Our Family
Blaauwkrantz ranch has been in the Rudman family since 1936. In 1978 Arthur had a vision and decided to conserve the Kudu on Blaauwkrantz as numbers were declining due to drought and over hunting on neighbouring properties, since then our Kudu numbers have grown to approximate 2000 head. This has been one of the biggest conservation success stories in South Africa and little did Arthur know back in 1978 that a huge industry would be built around wildlife in South Africa. Eardley & Francois are 4th generation ranchers. We are life members of Safari Club International, Dallas Safari Club, Houston Safari Club, Professional Hunters Association of South Africa and Wildlife Ranchers South Africa.
Blaauwkrantz is world-renowned for its top quality trophies, especially the East Cape Kudu (largest herd in Africa), Cape Bushbuck, Bushpig, Cape Grysbok and other species. With 25 species to hunt and an estimated 20 000 antelope on our property, we have access to millions of acres, game is in abundance and real African hunting at its best. We employ 50 staff members to efficiently run Blaauwkrantz Safaris & Ranch to provide our clients with excellent service and trophies.
Arthur was born and raised here, he is the CEO of Blaauwkrantz Safaris and sees to the business end of the outfitting business and fills in as professional hunter when needed. Besides being a keen wildlife conservationist, he is passionate about livestock, the Angora goat in particular and property development. Arthur is serving as a director for PHASA (Professional Hunters Association of South Africa) and WRSA (Wildlife Ranchers South Africa). He is a SCI Master Measurer. Trinette and Arthur were married in 1970 and shortly after that were one of the pioneers in game ranching in the Eastern Cape. Trinette is our hostess at the lodge and and oversees all the delicious meals served.
Eldest son, Eardley, is a professional hunter,and was born in 1972. Eardley studied Agriculture at the University of Stellenbosch before returning to the family ranch. Eardley is an official SCI Measurer and his interests are wildlife, hunting (especially bushpig hunting), fishing and cricket. Eardley is married to Carmen and their wedding was on the 23rd of February 2008. Carmen assists in our office. They have a son, Caleb and a daughter, Christina.
Younger son, Francois is a professional hunter and was born in 1974. Francois studied Commerce at the Univesity of Port Elizabeth before returning to the family ranch. Francois is also an official SCI Measurer and his interests are hunting, fishing and cricket. Francois is married to Cris and they were married on 31 January 09. They have 3 daughters, Isabel, Tessa and Elena. Cris is from Mexico, she is a graphic designer and is fluent in Spanish.
Daughter, Zani, takes care of the administration and marketing and was born in 1976. She married Philip Dixie in 2001 and they have 3 children, Jane, Jack and Oliver. Zani studied Economic Sciences with marketing honours at the University of Stellenbosch and enjoys the outdoors and golf.
Son-in-law, Philip is a professional hunter, born in 1968, Philip studied agriculture at Cedara Agricultural College. He owns, our mountain lodge, Springvale in the Adelaide area and is forté are the mountain species. He is a passionate farmer, conservationist and avid golfer.
Meet the rest of the PH team.
