The gauge/caliber restriction was originally based on rifles more than shotguns. The purpose, from what I have been told, is that it is a way of cracking down on people bringing an extra gun to sell to SA residents.
I used Likulu Safaris. Matt was at the SCI convention and may have been who they talked to. With the base hunt cost, airfare, tips, ammo, hotel (spent a day in Germany), I spent around $6,500.
Matt puts on a great upland hunt. He had good access to helmeted guinea, spur fowl, common quail, grey wing and orange river partridge. He hunts some very large ranches all in fairly close proximity to his hunting lodge so you don't spend much time traveling between hunts. I never tried his dove hunting which he usually mixes in to the upland hunt. I have never been much for dove hunting so I opted to spend more time hunting partridge (nothing against it, just never found it interesting as I like watching dog work).
We were served great meals, and all the drinks (both soft drinks, and liquor) we wanted for no additional charges. His lodge was very comfortable and clean.
The only downside to the trip was his waterfowl hunting. It was not that we did not get to shoot ducks and geese, but rather he did not have the dogs to retrieve the birds anymore as his waterfowl dog was getting old. We were selective on what shots we took so that we could retreive the ducks without leaving waste in the field. He did have great access, as we shot where the De Beers (Diamond Company) bring their main clients once a year on a waterfowl hunt. It was awesome as far as species, volume, and scenery.
IMO if you are looking for a great upland experience Matt is a good choice. If you want more waterfowl I would look elsewhere until he gets some young retreivers again. If you just want a day or two of waterfowl then it is not bad. We had a 10 day hunt, but you have to figure in 2 days are travel, so you actually shoot for 8 to 8 1/2 days based on what time you leave or arrive.
If you want more info feel free to pm me and I will send you my phone number and we can talk more about my experience. No matter what, it is worth doing. You will want something bigger than a 4-10 for Guinea. They are a [censored] to put down. For the other birds it will be adequate as they all hold very well. If I remember correctly, Small Bore ships ammo over for the hunts he sets up. He is also a good source I am sure for additional information. Good luck and have fun! I plan to go again next year.
