Rasland African Ventures, South Africa
Rassie Erasmus is the founder member and Outfitter of Rasland African Ventures. He grew up on a farm in the former Rhodesia, now known as Zimbabwe, where he lived his passion for the outdoors. He is one of only a few people with almost 30 years of membership with the South African Hunters and Game Conservation Association. With his vast experience as a professional guide together with his knowledge of people as well as the African bush, Rassie strives to provide his clients with the experience of a lifetime in Africa.
Rassie hunts in several concessions in South Africa from Dullstroom in the east, Vaalwater in the north and the open plains of the Eastern Cape and the Richards Bay area to complete any hunters quest for their “Tiny Ten!”
Rassie organizes sight-seeing tours for hunters and non-hunters through some of the most beautiful parts of South Africa. Whatever your interests may be, he will plan every aspect of your visit, from arrival to departure, on a personal basis, giving you the opportunity to see and experience the tranquility and beauty of the country.
Our prime area in South Africa is:
MAJEJE OPEN HUNTING AREA (Letaba on the map)
This 42,000 hectare (104,000 acre), piece of paradise, is well situated and is in close proximity of the Kruger National Park. This open hunting area allows wildlife, including the Big 5, to wonder freely throughout these properties.
The mighty Letaba River, which flows through this area, is a green oasis in the surrounding mopane veld providing a great haven for Hippo and Crocodile. Letaba, which means “River of Sand” in Sotho, is an appropriate description of this essential watering hole for animals inhabiting this area. The river provides intermittent galleries of forest thick with sycamore, fig, tamboti and sausage trees where you are likely to encounter an elusive Leopard or Lion!
This area is well known for its large herds of Elephant and Buffalo, as well as Giraffe and is also a known hotspot for African Wild Dog sightings. Hunting of exportable Elephant ivory up to 55 pounds per side and bigger is permissible while Buffalo trophy sizes greater than 40” are possible.
On a clear night, the Southern Cross and other constellations are the back-drop to the symphony of sounds filling the air. Vying to be heard are crickets, cicadas, frogs, fruit bats, owls and nightjars, punctuated by the cackle of the Hyena, the grunt of a Hippo or the occasional rasping of a Leopard!
However, all are silenced by the mighty roar of the Lion, “The King of the Savannah!”
Accommodation
Mbaula Lodge, Majeje Open Hunting Area
Accommodation will be provided in Mbaula Lodge, which is situated on the banks of the Letaba River. There are six brick under thatch cottages, each with en-suite bathrooms and an associated splash pool. An enclosed kitchen/dining area has an adjoining deck and fire pit/barbeque area. Large trees shade the main deck, providing the perfect place to sit and watch the frequent animal activity in front of camp.