Drought Relief Elephant hunting In Bushmanland, Namibia

ABOUT THE EXPEDITION

This dangerous game safari was the result of Namibia experiencing the worst drought in more than one hundred years.

In response to the severe environmental pressure, Namibia’s Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism (MEFT) authorised the selective culling of more than seven hundred animals across several national reserves. The targeted species included elephant, hippo, and a variety of plains game as part of a broader wildlife management and drought relief initiative.

As passionate conservationists, we at Game Hunting Safaris made the decision at the last minute to participate in one of these extremely limited elephant hunting opportunities. Ironically, we had only recently returned from Namibia after hunting hippo and Cape buffalo, but the chance to experience a once-off drought relief elephant hunt was simply too unique to ignore.

When booking an elephant hunting safari in Namibia, hunters typically have several options available, including exportable trophy bulls, non-exportable management animals, tuskless elephant hunts, and problem animal control safaris. In this specific case, no trophies were exportable, with all proceeds directed back into local communities and conservation initiatives. We left Namibia with photographs, memories, and an unforgettable experience rather than physical trophies.

Before undertaking any dangerous game hunting safari, it is essential to ensure the hunt is conducted by a reputable African outfitter alongside an experienced professional hunter. Elephant hunting at close quarters is serious business and situations can become life-threatening in seconds.

Proper elephant shot placement is absolutely critical when dangerous game hunting at close quarters. Pierre eventually took a frontal brain shot at only eighteen yards using a .500 Verney-Carron Nitro Express loaded with Hornady DGS 570-grain solids. Unfortunately, the rifle discharged both barrels simultaneously — a matter later referred back to the manufacturer for investigation. Although the shot placement was slightly lower than intended, the combined impact of 1,140 grains of solid bullets travelled beneath the brain and into the spinal column, anchoring the elephant instantly.

After completing the elephant safari, we spent several days exploring Namibia further, travelling through the famous Namib Desert and visiting Walvis Bay, Swakopmund, and Henties Bay — some of Namibia’s most iconic destinations.

Should you ever find yourself fortunate enough to go on a Namibia hunting safari, it is well worth extending the safari to experience the country beyond the hunt itself. Namibia offers spectacular scenery, excellent infrastructure, and some of the finest dangerous game hunting opportunities in Africa.