REMINISCE WITH COENRAAD
A brief history
CV Safaris started when I decided to turn my favourite pastime and hobby into a business in 1967. I guided my very first client on a plains game hunt in Zululand in 1968. At that time there were only three PH’s operating in South Africa. Of those three, I am the only one still alive.
I grew up hunting from the tender age of about ten and must have inherited my grandfather’s genes. He was a well-known big game hunter in the 1920s. Unfortunately, I never knew him because he died before I was born. My father died at age 41 when I was 12. A great hunter and outdoorsman by the name of Rustin Waldeck who was my grandfather’s best hunting buddy and an old family friend, stepped into the breach and taught me most of what I know about hunting. He was my mentor and hero.
I established the first CVS hunting camp in northern Zululand and started exhibiting at SCI in 1970. We are the longest standing exhibitor at DSC which is an achievement I am extremely proud of!
I can look back with pride and gratitude at the 55 years of accomplishments, reputation and achievements of what is today the oldest safari company in South Africa. In my retirement, I have had time to reflect on many of the great adventures I was privileged to enjoy, including the close calls I had with buffalo, rhino, elephant and lion, and most importantly the memories that I have shared with more than 1800 hunters from so many countries around the world.
The spiritual impact of wild places has a special place in my being. A campfire under a twinkling universe and the camaraderie around it cleanses the heart and soul and provides inspiration to higher ideals especially in conservation and in daily life. Hunting gives me the opportunity to appreciate nature and God’s creations very intimately. It is my right & privilege to hunt, and all my children and grandchildren are better adults because they hunted with me.
I am extremely proud that CVS is now owned and managed by my son Hans “Scruff” Vermaak who has already spent a lifetime in the hunting industry, having grown up in the great outdoors and in safari camps across Africa from a very young age. Scruff is a respected Professional Hunter and Outfitter, and he has successfully flown the CVS flag for many years. He obtained his professional hunters license in 1995 and celebrates 30 years in the industry in 2025. His passion for CVS is what drives him and his amazing team to deliver unforgettable safaris & lifelong memories for their fabulous clients. Scruff and the entire CVS team are highly regarded for their enthusiasm, dedication, knowledge, professionalism and their attention to detail combined with the phenomenal destinations they have on offer for their discerning clients to enjoy!
With gratitude, I shall leave my legacy to the next generation.
COENRAAD VERMAAK
OUR STORY
Our Values
ETHICS: We embrace the hunting traditions of our forefathers where fair chase & ethical hunting combined with a deep and sincere respect for wildlife & wild places is simply part of who we are.
CODE OF CONDUCT: Honesty and integrity come first. Hunting is our right but it’s also a privilege. We respect all fauna & flora and the laws of the land. We abide by the Custodians of Professional Hunting & Conservation SA (CPHC) code of conduct.
Our Promise
We deliver on what we promise. There are no frills, exaggerations, or puffery. We correspond quickly and accurately with our clients. We pay full attention to detail and leave no stone unturned in the build up to, during and after your safari. We ensure there are no unwanted surprises and no hidden costs at the conclusion of your safari. CVS team members are hand-picked, committed, and enthusiastic. They are the best in the business. Quality hunting areas are paramount to the success of your safari. We don’t settle for average destinations. Legal compliance – we know there is zero margin for error.
Your Guarantee
We love what we do and are passionate about sharing the great outdoors with our discerning clients. We take the details and the success of your safari as seriously as you do! Consistency has earned CVS its impeccable international reputation. We guarantee you the real thing – a memorable, authentic African safari and total piece of mind.
