For many people, hunting in Africa is synonymous with the Big 5, or the notorious Dangerous 7. Every hunter knows about these fierce, formidable, and dangerous animals and they are top of many hunters’ wish lists when considering game hunting in Africa. But whatever other wildlife? Africa simply teems with abundant wildlife, from African cats and specialty animals to African plains game that is sure to challenge you and your hunting expectations.
[DYNAMIC-BLOGTABLEOFCONTENT]
Key Takeaways
- African plains game animals include small, medium, and large antelopes, as well as other animals, such as ostriches, giraffes, zebras, warthogs, bushpigs, and even baboons.
- African plains game hunting is growing in popularity as it allows for novice hunting opportunities as well as game to target for the more experienced hunter.
- African plains game range from the Tiny Ten, right through the largest African antelope, namely the eland.
- In terms of the best destination to enjoy a plains game adventure, South Africa, Namibia, and Zimbabwe are highly rated for their diverse landscapes and array of species.
What are African Plains Game Animals?
The name African plains game came about as the antelope and other animals were seen as being “plain” (perhaps substitute the word boring here…!) when compared to other game hunting options, such as the Big 5 or the Dangerous 7. It was thought that hunting an antelope, compared to, say, perhaps, the aggressive Cape buffalo, might not be a challenge. And the name “Plains Game” seems to have stuck.
These African “plains game” animals are, however, anything but plain and set new challenges to hunters looking for a varied hunt with numerous animals at their disposal, differing terrain and conditions, as well as hunting methods and destinations.
African plains game animals include small, medium, and large antelopes, as well as other animals, such as ostriches, giraffes, zebras, warthogs, bushpigs, and even baboons. Each species comes with its own rewards and challenges, making for a diverse and interesting game hunting adventure.
Why is African Plains Game Hunting growing in Popularity?
African plains game hunting in South Africa remains the most popular of all hunting categories, simply I think, because it is all-inclusive. It allows a beginner hunter to target his first impala antelope, and a more experienced and knowledgeable hunter might be interested in targeting some of the other sought-after options, for example, the largest antelope in South Africa, the Cape eland. There is something for everyone!
African plains game hunting also takes place across a variety of habitats and locations, from the desert-like regions of the Kalahari in the Northern Cape to the more mountainous regions of the Eastern Cape, and the bushveld of Limpopo province, to name but a few.
South Africa as an African Plains Game Hunting Destination
South Africa is a melting pot of people, places, ideas, experiences – and wildlife. It encompasses first-world amenities with true African hunting experiences, giving hunters the best of both worlds. But when it comes to hunting, the destination offers some of the best hunting opportunities in Africa, with more than 50 different species that can be hunted throughout its nine provinces, using a variety of methods.
Popular Species for Plains Game Hunting in South Africa
Some popular options for African plains game hunting options include, amongst others, waterbuck, sable, roan, wildebeest, tsessebe, bontebok, bushbuck, nyala, gemsbok, wildebeest, eland, impala, and springbok.
From members of the Tiny 10, such as the royal antelope, steenbok, and duikers, to the simply enormous Cape eland, there is a range of wildlife to target on your plains game hunting adventure.
We take a look at some of the more popular species:
- Impala: The impala is a medium-sized antelope with a reddish-brown coat and a white underbelly. They are also one of the first trophies that many new or inexperienced hunters target and are the most popular trophy on an African plains game hunting safari.
- Kudu: The kudu is an extremely sought-after game hunting trophy and is renowned for its spiral-shaped horns. Both the greater and lesser kudu can be hunted in South Africa.
- Eland: This is the world’s largest antelope and remains the pinnacle of African plains game hunting. Weighing up to 2,000 pounds and standing 76 inches at the shoulder, this massive antelope allows hunters to test their skills.
- Springbok: Apart from being South Africa’s world champion rugby team, the springbok is also the country’s national animal. This medium-sized horned antelope is striking, with a white face and a dark stripe running from the eyes to the mouth. With their ability to jump up to 6 ft in the air, along with their speed of up to 55 mph, this plains game antelope remains a popular choice.
- Wildebeest: The wildebeest is often referred to as the “poor man’s buffalo” and remains a challenge to hunt from start to finish. It is seen as one of the most difficult animals to hunt, as it’s exceptionally tough to approach because it is extremely vigilant.
Hunting Methods
African plains game hunting methods can vary greatly, depending on the species. Some are purely opportunistic hunts, whereas others may be walk-and-stalk, whereas others may be best targeted from a blind.
Hunting African plains game also has the added excitement that some of these hunting adventures can take place at night, as some animals, such as the bushpig, are nocturnal.
Shot placement on plains game animals, as with any species, is very important. The reasoning behind this is not only to ensure a humane and quick death for the animal but also to allow hunters to preserve the antelope as a game hunting trophy.
Are African Plains Game Hunting Safaris Challenging?
Yes, these hunting safaris do tend to challenge the hunter. Depending on the species targeted, these antelopes are notorious for their excellent camouflage skills, speed, endurance, and perseverance and let’s not forget the challenge of many of these antelopes belonging to larger herds, meaning more ears and ears on the job to detect danger.
The impala is seen as an easier option to hunt and often a target for new or inexperienced hunting enthusiasts, while African plains game such as the wildebeest, are targeted by hunters looking for an adrenaline-filled and challenging hunting adventure.
Why Hunt in South Africa?
South Africa is renowned as the best destination for African hunts, offering game hunting enthusiasts a range of game species unrivaled elsewhere on the continent! It is one of the only countries worldwide where both the African plains game plus most of Africa’s Big 5 game can be hunted while offering exceptional trophy animals throughout the country.
