GoedeHoop Hunting Safaris

Johan,such a wonderful experience was our hunt with you. You have such a good area,beautiful terrain but especially such an abundance of trophy animals.I think of it often replaying the trip in my mind. We recently painted our trophy room and needed to store my mounts elsewhere for a while. The gemsbok,springbok and impala are now looking down above the entrance in our local outfitting store,and I’m now known as “Bwana”.The Kudu and Blue wilderbeast are still in my office.Your guiding expertise, your dedicated staff especially the bushmen trackers), the lovely lodging and game meals (we ate what we shot),all contributed to the wonderful experience. I highly recommend Goedehoop Game Ranch to all who want a first class African hunting adventure. Martin Stallings NC USA

We are South African “biltong” hunters – we hunt for the meat and not for the trophies. While hunting on surrounding farms and on Johan’s farm we have stayed at Goedehoop on two occasions. Quite a few of the memories I’ll cherish sitting on the verandah of “House Autumn Leaf” one day will come from Goedehoop: The most memorable shot that I have ever shot was on this farm. It was a troublesome Eland that Johan specifically wanted me to shoot. I think it damaged the fences or something. After tracking it for a long time and later cornering it in one of the corners of the farm it came running past me at close range. I shot it while running past me at full speed. The result was spectacular.Elfie, Johan’s beautiful blonde wife, is the most energetic/ bubbly personality I have ever met! No words can describe her personality sufficiently.The other memory I will cherish until “House Autumn Leaf” days, is a dinner that Elfie prepared for our group on one of the Kalahari Desert sand dunes on the last evening of one of our stays. The staff made a bonfire. We ate the Kalahari mushrooms that the Bushmen collect from where they grow under the sand, while Elfie prepared the traditional Southern African “potjiekos” dish for us.That evening, being so close to raw untouched nature, very far from civilization and being the only people utilizing a very very large chunk of one of the most beautiful parts of our earth, made me realize how lucky I am to be an African.

I dreamed of a Safari in Africa for years. Johan and Elfie made those dreams come true far beyond what I imagined, which is saying a lot. I hunted for close to 3 weeks with every day being an adventure and just plain fun! Took marvelous representative animals of 9 species and couldn’t have been happier with the quality and the handling of the trophies. What wound up on the wall was great, but the lasting memories of Johan, Elfie and the staff was the real trophies that I will always remember and cherish. Their care and concern for you as a person and friend was far beyond what you might expect as a client. You can’t do better as a first time visitor or experienced hunter than Goedehoop.

Dear Elfie and Johan,It is good to hear from you. I often think of my hunt on your beautiful ranch and your warm hospitality. If you recall, i wrote an article about Namibia and my experience with you. I’ve included a copy below. please feel free to use any part of it on your website and attribute what you use to me if you like. When my grandsons are a little older, I would like to return with them for another hunt.AlHUNT NAMIBIA

Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolle selected Namibia to have their baby over all other African countries and for good reason. It’s safe, beautiful, very clean and politically stable. Try it for your first or next African hunt for a wonderful experience. Namibia is a country about 1.5 times the size of Texas with a population of 1.8 million people. This is a sparsely populated nation were you can drive for 100 miles almost anywhere without coming to an intersecting road, and the roads by the way are surprisingly well maintained. It is bordered by Angola to the north, the Atlantic Ocean to the west, Botswana to the east and South Africa to the south. Most of the country is 3000 feet or more above sea level with a very dry climate. The landscape reminds me very much of Arizona. A great thing about Namibia is that there are few insects (never saw a mosquito), no malaria except in the far north. Since there is little surface water, most drinking water comes from deep-drilled wells and hence is safe to drink right out of the faucet. There is little worry about Montezuma’s revenge there. In fact, the country is very clean with no road litter, no graffiti and the public restrooms at the airport and roadside service stations are as clean as in your own home. Another plus to Namibia is the photo safari opportunity it presents. One of the largest game reserves in Africa, Etosha, is located in the north central part of the country and encompasses more those 4.5 million acres. It is well populated by all of the interesting game animals of Africa. The west coast of Namibia is a desert with the highest sand dunes in the world towering over 1000 feet in height. This dramatic landscape is not to be missed. Getting to Namibia is easy. It’s a sixteen-hour flight from New York to your connecting flight in Johannesburg and another two hours on to Windhoek, the capital of Namibia. I flew South African airways and was very pleased with the service. If you overnight in Johannesburg as I did, stay at the five star D’Oreale Hotel, a few minutes walk from the airport terminal. It is located in the Emperor’s Palace complex which has a world class casino for mommy and daddy and a great amusement park for the kiddies should you be traveling with the family. Gun entry into Namibia is a breeze. Just fill out a simple form at the airport, have your gun serial numbers checked and you are on your way. Just be sure to have your US Customs document with you for reentry into the USA. My partner, Walter Spahr, and I hunted with Johan Moolman, owner of the 56,000 acre Goedehoop ranch near Aranos in the Kalahari of eastern Namibia. The ranch borders Botswana with game roaming back and forth between the two countries despite the fence erected by the two governments to stop the spread of hoof and mouth disease. It is an arid land with rolling hills and grassland with more than enough vegetation to make the hunting quite a challenge. Our hunt in March, the last month of the “rainy season” and the first month of the hunting season, found morning and evening temperatures in the mid 60’s and a warm mid 90’s with a good breeze most afternoons. This was a nice change from the snow in my Connecticut hometown. I have hunted in ten countries on three continents, and my experience at the Goedehoop Ranch was the best of any. The quantity and quality of the plains game, the accommodations, the food, the friendly family atmosphere and the efficiency of the operation was a joy to behold. The ranch is low fenced which is typical of both Namibian and South African hunting areas. All of the plains game easily jumps these fences and everything else goes under or through them. Game movement is comparable to the free range game of say Botswana. Daily sightings of trophy quality kudu, gemsbok (Oryx), springbuck, blesbok, hartebeest, zebra, giraffe, warthog, wildebeest and others were the norm. My partner and I collected every species we came for in just four days of hunting including kudu, zebra, warthog, gemsbok and springbuck.

