Willem F. Mans Safaris - Namibia

                                                                       By Kevin Burdick

  In August2008 I had the opportunity to return to Africa.  I went to Namibia because I wanted a remote wild

  experience.  My outfitter was Willem F. Mans at the Kumkum Ranch in southern Namibia.  This was a true

  hunting experience.  He has a vast amount of land. This trip is all hunting, all the time.  Willem and his wife

  are wonderful hosts.  We hunted hard for 8 days. This is a spot and stalk hunt.  Willem and his trackers are

  experts.  We have all heard stories about trackers and their abilities, but when you see the professionals in

  action, it is difficult to describe.  It was worth the trip just to see these guys work.

  There are many animals on the property but the land is so vast, harvesting your prey is not automatic.  You

  have to work for what you get and that is the way I like it.  I did not fire a shot for a couple of days but I

  was able to come home with a springbok, gemsbok, zebra, kudu, klipspringer, jackal and an African wild cat.

  As you would you expect, we ate primarily wild game and it was wonderful.  Marita is a very good cook.

 The Kumkum Ranch is fairly remote so don't expect cultural sightseeing.  It is not the typical African terrain

  that you think about when you think of Africa. The landscape is somewhat reminiscent of the high desert

 of the western United States.  The ranch is about 800 miles from Cape Town and I would recommend a

 couple of days there before or after the hunt.  Also, if you want to do any other sightseeing, such as a

  game park, this should be scheduled separately. When you hunt with Willem, you spend your time

  hunting.  He will take you eco-touring on the property, which includes the Orange River, if you wish.

  This was a nice hunt and it was affordable.  Willem is a great guy and he will make every effort to make your

  hunt what you expect.  Check out his website at www.kumkum.com.na