My wife and I decided to take our honeymoon in South Africa—two weeks of adventure, with the first few days dedicated to something we had always dreamed about: a first time African hunt.
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While planning our trip, we came across Bowker Hunting, one of the few outfitters offering single-day and flexible hunting options in addition to his well-known all-inclusive packages. It turned out to be the perfect fit for us as first-time safari hunters.
Honeymoon Hunt – From First Shots to First Trophy
When we landed in Port Elizabeth, Nick and his brother Rob personally greeted us and drove us 90 minutes to their OliveFountain Farm, a historic family property that has been in the Bowker family for five generations.
While I was there to hunt kudu, my wife had never shot a rifle beyond two practice rounds at a range over a decade ago. Over two days, Nick patiently worked with her, starting with target practice using a .243 at the lodge.
Once she gained confidence shooting off sticks, Nick guided her on a bush stalk for impala. His calm coaching helped her make a perfect 143-yard shot—her first-ever big game harvest. Watching her make that shot, with Nick by her side guiding her, was just as rewarding as taking a trophy myself.
Accommodations & Hospitality
The experience off the field was just as memorable as the hunting.
- Comfortable lodging in a cozy, historic farmhouse
- Abundant wildlife roaming freely (no high fences)
- Excellent, plentiful meals, prepared by Nick’s team
- Friendly, professional staff that made us feel like family
Nick’s attention to detail, from the hunts to the dining table, made our honeymoon an unforgettable experience.
I was so impressed that I immediately pre-booked an 8-day, 7-animal plains game safari for 2021, with a custom package that Nick is helping me design.
Returning for My First Full African Safari
Fast forward to my return trip with Bowker Hunting. I just wrapped up six days of hunting, fresh off a flight home and still battling jet lag, but I couldn’t wait to share this experience.
Travel & COVID Logistics
Travel during the pandemic was smoother than expected.
- We took a PCR test in Charlotte, NC before departing. It was barely checked in Cape Town.
- Before our return, we tested through AMPATH in Grahamstown; results were back the next day.
- Airline staff (Qatar Airways) verified results carefully, but no one in the U.S. requested the negative test.
The Hunt – Big Game Package Success
We landed in Port Elizabeth on December 2nd and hunted through the 8th. My buddy and I split time between OliveFountain and a lightly hunted property to the north, where we encountered incredible plains game opportunities.
I booked a custom Big Game Package with Nick, which included:
- Black wildebeest
- Nyala
- Kudu
- Waterbuck
- Gemsbok
Nick and his PHs used a combination of glassing and stalking tactics to get me within 400 yards or less on every trophy, setting up clean and ethical shots.
By the end of the trip, I had five trophies heading to African Wildlife Artistry for taxidermy, including a kudu I shot the same day (just five hours apart) as my hunting partner Austin Greenwood, who also had an incredible seven-animal plains game package.
We even saw spectacular sable and eland, which are now on my list for the next safari.
Why I Recommend Bowker Hunting for First-Time & Repeat Safari Hunters
Whether you’re planning your first African hunting safari or returning for another adventure, Bowker Hunting is exceptional because:
- He offers both full packages and flexible à la carte hunts.
- His properties are low-fence, free-range, with abundant game and ethical, fair-chase hunting.
- Comfortable accommodations and excellent food make you feel at home.
- Nick and his PHs are expert stalkers and glassers, putting you on game consistently.
- Pricing is competitive and transparent, with packages tailored to your goals.
Both my honeymoon hunt and my follow-up big game safari were unforgettable experiences—and I’m already planning my next return to South Africa.
If you’re considering a first-time African hunt or a repeat plains game safari, reach out to Nick Bowker. He and his team will make it a trip you’ll never forget.
