Happy New Year!  Wild Footprints wishes you the very best of fortunes, more fine experiences and fond memories in the year ahead.  Whenever in doubt or stress, get yourself on safari and refresh your senses.  Take those positive steps, fulfill your desires and achieve those goals.  Let nature and the wilderness give you the energy, peace of mind, patience & perseverance to perform to your best and reflect on life’s finer sides. 

Karibu Tanzania…  Safari Tanzania…

We have bid farewell to the old bull and are working on protecting his domain for many more to follow.  The 2008 season has been a very good one and it looks like the glory days of the Kilombero are soon to return.  Big game hunting, especially buffalo, hippo, crocodile and elephant has never been better.  Healthy herds and big numbers roam the valley.  Elephant numbers are rising dramatically, though just a handful of big tuskers occupy the area at present.  The tusker situation can only get better.  Buff, Croc and Hippo are found in abundance and only exceptional specimens taken as trophies.

Our cats are recovering fast and the leopard situation is without a doubt better than it has been in years.  Every bait was hit, with confirmation of at least eight big toms in the area.  Various females have also been registered, especially out of our Riverside Camp.  The lion scenario is also only getting better, with the youngsters of 2007 all being accounted for and also confirming the presence of three very old nocturnal males.  In our 2008 hunts, they never let their guard down and we missed out on all the big boys.  Paul Jelonek of Bundu Safaris did get a fine specimen and that is the only lion taken for last season.  We hope to attempt the old boys again this season and expect to get them as well as two more old boys found lurking on the fringes of the concession between our two main camps.  For sure this season is going to be the year of the leopard for us, but watch this space for some good old Kilombero Simba’s.

Riverside	Catfish

Buffalo fever is back in the Kilombero and in a BIG way…  Two 44” bulls stole the show, but it was simply an awesome buffalo season for us, with numerous bulls over 40” and more importantly, old bulls, with big, solid bosses being taken and many more still roaming the valley.  Plenty to look forward to in 2009 – confirm your hunt bwana!

HIPPO	TROPHIES
BUFFALO	CROC

In summary, we had a very positive season and are excited about building on it with more funds and effort being placed on our off season conservation program.  Our booked clients can look forward to a great hunting experience and some excellent trophies this season.  Wild Footprints continues to surpass all your expectations – Karibu!