Choosing when and where to hunt in Africa depends on far more than simply selecting a species. Hunting seasons, rainfall, temperature, vegetation and access to water can all influence conditions in the field, while the species available and the way safaris operate vary considerably between countries.
South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Tanzania, Botswana and Mozambique are among the continent's established hunting destinations, but they do not offer the same type of safari. South Africa provides considerable flexibility across dangerous game and Plains Game Hunts, while countries such as Zimbabwe, Zambia and Tanzania are particularly well known for traditional Dangerous Game Hunts conducted across large hunting areas.
Timing matters as well. Cooler and drier months often provide better visibility and more comfortable hunting conditions, but the ideal time to travel can change according to the country, species and hunting area. A buffalo safari in Tanzania, an elephant hunt in Botswana and a plains game safari in South Africa can therefore require very different planning.
This guide compares the main hunting seasons, species and conditions across Africa's leading safari destinations. Hunters still deciding where their safari should take them can explore our African Hunting Trips for current opportunities, while our African Hunting Safaris page provides a broader overview of hunting across the continent.
South Africa
South Africa offers one of the broadest combinations of plains game and dangerous game hunting on the continent. Hunts take place across a wide range of habitats, from the bushveld of Limpopo to the open country of the Eastern Cape, with well-developed safari infrastructure making travel between hunting areas relatively straightforward.
The country is particularly suitable for multi-species safaris, with considerable flexibility in the length and structure of a hunt. Our guide to Hunting in South Africa covers the country's main hunting areas, species and safari options in greater detail.
When is South Africa’s Hunting Season?
South Africa has no set hunting season, but it must be noted that the best time to enjoy a game hunting safari in South Africa is between April to August, during the autumn and winter months.
The reasoning behind this is quite simple:
- You are in autumn or winter, so the temperatures are much cooler, allowing for a more comfortable hunting adventure.
- There are fewer insects about, ready to bite and annoy you.
- The grass is shorter, allowing for easier visibility while on your hunting safari.
Does South Africa have Dangerous Game Hunting Options Available?
Yes, South Africa is home to the Big 5, with four of the Big 5 available for thrilling hunting adventures. If you are looking for an adrenaline rush, then dangerous game hunting is the way to go! In South Africa, you can hunt lions, elephants, Cape buffalo and rhino. Although there are leopards in South Africa that can be viewed in many different game reserves, the government has not issued any tags and therefore they are not available for hunting safaris.
Nile crocodiles and hippos are also available, so ensure you bring your A-game when hunting in South Africa!
Which Popular Species are available for Hunting in South Africa?
South Africa is home to a wide array of wildlife, allowing game hunting enthusiasts worldwide to enjoy a thrilling game hunting adventure. From African plains game animals, such as zebra, giraffe, gemsbok, kudu, springbok, impala, and bontebok, to specialty animals like baboons, porcupines, various mongooses, honey badgers, and hyenas, to the notorious Big 5 and Dangerous 7 game species, South Africa’s plentiful wildlife provides the perfect combination of plains game versus big game hunting, in beautiful, safe surroundings.
Namibia
Namibia offers a very different hunting environment from much of Southern Africa. Open semi-arid country dominates large parts of the country, while the Zambezi Region in the northeast provides river systems, floodplains and habitat supporting several dangerous game species.
Plains game remains one of Namibia's major strengths, particularly species such as gemsbok, kudu, springbok and mountain zebra. Hunters considering the country can explore Hunting in Namibia for more detail on its hunting areas, species and safari opportunities.
When is Namibia’s Hunting Season?
Namibia’s game hunting season runs annually from February to November, with no game hunting opportunities available during December and January.
The best time for hunting in Namibia targeting hippos and crocodiles, would be in the dry season, when there is less water in the Caprivi Strip, ensuring that their habitat is reduced significantly. A smaller habitat means more animals in a smaller area, thereby creating better hunting opportunities for those seeking a dangerous game hunting trophy.
Does Namibia have Dangerous Game Hunting Options Available?
Yes, there are definitely dangerous game options available, with all of the Big 5 game hunting species available to enjoy on adrenaline-pumping action game hunting adventures! The African elephant, lion, leopard, rhino, and Cape buffalo can be targeted when hunting in Namibia.
To add to this, Namibia is also the only country where cheetahs are available on African hunting trips. It must be stressed, however, that quotas for cheetah hunting in Namibia have been put in place and are strictly monitored and adhered to.
Which Popular Species Are Available for Game Hunting Adventures in Namibia?
