Safe Namibia Hunting Safari -
A Client's Full Review

Hunting in Namibia with Parkinson's Disease

Stepping into Africa for a hunting safari is a dream many hold close — and often fear is what keeps that dream out of reach.

This heartfelt client review shares how our hunting friend, Todd, living with Parkinson’s Disease found care, safety, and genuine family‑like support from Uitspan Hunting Safaris.

Todd during his first hunting trip to Uitspan Safaris

Why I Returned to Uitspan Hunting Safaris Three Times

I’m writing this to put anyone at ease with making a life-long dream of hunting in Africa become a reality.  Let me start out by saying that I had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease at age 56.

As I am writing this, I just returned home from my third trip to Namibia, Africa to hunt with Uitspan Hunting Safaris, Michael and Tienie Duvenhage.

On my first visit I called them the owners/hosts of Uitspan; on my second visit I called them friends; and on my third visit I called them my Namibian family.

For my first visit to Namibia I was three years into my journey with Parkinson’s.  I went with three other hunting buddies and I could walk and stalk for most of the hunts that were less than 10 kilometers and I could carry the rifle over 90% of the time.  I harvested 10 trophies with 12 total shots ranging from 75 to 325 yards, and by the end of that amazing adventure I was hooked on Africa.

Todd's Kudu hunted on Uitspan Ranch during his first safari to Namibia, Africa

As you may know, Parkinson’s is a progressive disease, so fast-forward to my third visit to Namibia. I was eight years into my Parkinson’s journey and I went with my wife who is also my best friend, soulmate, and gift from God. 

Side Trips to Swakopmund and Victoria Falls – Perfectly Planned

Visiting Vic Falls

Before hunting, Michael and Tienie coordinated two side trips for us, one to Swakopmund on the Atlantic Ocean western coast of Namibia and one to Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe. There were so many potential concerns that we had about traveling, but we knew that every last fine detail of those side trips was thoughtfully planned and coordinated by Michael and Tienie with our situation taken into consideration.

On the Zambezi, with the cloud made by Vic Falls, in the background.

After the two side trips, we embarked on the hunting part of our vacation. This time I couldn’t walk too much more than 4 kilometers and couldn’t carry the rifle much. Without me asking, Michael automatically knew when a walk and stalk was feasible and doable and when we would hunt from the top of the Land Cruiser. 

He also carried the rifle for me without me even asking.  He did, however, pull away from me several times on each stalk given his “hare-like” passion for hunting and my “tortoise-like” Parkinson’s gait.  We respectfully joked many times about my cat-like reflexes and that he should not blink or he’d “miss it”.  I even joked that I’d race him to the Land Cruiser. 

I felt so at home with Michael and Tienie constantly considering my situation but not allowing it to limit my experience.  By the end of the hunting I harvested 8 trophies in a total of 11 shots ranging from 75 to 225 yards.  We won’t talk about the jackals I missed!

Todd Red Hartebeest, Hunted in Namibia with Uitspan Hunting Safaris

I should add that my wife is not a hunter, but enjoys God’s majestic creation as much as I do, and she has told me several times that she is so glad I encouraged her to join me on my second and third adventure to Namibia so she could share firsthand what I experienced, so that we could have more meaningful memories of our adventures in Africa.

I’ll desire to return to Namibia as long as God gives me the strength to get on the back of the Land Cruiser and still make a good kill shot.  Plus, I know that whatever my condition, Michael and Tienie will accommodate my needs for a comfortable and successful experience.

Final Thoughts: Why You Should Book a Safari in Namibia

So if you are considering a trip to Africa, don’t think twice, don’t hesitate or worry… JUST DO IT!!  Book your experience with Uitspan Hunting Safaris, you’ll be happy you did.

Namibian scene as seen on our hunting trip with Uitspan Hunting Safaris

Did you know? Pangolins have poor sight and do not have any external ears, although their hearing is very good. Their sense of scent is well developed and they locate ants nests by smell. Watch our Kalahari Pangolin-video!

Namibia Tourism Board

Uitspan Hunting Safaris is registered with the Namibia Tourism Board as a Tour and Safari Operator, holding the registration number TSO01055.