Red Dust and Horns: Echoes of a South African Safari
Red Dust and Horns: Echoes of a South African Safari
By Amy Teale
As the sun set on the final night of my South African safari hunt, the sky darkened to reveal a canvas of countless stars. It was then, under the quiet brilliance of the South African night, that I began to truly reflect on my time in this breathtaking country. Through the tears and smiles, the highs and lows, this was the most challenging—but undoubtedly the most rewarding—hunt of my life.
I’ll confess: I had assumed my first South African safari hunt would be a walk in the park. What a massive misconception that turned out to be.
A Welcome to the Wild — With Basso Safaris
Our adventure began with the incredible team at Basso Safaris, led by our PH and Owner, Boris. From the start, it was clear that Boris was not only highly experienced, but also deeply respectful of the animals, the land, and the ethical foundations of hunting in South Africa. His calm presence and deep knowledge gave us both confidence and reassurance.
We started at the shooting range, brushing up on shot placement for the species we would be pursuing: zebra, gemsbok, impala, and golden wildebeest. I was surprised to learn just how different South African game anatomy is from the animals I’m used to hunting back home in Northern Alberta. After an afternoon of shooting and studying with Boris, I felt ready.
That afternoon, we sat in a ground blind, hoping my husband would have a chance to harvest a golden wildebeest with his bow. We had incredibly close encounters with an ancient Cape buffalo bull and a small herd of striking blue wildebeest. No arrows were released, but the experience left us buzzing with anticipation.
Following an unforgettable meal and campfire stories at the Basso lodge, we made our game plan: strap on our boots and begin the next day with a spot-and-stalk mission.
Close Calls and Quiet Giants
At first light, we headed into the South African bush. I was immediately in awe of the wildlife around us—sable, cape buffalo, impala, gemsbok, and zebra. But the animals were sharp, and the wind was working against us. We were busted on nearly every stalk.
Just as the sun began to sink, we executed a beautiful stalk on a small herd of zebra. A wildebeest blew our cover, but the zebra stallion lingered just long enough to offer a shot. I lined up my crosshairs on his shoulder, but with fading light and too many mares behind him, Boris and I chose not to pull the trigger. It was the right decision. That evening, back at camp, we celebrated the thrill of the chase—full bellies, full hearts, and high hopes for the days ahead.
Snakes, Buffalo, and Nerves of Steel
The next morning, we ventured out again. The encounters we were having left me speechless. We watched a stunning eland graze peacefully just 20 yards away. Moments later, we startled a small herd of Cape buffalo—again, dangerously close.
But the most heart-stopping moment came from something much smaller. While walking a game trail, I noticed something slithering ahead—a puff adder, one of Africa’s most venomous snakes. Boris hadn’t seen it. I froze, trying to alert him silently. He quickly took control, gently moving the snake off the path. Crisis averted.
Moments later, yet another herd of Cape buffalo bulls charged through the thicket—this time only 7 yards away. My nerves were officially fried.
The Gemsbok Hunt: Lessons in Respect
We pressed on into a dense thicket, and there he was—a magnificent gemsbok bull, standing broadside but partially obscured. I had to visualize the vitals. I took the shot. The bull dropped low and ran.
The sound of the shot sent the bush into chaos—zebra, gemsbok, and cape buffalo scattered in all directions.
With little blood to track and the footage showing poor placement, I was crushed.
Despite popular belief, hunters aren’t bloodthirsty thrill-seekers—we carry a deep respect for the animals we pursue. We feel immense responsibility, even remorse, for the lives we take. This hunt was no exception.
Boris, calm as ever, called in David, one of the best trackers in South Africa. Together with Boris, we now had the A-team from Basso Safaris on the case.
We tracked through thick bush for hours under the hot sun. We paused to refuel, and after a long, grueling effort, they located the wounded gemsbok. We were able to make a final, clean shot.
The relief was immense. The suffering was over, and this noble animal would now feed families for months to come.
💡 Gemsbok Fact: The gemsbok (Oryx gazella) is a majestic antelope native to Southern Africa. Known for its dramatic black-and-white facial markings and impressive straight horns—often up to 85 cm (33 inches) long—the gemsbok is a symbol of strength and endurance in arid climates. Despite harsh conditions, they thrive in desert landscapes by conserving water and feeding on moisture-rich plants.
A Shot at Redemption: The Impala Hunt
After the emotional gemsbok experience, I was determined to finish strong the next day. I set my sights on the impala, a graceful and elusive antelope known for its speed and alertness.
After several failed stalks, we finally found two rams grazing in tall grass. The conditions were ideal. We stalked within 90 yards. One ram stepped out. My hands trembled. The gemsbok hunt played on repeat in my head.
But again, Boris was there. He grounded me, helped me breathe, and guided me through the moment.
I squeezed the trigger.
The ram bolted. We followed the trail—pink, bubbly blood. A lung shot. Just 60 yards away, I found him. A perfect shot. A perfect moment.
💡 Impala Fact: Impalas (Aepyceros melampus) are incredibly agile antelope that can leap over 10 meters (33 feet) in a single bound and reach speeds of up to 60 km/h (37 mph). These adaptations make them exceptionally challenging game, as they rely on bursts of speed and unpredictable movement to evade predators—and hunters.
This was the redemption I had hoped for. A clean, ethical harvest that honored the animal and reaffirmed the values that guide my hunting journey
The Heart of South Africa
This safari was more than a hunt. It was a lesson in respect, patience, and humility. South African game animals are remarkably tough, with instincts and strength that command admiration.
This was the perfect way to conclude my first safari. My husband also harvested a stunning sable and a golden wildebeest, bringing our shared dream full circle.
South Africa has captured a piece of my heart. From the raw beauty of the land to the generosity of its people—and the incredible guidance of Boris and the entire Basso Safaris team—this was a journey I will never forget.
Knowing that our hunts played a role in conservation efforts, supported local communities, and fed many families made the experience even more meaningful.
I’ll return to Africa, without a doubt. But no matter how many hunts lie ahead, this one—my first—will always stand apart.
