Big game hunting in Africa remains a bucket list activity for many hunters worldwide. Hunting in Africa provides the opportunity to target varied game species, in beautiful and diverse destinations, with exceptional challenges and rewards, to entice any enthusiastic hunter to the dark continent! But the cherry on top of this would of course be targeting Africa’s Big 5 on a dangerous game hunting safari.
Dangerous game hunting is almost seen as a rite of passage for those looking for different, unique, and challenging species to target on an African hunt. And Africa is happy to oblige with an array of big game animals to make any game hunting enthusiast’s dream a reality.
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Big Game Hunting in Africa
When considering big game hunting in Africa, it is easy to forget that it not only refers to Africa’s Big 5 and Dangerous 7, but also numerous large antelopes that provide a testing game hunting experience. They are the biggest and most challenging of all antelopes to target on a hunting safari, providing the hunter with an African hunt to thrill, challenge, and excite them.
If someone thinks that hunting antelopes is easy, they obviously have not targeted Africa’s infamous “gray ghost” whose camouflage skills are legendary, or even the wildebeest whose antics of continuous movement in large herds ensure that targeting a prized trophy is exceedingly difficult to target. Learn more about Africa’s large antelopes and what makes them so unique and challenging to hunt.
For the sake of this article, we will focus on Africa’s Big 5, the most dangerous, challenging, aggressive, and difficult species to target on a big game hunting safari.
Africa’s Big 5
As hunting grew in popularity, the targeting of more challenging, violent, and taxing animals became the norm. Hunters traveled from far and wide to showcase their talents, their skills, and their exceptional shot placement by hunting the biggest and best animals to add to their trophy room. Enter Africa’s infamous Big 5.
Lion
When considering big game hunting in Africa, the lion (Panthera Leo) is certainly seen as the pinnacle target of a dangerous game hunting adventure. Many hunters consider the king of the jungle (or the bushveld in this case!), to represent the best of what Africa has to offer in terms of dangerous game hunting safaris. To target the king of the beasts is a privilege and not one to be taken lightly.
Weighing up to 570 pounds, the African lion is the largest member of the cat family and a killing machine of note. From the tip of its razor-sharp claws to their sharp teeth, this apex predator means business. Fast, fierce, and unpredictable, the lion provides hunters with a fast-paced, action-filled dangerous game hunting safari.
The International Union classifies this member of Africa’s Big 5 for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) as vulnerable and a CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) permit is required when lion hunting in Africa.
Leopard
African hunts targeting the leopard (Panthera pardus) are certainly not for the faint-hearted. This shy and elusive nocturnal African cat is a mixture of brains and brawn, and is arguably one of the most dangerous, if not the most dangerous, animal to target on an African hunt. If you thought that a leopard was dangerous under normal conditions, don’t try wounding one, as the aggression, danger, and chances of being injured and attacked have just increased significantly.
Leopard hunting takes patience and perseverance (and courage!) as these apex predators are cunning and intelligent animals who are well-versed in the art of camouflage. Part of the cat family, the leopard is a large cat, with tawny or cream fur sporting solid black spots that are evenly spaced, and a small, round head with a small snout. It is an agile adversary that is extremely athletic (keep a lookout for this predator in trees!) and one of the only members of the cat family to enjoy the water as a confident swimmer.
The IUCN has the leopard listed as vulnerable and leopard hunting in Africa requires a CITES permit.
Rhino
The rhino has been a target of hunters and poachers for centuries, with its horns used by many for traditional medicines and artifacts. The massive herbivore remains a sought-after big game hunting trophy, but it is only available for hunting in South Africa and Namibia.
These members of Africa’s Big 5 provide a challenging game hunting safari. With excellent hearing and a keen sense of smell, approaching the rhino undetected proves to be a difficult proposition. Once in place, and ready with great shot placement ready, the animal’s thick hide makes penetration of bullets difficult, so be adequately prepared for this African hunt.
The black rhino (Diceros bicornis) is seen as critically endangered, with the white rhino (Ceratotherium simum) having a status of near threatened. Both rhinos require a CITES permit when hunting in Africa.
Elephant
While the African bush elephant (Loxodonta africana) may look like a calm and tranquil herbivore slowly making their way across the savanna, this gentle giant is very protective of their herd and will defend it at all costs. And yes, they are quite capable of disposing of anyone and anything that gets in their way.
A popular game hunting trophy targeted for its tusks by hunters and poachers, the African bush elephant is the world’s largest land mammal, tipping the scales at up to 14,000 pounds.
The African bush elephant’s numbers are decreasing, with its habitat loss listed as a major contributor.
