South Africa’s game hunting industry is a thriving and popular one, bringing in well over 150 million dollars in economic stimulus. And while the traditional hunting safari targets of lion, rhino, and elephant remain a popular choice, for some the cost of procuring the hunt alone is a big ask. But don’t despair.

As diverse as South Africa’s population is, so are its game hunting offerings. Cape buffalo hunting in South Africa is an extremely popular choice with both local and international hunters alike. Cape buffalo hunts can offer the same tests of hunting abilities and experiences as other African hunting safari; but at a lower cost. These Cape buffalo hunting packages can also be upgraded or built on additional game hunting opportunities, depending on the hunter’s inquiry and plan.

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The Cape Buffalo at a Glance

The Cape buffalo (Syncerus caffer caffer) is one of the most dangerous game hunting targets found in South Africa. A large and stocky animal, the adult Cape buffalo weighs well over 1,000 pounds with males reaching over 2,000 pounds in some cases. This coupled with a running speed of 35 mph, 40-inch horns, and a notoriously bad attitude means that buffalo hunting in South Africa is both rewarding and dangerous.

But what else would you expect from an animal known as the “Black Death?”

What can make Cape Buffalo Hunts difficult – Behavior, Weather, and more

• Most of the Cape buffalo hunting in South Africa takes place on private land where buffalo have been exposed to humans in one form or another. This has led to buffalo becoming more elusive in the bush as they hide deeper in the cover and for longer periods, sometimes only coming out to graze late in the day.
• Cape buffalo hunts can also be challenging due to the tough skin of a buffalo, which can be 2 inches thick and needs to be accounted for when choosing ammunition.
• Buffalo hunting in South Africa can also be affected by the season, more so for hunters as hunting in temperatures over 100ºF can have consequences affecting a hunter’s health and performance.
• While hunting this member of Africa’s Big 5 and Dangerous 7 usually takes place outside of the hotter months, we can’t control the weather and sporadic heatwaves can occur at unexpected times.
• Another concern is the behavior of the animal itself. Cape buffalo are classified as dangerous game for a reason. Game hunting for these large bovids means having to contend with not only their stubborn nature and risk of charging but also the herd.
• When a buffalo (especially a bull) is wounded or felled, other bulls will gather around the fallen member and encourage them to get up and rejoin the herd. When this occurs on Cape buffalo hunts; the hunter must be aware that these uninjured buffalo are also capable of charging or preventing the hunter from reaching the trophy, forcing them to wait, which can put you at risk.

Buffalo Game Hunting Tips and Suggestions

• Be careful when approaching the fallen target. Cape buffalo hunts carry an element of danger due to their behavior as explained above.
• Ammunition choice can be influenced by the type of shot needed when buffalo hunting in South Africa. Soft point bullets are suited for shots fired into a herd as this lessens the risk of hitting more than one target. Solid bullets are better matched for taking on solitary targets or finishing off the wounded.
• Beware of buffalo cows that have calves, they are hyper-aware and can quickly alert the herd to potential danger or charge themselves.
• When on Cape buffalo hunts, remember, that their hearing and sight may be poor, but their sense of smell is top-notch.
• One way to follow or spot a herd is to look out for birds like egrets or tickbirds. They can be either a burden or a blessing; leading the hunting party to a herd, or alerting the herd about potential danger by their calls.

Best Areas for Cape buffalo Hunting in South Africa

South Africa is made up of 9 provinces, each with their own unique geography, climate, and game hunting opportunities. While most provinces offer opportunities for buffalo hunting safari, most Cape buffalo hunting packages tend to focus on the provinces listed below.

It’s worth noting that some provinces have their own regulations regarding game hunting, so be sure to speak with your outfitter if you need more information.

Eastern Cape

The western areas of this province can be described as Karoo, as in climate and landscape are drier and with much higher summer temperatures. The more east you travel the “wetter” it becomes, especially towards the Transkei region. The Eastern Cape is fairly mountainous depending on the area, while other spots are known for deep valleys and vast gorges.

It is said that the Eastern Cape is home to some of the best buffalo hunting in South Africa due to its large populations on both game farms and free-range game hunting destinations. Additions to your Cape buffalo hunting packages include multiple antelope species and plains game, such as zebra.

Limpopo

This province found in the extreme north of South Africa is often the most popular choice when it comes to hunting opportunities. With its high altitude and rolling mountains, plus the famed Limpopo River, this province offers great opportunities for buffalo hunting in South Africa while also treating the hunter to some amazing scenery and landscapes.

Top ups to your Cape buffalo hunting packages in Limpopo can include antelope like Kudu, Limpopo Bushbuck, and Sable; while more exotic targets include Brown Hyena, Serval, and Tsessebe.

North West

Known as the Platinum Province (thanks to the mining industry); the North West is considered a great destination for a hunting safari due to its differing geographical areas being nearby. Both Highveld and Bushveld regions offer a brilliantly diverse game hunting industry with something for everyone; especially in overlapping areas.

Additions to these opportunities for buffalo hunting in South Africa can include Roan, Red Lechwe, Caracal, and Jackal top-ups. 

Methods for your Cape buffalo Hunting Safari

Buffalo hunting in South Africa can be done using both traditional rifle methods and through bow hunting, which was legalized in the 80’s. The outfitter of your Cape buffalo hunting packages may provide insight into what works best in the area but ultimately the choice can be made depending on your preferences and proficiency.