Apart from the game hunting options on offer, South Africa is also seen as safe when compared to other African countries, with the added advantages of:
- State-of-the-art private medical and trauma facilities throughout the country;
- World-class infrastructure;
- Reliable, safe domestic airlines for travel within the country, or the option of charter flights to reach your destination quickly and safely;
- Ultramodern international airports allow for easy arrival and departure from a South African safari hunt;
- English is widely spoken, allowing hunters to feel more relaxed in terms of communication;
- Value for money when compared to other destinations such as Tanzania or Zambia which are more expensive.
In terms of climate and topography, South Africa offers the following:
- There is a large central plateau comprising grasslands, with a range of mountains to the west, south, and east. The coastline comprises a strip of low-lying land;
- The country’s average rainfall is around 18 inches per year. The western side of the country experiences winter rainfalls (June-August), while summer rainfall conditions are prevalent in the remainder of South Africa;
- Summer temperatures can reach up to nearly 97°F, and hotter in some places, while winter temperatures are between a cooler 28-80°F, depending on where your game hunting safari is taking place.
Where are the Best Destinations to Hunt within South Africa?
Most of South Africa’s nine provinces offer some sort of game hunting experience, but they may be limited in terms of the species that they offer.
Limpopo remains the pinnacle of South African game hunting destinations, offering beautiful trophy game across the board, including plains game as well as specialty and dangerous game hunting options.
African Plains Game Hunting Packages
African plains game packages can be tailored according to your level of expertise as a hunter, focusing on those animals that may be more of an easy target versus those that require more expertise or experience. These hunting packages generally last between 7-14 days, depending on which animals the client wants to hunt and how many animals.
African plains game can also be included in other packages, for example, a leopard or hyena hunt. When hunting a leopard, a bait is set and while waiting on the bait, there is lots of time during the day that would otherwise see the hunter relaxing around camp or going on excursions, when he could be out hunting other game.
What is the Best Time of the Year to Hunt in South Africa, and to Book my Game Hunting Package?
The cooler autumn and winter months in the southern hemisphere remain a popular time to engage in game hunting activities. Peak hunting season in South Africa falls in June, July, and August, during the winter months.
Apart from the western part of the country that experiences winter rainfall, the winter months are cool and dry, resulting in good hunting conditions. You can expect cold mornings and evenings and the day to be cool until the sun appears.
The summer months of December–February see a summer rainfall in most regions except the western Cape, which results in green, lush bushveld with longer grass. This in turn makes it more difficult to see and spot the wildlife, and also makes the veld difficult to conduct a chase or walk-and-stalk in.
Depending on where you are in the country, you can expect large variances in temperatures, for example, the Kalahari region, which is semi-arid, may have hot, beautiful days, but once the sun drops at night, it can become quite cold.
Cuisine
What type of Food can I expect on my African Plains Game Safari?
South African outfitters are top of their game, and their chefs and kitchen staff too! You can usually expect to start the morning with coffee and rusks (almost like a hard biscuit that is dipped into the coffee…well worth a try I promise!) together with a continental breakfast of fresh fruit, yogurts, and cereals. Some outfitters may also offer a warm English breakfast option, including toast, bacon, eggs, and sausage.
Lunch and dinners will consist of fresh local vegetables and a variety of meat options including lamb, beef, and chicken. Game meat, known in South Africa as venison, is also likely to be included in the menu. Some of the game you shot may end up in the pot, with your chef preparing a mouth-watering venison dish, or perhaps you will enjoy some kudu steaks on the fire – the options are endless!
South Africans are also known for their love of sweet things and desserts, so be prepared to enjoy delicacies such as malva pudding, koeksisters, milk tart, and perhaps even a peppermint crisp tart.
Bottom line…don’t expect to lose weight during your game hunting safari, the food is simply too good to refuse!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most popular African plains game species?
The most popular plans game species is the majestic kudu with its long and beautiful spiral-shaped horns that can reach 6 foot. Known as “Africa’s Gray Ghost” due to its exceptional camouflaging skills, this king of the spiral-horned antelopes is definitely a trophy worth adding to your collection.
What are popular species hunted on a plains game hunt?
Popular plains game species include the kudu, impala, warthog, springbok, gemsbok, blue wildebeest, and blesbok.
Which African country is best for plains game hunting?
While Namibia is quite popular in terms of being a plains game hunting destination, with diverse landscapes and abundant species, South Africa is seen as the pinnacle of game hunting excellence, offering quality trophies, exceptional game hunting experiences and overall good value for money.
What African game are the best to hunt?
Sought-after African plains game species include the Greater kudu, with its magnificent spiral horns, as well as the striking gemsbok, with its long, straight horns.
Can you hunt a giraffe on a plains game hunt?
Yes, giraffes are hunted on an African plains game hunting safari, with the stalk section of the hunt being an exciting showcase of the hunter’s skills and perseverance.
Which African plains game are hard to hunt?
The Cape eland, as well as the Roan and Sable are seen as being exceptionally challenging to hunt.
A Worthy African Hunting Adventure
An African plains game hunting adventure is an exciting and challenging way to experience some of Africa’s best game animals while tailoring the hunt experience to match an individual hunter’s wants, needs, and hunting experience.
For further information about South Africa, read about the diverse destination and what it has to offer or discover why springbok hunting in South Africa is a firm favorite. But whatever you do, don’t write off the chance of an unforgettable African plains game hunting adventure!
Author: B. Hershensohnn