Namibia’s game hunting opportunities are diverse, just as the species that occupy the country. From targeting the mystical oryx on an African plains game hunt, going on an adventure for the endemic black-faced impala, or even targeting the diminutive Damara Dik-Dik on your hunt, there are many species to consider.
Namibia also ticks the boxes when we consider dangerous game hunting. The Caprivi Strip is home to many dangerous game animals, including elephants, the Cape buffalo, lion, leopard, hyena, cheetah, hippo, and Nile crocodile.
Other popular game species in the area are, amongst others, zebra, giraffe, and wildebeest.
Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe has a long-established reputation for traditional dangerous game hunting, particularly in areas such as the Zambezi Valley, Matetsi and the country's major conservancies. Buffalo, elephant, lion and leopard are among its best-known species, while a broad selection of plains game can often be added to longer safaris.
Conditions change considerably as the season progresses, making the timing of Hunting in Zimbabwe an important consideration when choosing an area and planning the species to be hunted.
When is Zimbabwe’s Hunting Season?
Zimbabwe’s hunting season runs from March to November, allowing game hunters a fine variety of game hunting species to target.
The country is a popular destination for dangerous game hunting, but is rich in wildlife ensuring that African plains game and specialty game hunting opportunities are also available.
Does Zimbabwe have Dangerous Game Hunting Options Available?
Dangerous game hunting safaris in the country are popular, with four of the Big 5 being able for adrenaline-filled hunting adventures, namely the elephant, leopard, lion, and Cape buffalo. The other dangerous seven members that are available include the hippo and Nile crocodile, which form a great combination hunting package.
Zimbabwe is also home to more than 100,000 elephants!
Which Popular Species Are Available for Hunting in Zimbabwe?
Apart from the hair-raising hunting adventures you can count on while targeting the available members of the Big 5 and Dangerous 7, Zimbabwe is home to specialty animals including honey badgers, hyenas, jackals, and porcupines, amongst others. Popular African plains game species include the oribi, nyala, steenbok, impala, red hartebeest, tsessebe, common reedbuck, kudu, klipspringer, sable, and giraffe. Many members of the African cat family are found in Zimbabwe, such as the civet, serval, caracal, African wild cat, and genet.
Zambia
Zambia is a landlocked African country, sharing its borders with the DRC, Tanzania, Malawi, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia, and Angola.
The most popular areas for hunting in Zambia include the Luangwa Valley, Kafue Flats, Zambezi Valley, and Bangweulu Swamps. The Zambian Wildlife Authority (ZAWA) has made it a key focus area over the last years to improve game management which is the cornerstone of a country’s leisure visitor and hunting market.
When is Zambia’s Game Hunting Season?
Zambia’s hunting season runs from May to November, with the prime hunting season being from May to August.
Does Zambia have Dangerous Game Hunting Options Available?
Yes, Zambia can hunt dangerous game hunting safaris featuring members of both the Big 5 and Dangerous 7, including the lion, leopard, Cape buffalo, elephant, Nile crocodile, and hippo.
Which Popular Species are available for Game Hunting Adventures in Zambia?
The hunter has many choices available for his game hunting safari, which include, kafue lechwe, nyala, black wildebeest, blesbok, impala, kudu, zebra, bushbuck, roan, sitatunga, common eland, puku, and waterbuck, to name but a few popular choices.
Tanzania
Tanzania remains one of Africa's classic destinations for longer, concession-based safaris. Vast hunting areas and a remarkable variety of species allow hunts to be built around Cape buffalo, elephant, lion and leopard, together with plains game that may be specific to particular regions of the country.
Safari length, licence requirements and the location of the hunting area can all influence how a Tanzania hunt is planned. Our guide to Hunting in Tanzania explains the country's main hunting regions, species and safari structure in greater detail.
When is Tanzania’s Game Hunting Season?
Tanzania’s hunting season runs annually from 1st July to 31st December.
Does Tanzania have Dangerous Game Hunting Options Available?
Yes, for hunters seeking a hunting safari with a difference, Tanzania is home to four of the Big 5 African game animals and they are available to hunt. Step close for an adrenaline-filled hunting adventure featuring lions, elephants, leopards, Cape buffalo, as well as the two members of the Dangerous 7, namely the hippo and Nile crocodile.
Which Popular Species are available for Hunting in Tanzania?
Tanzania is renowned as having some of the best African plains game species worldwide, with excellent hunting conditions and opportunities. Popular African plains game species often targeted on African hunts include both the greater and lesser kudu, gerenuk, topi, sable, roan, sitatunga, and steenbok.
