Big game hunting is a big deal, and rightly so. Which hunter wouldn’t want to know the element of danger in tracking Africa’s Black Death or stalking the king of the jungle? A prized pelt, tusk trophy, or horn mount is not only a symbol of your hunt but also of your success and a reward for your skill and patience on your Big 5 hunting in Africa experience.

But before these can be yours, you need to what you’re looking for and how to best reach your safari hunting goals. 

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Traditional Big Game Hunting Targets: Where to Find Them and how to ensure your Best Possible Shot

Big 5 hunting in Africa isn’t the only experience on offer, and options include African plains game and even water targets. There’s something to whet anyone’s appetite!

The Lion

Starting with arguably one of the most recognizable targets of Big 5 hunting in Africa is the lion (Panthera Leo). This big cat is native to Africa and India and is characterized by their round heads, muscular and broad bodies, and tail tufts, with males bearing those unmistakable manes. 

These big cats are diurnal but can adapt to twilight or night activity if needed. Preferring open long grassed plains, savannah, and shrubland areas, lions are found in vast areas of sub–Saharan Africa.  

Methods for Hunting this African Big Game Species

•      Bait and blind– this method involves bait hung in a tree with a blind built roughly 50–55 yards away. The bait is checked every day until there is lion activity. When this happens, the hunter and their PH usually enter the blind and wait for the best opportunity.
•      Spot and stalk– often considered the most exciting method, it involves a PH, the hunter, and a tracker or two. It starts with a vehicle looking for tracks, when spotted it’s off on foot to track the target. But be warned, your shot placement must be accurate, as an injured lion will lie in wait and attempt to attack when approached.

Popular Lion Hunting Areas

•      Tanzania

Lion hunting in Tanzania has been popular since Theodore Roosevelt’s lion hunt in the 1900’s. Situated in East Africa, this country has a tropical climate thanks to its location near the equator. Hunting season runs from July–December, and some of the best hunting areas are the Selous and Ugalla Game Reserves. Lion hunting requires a full 21-day hunting permit. The minimum caliber for lions is .375 and no lion younger than 6 years old may be targeted. Permits are also required for firearms, and there are ammunition and weapon regulations to consider.

• Mozambique

This African country runs its hunting season from April–November, and most lion hunts fall into the 21-day category. Lion hunting at night and the use of artificial light are both legal. While Mozambique doesn’t have specific caliber laws for its big game hunting, a .375 is recommended as a minimum. The standard method is bait and blind, with bait being African plains game or even Cape buffalo, and this requires its own license. 

• Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe is slightly larger than California, and despite its history of struggle, this unlikely safari hunting destination is home to lions and other African big game animals. Hunting times are from an hour before sunrise to an hour after sunset, with winter months being the optimal hunting season. Zimbabwean hunting areas are divided into government, private, or tribal areas, and tracking is done by vehicle. Lions hunting takes the form of the bait and blind method, and no night or artificial light hunting is allowed.

• Zambia

A Zambian lion hunt is best planned for June–November, and while there is no set hunting season, most hunting safaris fall between May–November. This is due to the rainy season being December–April. The government controls the length of the hunts, with a lion hunt taking approximately 18 days. No night hunting is allowed, and their minimum caliber requirement is .300. However, a higher caliber is recommended to avoid the possibility of having to track an injured (and unhappy) lion. 

• South Africa

Much like neighboring Zimbabwe, June –August are the recommended hunting times. Hunting areas are influenced by CITES notices. With this being said, the North West and Limpopo areas are renowned as the best lion hunting areas in South Africa. The minimum caliber is .375, but if you’re capable, .400 is also recommended. The price of your lion hunting safari is determined by the sex and mane quality (in males) of the trophy.

The Leopard

Another of Africa’s big cats, the leopard, requires skill, patience, and the ability to seamlessly disappear into its habitat. Leopards (Panthera pardus) are highly perceptive, and should they feel something is off, they will sprint off into the distance, never to be seen again! These big game hunting trophies are known for their speed, excellent tree climbing, and swimming skills, providing a remarkable challenge in testing a hunter’s skill and ability!

Popular Leopard Hunting Destinations

• Tanzania

This safari hunting mecca also boasts leopards as a prized trophy game hunting option. Specific areas to target include the Masailand and Rungwa Game reserves. A full 21-day permit is required for leopard hunts and, if bait is used, the bait also needs a license. Hunting season runs annually from July – December.

