Discount African Hunts: Where, When, and Why These Hunting Trips are Growing in Popularity

For many game hunting enthusiasts, the idea of an African hunting trip feels like a dream reserved for the fortunate few…a once-in-a-lifetime hunt that seems out of reach. Yet in recent years, a growing number of affordable, discounted African hunts have opened the door for American hunters to experience the excitement and challenge of hunting in Africa. Sporting reliable brokers, last-minute openings, and value-packed package deals, the dream of hunting and experiencing an authentic African safari is now more attainable than ever!

In this guide, we discover where these discounted hunts are most common, why outfitters offer them, and when hunters can expect the best opportunity, thereby giving you a clearer picture of how an African hunt could become your next bucket list adventure.

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Key Takeaways

• A Discount African Hunt is a hunting trip to Africa offered at a reduced price.
• They are usually offered through hunting brokers on behalf of Outfitters, and these brokers specialize in last-minute deals, cancellations, or discounted package bundles
• Do your homework about both the broker and the outfitter to ensure that they are who they are
• Popular destinations for discounted African safaris include South Africa, Namibia, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe
• Popular species included on a discount hunt are Impala, Blue Wildebeest, Zebra, Springbok, Giraffe, and Blesbok

What is a Discount African Hunt?

A Discount African Hunt is a hunting trip to Africa offered at a reduced price. They are usually offered through hunting brokers on behalf of Outfitters, and these brokers specialize in last-minute deals, cancellations, or discounted package bundles.

Discount African hunts are often offered during the “off-season,” may feature “bundled,” more common plains game species or even include less luxurious accommodation while still allowing the hunter to experience an authentic African safari. But all-in-all, these hunts remain a value-for-money option for American hunters wanting an African hunting experience.

Characteristics of a Discount African Hunt include

• Reduced Pricing: Outfitters are left with quotas that can be filled and need to have these hunted, resulting in a better price being asked for the safari
• Broker-Driven: These hunts are often broker-driven, with a hunting broker advertising various hunting packages on behalf of outfitters throughout the continent
• Variety: These packages can feature both African plains game (some of the common, less expensive options at times) as well as dangerous game, but at a reduced rate
• These discounted African hunts can be a package deal (in other words, three specific species over a certain number of days) or a reduced daily rate and/or trophy rate
• Potential Saving: These hunts can be “all-inclusive,” but be sure to see what this entails and possibly exclusions
• Timing: Some of these discount African hunts are offered with a very quick lead-in time. For example, Game Hunting Safaris offered a discount on a problem Elephant hunt in Namibia, with a week’s lead-in time. When our clients were unable to meet this tight deadline, we realized we couldn’t let this opportunity slip by, and we sent one of our team members on this exciting problem hunt. Read more about Keenan’s adventure in Namibia here.

Tips when Considering a Discount African Hunt

• Inclusions: Confirm if all trophy fees, permits, licenses, trophy handling, and transport are included in the pricing
• Eligible and Trusted Broker: Work through a trusted broker, such as Game Hunting Safari, as the saying goes, sometimes it is too good to be true – don’t get caught out. Also, do your research about the outfitters themselves  - at Game Hunting Safaris, all our outfitters are carefully vetted
• Look for exclusions that may not be included in the hunt. Read the hunt offer carefully as these exclusions or hidden costs may push up the cost of the safari significantly, for example, extra days’ accommodation required, transport, trophy fees, and so forth

Common Species Hunted on Discount African Hunts

These types of African hunting safaris generally focus on abundant game species that are not extremely expensive in terms of trophy fees and are also popular trophies. They are usually African plains game species, with common species available on a discount safari with

Common Species offered on Discounted African Hunts

Impala

Known as the McDonald’s of the bushveld with a very noticeable “M” on their backsides, these plains game species are literally like a McDonald’s….found around every bush! Their trophy fee is affordable, and the Impala is one of the most iconic African antelopes.

Warthog

I am sorry, but no African hunt is complete without hunting this fast and furious plains game member! These little hogs will appear and disappear into the veld at a moment’s notice, testing a hunter’s concentration and reflexes to the hilt! The trophy fees for Warthogs are quite low, and they are available throughout plains game concessions, making them an abundant, if speedy, target! A side note to include here is that there is nothing quite as tasty as Warthog cheese grillers on a braai…I speak from experience!

