Testimonials
Donald and Teresa Cheatham with a record book Eastern Cape kudu.
Africa from the Perspective of a Non-Hunting Spouse:
When my husband told me he wanted US to go on a hunting safari in Africa, I quickly replied, “You want me to do what?” Hunting has never been on my list of things to do. Hunting in Africa was my husband’s dream, not mine. My dreams were of lying on the beach or perhaps shopping in Paris. WOW! Would I have made the biggest mistake of my life by not joining my husband. The excitement of rising well before daylight and waiting for the animals to emerge from the woods was indescribable. Nothing can prepare you for what you will get to see, hear and be a part of. My husband is now in trouble as he has a hunting partner. Look out Africa, I will be back! So don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone. Joe and Barbara Dabney will not steer you wrong when they tell you it will be a trip of a lifetime.
Teresa Cheatham
Arkansas 2009
Hunting in Africa has been a dream since I was a small boy, reading Outdoor Life and wondering what it would be like to hunt there. I now know, thanks to Joe and Barbara Dabney of Mankazana Safaris. This was the best hunting experience of my life. We were treated as if we were family from start to finish. From the time we stepped off the plane until our departure, Frans and his staff were there to make sure all our needs were taken care of. The scenery, abundance of wildlife, the wonderful staff and our friends make this hunting experience priceless. I will definitely be making a return trip to hunt and visit with my new friends in South Africa.
Donald Cheatham
Arkansas 2009
Danny and Connie Moser with an outstanding Eastern Cape nyala.
Joe and Barbara,
My hunting trip to South Africa was undoubtedly the greatest I have ever had. The hospitality and fellowship were beyond words. The biggest surprise was the mountainous terrain.
Mankazana Safaris has to be one of the top hunting services in South Africa. The camp staff and PH’s were very professional and the amount of game was unbelievable. When I go back to Africa it will definitely be with Mankazana.
Danny Moser
Arkansas 2009
Sherry Williams with her zebra.
Good Morning Joe and Barbara,
Words seem inadequate to describe the absolutely wonderful experiences encountered while on safari at Mankazana.
From the moment of arrival until departure, I was welcomed into a warm, homey, and especially comfortable environment. Frans was the perfect host and the PH’s waited on and spoiled us at every turn.
Thanks so much, Joe and Barbara, for the initial mobilization and unfolding of this memorable experience.
Sherry Williams
Arkansas
2009
Bobby Whiteaker with his 41" gemsbuck.
Deb and Bobby Whiteaker with Deb's gold medal white blesbuck.
Dear Joe and Barbara,
Hunting in Africa has long been a dream for both of us. You worked long and hard organizing our hunt, helping with the firearms permit application, providing us with a detailed list of clothing and equipment needs, and introducing us to a most wonderful travel agency. Even now you continue working with the USFWS to make sure our trophies are delivered to us.
We were met in Port Elizabeth by Frans Bussiahn, our outfitter, and our personal PH Anthony “Bully” Schenk, with whom we have become close friends. We got a pleasant surprise when we arrived at camp, The Stanly Lodge. We travel a lot, but without doubt this is one of the finest accommodations we have ever stayed at. The food was so great we tried to bring the cook/chef home with us.
We did indeed “walk and stalk the game,” resulting in our taking a combined 13 animals, many of record book quality. In the future, when we gaze at our many trophies the excitement of the hunt will return and we will again re-live each stalk.
Our hunt with Mankazana Safaris was everything we could have asked for. Many thanks for making our dream come true.
Bob and Deb Whiteaker
Arkansas
2009