Wildspan is the Afrikaans name of our ranch that means “a hollow in earth that is filled by game.” This 7,500 hectares (18,533 acres) of Private Game Reserve, has been owned by the Rademan and Van Eck family since the 1890’s.
Wildspan is situated in central South Africa in our beautiful Northern Cape Province, our country’s hunting paradise! The Northern Cape has a wealth of tourist attractions, a healthy, dry climate with no tsetse fly, bilharzia, malaria or tick problems.
Hendrik and Gio van Eck caused uproar in the local farming community when they converted their conventional livestock farm to a game ranch in 1952. Today they are regarded as one of the game ranch pioneers in South Africa. Over the years, their commitment to holistic game ranch management and nature conservation, earned them several awards of recognition. Hendrik was also made honorary President, and honorary life member of the Northern Cape Hunters Association.
In the fifties game capture was a real challenge. Many game species were relocated to Wildspan by capturing and hand rearing young animals. Other species were chased and caught by their tails from horse back. Game was relocated at a huge cost and over great distances. Tranquilisers and anaesthetics were not readily available in those days.
Hendrik’s son, Casper van Eck and his wife, Santie manage Wildspan today in the same tradition and are the fifth Van Eck generation on the farm. Fifteen indigenous antelope species, which were originally described by the early travelers in the region, like William Burchell (1811) and Andrew Smith (1835), were successfully reintroduced to the farm. We have an experienced and skilled team of trackers, skinners, Professional Hunters and support staff. We are a leading African safari outfit.
Casper van Eck is a qualified and registered Hunting Outfitter and Professional Hunter. (Permit Numbers are available on request) He is also a proud member of:
- Professional Hunters Association of South Africa (PHASA)
- Northern Cape Hunters Association
- Wildlife Ranchers Association of South Africa
- Red Meet Association of South Africa
Hunting and breeding of indigenous plains game is our main economic activity. We cater for both the trophy hunter and South African biltong or meat hunters We also have an endangered sable antelope breeding programme. Wildspan has become a popular family bushveld-get-away and eco tourism destination. Our extensive Dorper sheep-, Boer goat- and cattle farming operations are also accessible to visitors.
We actively support sustainable community development which is critical to this area.
We cater for the true hunter with a sense of adventure, all wild life enthusiasts and photographers. Come and experience our down to earth hospitality, our diverse hunting terrains and fantastic hunting. Create memories of a lifetime and feel the rhythm of Africa!