Johan Moolman, in addition to being an excellent PH, is also an accomplished photographer. He painstakingly sets up every trophy and then takes the most impressive hunting pictures that I have ever seen. His equipment is all first class from the new eight passenger Mercedes van used for airport pickup to well equipped Toyota pickup hunting vehicles. Johan uses two experienced bushman trackers on every hunt. Their game spotting and tracking abilities are unbelievable. On our first day’s hunt, I am embarrassed to say that I slightly wounded a magnificent kudu bull in low light conditions with a shot that I shouldn’t have taken. We returned the next morning to find only a few drops of blood that were impossible to see in the red sand except for the bushman’s keen eyes. There was not much else except tracks, tracks, tracks of kudus and other game animals. There are so many animals on Goedehoop that tracks and droppings are everywhere. As upset as I was for wounding the Kudu, I was looking forward to seeing the bushmen in action. They set off at a half trot with me behind wondering how they could distinguish one set of tracks from another. I lasted about five minutes before returning to the following vehicle. The tracking went on for three hours through sand were tracks were visible, through thick brush and grassland were to my eye they disappeared completely. During the three hours, the Bushmen told the story of what was going on in the life of that kudu. He was lightly wounded; he stopped and laid down here; he was joined by two other bulls there; he stopped to eat here; he separated from the others there. He is very close, and suddenly there he was! The chase went on for another half hour before the opportunity for a clear shot presented itself. It took three shots from my .300 Win Mag, all of them killing shots, before this magnificent animal fell. That same day, my partner and I each took record book gemsbok, an unbelievable second day of hunting. All of the trophies we took were either Safari Club International silver or gold medal with most being gold medal. After finishing our hunt, my partner and I went on a five day photo safari. We started at the dunes on the west coast near Walvis Bay. They are spectacular making the dunes at the Cape Cod National Seashore look like ant hills. We then visited several game lodges all beautifully appointed and unique in their own way. We finished at Etosha and saw unbelievable concentrations of wildlife including a close encounter with an elusive leopard. Our exclusive use guide was Herman Neethling, owner of Herman’s Safari Adventures. His company arranges custom safari tours at a reasonable price. Herman is very knowledgeable about the flora and fauna of Africa in general and Namibia specifically. He also is well versed in history and geology of the country.

Hunting Namibia in the Kalahari desert which is home to the Bushman tribe, whose ancestors were the first known inhabitants of the sub-continent. The veldt craft and hunting skill of the Bushmen are legendary and their tracking skills will leave you astounded. You will have the opportunity to meet these amazing people and see their traditional dress and dancing. Imagine yourself quietly, patiently, intently stalking the grey ghost of Africa. You can live out your dreams here in the Kalahari region of Namibia. Southern greater kudu, eland, gemsbuck, springbuck and other unique species call this special place home. This vast 56,000 acres of natural habitat consists of camel thorn tree savannahs, with rolling grass and dense bush. Our outfitter has access to over 180,000 acres of prime free-range hunting ground.

You will dine on traditional cuisine in the African style Lapa overlooking the swimming pool while the sunset entertains you with an unbelievable display of color. The spacious quest rooms have en-suite bathrooms. Along with the game, this is a bird watchers paradise and the sense of freedom will make you want to return again and again. It is the ultimate Kalahari experience. Sundays are non-hunting days and are spent learning tracking skills from the Bushmen. Other fun activities are available like horseback riding, tennis or simply relaxing around the pool. "I had such a good time on the hunt. Johan's knowledge and the tracking skills of the trackers added to the overall experience. This hunt has been a life-long dream since I first started reading Field & Stream and Outdoor Life as a boy of 10 years of age. I can truly say the reality of the hunt exceeded my dreams."

