—including Play (Poland), Invitel Holdings (Hungary), and Eurotel Prague (now Telefónica O2)—where he specialized in strategic growth, capital management, IPOs, and multi-million-euro refinancing projects across more than a dozen countries in Europe and Africa.
A Certified Public Accountant (CA) and Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), Rob brings world-class business and financial expertise to the Bowker hunting operations. Today, he combines this background with digital marketing skills, using the Bowker Hunting website and online outreach to connect clients directly with Nick Bowker Hunting and Meyrick Bowker’s Bowker Safaris.
Bowker African Hunts Google My Business / Google maps listing
Our Guides Benjamin & Ryan
Benjamin Pringle and Ryan Williamson assist Nick with guiding. Benjamin and Ryan are seasoned guiding professionals.
In addition, Benjamin and Ryan are landowners in the Bedford and Grahamstown areas, and both were born and raised on farms and are an integral part of the local community.
About our Taxidermists
At Bowker Hunting and Bowker Safaris, we understand that your taxidermy trophies represent far more than just a successful hunt — they are lifelong memories worth preserving. That’s why we work with two of the most trusted names in South African taxidermy services: Timoland Taxidermy (TT) and African Wildlife Artistry (AWA).
Whether you’re looking for trophy mounting, plains game shoulder mounts, dangerous game full-body mounts, or custom habitat displays, our taxidermy partners deliver exceptional craftsmanship, transparent pricing, and personalized service. With decades of experience, they ensure your African hunting trophies are preserved to the highest international standards.
Our African Hunting concessions
- Your hunting concession extends throughout the Bedford area, and you will not see another hunter during your hunting trip.
- The core hunting area is 150 thousand acres with access to the adjacent Bedford area, which is around 3 million acres.
- The lodge is situated in the middle of our hunting concessions. As a result, there will be no need to drive long distances before you start hunting.
- South Africa has become the premier hunting destination in the world. It offers first-world-class infrastructure and hospitality. The diversity of available trophies and the cost of a hunting Safari are not comparable anywhere else in the world.
- Bedford area has a unique topography and offers over 30 species of African Big Game and Plains Game.
- We offer unique, highly competitive Rates and Packages. Our packages are All-Inclusive, and there are no hidden costs from when I pick you up to when I drop you off.
Quality and Quantity of trophies
- The sheer number of animals in our hunting areas will astound you.
- You will see more animals in one day than you will see in 10 years in the United States.
- For the cost of an elk hunt, you can shoot seven African Trophies. See what my clients say – Client Recommendations.
Rifles included free of charge
- I have the latest 4×4 Hunting vehicles at my disposal, capable of any terrain.
- Expert trackers who have hunted with me my whole life will help us with the guiding.
- The cost and red tape of traveling with rifles have increased dramatically over the last few years. As a result, I now offer my rifles and ammunition for free use for all my clients.
- I have available 300 Winchester Magnums fitted with suppressors. Mounted on rifles are Swarovski tactical scopes.
What Does a Typical Day of Hunting in Africa Involve?
- Up at dawn for a cup of coffee and a light snack.
- Set off to our hunting area for the targeted species.
- All hunting areas are within half an hour’s drive.
- Generally, we will target the brush-dwelling animals such as the spiral horns in the very early mornings and late evenings when they come out to graze.
- We would target Plains Game animals during the day as they are easier to find.
- Many hours are spent glassing animals before mounting a stalk on a selected quarry, so a high-quality pair of binoculars is a must for African hunting.
- Typically, we find an elevated position and glass the surrounding valleys in search of a Trophy.
- We would then set up a plan and begin our stalk.
- Alternatively, we may try and set up an ambush.
- Generally, return for a big brunch around 11h30.
- Sometimes we will take packed lunch and be gone for the whole day.
- Out again in the afternoon for more hunting.
- Dinner around a fire, discussing the day, and making plans for the next day’s hunting in Africa.
Authentic African
Free Range Hunting
I conduct my Hunting in a Free Range environment with no high fences
Hopewell Lodge sits on an escarpment (2200 feet above sea level) and has four unique biospheres within half an hour’s drive.
This unique change in biospheres results in broad and diverse animal diversity.
To the south of the lodge is the deep valley bushveld. These deep, broad valleys with thick riverine bush are the home of the Eastern Cape Kudu and Bushbuck, Nyala and Warthog.
The valleys and canyons’ sides and tops make great vantage points for glassing animals.
We spend a lot of time at these elevated points, glassing for trophies. At the plateau’s start above the valley, bushveld lies savanna and woodlands in amongst small plateaus.
The savanna and woodlands are home to such species as Impala, Sable, Zebra, and Waterbuck. The savanna areas are ideal for spot and stalk hunting.
The unique topography provides one of the finest hunting areas in the world.
Nothing beats a day of free-range African Hunting and doing long stalks and trying to outwit your quarry.
Plateaus also make great vantage points for glassing and the start of many long stalks into the savanna.
