HUNTER’S TRAIL PRESENTS
BUSHCAT SAFARIS
Eastern Cape • Karoo, Coast & Bushveld
Outfitter & Professional Hunter: Warren Venter · Professional Hunter: Evert Bezuidenhout
There is a corner of South Africa that hunters keep coming back to. In the space of a single day you can glass a Vaal Rhebok on a Karoo mountainside at first light and track a grey ghost of a kudu through the coastal thornveld by afternoon. This is the Eastern Cape, the most varied hunting country in the country, and it is where this outfitter has built its name.
It is also true free-range hunting. The outfitter hunts across tens of thousands of hectares of open, low-fence conservancy and concession country, game and cattle ranches, Karoo plains, mountain streams and dense coastal forest, where the animals live wild and wary, exactly as they should. Every hunt is run on fair-chase principles, in carefully chosen, low-pressure areas, with a stated focus on quality over quantity. The operation is Fairchase Certified, and the hunting areas are malaria-free and require no vaccinations, a small detail that matters enormously to families and first-time African hunters.
The operation is the work of Professional Hunter and outfitter Warren Venter, alongside PH Evert Bezuidenhout and the family and team around them. They are known for tailored, day-rate safaris built around the individual hunter rather than an off-the-shelf package, and for a return rate that speaks for itself — roughly nine in ten guests come back. Hunter's Trail has personally vetted this outfitter and is proud to recommend Warren and his team as one of our selected outfitters. Wild country, ethical hunting, genuine hospitality, and a range of species that few outfitters can match — this is the safari on offer here.
the Hunting Grounds
This outfitter does not hunt a single fenced ranch. Instead, Warren and Evert hunt across a spread of free-range conservancies, private estates and concessions, most of it low-fence, open country, anchored by a network of lodges and camps positioned close to the terrain and species each hunter is after. In practice this means one safari can move between several distinct ecosystems, chasing the right animal in the country where it belongs.
The grounds divide broadly into three worlds:
The Coast & Valley Bushveld – around Grahamstown (Makhanda). Rolling thornveld, riverine bush and dense coastal forest: classic walk-and-stalk country for Eastern Cape Kudu, Bushbuck, Nyala, Impala and a wide plains-game menu. This is the home ground of Lukanyo Lodge, the outfitter's base.
The Karoo – the high, dry, star-filled interior. Open plains and mountain at the foot of the TafelBerg, prized for Springbok, Gemsbok, Mountain Reedbuck, Vaal Rhebok and Blesbok. This is where Thornsprings Lodge sits, with free-ranging kudu and springbok across the surrounding concession.
The Dry Belt & Conservancy Country – the transitional country between coast and Karoo, and the low-fence conservancy around Ford Outpost, a spread of game and cattle ranches hunted on foot for kudu, gemsbok, blue wildebeest and the smaller antelope.
For hunters chasing species outside the Eastern Cape, the outfitter also operates Leeuwfontein Lodge in the Limpopo bushveld near Lephalale.
the hunt
Hunting with the outfitter is a fair-chase affair in the fullest sense. The country is open and free-range, the cover is real, and the game carries the natural wariness of animals that have never been reduced to a paddock. Trophies are earned on foot, through glassing, patience and bushcraft, in low-pressure areas managed for quality rather than volume.
Warren Venter is the heart of the operation: your outfitter, your Professional Hunter, and often your host at the fire. He and PH Evert Bezuidenhout tailor every safari to the individual, the species you've travelled for, the way you like to hunt, and the pace that suits your party. The outfitter's own position, put plainly, is that the best safari is a customised one.
The style the outfitter is known for is free-range, low-fence, walk-and-stalk hunting, with long-range opportunities where the country opens up. From demanding Karoo mountain hunts to patient stalks through coastal bush, there is quarry and terrain here for every level of hunter.
the hunt
species available
This operation offers one of the broadest species menus of any of our outfitters, spanning mountain, plains and dangerous game.