Giraffe

Giraffe hunting is only available in select sub-Saharan countries, with this long-necked trophy being a sought-after species to add to any trophy room worldwide. You may think that since they are so easy to spot that they are easy to stalk, and you couldn’t be more wrong. These highly alert mammals are renowned for their keen eyesight – as well as their strong, muscled legs that have been known to take down a Lion with one well-placed kick…

Wildebeest

This odd-looking species is often referred to as “the poor man’s buffalo” and has quite a reputation for being a difficult trophy to down, with an incredible ability to “eat lead” and even run vast distances after being shot. They are large, they are tough, and they are often included in mid-tier discount hunts. The Wildebeest's unique appearance has them listed as one of Africa’s ugly five, but still a worthy trophy to challenge hunters.

Springbok

Springboks and Africa go together like peanut butter and jelly – and I don’t mean South Africa’s famous world-champion rugby team either! This iconic medium-sized antelope is a welcome trophy on any African hunt and is renowned for its speed and agility. These are especially common to include in packages from Namibia or South Africa’s Karoo region.

Zebra

Again, this is a truly iconic African plains game trophy and is often included on discounted safaris. Famous for their unique striped pattern (and I do mean unique, as each zebra’s stripes are as unique as a person’s fingerprints!) and beautiful coat, Zebras are a premier and unusual trophy to harvest.

Kudu

Known as the King of the Spiral horns, or more affectionately as “Africa’s Gray Ghost,” the Kudu is one of Africa’s most beautiful, sought-after, and exquisite plains game trophies, but is also likely to be one of the most expensive. It is seen as the pinnacle plains game trophy, and hunters will have to work hard for this one, as it is not referred to as Africa’s gray ghost in vain: The Kudu is known for its camouflage skills, where it seamlessly disappears into the African vegetation, leaving hunters frustrated and trophyless!

Oryx / Gemsbok

The Oryx makes a beautiful trophy, with its long, straight horns and stunning coat. Found in Namibia and South Africa’s Northern Cape regions, this striking trophy is also not the cheapest, but certainly remains a diamond of discounted hunting safaris.

Why are these species offered on discounted African hunts?

• The trophy fees are generally not expensive when compared with other African plains game species
• There is an abundance of animals available to hunt, high populations of animals also make them easier to spot for beginner hunts
• These are definitely low-risk species in terms of possible danger when compared with dangerous game such as the Cape Buffalo, Lion, or Elephant
• Starter packages can include abundant species such as the Impala, Warthog, Blue Wildebeest, and Springbok (depending on the region), and Zebra (at times) to encourage and draw novice hunters interested in an African safari
• They hold an appeal for first-time hunters – who wouldn’t want to hunt an iconic Springbok when in South Africa?

Popular Discounted Hunt Destinations

South Africa and Namibia dominate as discounted hunt destinations, with other popular countries including Zimbabwe and Mozambique. Destinations such as Tanzania, Uganda, Ethiopia, and the Central African Republic are decidedly high-end, offering rare species, costly logistics, and remote safari options. They are not marketed as discount hunt destinations at all.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a hunting concession?

A hunting concession is an area of land that has specifically been set aside for hunting purposes. This is an area of land where a government or wildlife authority grants an outfitter, professional hunter (PH), or safari company the exclusive right to conduct hunting activities for a specific time period.

What species are offered on discounted African hunts?

Species that have high populations, low risk of danger, low trophy fees, as well as holding appeal for hunting enthusiasts are generally included in discount African hunting packages. Examples include Impala, Wildebeest, Springbok, Kudu, and Giraffe.

Are discounted African hunts worth it?

Yes, most definitely! These safaris offer hunters the opportunity of an African hunting trip at a discounted rate, which they might not otherwise be able to afford.

Which countries generally offer discounted safaris?

One of the most popular destinations for discounted hunts is South Africa, followed by Namibia. These two destinations offer American hunters a wide variety of options, from package inclusions to timing, location within the countries themselves, and affordable connections with great infrastructure. Zimbabwe and Mozambique also rate quite highly in terms of affordable and discounted safaris.

Conclusion

For many, a hunting safari in Africa was once simply an unattainable dream, but has now become a distinct possibility through discounted African hunts. Using reputable brokers, well-managed concessions, and a wide array of plains game, these hunting safaris offer hunters the opportunity to experience the thrill of an African hunting trip firsthand, without a premium and unaffordable price tag.

Discounted African hunting trips open the proverbial door to unforgettable memories, differing experiences, and trophies that will last a lifetime. With the correct guidance and a bit of flexibility, your African hunting adventure may be closer—and far more affordable—than you think!

Check out our latest range of discounted hunts here.