Cape Buffalo
With nicknames like Africa’s Black Death and the Window Maker, the Cape buffalo certainly lives up to its reputation. This dangerous game species is usually one of the first that hunters target, simply because it is one of the more cost-effective big game species.
Cape buffalo are known for their aggression and stubbornness and are one of the most feared animals worldwide. Apart from their bad attitudes, the Cape buffalo is a difficult animal to hunt, and certainly one that you want to be in the salt as soon as possible, with minimum fuss. On that note, a wounded buffalo is a dangerous animal, ensure that your shot placement is spot on.
The IUCN has listed the Cape buffalo’s status as least concern, and no special permits are required to hunt this spectacular beast.
Popular Destinations for Big Game Hunting in Africa
- Big game hunting in Africa for many is a dream that they save and strive towards.
- Knowing which destination is best for your hunting adversary can also play a role and assist in deciding where to enjoy some dangerous game hunting in Africa.
- Countries including South Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Mozambique, Botswana, Namibia, and Tanzania are all renowned for their exceptional big game and dangerous game species.
- Cape buffalo hunts are often the first hunt undertaken by big game and dangerous game hunters, as they are one of the more cost-effective game hunting targets. Destinations such as Tanzania, Zimbabwe, South Africa, and Mozambique are popular options.
- Leopard hunting in Africa is an adrenaline-filled experience, with destinations such as Mozambique, Zambia, and Zimbabwe being popular hunting destination options. A reminder that although leopard hunting is legal in South Africa, the government has not issued any tags for many years.
- Elephant hunting in Africa has hunters spoilt for choice! Destinations such as Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Namibia provide a variety of challenging terrains and conditions for the big game hunter.
- Rhino hunting can only legally be undertaken in two African countries, namely Namibia and South Africa.
- Lion hunting in Africa is a popular and sought-after big game hunting adventure, with diverse destinations such as Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Tanzania being popular choices.
Taxidermy and Your Trophy from Big Game Hunting in Africa
Everybody loves memories. Whether it’s a souvenir from a local trip, some photographs that remind you of an enjoyable event, or even a memento of a specific activity, we love to be reminded of special times.
And what is more special than harvesting big game while hunting in Africa? There are many and varied taxidermy options, depending on your budget, requirements, and preferences. See a recent blog entitled Big Game Hunting: Let’s Talk Taxidermy and Trophies for further information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can you hunt the Big 5 in Africa?
There is only one African destination where you can hunt all members of Africa’s Big 5, namely Namibia. Although South African regulations allow for hunting each of the Big 5 members, no leopard tags have been issued for quite some time.
Why do hunters target big game animals?
For many game hunting enthusiasts, the bigger the animal, the larger the reward. While this is true for some, other hunters target big game animals, including large antelopes and not only Africa’s Big 5, as they are the most challenging prey to target, and prove to be some of the most difficult adversaries in the field.
Which antelopes are seen as big game?
While some believe that big game hunting refers only to the Big 5 or Dangerous 7, it also includes a range of large antelopes such as the eland, kudu, nyala, and waterbuck. Each of these antelopes provides hunters with a unique challenge in hunting them. From shy and elusive behavior to incredible speed and adept camouflage techniques, these antelopes provide hunters with the ultimate hunting adventure.
Which member of Africa’s Big 5 is seen as the most challenging to target on a hunting safari?
Each member of the Big 5 has their own set of unique challenges and rewards that they offer to hunters targeting them. Cape buffalo are extremely vicious and aggressive, while simultaneously being extremely cunning and are known to have circled back on hunting parties, making the hunting experience even more thrilling, and dangerous!
Elephants are known for their exceptional memories and have attacked hunters who have targeted the herd previously, while leopards are extremely adept at camouflage, making them a challenge to target and hunt. Aggressive when cornered, a tip to note is that a wounded leopard is one of the most dangerous animals on the planet, so ensure that your shot placement is spot on.
The sheer size of a rhino and the damage they can do is mind-boggling. Their horns are not just for show! While lions may look relaxed and half asleep as you spot them on the savanna, know that this apex predator doesn’t mess around, and with a bite force of 650 psi (which may not sound a lot when compared to predators such as the Nile crocodile), it is quite capable of snapping a person’s spine or crushing a skull.
Big Game Hunting in Africa: An Extraordinary Hunting Experience
Whether you choose to hunt lions in Tanzania or Cape buffalo in Zimbabwe, a big game hunting adventure in Africa is an experience never to be forgotten.
If you enjoyed reading this article relating to big game hunting, head over to our Hunting section, to secure your dream hunting safari!
Author: B. Hershensohnn