Plains & mountain game: Eastern Cape Kudu, Gemsbok, Burchell's Zebra, Blesbok, Impala, Springbok, Blue Wildebeest, Nyala, Bushbuck, Waterbuck, Mountain Reedbuck, Vaal (Grey) Rhebok, Common (Grey) Duiker, Warthog and Bushpig.
Dangerous game: Cape Buffalo, hunted across several of the outfitter's areas.
Certain species including some of the small antelope below, and any dangerous game, require additional permits and, in some cases, sit on a waiting list. As a rule, permit species are best booked around a year in advance to secure a spot. The outfitter manages permits and TOPS applications on the hunter's behalf at the time of booking.
The Tiny 10
For the dedicated collector, this outfitter offers a rare prize: a genuine run at the Tiny 10, Africa's smallest and most elusive antelope. Six of the ten are available right on the outfitter's Eastern Cape doorstep in carefully managed areas — Grysbok, Blue Duiker, Klipspringer, Common Grey Duiker, Oribi and Steenbok.
Several of these (Blue Duiker, Oribi and Grysbok in particular) are permit-controlled and sit on a waiting list, so they reward planning well ahead — around a year in advance is the rule of thumb to secure the permit species. For the collector, this is one of the standout reasons to hunt with us.
the hunt
hunting methods
Rifle hunting is the mainstay – walk-and-stalk and spot-and-stalk across free-range, low-fence country, with long-range opportunities where the terrain suits. Game is found over waterholes, along mountain streams, at boreholes and natural springs, with the approach tailored area to area. For hunters who shoot long, ranges are provided, with opportunities out to 1000 metres where the country opens up.
Bow hunting is offered year-round, with the prime months running May through September.
the hunt
A Typical Day in the Field
The rhythm flexes to the hunter and the country, but a typical day tends to run like this. Out early, while the game is moving and the wind is kind, glassing the Karoo slopes for reedbuck and rhebok, or working the coastal thornveld for kudu and bushbuck. Back to camp mid-morning for a proper brunch, then out again through the afternoon until last light.
If the hunt keeps you out over the middle of the day, a packed lunch goes along, more often than not a lunch braai (BBQ) in the field, or a ready-to-go meal with something sweet to follow when the hunt takes you into the mountains.
Evenings belong to the fire, sundowners, the day's stalks retold, a traditional South African dinner, and the next morning's plan already taking shape.
the hunt
Group Size & Guiding
Every hunt is guided personally by Warren Venter or Evert Bezuidenhout, both qualified Professional Hunters, supported by experienced trackers and safari vehicles. The outfitter keeps parties intimate, a maximum of six hunting guests at a time, which keeps the hunting personal and the camp relaxed. One-on-one and two-on-one guiding are both arranged, and non-hunting companions are warmly welcomed.
THE LODGE & CAMP LIFE
Accommodation is matched to your hunt. Because the outfitter works across several regions, your lodge is chosen to sit close to the terrain and species you're pursuing, cutting travel time and keeping you immersed in the hunt. At the main lodges you'll find en-suite rooms, daily housekeeping and laundry, a swimming pool and Wi-Fi, and a bar that's included in your package (with your PH, more often than not, doubling as barman). The style runs from nostalgic tented camp to modern lodge, none of it air-conditioned, all of it comfortable, and every table taken seriously. The one exception to the pool-and-Wi-Fi comforts is the off-grid fly camp and it's all the more memorable for it.
Lukanyo Lodge
The base lodge, near Grahamstown. En-suite rooms, a swimming pool and Wi-Fi, within easy reach of both plains game and buffalo, in comfortable striking distance of the outfitter's coastal and valley bushveld hunting country.
Thornsprings Lodge
A historic Karoo homestead at the foot of the TafelBerg, with a swimming pool and Wi-Fi. Home ground for springbok, gemsbok, mountain reedbuck and blesbok, under some of the darkest, most star-filled skies in the country.
