Hunting in Namibia: Stefano’s Travel Diary
“They say the first time is unforgettable, and for me, that truth unfolded under the vast Namibian sky. It was a long-awaited dream, a vision nurtured through years of reading tales of the African savanna and watching documentaries about the untamed wilderness. In August 2019, that dream became a reality, etched forever into my heart and memory.
It all began in March 2018, when I met Luca Bogarelli, a man whose passion for hunting matched his deep respect for nature. Luca quickly became more than a guide; he became a mentor and a dear friend. It was with him, a year later, on the island of Bute, that I harvested my first stag—a tale for another time. It was also with Luca that the plans for my first safari took shape. Together, we explored Montefeltro’s various destinations and ultimately chose the Bergzicht Game Lodge in Namibia, a place renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and world-class hunting opportunities.
The excitement was palpable as I left Milan Malpensa Airport, embarking on a journey that would take me across continents. After a layover in Doha, I landed at Hosea Kutako International Airport in Windhoek. There, I was warmly greeted by Hannes and Geraldine, the husband-and-wife duo who own and run the namibian Lodge. Their smiles radiated the hospitality for which Namibia is famous, immediately making me feel at ease despite the unfamiliar surroundings.
The drive to the lodge took a couple of hours, winding through landscapes that seemed to evolve with every kilometer. Rolling hills dotted with acacia trees gave way to open savannas stretching to the horizon. Namibia’s raw beauty was mesmerizing—vast, wild, and untamed. When we finally arrived at the lodge, the welcome was nothing short of extraordinary. The entire team greeted me with warmth, a blend of professionalism and genuine friendliness that would define my stay.
That first afternoon was dedicated to preparation. Hannes and I headed to the shooting range to confirm the setting of my Weatherby rifle in .300 Wby caliber, which I had brought specifically for this safari. As I took my first shot, the precision of the rifle and the ease with which it handled reassured me that I was ready for the days ahead. Everything was set; the adventure was about to begin.
The next morning, as the sun cast its golden glow over the African plains, I embarked on my first day of hunting. The anticipation was electrifying. Accompanied by Hannes and two experienced trackers, I set out into the wilderness, my senses heightened by the sights, sounds, and smells of the bush.
The day began auspiciously. By late morning, we had successfully harvested a magnificent Oryx, its sleek body a testament to the grace and power of this iconic African antelope. Later, I added a Springbok, its delicate frame contrasting the rugged landscape. The exhilaration of the chase, the precision of the shot, and the respect for the animal were emotions I would carry with me long after the hunt ended.
The second day brought new challenges and new companions. I hunted with Stephan, Hannes’s son-in-law, a young and skilled professional hunter whose knowledge of the terrain and wildlife was nothing short of remarkable. We began the morning stalking an Impala, a pursuit that required patience and careful maneuvering. As the animal presented itself, I steadied my aim, and with a single shot, the Impala was ours.
Later that day, we set our sights on a Blesbok, a notoriously wary antelope. Despite our efforts to approach it with the wind in our favor and crawling on our stomachs through thorny vegetation, the animal detected us and escaped. A second attempt met the same fate, a reminder that the bush is as unpredictable as it is unforgiving.
Determined, we moved to higher ground for a better vantage point. From there, we spotted two Red Hartebeests—one a young male, the other a mature adult. The stalk was intense, the terrain demanding, and the heat relentless. When we were within 200 meters, the animals began to move. I steadied my rifle on the shooting sticks, aligning my sights on the larger male. As it paused, I aimed for its shoulder and fired.
The bullet struck, but not with the finality I had hoped for. The animal leapt and disappeared into the bush, leaving only a faint trail of blood. Stephan, calm and reassuring, confirmed the hit. We waited briefly before following the trail, relying on the incredible skill of the trackers. Their ability to read the subtle signs left in the sand was nothing short of magical. After more than a kilometer and a half, we found the Hartebeest. A second, precise shot ended the pursuit, and I was overcome with a mix of relief, gratitude, and respect for the resilience of this magnificent creature.
Each day in Namibia brought new landscapes, new challenges, and new rewards. Over the course of the safari, I added a Blesbok, a Blue Wildebeest, and a Warthog to the list of animals I harvested. Each hunt was unique, requiring strategy, endurance, and a deep connection to the land.
But the experience was about more than just the hunt. The Namibian wilderness is a spectacle in itself. The vast plains, dotted with golden grass and punctuated by ancient baobabs, seemed to stretch forever under a sky so blue it almost hurt to look at. The sunsets painted the horizon in fiery shades of orange and red, and the nights were alive with the sounds of the bush—crickets chirping, distant calls of nocturnal animals, and the rustle of the wind through the trees.
The evenings were a time for reflection and celebration. Around the campfire, we shared stories of the day’s adventures, the camaraderie among hunters and staff growing stronger with each passing night. The meals were a highlight, featuring the meat of the animals we had harvested. From perfectly grilled Oryx steaks to hearty Springbok stews, every dish was a tribute to the land and its bounty. The flavors, enhanced by the smoky aroma of the fire, were unforgettable.
As the final day of the safari arrived, I found myself reluctant to leave. The beauty of Namibia, the thrill of the hunt, and the bonds I had formed with the people had exceeded every expectation. Hannes, Geraldine, Stephan, and the trackers had not only guided me through the hunts but had also shared with me their love for this incredible land.
The journey back to Windhoek was bittersweet. I carried with me not only the trophies of my hunts but also a profound sense of fulfillment and gratitude. Namibia had given me more than an unforgettable hunting experience; it had given me a deeper appreciation for the wild, for the traditions of hunting, and for the connections forged through shared passion.
As I write these words, I can still hear the distant roar of the wildebeest, feel the sun on my face, and smell the earthy aroma of the Namibian bush. My first safari was not just a trip; it was a journey into a world of wonder and discovery.
Montefeltro made this dream possible, crafting an experience that was seamless, personal, and unforgettable. To anyone considering such an adventure, I can only say this: go. Embrace the unknown, chase the dream, and let the wilderness write its story in your heart.
This is how my first safari came to an end…
The beauty of the landscapes and the fauna, the meeting of new friends, having tasted the meat of the hunted animals, the excellent service and competence of all the staff, the perfumes, the having shared moments and emotions that will remain forever engraved in the heart and in my memories…”
This is Montefeltro! Thanks and see you next adventure!
Montefeltro Staff, Luca Bogarelli
“Luca Bogarelli loves hunting and nature, experiencing both in a comprehensive manner. Adding to this, his passion for travel has led him over the years to explore places, people, and unique wildlife around the world.
A self-described ‘traveler with a rifle’, Luca has gathered hunting experiences across nearly the entire African continent, as well as in Asia, America, and Europe, in all the countries of hunting interest.”
