Testimony by Walker Family

The origin of the word “Safari” is rooted in Swahili and translates to undergoing a great journey.  My journey started several years ago upon hearing the countless tales surrounding a previous buffalo hunt from my father.  The passion and joy that resonated in his voice during these stories ignited an interest pursuing my own Safari.

The start of our adventure was a strange one.  During the pandemic shutdown endless research into outfitters drew me to the Quagga Safaris team.  I was lucky enough to win a donated auction and subsequently meet the team in person.   We were immediately impressed with their knowledge as well as the passion with which they pursued their craft.  We have since been fortunate enough to visit the Manketti Reserve in 2022 and 2024.

Upon arrival, we were welcomed “home” to Africa.  This seemed peculiar at fist having never been there; however, with time the meaning became clear.  Erik and the Quagga team take tremendous pride in their preparation and attention to all detail to make all feel welcome.  Through management with a clear vision, and with the help of the wildlife biologists, the Manketti Reserve bucks the reputation of South African Farm hunts.  Since assuming management of the 56,000 acre property, the majority of fences in the Reserve have been removed.  As with true fair chase hunting, I often found myself on a stalk for hours without ever seeing a road.  In addition, through careful planning, the genetics contained on the Reserve are pristine yielding record upon record representations of plains game species as well as buffalo.  Rest assured that every animal hunted on the property was born on the Reserve and not “placed”.

While conservation practices and “the hunt” are paramount to Quagga, love for their home shines in many other ways.  Countless opportunities were available to experience and engage the local culture and community.  The nightly candlelit dinners were delightful with cuisine prepared by the forever charismatic chef Lucky.  Community outreach is offered through support of local orphanages and schools as well as scholarship programs to educate the youth in support of sustained and ethical wildlife management.  The ability to participate in such opportunities is a wonderful way to further support our new home.  Multiple other activities are available and ensure that both hunters and non-hunters alike will have an unforgettable experience.

Another concept that was evident during our stay was the strong importance of family.  The Quagga team works effortlessly to include all clients into their “Quagga Family”.  Furthermore, clear respect and appreciation was shown to all members of their community including the local trackers, drivers, skinners, and people that do so much while behind the scenes.  The effect that Safari had on our own family was also undeniable.  During our recent multigenerational trip, the ability to watch the bonding between Grandfather and Grandson was worth its weight in gold.  We will have years of fireside tales reminiscing over the many magical moments on the Manketti.

Hemingway once penned “I never knew of a Morning in Africa when I woke up and was not happy”.  That strikes true, as there was never a morning when I did not smile.  I am forever grateful for the privilege to call the Manketti my home and to be a part of the Quagga Family.  Our family looks forward to continuing our Safari experience with Erik and the Quagga team.  Without hesitation, I recommend all seeking ethical hunting in a truly magical environment to start their Safari journey with Quagga Safaris on the Manketti Reserve.

-Peter, Paul, Pete Walker

Testimony by Dana Peterson

The African bug hits different for many. For me, it started as a young boy, dreaming of the day of hunting on Safari. Never realizing that someday these dreams would become reality. I had always had the perception that safari hunting was only for the ultra-wealthy. I later came to learn that that is far from the truth. I first met Erik, and the Quagga Safaris team in 2012. After several conversations at a convention, I felt the chemistry and knew that these were the people I would entrust my first Safari with.

As the saying goes once you’ve had your first safari, you will do whatever it takes to go again and again and again for the rest of your life! Fast forward to today and I have had 6 Safaris now with Quagga Safaris, and have today taken 60 plus amazing Big Game trophies. As I sit here, writing this, I am freshly home from my most recent Safari, my second for 2024. This year I had the good fortune of being the first party in camp, and now the last. This gave me the opportunity to see not only the diversity of the ecosystem, but how well managed the conservation program that Quagga Safaris and Manketti has put in place.

From the great care and protection of this diverse landscape, to the scientifically driven wildlife management plan executed flawlessly by the Quagga Team and the Wildlife Biologists of this Manketti Wilderness Reserve, I am in awe. As a hunter/conservationist, it is extremely important to me to know that the animals that I am hunting are sustainable, having been bred, born and have spent their entire life on this property. Under Erik’s care, the wildlife populations not only are increasing in quantity, but in health and quality! I salute you my friend!

The experience that the Quagga team has put together is nothing short of incredible! Being in the hospitality, industry, myself, I am very impressed with the attention to detail! From the accommodations, to the meals, the preparations before, and after your hunt, no stone has been left unturned. Highlights include the camp itself with your own private chalet and outdoor rainforest style shower. Your meals which are 5 star, prepared daily by what has to be Africa’s best chef, Lucky. Every night, when sitting around the fire sharing stories of the day’s events, it’s always a highlight when Lucky comes out to announce what he has prepared for your evening meal. The Eland steaks are by far my favourite meal in the world!

While the hunting aspect is incredible, time at Quagga Safaris is meant for the entire family. Your non-hunting spouse will also absolutely love the experience! My wife came as a non-hunter, but has now harvested five animals of her own! After our first visit to the orphanage, bringing them the meat from one of our hunts, she was so taken with emotion that she wanted to hunt something on her own to give to these kids. It’s definitely a humbling honour to participate in the Hunters Care program that Erik and the Quagga Safaris team has put in place.

Something that must be noted: this vast Manketti Wilderness Reserve, which is nearly 100 square miles in size, is not your typical South African Ranch Hunt. It is a true African wilderness hunting experience! You will certainly have to hunt hard, which only makes the reward all the sweeter!

I am already planning my Safari for 2025, and several after that! I can’t recommend more, and strongly urge you to consider what I now consider my Family at Quagga Safaris for your next African adventure! I hope to see you around the fire!

-Dana Peterson