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My first trip to South Africa was great, my second trip to Namibia with Bergzicht Game Lodge (PH Hannes du Plessis) set a new level and expectation for future hunting trips that will be hard to beat by any other hunting lodge. I can truly recommend Hannes, his staff as the most professional people I have hunted with before. The service, staff, food, lodge, equipment, animals was all top notch (we requested wild game we shot and got it for lunch and dinner every day. I made a special request for Kudu tongue in cream sauce and guinea foul we shot and got it. Went to Joes Beer Hall and had the best Zebra steak ever, its the little things that count that makes a hunt to remember. We shot a total of twelve animals (All met SCI Gold Medal Standards, two of which were a 56 1/2 and 57 inch Kudu Bulls). We wanted Mountain Zebra, which we shot three, and Hannes made a special trip to another hunting concession (Old s chool friend) to obtain them, and show us another part of Namibia, the mountain ranges. We met several farmers in the area, made new friends and had some great conversations over scotch and water. Hannes's wife, family and Hannes make you feel as if your part of the family when your their. How great is this place, on May 14th, 08 I will arrive on my birthday (61st) and set on the front porch with my scotch, cigar, and watch the sun set with my brother of the blood Bob and two nephews. Oh, we are also booked for 2009 and 2010, hope we will cross paths. Please call me any time for recommendations. Allen Strup, Tel: 360-459-3577
I and my close friend booked a 2 week hunt with Hannes at Bergzicht. It was wonderful from beginning to end. We hunted in mid-May, the weather ranged from warm to cool. We found the hunting to be challenging with many long stalks which we desired (and a few short ones which were fun too). The land was vast. There was lots of game. Between us we brought back 16 trophies, 14 were gold medal and 2 were silver medal. The species were both wildebeest, kudu (I took one 58.5 inches), gemsbok, springbok, Hartmann's and Burchell's zebra, red hartebeest, impala, and blesbok. We were a little concerned before going about fenced game hunting, as we have always been fair chase. Not to worry, 100 square miles was very fair chase and great hunting. The accommodations were marvelous, the food excellent, the company great. Hannes and Gerri have wonderful staff working for them. It was our first trip to Africa and it exceeded our highest hopes, Hannes and Gerri run an absolutely first class hunting lodge. I am working on re-booking. Thank you very much. Fritz Hoenke, Marquette, Michigan, USA
My business partner and I hunted in Namibia in September of 2007, and I found the entire experience to be an incredible and enjoyable time. Hannes expertly got us on game and we both harvested trophies of a lifetime. The accommodations at the ranch are absolutely first rate. Their beautiful home and the very friendly and helpful staff constantly make you feel right at home. The meals are expertly prepared and served and we were lavished with abundant comfort. I have nothing but the highest praise for everyone involved in this operation. Hannes and Geraldine are some of the nicest and most interesting folks I have ever been able to meet, and I will gladly return soon to enjoy one of life's great experiences! Roger Smith
THIS WAS THE BEST VACATION THAT I HAVE EVER TAKEN. I say vacation because I would go back (and will in 2009) even if they didn't offer hunting. Hannes, his family, staff and accommodations are beyond compare. I felt completely at home even though I was half way around the world. Hunting the Bergzicht ranch was like the "first" and "best" hunts I've ever had… everyday! I saw more free roaming game than I could have ever imagined and there was no shortage of true trophies either. The only thing that I would change about the whole trip is that I would definitely take my wife the next time. Jayme Simmons
My first safari to Africa was with Bergzicht Hunting Lodge in Namibia in 2007 and our group had an outstanding time. Our hunting success was beyond expectations (many gold medal animals), the wild game we had for meals was exquisite and the staff, accommodations and overall service was superior in every aspect. I really could not imagine how it could have been better, maybe if my hunting buddy Al didn't miss that easy 80 yard shot on a baboon. By all means, make sure you take in the mountain zebra hunting. Our party of four are headed back in 2008 to the Bergzicht Hunting Lodge to celebrate my son's college graduation and there is no doubt we will experience similar results. Although I have had the desire and the opportunity to book hunting trips in other parts of Africa with other companies, I am hesitant to do so because quite frankly I don't think they can match the overall value and experience that Hannes and his lovely wife Geraldine can offer. Robert Bernardi