Botswana
Botswana combines very different hunting environments, from the wetter systems of the north to the much drier Kalahari. Elephant movement, water availability and seasonal conditions can have a considerable influence on hunting, particularly where animals move across large areas and international borders.
The country is best known for its elephant hunting, although buffalo, leopard, plains game and other species may also be available depending on the hunting area and quota. Planning Hunting in Botswana therefore requires careful consideration of both the area and the time of year.
When is Botswana’s Hunting Season?
Botswana’s game hunting season runs annually from the beginning of April until the end of September.
Does Botswana have Dangerous Game Hunting Options Available?
Yes, four of the Big 5 African game animals are available to target on a game hunting safari. Together with two members of the Dangerous 7, the African elephant, lion, leopard, and Cape buffalo will supply all the thrills hunters seek when dangerous game hunting in Africa!
Which Popular Species are available for Game Hunting Adventures in Botswana?
Apart from the Big 5 and Dangerous 7 species, other popular species targeted on hunting adventures in the country include the zebra, giraffe, impala, kudu, eland, warthog, wildebeest, steenbok, and hyena.
Mozambique
Mozambique provides the backdrop for an array of game hunting adventures, from the Big 5 and Dangerous 7 to African plains game and specialty hunts.
Hunting in Mozambique is conducted in concessions known as coutadas, which are areas specifically set aside for sport hunting. Coutadas are known as concession areas in the rest of Africa.
The protected areas of Mozambique, known as conservation areas, are categorized as national parks, national reserves, forest reserves, community conservation areas, wildlife utilization areas known as coutadas, and a few private game hunting farms. There are 6 national parks, 8 reserves, and 13 coutadas.
When is Mozambique’s Hunting Season?
The game hunting season for Mozambique is from 1st April to 30th November.
Does Mozambique have Dangerous Game Hunting Options Available?
Apart from the rhino, Mozambique offers a full package of African Big 5 and Dangerous 7 species, including the lion, leopard, elephant, Cape buffalo, Nile crocodile, and hippo.
Which Popular Species are available for Game Hunting Adventures in Mozambique?
Popular species for African hunts in Mozambique are the red duiker, oribi, zebra, eland, waterbuck, grysbok, kudu, spotted hyena, baboon, bushpig, and impala.
Planning Your African Hunt Around the Season
Choosing the right time for an African hunt depends on the country, species and type of safari being planned. The middle of the dry season may provide excellent conditions for one hunt, while an earlier or later safari can make more sense for another species or hunting area.
Weather is only part of the decision. Water availability, vegetation, animal movement and the length of the hunting season can all affect conditions in the field. Hunters combining several species should also consider whether those animals are best pursued in the same area and during the same part of the season.
The country matters just as much. South Africa and Namibia can provide considerable flexibility for multi-species safaris, while hunts in Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana and Mozambique may require more planning around specific areas, quotas and seasonal conditions.
Understanding those differences makes it easier to choose not only when to travel, but also where the type of safari you want is most likely to come together. Our guide to Big Game Hunting in Africa provides a closer look at the species, destinations and hunting conditions involved when planning a larger African game safari.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time of year to hunt in Africa?
There is no single best month for every African hunting destination. Across much of Southern Africa, the cooler and drier months from roughly May through August are particularly popular because vegetation is thinner, temperatures are comfortable and animals often concentrate closer to reliable water. The best timing still depends on the country, species and hunting area.
Can you hunt in Africa throughout the year?
It depends on the destination. South Africa offers considerable flexibility, while countries including Namibia, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Tanzania, Botswana and Mozambique operate within defined hunting seasons or periods that can vary according to species, area and quota. Always confirm the current regulations when planning a safari.
Which African country has the longest hunting season?
South Africa generally provides some of the greatest flexibility, with hunting possible across much of the year depending on the province, property and species. Other destinations have more clearly defined seasons, including Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia and Mozambique. The longest season is not necessarily the best reason to choose a destination; species availability and hunting conditions matter more.
Is the dry season the best time for hunting in Africa?
The dry season is often preferred because vegetation becomes thinner, water becomes more concentrated and cooler temperatures can make long days in the field more comfortable. However, some hunts can be particularly productive earlier or later in the season, so timing should be matched to the species and area rather than simply choosing the driest month.
How far in advance should an African hunting safari be booked?
Popular hunting areas, limited quotas and specific species can require planning well in advance. This is particularly important for dangerous game hunts where only a limited number of permits may be available in a particular area. More flexible plains game safaris can sometimes be arranged closer to departure, but early planning provides a better choice of dates and hunting areas.