Hunting in South Africa

In 2001, Wiaan van der Linde became involved with Wintershoek Investments, which at the time was one of the main hunting concessions of the legendary Johnny Vivier Safaris in South-Africa. This was the start of a lifelong friendship and business relationship between Wintershoek Safaris and Johnny Vivier Safaris!

Johnny grew up as a hunter with his father in the former Rhodesia. He began Johnny Vivier Safaris after moving to South Africa in 1979. Since then he has built up a renowned legacy in the hunting industry and was selected by Safari Club International from among all African Outfitters to organise the prestigious Safari Club International’s Political Action Committee’s “Big 5 Hunt of a Lifetime” an awe-inspiring 4 times! He was also nominated on two occasions by Safari Club International for the Outstanding Professional Hunter of the Year Award.

In 2005, after our old area was turned into a National Park, Wiaan developed a new hunting area nearby. He and other landowners established what is today one of the BIGGEST and VERY BEST hunting areas in South-Africa , namely Wintershoek Private Game Reserve!

At the end of 2006 Wiaan bought Johnny Vivier Safaris, and we are lucky enough to have Johnny still very much involved in the business as the company’s CEO. Wintershoek Safaris has since then become one of the LEADING and MOST EXPERIENCED Safari Outfitters in Africa! Wintershoek Safaris were recently recognized by Safari Club International as one of the top 250 Outfitters in the WORLD!

In 2009 Wiaan also started his own Taxidermy Studio – called African San Taxidermy – so that our clients’ valuable trophies can be looked after by experts like us!

In 2009 Wiaan won Wildlife Ranching South Africa’s Manager’s Award for his outstanding contribution to Wildlife Ranching in the country. In 2010 Wiaan also won the Northern Cape Farmer of the Year Award and in 2012 he received Wildlife Ranching South Africa’s prestigious “Wildlife Rancher of the Year Award.”

In 2010 another land owner in the Northern Cape, Hennie Gouws, decided to join this leading Outfit, and he brought 3 more hunting areas to the party. This means that Wintershoek Safaris now OWNS more than 110 000 acres of pristine hunting land, with some of the top lodges in the Northern Cape! In addition to these areas, Wintershoek Safaris also has access to some of the best hunting/big game hunting areas in Southern Africa.

This kind of recognition and joint expertise, plus a spotless reputation, are without a doubt the essential toolkit and must-have for any prospective hunter wishing to book a safari with a first-rate Outfit at affordable rates. Our spectacular hunting areas and highly skilled and experienced professional hunters and dedicated staff will ensure that you get the BEST safari experience possible!!!