NEWS FROM KLAWERBERG - NAMIBIA 2009


We want to thank all our hunter friends for your continuous support through the years. We appreciate it sincerely. Even in 2009 we have not had a single cancellation, despite the world financial crisis.

We started hunting in the rain in February. As of regular follow-up showers it led to a lush and beautiful Klawerberg-Namibia. Even the Namib Desert has grass this year and the game is fat, healthy and multiplying. When we got the first frost in May, the green savanna changed to rich yellow plains like wheat to be harvested, beautiful. Of course the danger of veldt fires is a reality, but thus far we had been lucky.
In 2009 we again had been privileged to hunt and visit together with citizens from a variety of countries. Hunters, with their family or friends from Poland, Germany, USA and Canada, left Namibia as our friends, after having realized their dream of Africa. Our lives had been enriched by meeting you, thank you for visiting and hunting with us.

HUNTING SEASON
It became once again clear that there is no alternative for good shot placement. We can debate the different calibers for many hours, but what really counts, is shot placement. It happens that you are not in a good position or you are tired. Then it is not the calibre, but shot placement. It seems however as if the 300 Mag is doing well in our area. It was also clear that the well prepared hunters, who did a lot of shooting before, were most successful. We hunted a wide variety of species and I am proud that the waterbuck I introduced a few years ago is a success story. Their numbers are increasing and we shot top trophies. The habitat suits them well. Oryx, kudu, red hartebeest, springbok, the game that Klawerberg - Namibia is famous for, were well presented and strong trophies had been taken.

FAIR CHASE AND SHOOTING STICKS
To do a fair chase hunt is so rewarding and will be remembered for ever. It is however important that you condition yourself. Get yourself in shape and practice shooting from shooting sticks. We received three new, beautiful, custom made sets from Mark Mazenko when he made a return visit this year. Thank you again, Mark. They worked very well.

ANIMAL WELLFARE
Klawerberg - Namibia, situated in Central Namibia, is a very healthy area for animals. Together with the last few good rainy seasons the game multiplied. The only abnormal losses we had were when lightning struck one of the giraffes, named Wings. Cheetah and leopard activities cause regular losses too. They killed a waterbuck cow at the Gnu waterhole a few months ago. She was quite a well known character, as she regularly was seen lying at her favourite spot at the edge of the waterhole.

It seems as if the kudu has recovered from their epidemic. Their numbers are back to normal. The jackal got out of hand. There was an enormous increase in numbers and we shot many. It seems as if the cheetah population in Namibia is growing, as of the intense conservation programs. Sightings of cheetah and their killing of other game are becoming more common. As of the good rainy seasons the warthog numbers increased too. When you drive about, you find them all over.

We started introducing sable on Klawerberg - Namibia. It is a very costly process, but we hope that we will succeed and that you will be able to see them roaming our grassy plains.

SAFE AND STABLE
Namibia remains the safest and most stable country in Africa. A lot of credit must go to the Government which upholds our democratic constitution. We have elections for a president and parliament every five years. The next election takes place in November 2009. Namibia remains hunter friendly and therefore it is a very sought after hunting destination.

SELF-DRIVE TOURS
Hunters are increasingly accompanied by their families. After the hunt many hunters do a self-drive tour. The infra structure in Namibia is good and conditions are safe. As part of our packages we offer an add-on tour to destinations where some of the big five can be seen. It is very affordable and you can contact any of the underneath hunter friends for their impressions. Don and Ella Dunavant visited Etosha Game Reserve in August and saw 25 lions, 90 elephants, rhino and many, many more.

Matthew Walkiewicz - mattjw@kmts.ca

Uhli and Lisa

RIDGE BACKS We are very sad to have lost Uhli and Lisa, because of incurable diseases. They had been part of our lives for 8 years and we miss them dearly. At present we are raising a Ridgeback / Boerbull cross puppy. We call him Simba, because he looks like Simba the lion. He will be an instant favourite with everybody. We also await a thoroughbred Ridgeback puppy.

SOCCER WORLD CUP 11 JUNE UNTIL 11 JULY 2010 IN SOUTH AFRICA. FLIGHT RESERVATIONS
Please note that above event will affect airfares and air traffic. They are expected to be increased up to more than double. Therefore you are advised to make your flight reservations as soon as possible.

As of the bulk in air traffic going through Johannesburg RSA, it may be wise to avoid it. Sky-miles can still be used for you return flight from USA to Europe.

Air Berlin also has a direct flight from Munich to Windhoek on Sundays and Wednesdays.

Otherwise you can negotiate with Delta Airlines which will have scheduled flights from USA to Johannesburg RSA.

The following travel agents rendered good service to our hunters in the past. They will gladly assist you with all your travel arrangements. If the dates of your safari need to be adjusted with a day or two, you can contact us, or ask them to contact us. We are committed to assist you to realize your Dream of Africa, by coming to Klawerberg - Namibia.