For nearly 68 years, I dreamed of hunting Africa. Like many lifelong hunters, I assumed a safari meant million-dollar budgets and elite circles. I was wrong.
After thorough research, I chose Nick Bowker in the Eastern Cape, South Africa—and I can honestly say it was the hunt of a lifetime. For less than the cost of a guided elk hunt in Montana, where success is never guaranteed, I harvested eight incredible trophies, built lifelong friendships, and experienced world-class hospitality. You can watch our family hunt in the video below.
My Detailed Review of Nick Bowker
My adventure began with the review Nick Bowker process, where I learned about their exceptional services and offerings.
If you’re considering a South African hunting safari, especially as a first-timer, here’s my detailed review of the Bowker hunting experience that you won’t want to miss.
Why I Chose Nick Bowker
- Reputation & Value: Nick’s operation offers affordable plains game packages without sacrificing quality.
- Personalized Experience: Unlike many outfitters, Nick is hands-on—meeting clients at the airport, guiding hunts, and ensuring every detail is seamless.
- Historic Home Base: The Bowker family’s OliveFountain Farm, dating back five generations, is the perfect mix of history and modern comfort.
- Exceptional Team: Professional hunters, skilled trackers, and even dedicated videographers elevate the entire experience.
Getting There – A Journey Worth Taking
My wife Wendy, my son Daniel, and my daughter-in-law Jodi joined me on this long-awaited adventure, postponed a year due to COVID. On March 29, 2021, we finally departed Billings, Montana, traveling through Denver, Frankfurt (11-hour flight + 13-hour layover), and Johannesburg (10+ hour flight + 4-hour layover) before landing in Port Elizabeth for a short 1½-hour hop.
Nick himself was waiting at the airport in his Land Cruiser—a personal welcome that immediately set him apart from most outfitters.
OliveFountain Farm – Historic, Comfortable, and Welcoming
After a 90-minute drive through scenic Eastern Cape terrain, we arrived at OliveFountain Farm, Nick’s family ranch. It’s a property steeped in history but upgraded with every modern convenience:
- Private rooms with luxurious beds
- Wi-Fi, ample hot water, and private facilities
- A homely, welcoming environment rather than a “commercial” lodge feel
Nick’s wife, Elizabeth, their twin daughters, and PH Ben made us feel instantly at home. Elizabeth, beyond her warm hospitality, also arranged excursions for Wendy and Jodi, including a trip to Addo Elephant Park and shopping in Port Elizabeth.
I also hired Igala Productions, a videography team recommended by Nick. For just $2,600, I received two professionals (including Nadeen, whose sharp eyes spotted game even I couldn’t see with binoculars), capturing every hunt on film.
The Hunting Experience – Sixteen Sessions, Eight Trophies
Over several days, we hunted mornings and evenings across multiple concessions, covering sixteen sessions in total. Nick’s guidance, Ben’s steady support, the trackers’ uncanny spotting skills, and Igala’s videography made this a flawless adventure.
Here’s a breakdown of the key moments:
Warthog – A Humbling First Lesson
On our first morning, Nick spotted a tusker at 200+ yards. Using Nick’s Sako .300 Win Mag with a Swarovski rangefinder scope, I shot just low after misreading the reticle.
Lesson learned: Trust your PH, follow his instructions, and don’t let excitement override precision.
Black Wildebeest – An Unexpected Opportunity
Though not in my package, Nick offered a trade when we spotted an old bull with a younger companion. After a careful stalk, I dropped my first South African trophy at 160 yards.
Gemsbok – A 206-Yard Shot
Later, a herd of gemsbok crossed our path. Nick picked out the shooter, and at 206 yards, I anchored a beautiful gemsbokwith one clean shot.
Nyala – Textbook Stalk (244 Yards)
While pursuing kudu, we found a bachelor herd of nyala bulls. Nick led me into position, and at 244 yards, I dropped my bull instantly. Moments later, a kudu bolted just 10 yards away, but I couldn’t react fast enough.
Impala – Redemption
After missing an easy 150-yard shot, Nick calmly set me up for a second chance. From 260 yards, I redeemed myself, taking a fine impala.
Springbok – The One That Got Away
At near point-blank range, I missed a springbok. I blamed Nick jokingly for a “bad bullet,” but he smiled and kept us moving.
Kudu – Patience Pays
Nick is selective—only targeting mature, non-breeding bulls. We passed hundreds of animals over several sessions.
Finally, during Session 12, we found the right bull. After a tense 15-minute wait for a white-horned bull to clear, Nick whispered, “Drop the hammer.” My kudu went down, got back up, and required a finishing shot.
Fallow Deer – 160 Yards
After some early missed chances, Nick’s calm guidance helped me secure a beautiful fallow buck at 160 yards.
Waterbuck – The Grueling Climb (286 Yards)
This was my toughest stalk. Nick “encouraged” me up what felt like endless hills, claiming each was “just another 100 yards” (it was closer to 600). After a long wait, with a cow within 10 yards, the bull stepped out. Three shots later, he was mine.
Final Day – Warthog & Daniel’s Fallow Deer
On our last day, Ben helped Daniel drop a trophy fallow deer, while I closed my safari with a 386-yard warthog.
Food & Comfort – World-Class Hospitality
Elizabeth Bowker deserves her own spotlight. She and her team prepared gourmet-quality meals every evening, complete with desserts and sides that rival any high-end restaurant.
Her warm hospitality and care for the non-hunters in our party made the experience exceptional for the entire family—not just the hunters.
Why I Recommend Nick Bowker
For anyone considering a South African hunting safari, especially for plains game or first-time hunters, Nick Bowker delivers on every level:
- Affordable, transparent pricing
- Ethical hunting focused on mature, non-breeding animals
- A professional, friendly team that feels like family
- A historic, comfortable lodge with world-class meals
- Skilled PHs, trackers, and optional videography to capture the memories
This trip wasn’t just about eight trophies—it was about the relationships, the adventure, and the experience.
Before I “cross over,” I plan to return and share more hunts—and more laughs—with Nick and his team.
Thank you, Nick, Ben, Elizabeth, Nadeen, Purin, Steven, and everyone at OliveFountain. You truly are the best.
