When it comes to exceptional hunting adventures, South Africa is the place to be. Looking for a destination that offers diverse species and abundant game in authentic African hunting safaris? Yep, that’s South Africa! Nestled in the central South Africa lies the Free State, one of the country’s nine provinces that offers the ultimate in African plains game hunts. But don’t just believe me, check the facts…
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Key Takeaways
- South African hunting safaris are exceptional, with experienced outfitters and diverse, abundant game species making it the perfect African hunt
- The Free State is renowned for its trophy African plains game hunts
- Popular and sought-after trophies include Blesbok, Springbok, Black Wildebeest, and Kudu
- Hunting methods include hunting from a blind, walk-and-stalk and spot-and-stalk options
The Free State at a Glance
The Free State is South Africa’s third-largest province at 50,125 square miles, sitting on the Highveld Plateau. The province is renowned for its “ope vlaktes,” as it is referred to in the local language Afrikaans, which roughly translates to “open grasslands,” together with rolling plains.
Main industries in the area include mining and farming, with the Free State home to more than 3 million. Bloemfontein (fondly referred to as the City of Roses for its impressive floral displays) is the major city in the province, and is the area's cultural and financial hub, while also serving as the seat of the Court of Appeal.
Traveling to South Africa & the Free State
The best option to travel to when hunting in South Africa, is OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg. From there, the option would include either a domestic flight to take you to Bram Fischer International Airport in Bloemfontein and a road transfer to the concession, or to do a road transfer from OR Tambo straight to the concession in the Free State – this would all depend on where in the Free State your outfitter is located.
Upon arrival in South Africa, when bringing in a firearm for safari hunting, a SAPS 520 rifle import form must be completed.
Terrain in the Free State
The hunting terrain in the Free State is perfect for long-range hunting but also provides the perfect backdrop for walk-and-stalk opportunities, with quality trophies available throughout the region. Hunters can expect grasslands with koppies (small hills) and ridges, together with rolling hills and the large Maluti mountains forming a majestic Eastern border alongside Lesotho, where golden plains stretch endlessly under big skies. This region is ideal for hunting popular plains game species such as Blesbok, Springbok, and Blue and Black wildebeest at distances up to 984 feet. These open, arid landscapes, dotted with acacia thorn trees and seasonal pans, shift between vast farmlands in the west and rugged eastern highlands rising to 5,905 feet.
Main Hunting Grounds
The Free State provides the perfect malaria-free, classic plains game hunting experience for hunters of all levels, from novice to seasoned.
The main hunting areas of the Free State can be broken down as follows:
- Northern Free State: Known for its tranquil setting focusing on a large variety of plains game
- Central / Southern Free State: Great plains game hunting region and easily accessible from Bloemfontein
- Eastern Free State: Known for exceptional Eland and Mountain Reedbuck trophies
Popular Plains Game Species
The Free State is a great option for plains game hunting in South Africa. While the region does offer dangerous as well as specialty game hunting safaris, the trophy quality of the plains game in the area is well documented. So if you’re after an authentic plains game hunting adventure, showcasing abundant game and species with good quality trophies, head to the Free State.
Black Wildebeest
Black Wildebeest are tough, aggressive, and unpredictable plains game trophies. They are known for their ability to “eat lead” and often run quite a distance before falling, even with shot placement being spot on. These unusual-looking trophies are native to South Africa and offer challenging spot-and-stalk pursuits in the Eastern and Central Free State, with some outfitters also using high blinds to best target the Wildebeest.
Springbok
These medium-sized antelopes are a common sight on the Free State plains and remain one of the most popular plains game species when hunting in South Africa. The central and Eastern Free State provide the perfect backdrop for this antelope that thrives on the open grasslands. The Springbok is known for its “pronking” (bouncing) antics. The Springbok has various color variants, including black, white, and copper, and “Springbok Slams” are a popular option when hunting these antelopes. The main hunting method for Free State safaris includes the spot-and-stalk method.
Blesbok
Blesbok hunting dominates the Free State as the province's most abundant and iconic African plains game species, with massive herds thriving throughout the province on private ranches. Due to their grassland preference, these antelopes are found in the Eastern, Southern, and Central Free State with spot-and-stalk being the go-to in terms of hunting methods.
Kudu
The King of the Spiral-Horns or Africa’s Gray Ghost, as the Kudu is affectionately known, is a large, striking antelope with the most beautiful spiral horns that can reach up to 6 feet! Known for their excellent camouflage skills and the ability to literally disappear before your eyes, the Kudu is at the top of many hunters’ bucket lists. While not as prevalent in the Free State as in the Limpopo region, the Free State’s Eastern and Northern regions provide perfect habitats for the Kudu. Acacia woodlands, riverine bush, and rocky ridges rising toward the Drakensberg mountains provide a suitable habitat for this large herbivore. Kudu tend to favor the dense cover available on koppies for bark-stripping and areas with waterholes, making it a suitable habitat for this large antelope.