Ford Outpost
A fly camp that steps back into the romantic era of safari. It's off the grid, with solar power for charging phones, no mains electricity and no Wi-Fi — a true bush camp, usually a two-night stay depending on the species you're after. There's a splash pool in camp and the Indian Ocean close by for a swim, along with hot water, warm beds and outstanding food (chef Justin's kitchen — and, if you're lucky, Warren's own bush cuisine).
Ufumene Lodge
A five-star retreat not far from Port Elizabeth, offering plains game and buffalo with a level of luxury that feels almost surreal in the wilderness.
Leeuwfontein Lodge
Luxury chalets in the Limpopo bushveld near Lephalale, for hunts arranged outside the Eastern Cape.
the table
Food is a point of pride at every camp. Expect traditional South African cooking and plenty of game meat, a proper three courses of starter, main and pudding at the lodge in the evening, brunches on return from the morning hunt, and a lunch braai in the field when the day runs long.
Before you arrive, your group is sent a short list to note any allergies or dietary requirements and your drinks preferences, so the kitchen and bar are ready for you. The bar is included and kept stocked with wine, gin and whisky, sparkling and still water, soft drinks (Coke, Fanta and Sprite) and fruit juice.
FOR FAMILIES &
NON-HUNTERS
The outfitter actively welcomes families and first-time African hunters, with safaris built around comfort, confidence and safety. The hunting areas are malaria-free and require no vaccinations, the camps are relaxed and secure, and non-hunting companions have the lodges, the scenery and the surrounding country to enjoy while the hunt is on. For many guests, this combination wild hunting for one, a genuine holiday for the rest of the party, all in a safe, malaria-free setting is exactly why they choose the Eastern Cape.
TROPHIES & TAXIDERMY
Field preparation of every trophy skinning, caping and salting is handled by the outfitter's team in the field. Dipping, packing, taxidermy and international shipping are arranged with trusted providers and billed separately, with mounting most commonly completed by the hunter's preferred taxidermist at home. The outfitter's preferred taxidermist is Timoland Taxidermy in Port Alfred, though you're free to use another of your choosing or none at all.
FIREARMS & AMMUNITION
Guests are welcome to bring their own rifles, and the outfitter assists with the import paperwork, handled on arrival in Johannesburg.
For those who prefer to travel light, rifle hire is available, including:
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.300 Winchester Magnum
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.375 (CZ)
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6.5 Creedmoor
Ammunition for hired rifles is supplied and charged per the price list. Most shooting is done off sticks, with a shooting bench available for sighting in when needed.
GETTING THERE
The main gateway is Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha) — Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport, with Warren or Evert collecting guests directly from the airport or airfield. International hunters bringing their own rifles typically arrive first into OR Tambo International (Johannesburg) to clear firearm paperwork and overnight, then connect to Port Elizabeth. A charter service can be arranged where the safari type or area calls for it.
The outfitter is also well used to travel going sideways: they've driven to Johannesburg to collect clients after a missed or cancelled connection, and will help re-book where needed.
PACKAGES & PRICING
Every safari with us is bespoke, tailored to the hunter's chosen species, method, duration and group. Rather than fixed retail packages, the outfitter's honest recommendation is a day rate plus trophy fees, which keeps every hunt flexible and priced to the trip you actually want. Safaris typically run from a minimum of 8 nights / 10 days.
A typical safari includes:
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Licensed Professional Hunter guidance
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Lodge or camp accommodation, selected for your hunting area
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All meals, soft drinks and bar
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Daily housekeeping and laundry
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Field preparation of trophies (skinning, caping, salting)
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Airport/airfield transfers and in-field transport with qualified trackers
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Use of swimming pool and lodge facilities
Generally not included, unless stipulated:
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International and domestic flights
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Rifle hire and ammunition (optional)
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Trophy fees (per species)
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Dip, pack, taxidermy and international shipping of trophies
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Permits for protected or specially regulated species
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Travel and medical insurance, gratuities and personal expenses
CONTACT & ENQUIRIES
To book a guided hunt, or to request a tailored quote: