All reviews of 'Nick Bowker Hunting' (15)
Review score Based on 15 reviews
Excellent hunting experience
Great people. Nick is very knowledgeable about game species and very honest about trophy quality....he doesn't try to harvest first animals seen if he thinks there are better ones available. This is NOT a place where animals are raised on a game farm and imported just prior to hunting. Prices were cheap comparatively. Food was representative of local customs and culture which allows hunter to feel African experience. Overall a great experience and intend to go back.
Spectacular
Everything. The animals were amazing. The number, quality and their proximity made our hunt both exciting and productive. From the beautiful little Mountain Springbuck to our massive elands, shot 20 seconds apart, it was simply a rush every time we left the storied old place. The rhythm of hunting morning and afternoon was addictive, with every move of animal and man anticipated by Nick, the outcome of each stalk was left to the hunter. Had I been a better shot I would have brought home 10 animals in as many days. Nick skillfully put us in front of many beautiful species at reasonable ranges with the patience and persistence that helped me harvest a magnificent 30" waterbuck...after three tries at him! The game, food, room and board exceeded expectations and made for a trip full of indelible memories. I would do it again, tomorrow.
The only thing I didn't like about Nick's, was leaving.
Amazing Safari! Exceeded All Expectations!
From arrival to departure, Nick was amazing. We could not have asked for better accomodations, food, animals, guiding, companionship,value, etc. etc. As I stated in the title, this trip exceeded all of our expectations. Nick takes great care of his guests with teriffic food (different every day and always delicious), and wonderfully comfortable sleeping quarters (we stayed in a separate little cabin). The hunts were all amazing - we took great animals in each species we hunted (warhthog, impala, kudu, nyala, and gemsbok). Nick and Benjamin are experienced and talented guides - which resulted in exciting hunts and big animals. NIck's team did a great job with the animals once down, and his staff took great care of us. Added bonus: Nick and Benjamin are just really good people, and when you combine that with the thrills of hunting in SA, you end up with an unbeatable experience. Nick was easy to talk to (before, during, and after the hunt), and helped make this a painless experience from beginning (setup, planning) to end (getting us back to the airport, and helping manage the trophy care after). Nick and his team get our highest recommendation!
Excellent hunting experience
Plenty of game animals. Nick had a photographic memory of the terrain. I was amazed at how he can spot animals at a glance that I had to study with my binoculars to see.
The hassle and lack of systems in the airports to get you on your way. I recommend paying the VIP service available to get you through the process.
East Texas to the Eastern Cape
The PH's were extremely knowledgeable and their ability to spot, quickly and honestly judge, and effectively stalk game was incredible. The sheer volume of animals seen was mind blowing as well as variety (we saw 38 species of mamals alone). I could not be more pleased with Nick and everyone involved with Nick Bowker Hunting.
The flight was long but a very small inconvenience for the hunt of a lifetime!
Long awaited first African Safari
We were treated like family and had a great hunt every day. We took 20 animals over 9 days most would book in SCI. We took most of our animals on Nick’s property or within an hour from his house.
A different kind of hunt for Africa
This hunt is different from my past two trips in that, with low fence hunting, it was much more like hunting back home, though with a lot more game. In my past trips to Africa, we mainly road hunted, shooting near the vehicle, if not from the vehicle. With Nick we did a lot of spotting from a distance and then stalking to get in position, or even just getting out and walking ridge tops, spotting across the ridge and then sneaking in on the game. Nick was also great about getting me in close. I know some guys love long shots, but for me putting on a good stalk is a big part of the fun. I love getting in close and Nick was happy to do so.
While we all had a great time there are areas of improvements when comparing to my other trips to Africa. The facility could be better. A lot of furniture is warn and not comfortable, door handles were coming off and/or hard to close the door, and not much to look at or do between hunts on the grounds. It would be great to have lounge chairs outside for relaxing between hunts. A larger beverage selection would be a plus, only had one type of light beer, and two whiskies to choose from. I would also say the lunch menu could be upgraded, and I personally would like all meats to be local game. It is easy for me to have beef, pork and chicken at home, but I can only get African wild game in Africa.
Great value and experience
Price obviously always enjoyable, means I can shoot more. I also enjoyed the large and multiple concessions they have so I did not feel like I was hunting the same spot everyday. Also the only place I have hunted in SA with 100% fair chase, we had a herd of Lechwe jump the fence on to land we could not pursue and had to move on to a new location. Greatest part was their working great with my 14 year old daughter and even more they worked to get me within 60 yards of a Sable, Lechwe and Warthog all I took with my new Bowtech RevoltX80 bow. That is some work when they do not put out food, they do not control water, have no blinds and is low fence, a real spot and stalk time.
The second flight was an extra cost and pain especially since I'm traveling with guns, kids and during COVID. But hey they served free beer at 10:00am on the flight so that helps kill the pain.
Excellent hunting experience
The whole stay in a friendly atmosphere, PHs very competent and helpful. The hunt stalking only in a very diversified areas. Very nice 5 days :)
Excellent hunting experience
If the Lord wishes, I will do the hunt again next year as I am 86 years of age. May bring family members along, next year.
The extra assistance given by the PH, Benjamin.
Prefer to eat dinner (supper) earlier.
Professional and ethical hunt.
For my sixth trip in South Africa and Namibia I choose Nick. This hunting trip was my best. The territory is crowded of animals. All the animals are in very good condition, wild and not so easy to approach that was exactly what I was looking for. We walk some hours every day to find the animals of my package and we were successful. Of course you will need some luck and we had but that's more due to Nick professionalism. We hunt in the plain and in the mountains witch was very different. The new lodge is wonderful and the view is amazing. Elizabeth cooking was delicious and various. I will come back with friends.
Nothing
Very nice safari
Everything
Nick Bowker Hunting October 2024
Nick and his staff were absolutely top notch. Food was amazing, lodging was amazing, equipment was amazing. Their knowledge and skills are unmatched. Will 100% be hunting with Nick Bowker again! The entire trip was way beyond my expectations, hunt with Nick Bowker and you will not be disappointed
Zero complaints!
Very nice all inclusive hunt
All inclusive pricing where everything was arranged for us. Both lodge and food were of extremely high quality.
Review score Based on 15 reviews
Jagderfahrung
9.9Unterkunft und Bewirtung
9.2Professionelle Jäger / Mitarbeiter
9.9Wildqualität
9.7Value for money
9.9