• Zambia

Spending the daytime in thicket bushes or up a tree, these cats primarily come out at night to hunt. Special permits are required to hunt leopards within the Luangwa Valley, Lupande, and Namwala, with hunts scheduled during daylight hours. 

• Namibia

Namibia is home to some adrenaline-filled big game hunting adventures. Leopard hunting happens on private reserves or ranches throughout the Northern and Central areas of the country. Artificial lights may not be used, with no hunting allowed between sunset and sunrise. Hunts take the form of stalking, ambushing, and tracking. Dogs are not to be used on hunts, and dead bait must be used. 

• Mozambique

Leopards have established themselves throughout Mozambique’s hunting concessions, with only male leopards eligible to be hunted. Bait gets placed for the leopard, and cameras record visitors and their frequency to the baited area. Alternatively, nighttime hunts that include the use of dogs are allowed. 

A CITES permit and a Mozambican hunting permit are required before the hunt. 

• Zimbabwe

 Leopard hunts are completed across Zimbabwe except in the central plateau region. If you hunt within a Zimbabwe Parks area, you may only hunt in daylight hours (30 minutes after sunrise to 30 minutes before sunset). However, on private and community hunting concessions, night hunting is allowed. Hounds are also allowed but require a special permit. Both CITES and Zimbabwean hunting permits are needed and require pre-approval.  

The Cape Buffalo

The Cape buffalo (Syncerus caffer) is a beast of Big 5 hunting in Africa, and it’s not hard to see why. A nickname of “Black Death” is one thing, but when an animal weighs more than 2,200 pounds (with a bad attitude!), you know that trouble is heading your way!

Popular Hunting Safari Areas for Cape Buffalo

• Zambia

The Luangwa Valley area is the best area for the hunting of this African Big Game in Zambia. Herds are known to number in the thousands, and your biggest problem might be narrowing down your choice target out of the many available options! Zambia contains 19 national parks and around 27 game management areas, which over the years have assured stable populations for hunting into the future, the hunting season runs from May to November.

• South Africa

Cape buffalo hunting commonly takes place in reserves or farms, most often in the Kruger Park area. The minimum caliber for this type of hunt is .375, however, some authorities prefer a higher caliber. At the end of the day, it’s up to you and knowing your capabilities. The hunting of Cape buffalo is available year-round.

• Namibia

 As one of Africa’s safest and most stable countries, you can have peace of mind knowing your sole focus will be capturing your Dagga Boy trophy while out on your hunting safari. Hunting is closed annually from January to February.

• Zimbabwe

Despite what you might think, this Southern African country is home to many large conservancy areas like the Save and Bubye Valley, and Cape buffalo hunting is available throughout the year. Many of these conservancies are unfenced, giving hunters an unbelievably real sense of the wild African bushveld. The Zambezi Valley area is known for one of the highest concentrations of Cape buffalo on the continent, and smaller groups inhabit the Victoria Falls area, especially Matetsi.

• Tanzania

The number of buffalo available to you will depend on the type of license you purchase. A 7-day license allows for two buffalo, while a 21-day license allows for three (among other game). The Selous Reserve remains a reliable hunting area alongside the Maswa and Kizigo areas. Hunting season is July-December. No CITES permits are required. 

• Mozambique

The Zambezi Delta is your best bet when hunting buffalo in Mozambique. Other areas include the woodland in Niassa and the Miombo woodlands near the Limpopo River. These hunting areas are swampy, and getting your feet wet will be a given, so be prepared. You’ll be required to have a pre-arranged hunting license only, as CITES permits aren’t necessary.

Big Game Hunting Methods for the Cape Buffalo

The most common hunting practice is the traditional safari–style stalk and shoot. The hunt commences in vehicles until tracks are spotted, after which the remainder of the hunt will be on foot as you track and stalk the herd. For this reason, good quality hunting boots with sufficient support are essential.

A word of warning: Shot placement is critical! When taking your shot, be as accurate as possible! Wounded buffaloes are known to charge and do not go down without a fight. There is a reason they are known as the Black Death, and you wouldn’t want to find it out the hard way!

The Elephant

The African elephant (Loxodonta Africana) inhabits areas throughout sub–Saharan Africa and in small, scattered groups in West Africa. Weighing over 6 tons and measuring 13 feet “over the shoulder,” this behemoth of the bush is known for one of the most sought-after African game hunting trophies, namely its ivory tusks.

