Of all the sports and pastimes in the world, game hunting is most certainly one of the more costly. A hunting safari in Africa incurs costs ranging from travel and permits to firearms papers and accommodation; never minding the aftercosts of an African hunting adventure, in terms of trophy prep and transport.
However, there are ways to enjoy the best of our African hunts while keeping the budget in check. As long as the hunter is willing to be flexible, and employ a bit of compromise, an African safari hunt can still be an exciting and affordable opportunity.
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Hunting in Africa – What Makes this Continent a Game Hunting Mecca
The history of hunting in Africa dates back to the days of native and Bushmen tribes who saw hunting as both a form of sustenance and ritual. In modern times, hunting brought the thrill of experiencing the “dark land” and returning home with trophies of lions, elephants, antelope, and other game unique to only African hunts.
Africa boasts many hunting safari destinations across the continent with some being home to endemic game hunting species found nowhere else. The continent also carries many tourist-friendly destinations and activities sure to keep those along for the trip as entertained and engaged as those out on their African hunting trip.
Destinations for a Budget Hunting Safari in Africa
South Africa
Home to 9 provinces, this destination certainly offers a variety of game hunting opportunities. South Africa is home to traditional big game hunting targets like the Big 5 and many antelope and plains species, with some being endemic to their particular region or province.
Travelers are required to possess a valid passport and will most likely enter the country through Johannesburg International. From here, flights can be arranged to airports across the provinces.
Botswana
This game hunting destination is home to two opposing features, the Kalahari Desert and Okavango Delta; and due to its lower concentration of human population, Botswana has a flourishing wildlife environment. When on a hunting safari in Botswana, every hunter must have a valid hunting license, this license is issued according to the species being hunted so specify which hunting targets you’ll be going after.
Traveling to Botswana will require an international flight to Johannesburg followed by a connecting flight to Gaborone or Maun airports in Botswana. Every traveler entering the country must have a valid passport that will remain valid for 6 months post departure as well as a visa (if needed) and proof of their return to their country of origin.
Namibia
The driest, most arid country south of the Sahara also happens to have one of the most flourishing hunting industries, thanks to rehabilitation and reintroduction funded mostly by the hunting trade. African hunts in Namibia can take place on state land, private reserves, communal conservancies, or hunting farms. The Zambezi region (formerly known as the Caprivi Strip) is known as one of the better regions for hunting due to its two near–permanent rivers.
Namibia has similar passport requirements to Botswana, except that tourists from the US and Europe do not have to possess a visa if staying less than 90 days. Travelers will arrive at the Windhoek-based Hosea Kutako International Airport.
Zimbabwe
Bound by the Zambezi and Limpopo Rivers, this destination for hunting safari in Africa is known for its big game hunting species like elephants, crocodiles, cheetahs, and lions. Like other destinations, a hunting safari in Zimbabwe can take place on government, private, or tribal hunting lands.
Every hunter is required to organize a permit from the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority, a special permit may also be needed depending on the species being targeted. Zimbabwe is home to two international airports, Victoria Falls International and Bulawayo International. From here charter flights are usually taken to the hunting grounds.
Mozambique
One of the “wilder” destinations for a hunting safari in Africa, Mozambique is known for its dense flora and untamed game hunting experiences. One of the few countries to allow for both night hunting and hunting by artificial light (depending on the safari), Mozambique is famous for both dangerous game animals and plains game varieties.
The commonly used airport in Mozambique is Pemba International, and hunters will typically arrive via a connecting flight from Johannesburg.
Zambia
While almost a third of Zambia’s land is set aside for wildlife, the game hunting industry in Zambia has been an on/off affair, however, they are presently open for business. Famous hunting safari regions in Zambia are the Luangwa Valley and Kafue Flats, both home to excellent African plains game hunting opportunities.
Zambia has various legalities and requirements regarding its mandatory hunting licenses and applications for these must include the species to be targeted as well as its quota and the region where the hunting adventure will take place.
Travel to Zambia will typically see arrivals at Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport or Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (aka Lusaka International) via a connecting flight from Johannesburg. Depending on the timing of your flights, an overnight stay in JHB might be needed.
Tanzania
This African country is home to some of the oldest signs of human life as well as one of the biggest and most famous hunting industries of the continent. Popular areas for African hunts in Tanzania are the Selous Reserve, Masailand, Ugalla Reserve, and the Rungwa Reserve.
Tanzania also has strict controls surrounding game hunting licenses, offering 3 options in the form of 10, 16, and 21-day hunting licenses only. All hunts taking place in Tanzania must be accompanied by an official scout who will ensure no rules have been broken and will sign off on the license at the end of the African hunt.