Gemsbok
With its striking coat and long, straight, spear-like horns, it’s no wonder that this striking plains game trophy is so sought-after. Although usually found in the dry Kalahari, the Gemsbok, also known as the Oryx, is found in the Free State’s drier Central and Western regions. The region features vast, flat grasslands with sparse acacias and seasonal pans. The Gemsbok is usually targeted through the spot-and-stalk method, or from a blind in the early morning or late afternoon when the antelope heads to the salt licks.
Sable
While the Free State is not the Sable’s chosen habitat, they have been imported and are found on game farms in the area. The Sable is much more likely to be hunted in the Limpopo, KwaZulu-Natal or Mpumalanga provinces, but some are found in the Eastern Free State where the habitat of riverine thickets, savannas, and wooded koppies mimic their chosen habitat. These beautiful antelope with their backward-shaped horns are hunted through the spot-and-stalk method.
Best time to Hunt in the Free State
The best time to hunt in the Free State is from March to October, with the peak season being during the cooler, drier months. From November to February, it becomes exceptionally hot and sticky, making hunting uncomfortable with more critters and bugs also doing their rounds.
What makes the Free State a popular Hunting Destination?
- Abundant Wildlife Species: If you’re looking for a region with abundant game and a unique hunting experience, then the Free State is the place to go. This destination is made for African plains game hunting, with iconic species such as Black Wildebeest, Springbok, Gemsbok, and Blesbok up for grabs
- Open Plains for Ethical Walk-and-Stalks: The Free State lends itself to some exceptional game hunting, taking the form of walk-and-stalk or spot-and-stalk, testing the hunter’s ability to approach the animal undetected while simultaneously providing a great reward at the end of the challenge. South Africa is renowned for its experienced Outfitters who offer great hunting safaris, with overall experiences being rated tops. Do yourself a favour and don’t miss out on this epic African hunt!
- Accessibility: Reaching the Free State is quite straightforward, with options including road transfers and domestic flights, depending on the location of the hunting grounds within the Free State region
- Year-Round Accessibility: While hunts are available throughout the year, the best time to hunt in this amazingly serene, malaria-free destination is from March to October, during the cooler weather when bugs and critters – and the excessive heat! - are less likely to be prevalent
- Classic Experience: The Free State provides hunters, from novice to expert, with a true African plains game experience, offering a wide variety of species, knowledgeable outfitters, and challenging terrain and conditions. Hunters can test their skills against some of Africa’s most exclusive, alert, and sought-after trophies
- Tourist Offerings: No hunt in sunny South Africa should be complete without a visit to local tourist attractions and experiencing local culture, and a hunt in the Free State is no exception! From War Museums, Cultural Villages and Cheetah encounters to scenic drives, national parks and tempting cuisine, there is something to pique everyone’s interest here. Don’t miss out on a visit to Clarens, an artsy town near the Golden Gate National Park.In Closing
In conclusion, the Free State offers everything that makes a good hunt into a great hunt. From a diverse range of species including Wildebeest, Springbok, and Blesbok, to a hunting terrain that is both challenging and vast, to exceptional trophies and unforgettable memories, the Free State is well worth considering for your next hunting adventure. This malaria-free location offers world-class hospitality and impressive success rates on well-managed concessions. Can you afford to miss out?
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I hunt the Big 5 in the Free State?
Yes, all members of the Big 5 can be legally hunted in the Free State. South Africa is the only country in the world, apart from Namibia, where all members of Africa’s Big 5 can be hunted.
Is it difficult to travel to the Free State?
Traveling to the Free State hunting grounds is quite simple. Depending on where you land (either Cape Town International or OR Tambo International in Johannesburg), you can either take a domestic flight to Bloemfontein or a picturesque road transfer. The road transfer, depending on the concession’s location, can be anywhere between 4-7 hours.
Can you enjoy night hunting safaris when hunting in South Africa?
Some Outfitters in the Free State do offer small predator hunts using spotlights.
When is the best time to go hunting in South Africa’s Free State province?
While hunting in South Africa is available throughout the year, the Free State province can become quite hot in the summer, making it uncomfortable to hunt during the scorching summer. As a result, the best time to go hunting in the Free State is from March to October, with November through to February being extremely hot. Temperatures often reach 95°F or more, with the heat affecting long-distance shots with the mirage effect.
Is the Free State a malaria area?
No, the Free State is not a malaria area, and no additional vaccinations are required to hunt there.
What vaccinations are required to enter South Africa?
While no specific vaccinations are required for entry into South Africa for most travelers, including those from the US, EU, or other low-risk countries, visiting the Free State for hunting safaris, a Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is mandatory if arriving from or transiting for more than 12 hours through a yellow fever risk country, such as Zimbabwe or Zambia.
Do US travelers require a visa to enter South Africa?
United States citizens are granted a free visa upon arrival in South Africa for both business and tourism if staying for 90 days or less.