"I know Jim has already let you know how much we enjoyed our hunt, but I wanted to write a note as well. I am a non hunter, but accompanied Jim on the trip. Initially I did have concerns about the accommodations, food, water and activities but I quickly realized them to be unfounded. We were treated with such hospitality and warmth. The lodging was excellent and the food even greater. Elfie always went out of her way to see that my every need was met and that I always had an activity to do if I wanted. Her desire to have fun and unique activities was experienced every day and evening. The staff was always courteous and kind and attentive to our every need. I think anyone considering taking a spouse and children on this trip would find it a most enjoyable experience for everyone. I know Jim was truly happy with the abundance and quality of animals on the ranch. He is so happy with the trophies he was able to take. The outfitter truly represent Cabela's high standards."

Sorry I haven't made contact earlier concerning my hunt at Goedehoop Game Ranch. When we left Johan and his family we were booked for a 2 week tour of south Africa with Tauck Tours. We got back Wednesday June 18th. Beth's birthday was yesterday, and we were busy celebrating her special day. Contacting you today was a priority for me. I can't tell you how much we enjoyed the hunt. The Moolman family were so nice. They were attentive to the smallest details. Everything was just perfect. My wife, Beth is a non hunter. Beth did accompany me on 2 of the hunts and enjoyed the experience . Elfie took very good care of Beth when she was not with me. If a hunter wanted to bring their spouse or family on a hunt this is the ranch they should hunt. The staff at the ranch were so kind and helpful. We stayed at some 5 star hotels on the rest of our trip, and we believe we were treated every bit as good as the hotels we stayed at during the trip if not better. We also believe we left the Goedehoop Game Ranch with having made friends with some very special people. Johan is a honest and ethical man. His character speaks volumes as to why someone should book a hunt at his ranch. The equipment was in good working order, and the attention to details on every aspect of the hunt was most impressive.

In addition to the hunt we rode bikes, went horseback riding, rode in a donkey cart. and went giraffe watching. The experience will be one of my fondest memories. I had such a good time on the hunt. Johan's knowledge and the tracking skills of the trackers added to the overall experience. This hunt has been a life long dream since I first started reading Field & Stream and Outdoor Life as a boy of 10 years of age. I can truly say the reality of the hunt exceeded my dreams. I was successful in taking: Impala, Kudu, Gems-buck, Blue Wildebeest, Spring-buck, and a Mountain Zebra. Johan said to report to you the animals I took, and you would due a final invoice, and settle up with him. Johan took some very nice photos of the hunt. Please feel free to use any of the photos taken to promote the Goedehoop Game Ranch. If you will notice in the photos I was wearing the Cabelas Ball cap you sent when I booked the hunt. Unfortunately I left the cap in Johan's truck when he dropped us off. I really did like that cap, so If you could get me another I would be very grateful. Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help Johan with the promotion of the Goedehoop Game Ranch. Warmest Regards, Jim McGregor (850) 377-0705

I know Jim has already let you know how much we enjoyed our hunt with the Moolman's, but I wanted to write a note as well. I am a non hunter, but accompanied Jim on the trip. Initially I did have concerns about the accommodations, food, water and activities but I quickly realized them to be unfounded. We were treated with such hospitality and warmth. The lodging was excellent and the food even greater. Elfie always went out of her way to see that my every need was met and that I always had an activity to do if I wanted. Her desire to have fun and unique activities was experienced every day and evening. The staff was always courteous and kind and attentive to our every need. I think anyone considering taking a spouse and children on this trip would find it a most enjoyable experience for everyone. I know Jim was truly happy with the abundance and quality of animals on the ranch. He is so happy with the trophies he was able to take. Please feel free to give my name and number to anyone concerned about this hunt. The Moolman's truly represent Cabelas high standards. Respectfully,

Johan/ Elfie I don't know where to begin as this trip far exceeded my expectations. Thank you does not seem to be enough to express my gratitude for the great experience that you and your staff afforded us. You allowed us to share your home and farm while treating us like family. This was truly a trip and adventure of a lifetime. Your care for your staff, the land and the animals is to be commended. I look forward to returning and will recommend Goedehoop Game Ranch to many of my friends and associates. Attached is a letter of recommendation that I hope will be of help with new clients. Please forward my thanks to Darby, Bulla, Claude, Yanna, Nicki, Claus, Shorty and the rest of the staff. Drop a crumb on the ground for Cassie. Thanks again and God bless you, your family and Goedehoop Game Ranch.

Greetings Johan and Elfie. I miss you both already. Thank you both for a fabulous time. The time with you both was by far the most rewarding , inspirational and satisfying of any other trip i have been on. Your efforts, thoughts, quality time and prayers have made me your best friend for life. My Pat says that i look heavier from your cooking, so she knows you took good care of me. And yes you did. I am embarrassed to say i cannot find my invoice of the hunt. Please send me another copy and i will quickly wire the money. best wishes and love to both of you. Vinny