Game Hunting Trophies for a Budget Hunting Safari
Hunting safaris in Africa may be synonymous with the Big 5, but when planning a safari on a budget, these trophy targets are often out of reach. However, Africa also provides many game hunting opportunities for antelope and plains game sure to satisfy your hunting safari appetite.
Cape Buffalo (Syncerus caffer caffer)
These large bovines of the bushveld can measure up to 5.5 feet at the shoulder with bulls weighing up to 1900 pounds. They prefer the dense bushveld of grass plains, woodland, and swamps but can also be found in open savannah areas.
The “Black Death” as they are known can be found in game hunting destinations like South Africa, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Mozambique, and Tanzania.
Wildebeest
Two species of this plains game can be found on hunting safari in Africa, the blue wildebeest (Connochaetes taurinus) and the black wildebeest (Connochaetes gnou). Of the two varieties, the black wildebeest is native to Africa’s southern area and can be found in South Africa and Namibia, while the blue wildebeest is more widespread and can be found in South Africa, Botswana, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, and Zambia.
Zebra (Equus quagga)
Famous for their black and white stripes, zebra is certainly a striking trophy to behold when hunting in Africa. Characterized by the barrel-chested build and crested mane, zebra are migratory animals, moving towards water and subsisting on a grazing diet.
Plains zebra; subdivided into Burchell’s, Crawshay’s, and Chapmans, are the most common and can be found across South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Tanzania. Other subspecies like the Cape Mountain zebra can be found in South Africa’s Eastern Cape region, while Hartman’s zebra can be targeted on hunting safari in Namibia.
Warthog (Phacochoerus africanus)
The warthog may be the most recognizable of the wild pig family. As a medium-sized swine measuring 2–4’11 feet in length and weighing 130–330 pounds for males, the warthog can be a challenging yet fun hunt for those on a budget hunting safari in Africa.
Warthogs are widespread and can be found in most countries of sub-Saharan Africa like Namibia, Mozambique, and South Africa.
Caracal (Caracal caracal)
African hunts for wild cats can happen on a budget if you choose the caracal. Known for its sturdy bodies and long legs as well as distinctive tufted ears, the caracal is an affordable and attractive cat for game hunting in Africa.
This medium wild cat can be legally hunted in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia.
Kudu
Another great game hunting target is split into two varieties.
The Greater kudu (Tragelaphus strepsiceros) is the larger of the two and can be found in East African areas like Tanzania as well as Southern African regions like Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia, Mozambique, Zambia, and, of course, South Africa. These antelope can reach over 60 inches at the shoulder with females weighing 260–400+ pounds and males reaching 600 pounds or more.
The Lesser kudu (Tragelaphus imberbis) is more medium-sized and of the hunting destinations mentioned, can be found in Tanzania. These antelope are usually 40 inches or less at the shoulder and males can reach around 240 pounds.
Impala (Aepyceros melampus)
These slender, graceful, and glossy-coated antelope are medium-sized and feature some unique colorings. Impala hunting in Africa depends on the region as these antelope are also divided into sub-varieties in the eyes of hunting organizations.
A great target for a beginner’s hunting safari in Africa, the Southern impala can be found in multiple provinces of South Africa as well as in Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe, and Zambia. East African impala are only available on hunting safari in Tanzania.
Eland
A large antelope that also boasts a fair share of variation, the eland is famous for its spiral horns.
The Cape eland (Taurotragus Oryx) is found only in South Africa; while the Livingstone eland (Taurotragus Oryx livingstonei), known for its distinctive white stripes, can be found in South Africa, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Mozambique, Zambia, and Tanzania.
Lechwe
In terms of Safari Club International, Lechwe is divided into 3 categories. Black Lechwe (Kobus leche smithemani) can be found in Zambia and northern Botswana; while Kafue Lechwe (Kobus leche kafuensis) are found in their endemic habitat of the Kafue floodplains in Zambia. The most common, the Red Lechwe (Kobus leche), can be found in South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, and Zambia.
Suni (Nesotragus moschatus)
A member of the Tiny Ten antelope, the suni is a shy game hunting target preferring to live in extremely dense brush habitats. Only male suni grow horns that can measure 3–5 inches; the average weight of a male suni is 10 – 13 pounds with females being slightly larger.
Suni hunting in Africa can take place in the coastal areas of northeast Africa, Mozambique, and Tanzania.
Common Tsessebe (Damaliscus lunatus lunatus)
Part of the appeal of a hunting safari in Africa is the adrenaline rush that comes with making your shot at a fast-moving target and the Tsessebe certainly delivers. Being considered the fastest antelope in Africa, the Tsessebe can reach speeds of 55 mph.
Game hunting jaunts for Tsessebe can be planned for South Africa, Namibia (Zambezi region), Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Zambia.
