Introduction
Meyrick Bowker is known for offering exclusive, family-only hunting safaris. Nick Bowker Hunting 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 specialises in dangerous game such as buffalo, leopard, lion, elephant, and rhino; bow hunting and world-class wing shooting.
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A Partnership for Unmatched African Hunting Experiences
Nick Bowker has built a reputation for delivering exceptional Eastern Cape plains game safaris with an emphasis on free-range, ethical hunting. Meyrick Bowker, through Bowker Safaris, offers an equally impressive range of hunts — from dangerous game to specialty species — across prime concessions in Southern Africa.
This collaboration blends decades of experience, generations of tradition, and a deep understanding of Africa’s diverse terrains to create hunting safaris that are truly world-class.
Meet Meyrick Bowker
Meyrick Bowker is known for offering exclusive, family-only hunting safaris. When you hunt with him, you and your group are the only guests in camp. There are no other hunters to share the lodge or the hunting grounds with — giving you the freedom to shape your days exactly as you wish.
This private approach ensures complete focus from your Professional Hunter, personalized planning for each hunt, and a relaxed, comfortable atmosphere in camp where you can unwind without distraction.
Meyrick’s unmatched hunting experience
Between 1996 and 2000, Meyrick broadened his professional hunting experience on an international scale, guiding big game hunts across some of North America’s most renowned hunting destinations.
In the rugged wilderness of Montana, Wyoming, and South Dakota, he successfully led clients in the pursuit of elk, whitetail deer, mule deer, and pronghorn antelope—developing a deep understanding of species-specific behavior and the unique challenges posed by varied terrains and climates.
His hunting adventures also took him to Hawai‘i, Georgia, and Texas, where he honed his skills across diverse landscapes.
Beyond the United States, Meyrick has pursued dangerous game throughout the majority of South Africa’s provinces, as well as in Zimbabwe and Mozambique.
Meyrick’s Guiding Style
Meyrick is widely praised for his professionalism, experience, and attention to detail. Hunters often comment on his extraordinary spotting ability — described as having “the eyes of a hawk” — and his instinctive knowledge of animal behavior and movement patterns.
He is patient in the field, takes time to ensure every hunter is in the best possible position for a clean shot, and remains adaptable when conditions change.
His personable nature, sense of humour, and easygoing style make time in the bush enjoyable, whether you are on a tense stalk or sharing stories around the evening fire.
What Hunters Say
Hunters on AfricaHunting.com have shared glowing reviews of Meyrick’s hunts:
- Hunting with Bowker Safaris
- Eastern Cape – The Return
- Second Hunt With Nick Bowker Hunting South Africa
- Cull Hunt With Nick Bowker Hunting South Africa – Aug 2022
These accounts consistently highlight Meyrick’s expertise, his ability to read the bush, and the relaxed but focused atmosphere he creates in camp.
A Legacy of Excellence
Bowker Safaris is more than just an outfitter — it is the continuation of a hunting heritage that spans over eight generations. Founded in 1970 by Frank and Jenny Bowker, the operation has deep roots in the traditions of African hunting.
When the Bowker family first arrived in Southern Africa in the early 1800s, hunting was a way of life. Many family members embarked on great expeditions across the continent during the golden age of African safaris, when travel was slow, camps were remote, and every hunt was a true adventure.
Today, Frank, Meyrick, Alexis, and Lily Bowker keep that legacy alive from the original family homestead. Guests are welcomed not just as clients but as friends, with warm hospitality, comfortable accommodations, and the kind of fireside evenings that have been a hallmark of African hunting for generations.
Our Specialties
We specialize in dangerous game such as buffalo, leopard, lion, elephant, and rhino; and family hunts in the Eastern Cape for plains game species and world-class wing shooting as well as Bow hunting. Hunts are conducted on exclusive concessions, often low-fenced or free-range, allowing for authentic walk-and-stalk experiences.
Whether you choose to hunt with a rifle, handgun, or bow, you’ll be hunting in some of Southern Africa’s finest terrain, guided by seasoned professionals who know every ridge, valley, and waterhole. Many of our clients’ trophies appear in the SCI record books, testament to the quality of our hunting areas and our commitment to ethical, selective harvesting.