The savanna gradually gives way to the long rolling Bedford plains. These grass plains were once the place of vast animal migrations across the Eastern Cape in the summer months.
These plains are where Springbok, Blesbok, and Black Wildebeest are to be found.
Consequently, the plains game often needs to be ambushed, and the endless anthills found on these plains make for the right hiding place.
The Plains give way to the Kaggaberg Mountain range, which can be viewed from the lodge. The Kaggaberg contains thick, steep valleys and box canyons. Here, you will find Eland and Kudu.
Free-Range Hunting in South Africa
Free Range African Hunting versus Free Roaming
A lot has been written about Free Range Hunting and Fair Chase Hunting. Free-range hunting can be defined as keeping in natural conditions with freedom of movement. Also, no human-made barrier prevents the animal’s movement.
Another concept is “Free-Roaming” in South Africa because the animals are born, bred, live, and die on the property.
We offer 100 percent fair chase hunting in South Africa.
Wilderness Hunting in Africa
If you are looking for a true wildness hunt, you will need to hunt in Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and Tanzania. In these areas, you will be hunting without any fences or human-made obstacles, such as public roads.
This remoteness comes at a cost with expensive day fees being mandatory as well as extra time and costs to get to these wilderness areas.
In particular, these costs come before you have even seen an animal. For many, the cost and time are prohibitive. As a result, South Africa has become the premier safari hunting destination in the world.
South African hunting areas that are not high fenced
These areas do not have high fences but rather four-foot barbed wire fences designed to stop sheep and cattle movement. Consequently, the vast majority of animals can move and roam at will. Certain animals will be held in check, such as Wildebeest.
These non-high-fenced areas belong to the local farming community. Outfitters who hunt exclusively in these areas are often farmers and have dual income from farming and outfitting.
You will struggle to find a property in South Africa or Namibia with no fences somewhere along the line, be it a park border, a high fence on a neighboring property, or a barrier to public roads.
The majority of hunting in South Africa is conducted behind high fences. The size of the high-fenced areas varies greatly. High fencing is often a necessity for Outfitters from an economic perspective.
For these typically larger, high-fenced outfitters, outfitting is often their only source of income. Generally, free-roaming and fair chase hunting applies to high-fenced outfitters.
These larger, high-fenced outfitters need to replenish trophies due to Hunting and genetics. As a result, South Africa is the most affordable hunting destination in the world. No-where else can you hunt so many species at a cost not dreamed about two or three decades ago.
Long-Range Hunting in South Africa
I also offer long-range Hunting for enthusiasts. Bedford provides an ideal terrain for long-range Hunting with broad valleys and plains. I limit our distances to approximately 650 meters.
I target Impala, Springbok, Blesbok, Mountain Reedbuck, and Warthog for long-range Hunting. Our standard rate for non-trophy animals for the above target list is $250 for males and $100 for females.
Long-range Hunting provides the chance for hunters to truly test their shooting and hunting skills and the opportunity for making a significant amount of shots during a day of hunting.
There are few places in the world with similar diversity and such numbers of wild animals available at these prices.
I am also a long-range hunting enthusiast with significant experience with tactical scopes and handloading ammunition.
I have tactical and digital Swarovski scopes available for use.
Also, I offer driven hunts for the species mentioned above under the same conditions.
Travel, Climate, and Health
The area you will be hunting in South Africa is a safe and secure place to visit.
Easy to Travel to
You will fly to Johannesburg or Cape Town and then take a connecting flight to Port Elizabeth.
We will meet you in Port Elizabeth at the Airport and drive you to the hunting lodge.
The hunting lodge is two hours from Port Elizabeth in the Bedford district.
Mild Climate
We hunt in South Africa from March through October.
Bedford has a mild climate and receives around 390 mm of rain annually, with most rain falling in thunderstorms from January through April.
South Africa
The average midday temperatures range from 18 degrees in June to 28 degrees in January.
We hunt in a malaria-free area at all times!
Also, we have private hospitals and medical care available in the surrounding area.
Bedford, Your South African Hunting Destination in the Eastern Cape Province
Our lodges are about 20 minute drive from Bedford. See lodging options.
Bedford is a rural town in the center of the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. It was established in the mid-19th century.
It is located on the southern edge of the Winterberg mountain range.
A vibrant country district famous for our annual Garden Festival (second-to-last weekend in October), fun-loving farmers, and fabulous hospitality.
Bedford is waiting to welcome you.
The historic village is tucked up against the Kaggaberg mountain (part of the Winterberg range).
Our farms stretch across extensive grasslands and up into the dramatic Mankazana, Cowie, and Baviaans River valleys.
Angoras, merinos, beef cattle, goats, and game are all to be seen.
Route from Port Elizabeth to Bedford
What is Free-Range Hunting, and is Free-Range Hunting available in South Africa?
Free-Range Hunting can be defined as being kept in natural conditions, with freedom of movement. Free-Range South African hunting areas have four-foot barbed wire fences designed to stop sheep and cattle movement but not wild animals.