Popular Elephant Hunting Destinations include:

• Botswana

Since 2019, elephant hunting has been allowed in Botswana following its prohibition years before. The hunting policies are strict, and roughly 400 licenses are issued annually for elephant hunting, coupled with a hunting season running from April–September. It will be a case of the fastest fingers first when securing this magnificent hunting trophy!

• Namibia

Many elephant herds inhabit the Caprivi region, most notably in the East and West Kavango areas and the northern Kalahari territory known as Bushmanland. Elephant hunting prices are affected by the size of a trophy’s tusks, and additional CITES permit fees and conservation fees. If exporting your trophy to the US, you will also need an Endangered Species Act (ESA) permit. Namibia’s hunting season runs from March to November, while April to June are prime elephant hunting months.

• Tanzania

Like much of Tanzania’s hunting safari targets, the best population calls the Selous Reserve home, with other good elephant hunting opportunities found in the Rungwa Reserve and West Tanzania’s swamp lands. You’ll need to purchase a full 21-day hunting permit and possess a CITES permit to continue your hunt. Only elephant bulls may be hunted, and the heaviest tusk may not weigh more than 33 pounds. Trophy exports are not allowed into the US and EU countries, so don’t say we didn’t warn you!

• South Africa

Year-round hunting is allowed in enclosed areas only, with the general hunting season being April–October. Hunting areas include Limpopo, Mpumalanga, and Kwa–Zulu Natal, depending on availability. Areas on the outskirts of the Kruger National Park are also available to hunt, but these specific hunts are booked years in advance due to demand. The elephant hunts on the outskirts of the Kruger National Park are on a strict quota system, subject to scientific and impact studies. The legal minimum caliber is .375, although a heavier caliber is suggested should you be comfortable with the larger firepower.

• Zambia

Elephant hunting in Zambia is said to be an on/off affair, so you will need to communicate with your outfitter regarding which areas are open and if hunting is available. This is due to the loss of population caused by poaching. Getting your trophy to the US or EU will require both CITES and an enhancement permit.

• Zimbabwe

Hunting season is year-round here, and you’re most likely to find good populations in the Zambezi catchment and southwestern areas, such as the Hwange National Park. If a hunt takes place on community land, the community will benefit from the hunt’s proceeds. Like Zambia, the availability of elephant hunting in Zimbabwe can change at short notice.

The Rhinoceros

Given how rhinos have fallen victim to poaching over the years, it’s no wonder that the hunting of rhinos is as stringently controlled and regulated as it is. The white rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum) is available for hunting in South Africa and Namibia. The black rhino (Diceros bicornis) is also available for hunting, but this is more regulated. The most expensive target of Big 5 hunting in Africa, it is seen as the crown jewel of an African big game hunt.

Rhino Hunting Safari Locations

• Namibia

Only old bulls who pose a threat to younger rhinos are eligible for hunting. Remember that horn size is not an indicator of age. Rhino horns are frequently damaged and worn-down during fighting or foraging. Black rhinos are only available on quota when the state allows, as they are property of the Namibian state, while white rhino hunts can take place on private farmland. You will need a CITES permit, together with export papers. Rhino trophies are allowed in the US.

• South Africa

In South Africa, a CITES permit is required to carry out your hunt. Both white and black rhinos are available to hunt, with the black rhino strictly regulated. South Africa outlawed the practice of “Green Rhino Hunting” due to the frequency of some rhinos being darted.

Rhino Hunting Methods

The best hunting method is walk–and–stalk. It requires a keen awareness of the hunter, PH, and any trackers as you need to adhere to the rules regarding gender and age. Males tend to scrape the ground frequently and are larger, while females have thinner horns. Rhinos usually seek shelter during the day, under the shade of a tree, or in brush, and are active at night. The best time to hunt rhinos is during the winter when food is scarce or in the dry springtime when grasses and bushes are growing. 

The minimum caliber is .375, but something with larger firepower would be most suitable, as rhinos are tough animals! Rhinos may have extremely poor eyesight and not be the most agile of animals; but they can and will charge like a 3-ton battering ram, fully prepared to use their God-given weapon at the drop of a hat!

Ready for a Big Game Hunting Safari?

Big 5 hunting in Africa remains an extremely popular choice for hunters worldwide. When traveling to Africa remember, it’s a tough continent that breeds equally tough animals (and people!), and you will need to pack every ounce of skill, ability, and knowledge you have for a successful big game hunting safari!

Interested in big game hunting in Africa? Discover further information about African hunting destinations, Big 5 hunting in Africa, dangerous game, or learn more about shot placement on dangerous game.

Author: A. Baker