Key Takeaways

• Big game hunting is seen as one of Africa’s most exciting and enthralling hunting safaris

• Members of the Big 5, or Dangerous 7, are hunted in various destinations across Africa

• Dangerous game hunting targets Lion, Leopard, Cape buffalo, Elephant, Rhino, Nile Crocodile, and Hippo

• These big game hunts don’t come without danger – or casualties

• The most popular countries for big game hunting include South Africa, Namibia, Mozambique, Zambia and Tanzania

• When big game hunting in Africa, a .375 shooting 300 grains of premium ammunition is accepted as the minimum requirement across the board.

Big Game Hunting and Africa’s Dangerous 7     

Dangerous game hunts can become expensive as many of the animals occur in different countries i.e. White Rhino can only be hunted in South Africa and Namibia. Leopards can currently not be hunted in South Africa. Countries offering “free-range” Lion hunts are limited to Zambia, Mozambique, Tanzania, Ethiopia and Zimbabwe. Many of the exclusive game hunting areas such as The Selous and Niassa are so remote that private charter planes are required, which increases the cost of the African hunting trip.

With Crocodile and Hippo hunts, international hunters must venture to areas with large expanses of water such as Lake Cahora Bassa and Lake Kariba. 

For many, big game hunts in Africa for “free-range” Lion, Elephant and Rhino are no longer affordable. A dangerous game hunt for Black Rhino can cost hundreds of thousands of US Dollars and these hunts are often auctioned off to the “highest bidder.”

Leopard hunting safaris are popular amongst American hunters as these trophy cats can still be imported. Importantly, international hunters before splashing out thousands of dollars on day fees, need to consider the African outfitters “success ratio” on these cats.

When booking a Leopard hunt, it is worthwhile chatting to the team at Game Hunting Safaris, who can provide good advice. Too many hunters return from an African hunting trip, without a trophy Leopard and a dent in their wallet.

With countries such as Botswana and Zimbabwe being overpopulated with Elephant, hunting tuskless and non-trophy Elephants are quickly becoming popular African hunts.

How much does a Big Game Hunt in Africa Cost?

Big game hunts in Africa can drastically vary in terms of pricing, depending on location and the type of dangerous game hunt. An additional factor affecting the price would be trophy vs non-trophy, exportable vs. non-exportable. Destinations such as Zimbabwe and Namibia also offer “community” or “own use” animals. When dangerous game hunting for trophies, not only does “size matter,” but it is directly proportionate to “price.” South Africa is famous for “charging per inch,” with Zimbabwe in recent months beginning to follow suit. 

In South Africa, Buffalo cows can be hunted for US$ 5,000, and trophy bulls, over 42 inches at US$ 20,000. Hippo hunts in Namibia can vary from US$ 6,500 for a non-exportable hunt, to an average of US$ 12,000 for an exportable Hippo Bull.

Elephant hunts in Zimbabwe can range from as little as US$ 11,500 for a tuskless Elephant, to US$ 18,000 for a non-trophy Elephant Bull. Elephants more than 60 pounds (heaviest tusk) can cost more than US$ 35,000.

Leopard hunts in Namibia can vary from US$ 22,000 on privately owned ranches, to more than US$ 40,000 in the vast open and free-range areas such as Bushmanland. With Rhino hunts in South Africa ranging from US$ 32,000, to more than US$ 65,000, Rhino “Green Darts” are very popular.

Cost on a big game hunt in Africa is also affected by not only the location, but available quota. i.e. Zimbabwe may have 200 Leopard Cites permits available, but Niassa in Mozambique may only have 40.

A further factor influencing the cost of a dangerous game hunt is the length of the hunting season in each country. African outfitters operating and hunting for fewer months, in essence, must cover their operating costs in a shorter timeframe. 

Nevertheless, American hunters will continue to dream, plan and attend big game hunts in Africa, and who can blame them? Without foreign currency and investment, Africa’s Dangerous 7 will be at risk due to loss of habitat, unemployment and poaching, to name but a few.

Just how dangerous are big game hunts in Africa?

Hunting plains game, while still having a component of risk, does not remotely compare to the adrenaline rush of hunting Africa’s Dangerous 7. While dangerous game hunts are not sought after by all American hunters, the “die hard” hunters focusing on animals that are far from defenceless, will confirm just how addictive big game hunting is.

Hunting Africa’s Dangerous 7 comes with great risk. Certain predators such as Crocodiles have no problem consuming humans and kill more than a 1,000 people a year.  Elephants will happily “stomp you to death,” and we all know just how dangerous a Cape Buffalo in full charge can be. As for a Leopard, while humans are not their main prey, a wounded Leopard, pound for pound, is said to be the most dangerous animal in Africa.

Hippos kill more than 500 people a year. These highly territorial and aggressive animals are known to attack humans when threatened. Hippo’s have razor sharp tusks and can easily bite a human or a small fishing boat in half.

Dangerous game hunts have a way of sky-rocketing emotions. While experienced hunters may have the ability to “keep a cool head” under pressure, many do not, hence the importance of hunting with a suitably experienced professional hunter. If the big game hunt goes as planned, the associated risks are minimal, but when on a big game hunt in Africa, that is not always the case.

Hunters often assume that the only threat facing dangerous game hunters are the animal they are pursuing, but this is not the only danger. Dangerous game hunts can take hunters to remote locations in Africa, where other dangers such as snakes, tsetse flies, scorpions, mosquitos and many more that lurk in the African wilderness.

How to hunt big game in Africa

Big game hunting methods vary, and factors such as location and target species are considered.

