Testimony by Mike Hill
As a young boy growing up in the Midwest in the mid 60’s, I had always dreamt about going on an African safari. I would always watch the old Hollywood safari movies and would read from cover to cover my grandparent’s monthly National Geographic Magazines, especially those issues that covered the Dark Continent.
Now, the big decision, which outfitter should I use to make my dream turn into a reality. I was referred by a co-worker to Erik Visser of the Quagga Safari Company. Early in 2015 at the SCI Convention in Las Vegas, I met Erik and his PH, ET. We made our hunting plans accordingly, which were to include a cape buffalo and a lion to start my initial conquest for the Big Five. At the last minute, Erik had a cancellation, and we added the elephant to the list as well. My plans were set! In August that year, I began my first African safari with the Quagga Safari Company. I was successful during the remainder of my first trip to Quagga Safari Company to acquire my lion and I learned my lesson about looking into the evil eye of a cape buffalo which wound up costing me five days of hard hunting. I finally achieved success, and I was fortunate that Erik was personally with me. I harvested other plains game during that time, but the real thrill was to harvest three of the “Big Five” animals on my first trip to the Quagga Safari Company! Well, I was totally hooked, but unfortunately, my work schedule started to interfere, and it wasn’t able to return until ten years later in August of 2025. This past August, I had the good fortune of being able to harvest my leopard and was able to achieve my final goal of harvesting a rhino on day one of our rhino hunt and complete my “Big Five”. I consider the team as very close friends, and they represents the professionalism and high standards that Erik promotes through the Quagga Safari Company. This is a first class, well run and organized safari company that thinks of every little detail to provide a most comfortable and pleasurable experience hunting in South Africa.
The Manketti Wilderness Reserve, which is nearly 100 square miles, is truly remarkable to see and to enjoy. Erik and the entire Quagga Safari team take great care in protecting the surrounding landscape of the reserve and the execution of the wildlife management conservation plans that have been developed in coordination with the wildlife biologists of the Manketti Wilderness Reserve. The Manketti Wilderness Reserve is extremely capable of sustaining large populations of various plains game, including cape buffalos. As a hunter, you are assured of an exceptional hunt in the pursuit of the finest quality game that is possible in South Africa. The accommodations at the Quagga Safari Company are truly unique with a private chalet for each hunting guest which includes an outdoor shower. The Quagga Lodging Team’s dedication to hospitality and your individual comfort are one of the finest experiences that you will encounter on your special African hunt. The accommodations, meals, and the preparations for your hunt before and during your stay there, is “Five Star”. Every evening the meal is prepared by their gourmet chef, Lucky, who goes through each item on the menu and always has something sweet for the Americans at the end of each dinner. I truly enjoy the before and after dinner setting, sitting around the fire talking with fellow hunters about their hunts and going over each day’s experiences. It is also a good time to have a scotch or two and a cigar. Last but not least, kudos to my wife, Lauri. She has been a big supporter of me throughout my “Big Five” conquest and truly enjoys her trips with me to Quagga. She is a big part of the experience and is a hunter herself. In the past three trips to Quagga, she harvested a total of 12 quality animals. Before this time, Lauri had never hunted or even shot a rifle! We are already planning our trip for next year, and for many years to come!
-Michael Hill
Testimony by Dana Peterson
I started my affair with Africa in 2012. From that first Safari, I was instantly in love with this land, its wildlife, and most importantly the people. Erik and the entire Quagga Safaris Team have become my Family. My home on the other side of the world.
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!
During the first couple Safaris, I took the path of most hunters new to Africa. I focused primarily on Plains Game, taking 15 exceptional trophies, all of different species. It is the variety of species that initially attracted me, coming from the Midwest, USA, and only having a couple big game species to pursue.
Fast forward to 2023. It was then that I set in motion to complete the Big Five. Never knowing what roadblocks may get in the way, whether it be health, or, more likely, political regulation preventing me from achieving this goal. Erik and I made a plan such that I could attain this noble goal in short order.
During the next couple years, we scheduled six different trips to Africa. Starting first with the Cape Buffalo on the vast Manketti Game Reserve Quagga calls home. From there we went to the Kalahari to track Lion on foot, which I enjoyed so much more than sitting over Bait. October 2024 took us to Northern Botswana for a giant Tusker. June 2025 were back in Botswana chasing Leopard with hounds. To say this method is exhilarating is a massive understatement! I then completed the Big Five with a Rhino in the Northern Cape of South Africa.
As you can see, regardless, of where the Hunt needed to take place, Erik, through his 35 years in the industry has the skill and relationships to always send me to the best places for the greatest opportunity of success.
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 solute you my friend!
In the middle of all, this, I added a monster Crocodile, and in May of this year, I will be back after a Hippo to complete the Dangerous Seven. To date, I have 76 exceptional trophies, with Quagga Safaris, and I’m just getting started!!
Whether you are new to Safari hunting or a seasoned veteran, I invite you to join me around the campfire at Quagga Safaris. You too will see why these people have become more than friends. They are family.