Ed Mays Safari

Ekland “My Safari” By: Ed Mays
When I received a call from Ron Bartels almost a year ago informing me that the NC Triangle Chapter of SCI had nominated me for the 2009 Pathfinder Award and I had won, I was speechless. Mr. Bartels continued to tell me that a companion and I would be going on an all expense paid safari to South Africa. He told me about all the other wonderful contributions from SCI sponsors that went along with the safari. I have to admit, it was overwhelming. After months of anticipation, my wife Mary and I were off to Reno NV for the SCI Convention. In Reno, Eva Wilson, Ron and Jackie Bartels made sure we were very well taken care during the convention. Mr. Bartels introduced us to Yawan Kayali, owner of Ekland Safaris, who would be hosting our safari in South Africa, Thomas Ochsenbein, owner of Highveld Taxidermy in South Africa had donated the taxidermy work, and John Meehan of Fauna and Flora Custom Brokerage who would make sure everything was shipped right to our front door. I also received a $500 gift certificate from Cabalas. We were hoping our two teenage sons Paul and Alan might be able to come along on our safari. I asked Mr. Kayali if we paid for their accommodations could they accompany us. Without hesitation, he asked us one question, “Do your son’s hunt?” My wife answered, “Absolutely!” Mr. Kayali said no charge. This safari is for you and your family to enjoy.” We paid for our son’s airfare and expenses in London and France, it was money well spent. Ekland Safaris really made it the hunt of a lifetime for our family. I had never been to Africa before, all the animals we saw every day was amazing. We saw all of the big five animals while driving around on the most diverse, beautiful property I have ever seen in my life. The lodge was beautiful and everything was accessible for my wheelchair. It was perfect. My son’s and I harvested 14 animals in just 8 days, and my wife snapped thousands of pictures. We would have harvested all our animals in 6 days, but the Mountain Reedbuck became a real challenge for me. My PH, Eugene Van Niekerk was excellent. He never doubted I would harvest all 10 of my animals. All of the animals we harvested were taken at less than 100 yards. While you sit by the fire and gaze at the Southern Cross, you can listen to lions roar in the distance. Open your bedroom window at sunrise and watch animals walk thru the valley to a water hole below the lodge. The chief will have a wonderful breakfast ready at the time you request. Lunch is delicious and dinner is always a delight. Your laundry is completed daily and your gorgeous bungalow is kept immaculate. If you want to be treated like royalty while you enjoy the safari of a lifetime, Ekland Safaris is the place to go. Back to Home Page

When I received a call from Ron Bartels almost a year ago informing me that the NC Triangle Chapter of SCI had nominated me for the 2009 Pathfinder Award and I had won, I was speechless. Mr. Bartels continued to tell me that a companion and I would be going on an all expense paid safari to South Africa. He told me about all the other wonderful contributions from SCI sponsors that went along with the safari. I have to admit, it was overwhelming. After months of anticipation, my wife Mary and I were off to Reno NV for the SCI Convention.

In Reno, Eva Wilson, Ron and Jackie Bartels made sure we were very well taken care during the convention. Mr. Bartels introduced us to Yawan Kayali, owner of Ekland Safaris, who would be hosting our safari in South Africa, Thomas Ochsenbein, owner of Highveld Taxidermy in South Africa had donated the taxidermy work, and John Meehan of Fauna and Flora Custom Brokerage who would make sure everything was shipped right to our front door. I also received a $500 gift certificate from Cabalas.

We were hoping our two teenage sons Paul and Alan might be able to come along on our safari. I asked Mr. Kayali if we paid for their accommodations could they accompany us. Without hesitation, he asked us one question, “Do your son’s hunt?” My wife answered, “Absolutely!” Mr. Kayali said no charge. This safari is for you and your family to enjoy.” We paid for our son’s airfare and expenses in London and France, it was money well spent. Ekland Safaris really made it the hunt of a lifetime for our family.

I had never been to Africa before, all the animals we saw every day was amazing. We saw all of the big five animals while driving around on the most diverse, beautiful property I have ever seen in my life. The lodge was beautiful and everything was accessible for my wheelchair. It was perfect. My son’s and I harvested 14 animals in just 8 days, and my wife snapped thousands of pictures. We would have harvested all our animals in 6 days, but the Mountain Reedbuck became a real challenge for me. My PH, Eugene Van Niekerk was excellent. He never doubted I would harvest all 10 of my animals. All of the animals we harvested were taken at less than 100 yards.

While you sit by the fire and gaze at the Southern Cross, you can listen to lions roar in the distance. Open your bedroom window at sunrise and watch animals walk thru the valley to a water hole below the lodge. The chief will have a wonderful breakfast ready at the time you request. Lunch is delicious and dinner is always a delight. Your laundry is completed daily and your gorgeous bungalow is kept immaculate. If you want to be treated like royalty while you enjoy the safari of a lifetime, Ekland Safaris is the place to go.

Back to Home Page