Nyala (Tragelaphus angasii)
This spiral-horned game hunting antelope is a cousin to the kudu and possesses some unique white markings. They are considered native to the southern regions of Africa. Nyala hunting in Africa can take place in South Africa, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe; as well as on reserves in Namibia where the species was introduced via private reserves.
Common Reedbuck (Redunca arundinum)
An easier game hunting antelope, the common reedbuck loves the coverage of long grasses but will move into open plains to graze.
Also known as the Southern reedbuck, this antelope can be found in South Africa and Zimbabwe as well as in Tanzania and Zambia.
Southern Roan (Hippotragus equinus)
A large antelope with a horse–like build, the roan receives its name from the color of their coats. Average shoulder height ranges from 50–55 inches and weight can vary from 530–660 pounds for males.
The southern roan is the most spread and hunted species and can be found on a hunting safari in South Africa, Namibia, and Zambia.
Bontebok (Damaliscus pygargus)
A game hunting antelope bearing its own unique markings, the bontebok is a medium-sized antelope and an offshoot of the Tsessebe family tree. Endemic to southern African regions, the bontebok can be found in South Africa (Western Cape) and Namibia.
Springbok (Antidorcas marsupialis)
Possibly the most recognizable African antelope, the springbok is famous for its “pronking” an action of jumping up to 12 feet into the air. Springbok hunting in Africa typically occurs in southern destinations like South Africa, Botswana, and Namibia as the dry areas of the Kalahari Desert are the preferred habitat of these antelope.
Red Hartebeest (Alcelaphus buselaphus caama)
The red hartebeest is one of the 8 hartebeest subspecies and is also the most common. Found in South Africa, especially in the Northern Cape and Free State, the red hartebeest is one of Africa’s fastest antelope and is equally at home on mountainsides and ridges.
Keeping the Budget Down on African Hunts
Traveling while on a Hunting Safari in Africa
Travel costs are unavoidable; and while sometimes the use of charter aircraft is necessary, choosing to drive can cut the costs of local travel substantially, but the time it takes must be considered, as well as the state of the roads and so forth. Chat to your local African outfitter for advice.
Accommodation While Hunting in Africa
While there are creature comforts we wouldn’t want to sacrifice, compromise is sometimes needed when budget is a factor. Choosing accommodation like tented safari or self-catering facilities can be much more affordable compared to resort-style accommodation.
Firearms for Your Hunting Safari
Bringing your own weapons is often recommended as you’re most comfortable and confident in them; however, the costs of acquiring temporary permits and customs papers (as well as ammunition taxes) can make bringing your weapons a costly affair. Arranging to use your outfitter’s firearms can be a much cheaper alternative.
Timing of Your Hunting Safari
While your game hunting safari in Africa will be restricted to the hunting season, certain weeks are busier than others, and booking outside of these periods might save you a bit as those slots are less in demand.
Tipping
Tipping culture is a part of almost all African hunting safari destinations, follow the lead and advice of your PH or outfitter when it comes to this practice.
Food and Refreshments
Some hunting packages will include meals like breakfast and dinner, as well as alcoholic beverage packages. While these can be a bit pricier in the short term, they can save you in the long run as some areas are known for charging “tourist pricing” for foreigners.
Tourist Traps and Souvenirs
If there’ll be family or friends coming along who aren’t part of the hunting safari, try and arrange their excursions and activities beforehand to see if you can organize a better deal.
Other Ways to Save When on a Hunting Safari in Africa
Cull Hunts
Cull hunting in Africa is used to manage populations and ensure a balance of species, especially in fenced areas. While these hunts can be a cheaper alternative, you will be at the mercy of their chosen dates as these or organized and set by management or government policy.
Cancellation Hunts
Cancellation hunting safaris in Africa are considered the most budget-friendly as their non-refundable deposit has already been paid. Cancellation hunts are advertised by outfitters looking to ensure that they don’t lose on their investment into the hunt planning that may have already begun. Again, these will be in line with pre-booked dates so you might need to compromise.
Observer Fees
Observer fees are charged to people who accompany the hunt but don’t partake. While it is a great experience for family or friends to experience the game hunting environment, they can incur charges of hundreds of dollars per person.
Africa: A Diverse Hunting Destination
Hunting safari in Africa can be found on the bucket list of almost any game hunting participant; and while hunting itself can be a pricy affair, it’s good to know that there are options available that can be in keeping with the hunter’s budget.
Hunting in Africa might be synonymous with big game hunting safari for lion, elephant, and rhino; but these are often out of reach for beginners or those simply counting their pennies. But like its diversity in people and culture, Africa is diverse in its hunting safari offerings, and there are African hunts for everyone.
Learn more about the fascinating destinations on offer for African hunting safaris.
Author: A. Baker