My son, brother-in-law and I hunted with Hannes in April 2007. They made our first African experience a very special treat. The accommodations are first class, the food is excellent, the staff is most attentive to your needs. Each and every hunt was fantastic. The six animals we harvested were all excellent trophies to include a 60" Kudu! I don't think it would be possible to have a better experience hunting for African plains game than at the Bergzicht Hunting Lodge with Hannes, Geraldine and staff. I've already booked my second hunt. Mike Reese, Augusta, Georgia USA
WHEN WE WENT TO NAMIBIA WE HAD HEARD THAT WE WOULD FALL IN LOVE WITH THE COUNTRY AND WOULD ALWAYS WANT TO GO BACK, WHAT WE DIDN'T EXPECT THOUGH WAS TO FALL IN LOVE WITH OUR HOST FAMILY. FROM THE MOMENT WE GOT THERE UNTIL THE MOMENT WE LEFT IT WAS THE BEST VACATION/HUNTING TRIP/EXPERIANCE WE HAVE EVER BEEN ON. THE ACCOMADATIONS WERE PERFECT FROM THE GAME LODGE TO THE SERVANTS THAT WERE THERE FOR ANY AND ALL YOUR NEEDS. WE HAD GREAT TRACKERS, AND PROFESSIONAL HUNTERS. I WAS HARD TO IMAGINE HOW MANY ANIMALS AND DIFFERENT SPECIES YOU WOULD SEE IN A DAY, YOU SEE IT ON T.V. BUT ITS HARD TO BELEIVE UNTIL YOU SEE IT FIRST HAND. WE HAVE ALREADY MADE PLANS FOR OUR 2009 TRIP, AND DEFFINATELY PLAN TO TAKE MY BOYS WHEN THEY GET A LITTLE OLDER, I DON'T WANT THEM TO HAVE TO WAIT AS LONG AS I DID TO SEE AFRICA. HANNES AND GERALDINE TAKE GREAT PRIDE IN MAKING SURE THAT THERE GUEST ARE COMFORTABLE AND HAPPY FROM THE MOMENT YOU ARRIVE. THERE ARE A LOT OF DIFFERENT PLACES IN AFRICA THAT I WOULD LIKE TO SEE IN THE FUTURE, AND I WILL SET THAT UP WITH HANNES TO HUNT A LITTLE BIT AND THEN SHOW US SOME MORE PARTS OF THE COUNTRY AS WE DID ON THERE LAST TRIP TO THE UNITED STATES. ANY QUESTIONS SOME OF YOUR INTERESTED READERS WOULD LIKE TO ASK, I WILL BE MORE THAN HAPPY TO SHARE MORE OF MY EXPERIANCE WITH THEM. EUGENE GRAEME
We would like to say we had an excellent and most enjoyable trip to Namibia, Africa while staying with Hannes at Bergzicht. We came over as a four some. My sister Barbara and her husband Roger and my wife Sharon and I (Marc). Arizona is very similar in vegetation and temperature so we felt very at home, however the animals we saw were magnificent. Sharon and Barbara came with us each day to take pictures and enjoy the Namibian country while Roger and I hunted. Hannes was an exceptional guide and his trackers and skinners were helpful and knowledgeable in tracking and skinning. I shot an Oryx, Kudu, Springbok, and Warthog. They each had their challenge and sport. Back at the game lodge we couldn't have asked for better care and the food was a delight. We enjoyed the servants in the home and they even made special dishes which were native to their country with the game meat. The Cheetahs were an added adventure to be able to pet them and see them up close while feeding. The weather was a delight as it was over 39 C in Tucson Arizona and only 1C while in Namibia. We had a full moon that will also be remembered. Geraldine was a wonderful hostess and enjoyed a delightful lunch in town with her at the end of our stay. Hannes did more than we would ever have expected during the hunt especially in helping make connections to see Etosha Game Preserve. We would highly recommend the Bergzicht Game Lodge.
When our hides and skulls and horns arrived in the USA the care had been excellent in preparing and shipping. I would like to say thank you again for a memorable experience one that will be a highlight for years to come. Sincerely,
Marc Wainwright
Truly a remarkable and memorable hunting experience. If you like to stalk and hunt hard, Bergzicht will produce spectacular trophies. Hannes is an extremely knowledgeable and congenial PH who is most enjoyable to hunt with. I took Gold Medal qualifying Kudu, Black Wildebeest, Hartebeest, Oryx, Springbok, Impala and Warthog. The Black Wildebeest is currently in the 30-day waiting period to be re-measured for Namibian Top Ten. The lodge accommodations are extremely comfortable and attractive. The staff takes excellent care of you, and the food is wonderful. For sure, you will not starve. Excellent wines are always available, and the lodge setting is magnificent. Hannes and Geraldine are always ready to organize interesting side trips and shopping opportunities. They are gracious and attentive hosts. I am already thinking about my next trip, which I hope and expect to be very soon. I highly recommend Bergzicht for both the novice and experienced hunter. Thorne, Landon K.