Species You Can Hunt
Bowker Safaris offers one of the most extensive species lists in Southern Africa — over 60 huntable species.
This diversity allows hunters to plan safaris that are either highly focused or broad in scope, depending on their goals.
Bow Hunting
All bow hunting is conducted as walk-and-stalk in the Eastern Cape — a challenging but highly rewarding approach. This style requires patience, skill, and often longer shots (up to 80 yards).
It’s not for beginners, but for the experienced bow hunter, it offers an unmatched connection to the hunt.
You book the number of hunting and accommodation days you want, and only pay for the animals you take. Travelling with a bow is simple — no special permits are required.
Bird Hunting
Our bird hunting is fast-paced and exciting. Pigeon and dove hunts regularly yield between 300 and 800 shots per day with no bag limit.
Egyptian and Spurwing geese and ducks are hunted with official bag limits, often over water from hides or with decoys.
Francolin and guinea fowl are pursued on foot over pointers or driven later in the season. Every bird hunt is conducted in prime locations for high success and memorable shooting.
Taxidermy
South African Taxidermy Services — In Partnership with Timoland Taxidermy
At Bowker Safaris, we understand that your taxidermy trophies represent more than just a successful hunt — they are lifelong memories. That’s why we exclusively partner with Timoland Taxidermy (TT), one of South Africa’s most respected taxidermy studios, to ensure your trophies are preserved to the highest international standards.
Founded by Tim Olwage and based in Port Alfred, Eastern Cape, Timoland Taxidermy specializes in realistic trophy mounting for plains game, dangerous game, and custom habitat displays. With over two decades of experience, TT combines exceptional craftsmanship, personalized service, and transparent pricing to deliver world-class trophy preservation.
Whether you need a shoulder mount, full-body mount, European skull mount, or a custom-designed display, our exclusive partnership with Timoland Taxidermy guarantees that your African hunting trophies are handled with care, precision, and artistic detail.
Prices for Taxidermy
When & How We Hunt
While hunting is available year-round, the prime months are March to October. Most hunts are fair-chase and free-range, using spot-and-stalk or stand hunting.
Typical shooting distances range from 100 to 300 yards, so we recommend practicing with African shooting sticks before your trip.
Our trained dogs are an essential part of the team, especially when tracking and recovering wounded animals.
Firearms & Travel
Bring the rifle you know best — popular calibres include .270, 7mm, .30-06, and .300 Win Mag for plains game. For buffalo, the legal minimum is .375 H&H. If you prefer, quality rifles are available for hire.
For hunters bringing their own rifles, we assist with SAP 520 permits, customs clearance, and airport meet-and-greet services to ensure smooth travel.
Trophy Preparation & Export
We offer two trophy export options:
- Dip & Ship — Raw trophies sent home for mounting.
- Mount & Ship — Trophies mounted in South Africa before shipping.
We recommend Timoland Taxidermy. for their professional service and quality craftsmanship.
Non-Hunting Activities
Non-hunters are welcome to join in the field or enjoy a variety of activities:
- Addo Elephant National Park and private reserves.
- Adventure sports like ziplining, canoeing, and scuba diving.
- Fishing Charters
- River Cruises
- Shopping and sightseeing in nearby towns.
- Golf in Grahamstown.
- Relaxing on the stunning Eastern Cape coastline.
Top Tips for Your Safari
- Come with an open mind and flexible goals — enjoy the full experience.
- Trust your Professional Hunter’s advice.
- Practice with shooting sticks before your trip.
- Only take shots you are certain of.
- Dress for variable weather.
- Wear comfortable, worn-in boots.
- Choose ammunition for penetration and performance.
The Bontebok – From Near Extinction to Thriving, and the Bowkers of Thornkloof Who Helped Save It
The history of the bontebok (Damaliscus pygargus pygargus) in South Africa is one of the most remarkable wildlife recovery stories on the continent — a journey from fewer than 30 animals in the early 19th century to a healthy and sustainable population today. This conservation triumph is thanks to early intervention by local farmers, the creation of protected areas, and the dedication of a select group of private landowners — including the Bowker family of Thornkloof, whose contribution helped secure the species’ future.
Early History and Distribution
The bontebok is one of two subspecies of blesbok (Damaliscus pygargus), the other being the blesbok (Damaliscus pygargus phillipsi). Historically, bontebok roamed the coastal plains of the Western Cape’s fynbos biome, especially around the Bredasdorp and Swellendam areas.
They grazed in small herds across the grassy coastal lowlands, feeding on low-growing plants adapted to the Cape climate. But this specialised range also meant that any disruption to their habitat could have devastating effects — and by the early 1800s, disruption was exactly what came.
Near Extinction in the 19th Century
By the early 19th century, uncontrolled hunting, combined with the rapid expansion of farmland, brought the bontebok to the edge of extinction. By 1837, fewer than 30 individuals remained — all confined to the Bredasdorp area.
Overhunting was the main cause, but habitat loss and competition with livestock accelerated their decline. Without immediate action, the bontebok would have been lost forever.
The Turning Point – Farmer-Led Conservation
A small group of farmers, recognising the urgency, fenced off part of their properties to protect the surviving bontebok. This was one of the earliest examples of private game conservation in South Africa.
While these efforts prevented total extinction, the fenced population remained vulnerable to disease, inbreeding, and poor habitat management. It was a fragile victory, and much more needed to be done.
Formal Protection and National Parks
In 1931, the government established the first Bontebok National Park near Bredasdorp to safeguard the species. Unfortunately, the site was unsuitable — poor-quality grazing led to nutritional stress and parasite problems.
The turning point came in 1960, when the park’s population was relocated to a new site near Swellendam with richer grazing and more natural habitat. This move was critical in stabilising and growing the bontebok population.
The Role of the Bowkers of Thornkloof
While the core population remained in the Western Cape, conservationists knew the species needed to be spread across multiple secure areas to reduce the risk of disease or disaster wiping it out.
This is where the Bowker family of Thornkloof, in the Eastern Cape, played a direct and vital role.
By the mid-20th century, the South African government and a handful of trusted private ranchers were carefully moving bontebok to safe, predator-controlled, and well-managed environments. The Bowkers, already well known for their game conservation practices, were chosen to host breeding herds.
At Thornkloof, the Bowkers provided:
- Large, secure grazing areas with healthy veld
- Protection from uncontrolled hunting
- Careful genetic management to prevent hybridisation with blesbok (a major risk to the species’ purity)
These herds thrived under the Bowkers’ stewardship. Over time, Thornkloof’s bontebok contributed to restocking other Eastern Cape ranches and reserves, creating a stronger, more genetically resilient metapopulation.
In an era when the total population was still under 1,000 animals, this expansion beyond the Western Cape was critical to the species’ survival.
Modern Recovery
Today, from fewer than 30 animals in the 1830s, bontebok numbers have risen to over 3,500 individuals. They are now found in:
- Bontebok National Park (Swellendam, Western Cape)
- Private game reserves and ranches in the Western Cape and Eastern Cape — including Thornkloof
- Translocated populations in other provinces for conservation and hunting purposes
Although the bontebok is now listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, its true wild range is still confined to protected areas, and careful management remains essential.
Bowker Heritage – A Living Conservation Legacy
At Thornkloof, conservation is not just a philosophy — it’s a family tradition dating back over 180 years. The Bowkers have long balanced sustainable hunting, livestock ranching, and wildlife preservation.
Today, Thornkloof still holds one of the largest and most genetically original bontebok populations outside Bontebok National Park. This is a living reminder of the Bowker family’s commitment to protecting South Africa’s wildlife heritage.
From Cape kudu to plains game, the Bowkers apply the same careful stewardship to all species on their land, ensuring that future generations — hunters, photographers, and conservationists alike — can experience the thrill of South Africa’s wild beauty.
Book Your Hunt
Join Nick Bowker Hunting and Bowker Safaris for a safari that blends tradition, skill, and the wild beauty of Africa. Whether your dream is to track Cape buffalo through thick bush, stalk kudu in the valleys, or experience the adrenaline of high-volume wingshooting, we have the expertise, terrain, and heritage to make it happen.