Before political correctness and British safari hunter rights extremism distorted the minds of millions, there was a time when affluent businessmen, Hollywood stars and British nobility put their lives on hold for a year or more to trek across wild Africa in search of adventure and, most importantly, some of the most spectacular trophy animals on the continent. These ‘white hunters’ were often accompanied by expert African guides and dedicated trackers and skinners.
These hunters were salt-of-the-earth people who, despite the costs of plane tickets and specialized hunting equipment and weapons, considered themselves conservationists. They argued that by paying for the privilege of hunting dangerous species they were helping at-risk animals and encouraging local communities to take care of wildlife.
A British Safari Hunter’s Journey through Africa
On his second trip to Africa, Cornwallis Harris was able to hunt big game with the help of experienced African guides and trackers. He collected over five thousand specimens, primarily animals and plants, for the Natural History Museum in London. Among them was the first Selous lion to be killed in captivity.
The married father-of-two, who named his company Take Aim Safaris after his favourite rifle, has claimed that he and his rich clients are helping save at-risk species through their hunts. He has defended his business by saying that he is helping local communities, promoting wildlife tourism and generating jobs. He also claims that the hunting trophies that he brings back to Britain are legally exported under CITES-approved quotas and permits.