Cape Buffalo, Elephant and Rhino are usually hunted by a combination of stalking and tracking. In most cases, Lions are hunted over a bait, except in South Africa. Leopards are hunted using baits, or in certain instances with the assistance of hounds.

Hippos can be spotted and shot in the water, but the preferred method would be to wait until the Hippo leaves the protection of the murky depths. Hippo hunting on land is the ultimate rush, placing hunters only a few yards from an animal that can weigh over 7,000 pounds.

Nile Crocodiles are hunted via the spot and stalk method, or in certain cases by baiting along riverbanks and estuaries.

Dangerous Game Hunting and choosing a Suitable Caliber

American hunters are aware that when on a big game hunt in Africa, a .375 shooting 300 grains of premium ammunition is accepted as the minimum requirement across the board.

While a dangerous game hunt does not always go as planned, research needs to be done into planning the hunt, including estimated distance of shot, visibility (time of year), brain vs. broadside shot (vitals) and, of course, preparing for a backup/insurance shot. It is widely known that hunting Cape Buffalo requires a rifle with stopping power, such as a .458, 416, or a suitable double rifle such as a 470 or 500 nitro express. Not many hunters can manage larger calibres such as a 600 NE and higher.

Hunting Crocodiles requires precision shooting, so the chosen rifle needs to not only be shot with confidence but will require quality optics. A 500NE with an open site, is not going to work, shooting at 100 yards over a river in Mozambique. The same would apply when hunting a Hippo in the water at 80 yards. Elephants and Rhinos are pachyderms, which means the rifle and bullet needs to be able to “hit hard” and penetrate the thick skin.

If in doubt, take two large calibre rifles, one fitted with a quality scope and the other for the “up close and personal” work.

Once a suitable rifle has been chosen, especially if hunters are targeting an unfamiliar and new species, extensive research into shot placement is critical.

Big game hunts in Africa, the Contributions to Conservation

Dangerous game hunts contribute significantly to conservation by generating revenue and cash flow, which assists in funding anti-poaching efforts and wildlife management programs.

Maintaining free-range big game hunting concessions preserves vast areas of habitat, which without the contributions of international hunters would be converted into agricultural zones where domestic livestock, such as cows, sheep and goats would destroy these areas of pristine wilderness.

Regulated and controlled game hunting safaris create jobs, reduce unemployment and provide a financial incentive for community members to safeguard and protect Africa’s remarkable animal species. 

Big game hunts in Africa give animals value.  As the old saying in Africa goes, “If it pays it stays.”

Certain game species have recovered from near extinction by utilizing conservation focused hunting initiatives and re-established animal populations in areas of Africa where they were locally extinct.

Why consider an African Hunting Trip for Big Game?

Big game hunts in Africa are considered by international hunters as an excellent opportunity to explore the “Dark Continent” which offers diverse landscapes and abundant wildlife, not only the Dangerous 7, but exceptional African plains game species.

An African hunting safari provides great value with well-established and organized outfitters. Many hunting safaris offer luxury and comfortable accommodations, exceptional service and phenomenal local cuisine.

Points to consider when Planning an African Hunting Trip

-        Choose a reputable African outfitter. Game Hunting Safaris has simplified this process by pre-vetting outfitters, providing expert guidance, prime locations and following ethical hunting practices.

-        Understand and study the rules and regulations relating to the game hunting destination of choice.

-        Ensure that you are familiar with the pricing of the dangerous game hunt and know all the inclusions and exclusions and ensure the total cost is within budget, with no “hidden surprises”.

-        Do research and plan for the type of hunting experience you wish to enjoy, from the environment to the game hunting techniques and methods.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the big 7 hunting in Africa?

Big 7 hunting in Africa includes the traditional members of Africa’s Big 5, including Lion, Leopard, Rhino (White & Black), Cape Buffalo and Elephant, and Nile Crocodile and Hippo.

Which country in Africa is the best for hunting?

The ideal, or best country to hunt in Africa will depend on the dangerous game hunter’s preference or target species, and budget. There is no single “best” destination.

Countries such as Namibia and South Africa are more affordable, with destinations such as Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Mozambique providing more “authentic” African hunts.

What is dangerous game hunting?

Dangerous game hunts in Africa are hunting safaris targeting animals who have a history of being deadly to humans and are members of the Dangerous 7. Hunting these large predators and herbivores requires suitable equipment, advanced skills and guidance by a suitably experienced dangerous game qualified Professional Hunter.

The big game hunts in Africa are risky and the hunter faces the risk that a hunt “going wrong” may result in severe injury and even death.

What is the most dangerous game to hunt in Africa?

The most dangerous game animal to hunt in Africa is often dependant on the situation and is a rather “open ended” question.  Is a wounded Elephant more dangerous than a wounded Lion or Leopard?

However, Cape Buffalo are considered to be the most dangerous to hunt in Africa as this member of Africa’s big 5 has immense strength, a temper of note and inherently have a strong disliking to humans. Cape Buffalo have a history of ambushing hunters and launching attacks and charges, even without any provocation.

Conclusion

A big game hunt in Africa provides American hunters with not only an adrenaline rush, but a sense of accomplishment, a unique connection to nature and the opportunity to enjoy the diverse offerings of Africa. 

For many, dangerous game hunts are a family tradition, passed down through generations. These hunting safaris offer the opportunity to spend valuable quality time together, away from the stress of commerce and everyday life, following in the footsteps of their ancestors.  

Start Planning Your Dangerous Game Hunt Today!

If you’re a US hunter ready to experience the intensity of a big game hunting safari, we’ll connect you with vetted outfitters, handle the paperwork, and ensure your trophies arrive safely back home.

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