Those who have not yet ventured into Africa before, have their expectations set from what they see in documentaries and have read in books. Some approach hunting as a once off expedition – something to tick off their bucket list. One has to remember that a hunting expedition isn’t only about taking home trophies – it’s supposed to be a fun outing out in the African wild, something only you can experience deep in your soul. We are pleased to introduce our new company in Botswana:

“Theron Safaris Botswana”.

Botswana has a landscape defined by the Kalahari Desert and the Okavango Delta and when Botswana lifted the hunting ban in 2019, Gerrie decided to go and obtain his Professional Hunter’s license in Botswana after registering the company, “Theron Safaris Botswana”. Gerrie also obtained his work permit and permanent residency for Botswana. We have obtained the N5 hunting area for the 2021 hunting season and are in partnership with the company who has the hunting rights on N4..



The “old style” safari camp is set up in the bush yet still very luxurious. You can expect fine dining at night after a hard day’s work to find the right elephant for you. With over 130,000 elephants, the largest population in the world, Botswana is the “Holy grail” for the serious Elephant hunter!

NG 4 & NG 5
Botswana is a land locked country of some 220 000 sqm in the center of Southern Africa plateau with general altitude of around 3000 ft above sea level. Gabarone is the capital of Botswana.

NG4 & NG 5 tourist hunting areas are two adjacent areas, situated, in the heart of the traditional Bushmanland, due East of Namibia – on the popular migration route to Namibia’s world renowned Bushmanland community based elephant hunting areas.

NG 4 – Xai-Xai is the most important village in the area, subsequently the hunting areas will be referred to as Xai-Xai, a San word meaning ”Popular place of Visitors”.

It also hosts the world famous Gcwihaba Caves which is also declared a World Heritage Site.

The Chief also resides in this village, due North of the hunting area and the community board is also based at Xai-Xai.

Xai-Xai, situated west from Maun and Southwest of the Okavango Delta, is easily accessible from Maun by road or charter flight if preferred (1.5-2 hours). It will be a 4.5 hour drive from Maun (382km).

The total size of the two areas together comprises of 1,375,931 ha (3,400,000 acres) or 13,759 sq km with a perimeter of 471 km (294 miles).

Xai-Xai is bordered by Namibia in the west, NG 3 in the north, NG 9 in the east and Ghanzi ranches in the south, south of the Kuke Veterinary cutline. The nearest town for basic supplies is situated about 280 km/175 mi from Xai Xai. Most supplies for your safari comes directly from Maun.

NG 5 – The larger area of the two is managed by the communities of Tsau, Semboyo, Makanung and forms the TSM Management Trust for this area. These communities again will benefit directly from hunters dollars as part of our pledge to protect Africa’s wildlife thru conservation hunting.

HABITAT & WILDLIFE:
Most of the country/terrain is very flat, coupled with very poor sandy soils and limited explorable minerals, with general marginal dry climate in the Western part of Botswana, the area does not lean itself very much to commercial farming, making tourist hunting the biggest generator of foreign revenue to the local communities.

The general vegetation is predominantly characterized by low tree and shrub savanna coupled with Kalahari woodland forests. These consist mainly of Manketti tree forests in the north west, with sparsely spread Apple Leaf trees in between, Acacia trees are also very prominent, including the ever impressive Camel Thorn tree, Marula forests to the south in the slightly more hilly country on the Namibian border provides a safe haven for elephants later in the season.

Baobab trees completes the typical African Bushveld picture, complimented with other species such as Buffalo Thorn, and the ever important Silver Cluster leave which makes out a very important part of elephants diet, together with the Marula tree forests.

The Aha Hills are located on NG 4, as well as the Gcwiahaba valley which boast a fossil river with six independent hills. There is rocky outcrops spread through out the entire concession, natural springs also occur which secure permanent water through out the year. Water sources are also complimented with boreholes. Natural Pans are also filled with rain water which typically lasts well into the hunting season after an average raining season.

The Southern and South Eastern parts of the area consists of a relative fair amount of savanna grasslands, and less hills, while more red soil type sand dunes in the North West which are sparsely grassed over.

MAP

The vegetation is perfectly orientated to provide the perfect habitat for the following species which you will be able to hunt (please note all species are quota restricted):
Elephant
Leopard
Southern Greater Kudu
Cape Eland
Kalahari Gemsbuck
Ostrich
Duiker
Steenbuck
Warthog and Baboons

Other Species that can be arranged for hunting on nearby private land:
Blue Wildebeest
Zebra
Impala
Giraffe
Red Hartebeest
Waterbuck
Springbuck

Elephants are generally huge in body, to the point that one has to be very careful in not underestimating the size of tusks, big tuskers are most likely to be encountered. When Citizen licenses where issued recently several good bulls were taken which we were able to research; sizes varied between 48 – 78 lbs, in a short space of time, many other big bulls have been spotted at waterholes at night time during patrols. We believe with enough effort and given the history of big tuskers taken in the Namibian Bushmanland, you will have enough reason to successfully hunt your dream tusker in this area on what promises to be an extremely exciting and traditionally challenging hunt.
In general, since these areas have not been hunted in the last 10 years, one can certainly expect awesome specimens of all the species available. However, traditionally these areas were also known for the monster tom leopards taken here, as well as kudu well into their 50’s/60’s. Gemsbuck of 40+ inches amongst huge bodied Cape Eland and other awesome species such as steenbuck and duiker – this promises to be a totally awesome and rewarding hunting experience.

TRAVEL:
Your arrival city will be Maun in the Northern part of Botswana. Generally the easiest way is to fly thru Johannesburg, but alternatively, arriving to Windhoek (Namibia) could be an option too. Most likely airlines to use these routes would be SAA, KLM, Qatar, Emirates and Air Botswana.

Visas are currently not required for Citizens from the USA, Spain, Italy, UK, Australia and Mexico. Please contact us for more details.

MEDICATION:
While Botswana is generally perceived to be one of the safest places in Africa to travel, however it has to be noted that the following vaccines are recommended, but not regarded as compulsory; Hepatitis A & B
Yellow fever
Typhoid
Cholera
Malaria is considered low risk in Xai-Xai and most of Botswana it is considered being more prevalent in the northern regions in the Delta.

RIFLE INFORMATION:
Maximum of 3 rifles per hunter and 50 rounds per caliber.