Why hunt in Namibia?
Jean Marc is an experienced and well-travelled hunter: "I hunted for many years in Cameroon and South Africa. The extraordinary density of animals in this Namibian hunting territory, the links created over the years with the guides (François Robberts and Gottfried in particular) made me come back several times in Ozondjahe."
Practical firearms advice
Jean Marc’s experiences echo those of many other international hunters travelling through airports with firearms. "Customs formalities may cause delays so I do not bring any more weapons - important bill for transport of rifles with Air Namibia, and uncertainty of recovering weapons through Johannesburg." Once Jean Marc took his rifle, a 300 Winchester Magnum, but now hires a 300 Winchester Magnum, "rented on the spot: perfect weapon".
The hunting excitement increases on the journey from the airport
François Robberts, head of Ozondjahe guides, warmly greets Jean Marc in Windhoek airport. He tells all4hunters, "the man is a funny guy with eagle's eye, he will definitively have you discover 'his Africa' with passion." Jean Marc and Francois travel three hours to Ozondjahe. "The temptation to sleep during the trip was greatly hampered by the interest aroused from the exit of Windhoek with the animals on the road along the fences: baboons, warthogs in large numbers, impalas, wildebeest, some greater kudus, giraffes and even sables."
Jean Marc tells us about the location of the hunting area: "It is located at the foot of the Waterberg, whose pink walls in the rising sun will delight the eyes each morning along the track. The farm is 2 hours’ drive from the famous Etosha Wildlife Park and 40 km southeast of Otjiwarongo."
Ozondjahe hunting lodges
Guest comfort is important to Ozondjahe, "The lodges are spacious, the decor is beautiful, the vast beds are dominated by the capes here of zebra, elsewhere an impala couple. The Lapa with its bar and its large living area are guarded by an immense giraffe cape, and a skull of a greater kudu.
The aperitif at the sundowner or during supper will leave unforgettable memories with animals coming to quench their thirst 50 meters away at the illuminated water hole: zebras, wildebeests, impalas, oryx, warthogs and waterbucks."
July hunting temperatures in Namibia
Ozondjahe is malaria free, and during winter there are no mosquitoes. Jean Marc told us, "The hunt starts around 7:30, the territory is at an altitude of 1600 meters, it can get rather cold first thing, but from 10 am to 16:00 pm the temperature averages at 20."
Hunting territory and the moon
Jean Marc explains, "The territory is varied: large grassy plains, shrub plains, plateaus, medium size mountain, the Peak (popular territory for kudus and Dik-Dik). The big dams are the meeting place for wildebeest and often oryx, impalas, zebras (Burchell and mountain). The density of animals is incredible. It is generally said that we must choose periods without a full moon, which I did until July 2018: surprise! I saw as many animals as during the moonless period. I shot impala, blue and black wildebeest, oryx, baboon, zebra, duiker, cape eland, springbok, leopard, and the coveted cheetah.
The hunter’s big reward
Jean Marc’s patience was rewarded: "The ostrich and the three kudus hitherto peaceful near the point of water take off, the bush is empty. The minutes seem long and here appear two big cheetahs. Their approach is long, cautious, a few meters each time. An hour before sunset, in full light, I would shoot a big male. Happiness shared with my guide and bestowal after so much effort."
For the love of Africa
Tracking the animals and approach on foot is Jean Marc’s favorite mode, "I always preferred to use the soles of my shoes and tear my shirts on thorns. The heart beats faster when you are in direct contact with the bush. The very long 'silent dialogues' with my guide: the fresh track shown by the finger, the drop of blood on a leaf, the birds, the plants, the insects, everything is a source of happiness in discovery, treasure for the photographer and the lover of Africa".
Dream Hunt
Jean Marc shares his dream hunt and a romantic dream, "I have two dreams: a great eland in Alaska, and meet with my wife, the big dams of Ozondjahe in the light of the rising sun."
For more information please visit Africa-Hunting-Safari.com
Here you will find links to all other contents of our "Dream Hunt series" on all4hunters.com:
- Dream hunt: wild boar hunting in France with David Gauthier
- Dream hunt: magic in Croatia
- Dream hunt: hunting chamois in Slovenia
- Dream hunt: hunting waterbuck in South Africa
- Dream hunt: hunting in Latvia
- Dream hunt: hunting in Namibia
- Dream Hunt: hunting in New Zealand, South Island
- Dream hunt: hunting in Australia
- Dream hunt with Ryan Baudhuin: duck hunter, photographer, videographer, and adventurer
- Dream hunt: alligator hunting in Louisiana
- Dream hunt: upland bird shooting in Illinois, USA
- Dream hunt: white-tailed deer hunting in Illinois, USA
- Dream hunt: moose hunting in Sweden
- Dream hunt: affordable hunting in Sweden
- Dream hunt: bear hunting in Alaska
- Dream hunt: hunting caribou and Dall rams in Alaska
- Dream Hunt: red stag stalking in Scotland with traditional Highland ponies
- Dream hunt: driven and walked-up grouse shooting in Scotland
- Dream hunt: dove hunting in Argentina
- Dream hunt: goose shooting on Orkney with Raymond Shearer
- Dream hunt: hunters shooting high-flying driven partridge in Spain
- Dream hunt: Balearic Boc hunting in the mountains of Majorca
Who is Linda Mellor?
Linda Mellor is one of Scotland’s foremost shooting, fishing and hunting female writers and photographers. She is the product Ambassador for Venator Pro, a premier hunting company and stockist of the European brand Hillman. With a lifetime of countryside experience, Linda’s passion, enthusiasm and respect for the outdoors and hunting is explored and shared across her writing and photography.
For more information on Linda Mellor, please visit Linda Mellor's website, Twitter (LindaMellor) and instagram (linda_mellor)