Rifle Hunting

The rifle method for Cape buffalo hunts is the most offered option when it comes to this hunting safari. Buffalo are typically hunted and shot from a close range and according to South African game hunting legislation; a round of .375 is the minimum for game like buffalo, although many hunters and outfitters will choose or recommend a larger caliber as stopping power is essential on Cape buffalo hunts.

Bow Hunting

The use of the bow method when buffalo hunting in South Africa can add to the excitement and adrenaline rush of your Cape buffalo hunts. Buffalo are usually shot from close range, but this method needs the hunter to get even closer to their trophy. Requirements for this game hunting bow setup are arrows rated 80 kinetic energy and 700 grain.

Hunting Styles

Cape buffalo hunting in South Africa can take place through two methods.

The first is the traditional game hunting favorite of walk and stalk. This hunting safari style will involve tracking of spoor and creeping as close as possible to the potential targets. These hunts typically make use of a vehicle until tracks are spotted, from here the walking and tracking will commence.

Secondly, Cape buffalo hunts can take place with the use of a blind set up near a watering hole or water source. Depending on your game hunting destination, these blinds could be permanent structures or set up as temporary measures when tracks lead to a gathering area.

Shot Placement and Practicing for your Cape Buffalo Hunts

Shot placement when buffalo hunting in South Africa is probably the most crucial part of the hunt and if not handled correctly, one of two things could happen. One, the wounded buffalo runs off and will need to be tracked and potentially lost, leaving the hunter to pay fees for a non–existent trophy. Two, the buffalo could charge towards the source of the shot; and if the first one made him angry, the follow-up would only make a bad situation worse.

Luckily, Cape buffalo are large animals, leaving the hunter with a lot of room to take his shot. The ideal shot placement on a buffalo is the shoulder shot; taken on the shoulder roughly a third of the way up, the shot can either be straight on or slightly angled. Both will give the best chance at a heart or lung hit that should drop the target relatively quickly; avoid a head or neck shot as these are notoriously unsuccessful and can have a bad outcome for all game hunting parties involved.

Cape Buffalo Hunting Packages – Costs and Additions

Of all the big game available on South African hunting safari, Cape buffalo hunts are about the most cost-effective and budget-friendly. Buffalo hunting in South Africa can cost between $ 11,000 and $ 13,000 depending on factors like demand, hunting destination, trophy size, and gender or maturity of the game.

Cape buffalo hunting packages can also form the base for other hunts targeting plains game that can be added on at additional costs. These add-ons’ can include antelope like Nyala, Gemsbuck, Springbok, Impala, or Wildebeest; or other plains game like Zebra or Bushpig.

Other factors that can affect the overall cost of Cape buffalo hunting packages include trophy preparation, taxidermy, and shipping fees, weapons rental if not bringing your own (some outfitters offer free to use while others charge a fee), and even the number of hunters in the party.

What makes a Good Trophy when Buffalo Hunting in South Africa?

Cape buffalo are big animals; and as usual, when it comes to game hunting trophies, bigger is definitely better. For a good trophy target, keep an eye out for animals boasting a shoulder height of around 65 inches or more (especially in males), while horn measurements should range from 35–40 inches.

Females are typically smaller, and it’s worth noting that the boss of a Cape buffalo takes around 8–10 years to fully harden, so keep the potential age of your target in mind when booking a hunt. The best game hunting targets for horn trophies are the Dagga Boys; these are “well–matured” buffalo males that usually break away from the herd, roaming solitary or forming a bachelor group

Cape buffalo hunting packages can be specified according to the animal’s sex, which can have an impact on your desired trophy size depending on the choice of package.

Why Buffalo Hunting in South Africa Should Be Your Top Choice

• It’s a relatively well-known fact that South African buffalo are the biggest of the buffalo in Africa. Apart from the potential for a decent trophy from the Cape buffalo hunts, there’s also the plus that buffalo hunting in South Africa is considered the cheapest option when compared to other game hunting countries such as Zimbabwe, Tanzania, Namibia, and Mozambique.
• Portions of our Cape buffalo hunting packages often go towards conservation and breeding efforts, ensuring that Cape buffalo hunts will be available for years to come.
• Buffalo hunting in South Africa also aids local communities or programs that benefit from the meat derived from these Cape buffalo hunts.

A Roundup of Buffalo Hunting in South Africa

In a nutshell, considering targeting this magnificent member of the Dangerous 7 in South Africa remains a good option for many reasons, including:

• Game hunting season is year-round, with no restrictions.
• African Cape buffalo hunts don’t require a special permit or license to be hunted.
• No CITES permits are required for trophy export/import of Cape buffalo.
• Trophy fees for buffalo hunting in South Africa are some of the cheapest of Africa’s hunting destinations.
• Of the 9 provinces, Cape buffalo hunting packages tend to concentrate on the Eastern Cape, Limpopo, and North West provinces.

For further information, check out our blog relating to the topic of Free-range vs Fenced Cape Buffalo Hunts. And if you’re still not convinced, then the personal story of one our team member’s face-to-face encounter with Africa’s Black Death might just be the convincing factor to book that Cape buffalo hunting safari!

Author: A. Baker