My entire experience at Bergzicht Game Lodge was wonderful. From the moment we left the plane in Windhoek until we returned there was not a hitch. The housing was comfortable, the food was delicious and the hunting was outstanding. We were presented may opportunities to harvest gold metal trophies and when I missed I was not scolded. Would I go again? You bet I would and I will! Del Mixon
I have hunted in Africa three times and in September 2005 I decided to hunt at the Bergzicht Game Lodge with Hannes. I knew the minute I arrived that I had made the right choice. The hospitality was outstanding and the Lodge atmosphere and quality of animals made this my best safari yet. I took a great Mountain Zebra, a Duiker, a very good Blesbuck and fulfilled my goal of taking a very good Ostrich. The excellent hunt was complimented by the wonderful facilities, the delicious food and the hospitality of Hannes and his wife Geraldine. When we left we felt as though we were leaving lifelong friends and we are already planning our next visit. Dale Matthews
As this was my first trip to Namibia, I looked forward with anticipation to new country and new animals. Bergzicht proved to be an excellent choice. We enjoyed a wonderful stay in the comfortable facilities provided by Bergzicht, as well as the delightfully elegant and delicious meals. All of our needs were anticipated in advance and graciously met. And, we saw an abundance of animals, both familar species and new ones. Trophy quality was excellent, and the terrain made for exciting hunting. I will never forget stalking a herd of Hartmann Zebras we had spotted from over a mile away. The dust in the red sky as they burst into view out of the sunset was one of those hunting experiences that stays with you always. I can heartily recommend a stay with Hannes and Geraldine. Bob Deveny, President, SCI Portland, Oregon Chapter.
My hunt at Bergzicht with Hannes in Namibia was outstanding. Having been on three previous safari hunts in Zimbabwe and South Africa the accommodations would be considered the best and the feeling of home was from Hannes, wife Geraldine and their two wonderful girls. All the staff were polite, cheerful and most interested to your every need to even include polishing the boots from the days hunt. And speaking of the hunt, my original plan was for a mountain zebra and caracal which expanded over the course of days to include black wildebeest, blesbok, steenbok, aardwolf and another warthog that when showing its picture goes a story. That warthog was so old and so fat with such large tusks that trouble in had in removing the film from the camera. The film was eventually removed with red streaks on either side of the print producing a portly portrait.
Having previously taken kudu, red hartebeest and gemsbok in South Africa I resolved not to go hog wild with all that was available for larger trophies though plenty of opportunities were presented.
Tom, my hunting partner and good friend got a black back jackal, zebra, springbok, duiker, blue wildebeest and blesbok with either 22 magnum or 300 Win.Mag.
Memories also of Cheetahs, ground squirrels, secretary birds, roughly fifty ostrich (including 2 clutches of eggs containing 14 in one and 19 in the other) along with franklins, doves and fowl in abundance.
Point of interest on beverages. Tom takes no alcohol while I enjoy my scotch. A special run to Windhoek resulted in Diet Pepsi to fill Tom's likes while several brands of scotch were already at Bergzichts' along with fine South Africa wines. Doug Warner
I hunted with Hannes in late Aug. of 2004 and from the time Hannes met us at the airport with cold drinks, until we left a week later, this was one of my most enjoyable hunting trips ever. I can't say enough about how Hannes, his family, and staff worked to make us feel at home with excellent accommodations, meals, drinks, and hunting. I was able to take a black wildebeest, blue wildebeest, red hartebeest, springbuck, blesbuck, mountain zebra, kudu and baboon. All of my animals scored gold medals and this is a testament to the skill of Hannes and his guides as well as his dedication to proper game management on his property. This was a true "spot and stalk" hunt (no high fences) with all of the challenges that come with such a hunt and make such a hunt a memorable experience. I'm looking forward to going back for another African hunt. Glenn D. Sosebee
Our hunt was very successful the Mountain Zebra adventure was a full day of great stalking and hunting. We also took a very old bull Giraffe just and amazing animal. The accommodations are first class. The food was 5 Star. The host, all the PH’s and trackers are some of the finest in all of Africa.
The sundowner was a great surprise, they made us feel so special I thank them very much. They accommodated my father to the fullest extent. Hope to see them soon. Larry Kolek
My boyfriend Gary and I returned from our "Bergzicht Experence" just over six weeks ago. I know that we daydream about it still. Hunting at Bergzicht is not just a hunting experience,it is a feast for all five senses and sometimes all six! It is truly an adventure that will stow away a part of your heart in Namibia forever. Hannes and Geraldines wonderful hospitality,accomodations,staff and meals leave no stone unturned.The guest comes first. The hunting is most exciting and never without surprise.Within our eight day visit both of us succesfully harvested zebra,oryx,kudu,blue wildebeast,hardebeast and springbok.Six animals each! All animals were trophy quality and some were Gold Medal quality. As a woman hunter,I can vouch for the fact that any man,woman or young hunter would be very comfortable here. This is a hunting experience for those clients who appreciate being appreciated! Joan Palarino and Gary Engkjer
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