A Record Buffalo

The Majestic Bull and Deon (PH), Rafael (Hunter) and Hardus (Outfitter)

A buffalo hunt is always an epic experience. The end of last year gave us one of the most memorable hunts yet. Not only was this the biggest buffalo ever hunted by Phumba Safaris, but it also included a dramatic charge, scorching heat, and plenty of laughs to ensure this tale will be told for decades.

Rafael isn’t just any hunter. Over the last decade, he’s become family. Very often visiting the bushveld twice a year; once at the beginning of the season and in December taking on the bushveld at its hottest. Last December, it was no different. The thermometer soared to a blistering 49 degrees, but Rafael, as always, was ready.

This time, he had his sights set on something extraordinary: a massive old bull—the largest we’d seen in years. A trophy like this doesn’t come with the usual price tag, so Rafael wanted to lay eyes on the beast before making his decision. The bull had everything: boss, curl and wide.

When we approached the bull’s territory, the animal let us know immediately that we were not welcome. With a thunderous bellow, the bull charged. For a few tense moments, we scrambled for cover, hearts pounding and adrenaline surging. Luckily, no one was hurt, but the encounter sealed the deal for Rafael. This was the bull he wanted.

The Hunt Through the Heat

Tracking a buffalo in December is no small task. The bush was dense, alive with summer growth that turned the landscape into a green labyrinth. The air was thick and heavy, the heat oppressive. But Rafael was determined, and we pressed on through thorn and thicket.

When he finally got his chance, the shot went wide. The bull disappeared into the dense underbrush, its pride wounded and its temper boiling. We knew it wouldn’t go far, but finding it again in that thicket would be like searching for a needle in a haystack.

Deon, our PH, hatched a plan. “I’ll climb a tree,” he said, already sizing up a sturdy branch. With the agility of a monkey, he hoisted himself up, scanning the bush from above. After what felt like an eternity, he spotted a flicker of movement in the undergrowth.

The Bull of a Lifetime

Guided by Deon’s sharp eyes, Rafael closed in. This time, his aim was true. The bull fell, and as the dust settled, we all stood in awe. At 47.5 inches, with thick, majestic bosses, it was the largest bull ever hunted with Phumba Safaris—a trophy that would be talked about for years to come.

That evening, as we gathered around the campfire under a canopy of stars, Rafael raised his glass. “To the hunt,” he said with his favourite gin in his hand, his voice tinged with satisfaction and pride. “And to the bull that made my memories all worthwhile!”

Rafael’s story reminds us why we return to the bushveld, season after season. The adventure, the challenge, and the stories that become legends—these are the moments that define a hunter’s life.