JOURNEY INTO THE HEART OF AFRICA
Botswana’s Wild Heart
Botswana features diverse landscapes, including the expansive Okavango Delta and the semi-arid Kalahari Desert, which support a rich variety of wildlife. Known for its sparse population, the country boasts abundant wildlife, including plains game in its grasslands. Botswana’s national parks, such as Chobe and Moremi, are renowned for safaris, offering sightings of the “Big Five” and numerous bird species, making Botswana a top destination for nature lovers and conservation enthusiasts alike.
Our Story
The story begins with my father, Heinie Strumpher, a visionary with a passion for Africa’s wildlife and conservation. During that time, the company went by the name Yuba Safaris. Now, under my leadership alongside my wife, we have rebranded the company to HIM Safaris in honour of Heinie’s legacy.
Our name, HIM, represents Heinie, Ivan, and Milan—our three children who inspire our commitment to family values and conservation ethics. This change reflects our dedication to continuing my father’s passion for adventure and exploration while infusing it with a personal touch.
Hunting With Hounds
At HIM Safaris, our leopard hunts are a testament to the skill and dedication of our experienced trackers and highly trained hunting hounds. The pursuit begins with our expert trackers, who meticulously follow the elusive tracks of the leopard through the rugged terrain. These skilled individuals possess an intimate knowledge of the land and the behaviour of these magnificent predators.
As the trail grows fresher and we close in on the leopard, we release our specially trained hunting hounds. These dogs, bred and conditioned for this purpose, pick up the scent and pursue the leopard with unmatched determination, leading us to a successful and ethical hunt.
African Plains Game Hunting
Experience unparalleled plains game hunting at Saratoga, our private reserve nestled in one of the region’s most coveted wildlife havens. Very few places in the world can compete with the stunning scenery, diverse wildlife, and unique habitats that the Kalahari has to offer.
Imagine tracking the majestic orix, swift springbuck, and elusive kudu across the rugged terrain. Saratoga is the ideal camp from which to begin your safari in search of Africa’s most iconic plains game.
Controlled Hunting Areas
In Botswana, hunting concessions are typically allocated through a competitive bidding process managed by the Department of Wildlife and National Parks. These concessions grant the holder the right to conduct safari hunting activities within specified areas for a set period.
Concession holders are required to adhere to strict regulations regarding sustainable hunting practices, species quotas, and community benefits. HIM Safaris holds six hunting concessions in Botswana—namely KD/6, KD/12, SO/2 and CT/8 (elephants), which grant us exclusive rights to conduct safari hunting activities within these designated areas.
HIM Safaris contributes significantly to conservation efforts and supports local communities through revenue generated from safari activities.
Firearms & Safaris
Botswana has specific regulations regarding firearms and ammunition. Prohibited items include semi-automatic, automatic, military-style firearms, and handguns. You are allowed to bring a total of three firearms into Botswana—either two rifles and one shotgun or two shotguns and one rifle. Each rifle must be of a different calibre.
You can carry a maximum of 100 rounds of ammunition per firearm, matching the calibres of the firearms being imported. If a hunter prefers not to bring their own firearm on safari, camp rifles and ammunition are available for use at an extra charge. This ensures compliance with local laws and regulations.
Each hunter must possess a hunting licence to shoot any trophy, which aligns with the quota for the hunting area in Botswana. It is crucial to specify the targeted animal species. Certain species, such as elephants and leopards, require additional CITES and/or TOPS permits, which we acquire for our clients.
