Choosing the destination of your first African hunt is an exciting process! Not only will it be your first hunt on African soil, but you will also tick the many boxes that so many international hunting enthusiasts only dream about, including hunting unique species and experiencing the rich heritage and culture of African hunts that date back centuries.

[DYNAMIC-BLOGTABLEOFCONTENT]

Hunt in Africa: When and Where?

Often regarded as untamed, Africa is a destination on many hunters’ bucket lists, a “wild” continent of new experiences that needs to be enjoyed first-hand, offering unforgettable game hunting safaris with unique and majestic species.

As Brian Jackman so eloquently stated, ”Africa changes you forever, like nowhere on Earth. Once you have been there, you will never be the same.”

Africa is a melting pot of heritage and cultures, offering travelers and tourists, including hunters, the opportunity to explore her shores and experience firsthand what makes the Dark Continent such a popular destination to visit.

The Dark Continent is home to more than 50 countries, many of which allow game hunting safaris in the region. Each hunter is unique, wanting different challenges and rewards for their first hunt on African soil. But the question remains, where to start? Which country is best for your first African hunt?  Where in Africa are you heading? Do you have any idea? How do you choose between so many diverse destinations, each offering an array of African hunting safari experiences?

These very questions and answers may well guide you into choosing the best destination for your hunt in Africa. Check out this blog to help you decide what destination best suits your hunting objectives, style, experience, and budget as well as other factors that may influence your choice of destination.

Do your Homework Before You Hunt in Africa

While you may be tempted to jump headfirst into booking the first African hunting safari you see, with the first outfitter you come across on the internet, our advice is to take it slowly and thoroughly investigate your options.

Your first African hunt is not one that you will easily forget, so ensure that you have completed adequate research in terms of each destination, the pros and cons of each, and what would best suit you.

Check out references and reviews of possible outfitters, packages, and destinations, all of which can assist you in making an informed decision.

Factors that may influence the Destination for Your Hunt in Africa

What Category of Game are you Interested in Hunting in Africa?

Africa is a large continent, and home to many different species of fauna and flora. When one considers which destination to visit, the type of game one wishes to target plays a great role in that decision, simply because you need to consider if your chosen species is available to hunt in the destination you wish to visit. For example, should you want to enjoy springbok hunting in Africa, you will need to consider southern destinations such as South Africa, Namibia, and Botswana rather than areas such as Zambia or Tanzania.

African game is generally divided into different categories, with the first one being dangerous game. Dangerous game hunting species include Africa’s Big 5, namely the elephant, rhino, lion, Cape buffalo, and leopard. These are considered the most dangerous species to target on foot in Africa. Added to the Big 5 to complete the Dangerous 7, is the Nile crocodile and hippo. Often seen as the pinnacle of game hunting in Africa, these dangerous game species each provide the hunter with a unique challenge.

African plains game refers to all the antelopes and other game that are found on Africa’s plains or savanna areas, such as giraffe, zebra, nyala, warthog, springbok, impala, wildebeest, waterbuck, and so on. These can be further classified into small antelopes, such as duikers, to medium antelopes such as springbok, and then the large antelopes such as the kudu, and eland. These African hunting safaris take patience, perseverance, stealth, and exceptional shot placement from hunters. As these species are further down the food chain and often hunted, they are extremely wary and provide hunters with a great challenge in targeting them.

African cats is another popular category when hunting in Africa, including species such as the world’s fast land animal, the cheetah, as well as the civet, serval, and caracal. Often nocturnal, extremely agile, cautious, and often elusive, this category of African hunts sees some exceptional game hunting trophies.

When hunting specialty game, you can expect a wide range of species, such as warthogs, honey badgers, hyenas, bushpigs, baboons, and mongooses. This category provides hunters with a thrilling, exciting, and often fast-paced hunting experience, depending on the species chosen for the game hunting trip.

Available Species to Target on Your African Hunt

The primary species that you want to target when hunting in Africa can well influence the destination to which you travel.

For example, if you want to hunt the majestic cheetah, there is only one African destination where it is legal to hunt cheetahs, and that is Namibia. Should you wish to hunt the black lechwe, this magnificent antelope prefers a wetland habitat and is endemic to Zambia’s Bangweulu swamps.

Another example would be a member of the Big 5 and Dangerous 7, namely the rhino. White rhinos can only be hunted in South Africa and Namibia, under stringent conditions. Additionally, black rhinos are extremely expensive to hunt, and options are very limited as well.

Seek out the destination(s) that offer African hunting safaris featuring your chosen primary species and take it from there.

The African Hunting Safari Experience, including Accommodation & Amenities

Your choice of destination will also depend on what exactly you wish to experience during your hunt in Africa. This relates both to hunting methods, as well as accommodation options, and so forth.

Are you looking to experience the “Africa of Old” hunting safari, where hunters are in the remote,  untamed wilderness of Africa with fewer amenities, but closer to nature? Consider African hunts in Tanzania, which are often far from established cities and towns but allow the hunter to experience a true wilderness hunting safari. Be prepared that these hunts may well be pricier than you may expect, as outfitters need to get to the remote area, as well as adequately prepare and cater for these hunts.

Should you be more interested in experiencing an African safari lodge-like experience, then consider destinations such as South Africa, and Namibia, where accommodation is often superior, with many added amenities.

Some destinations have unique accommodation offerings, such as houseboats in Botswana’s Okavango Delta. The choice is up to you.

Budget

• As the old saying goes, money makes the world go around and in terms of a hunt in Africa, your budget requirements will influence your choice of destination too, as some hunting destinations are more expensive than others.
• South Africa and Namibia are known as value-for-money destinations, while Tanzania is regarded as more expensive in terms of its hunt offerings. Remember to compare apples with apples when looking and evaluating hunting packages.
• Some African countries may not offer the option of direct flights from the US, UK, or Europe, resulting in additional costs. For example, many international flights land in South Africa, and regional flights are then taken to reach other African countries, such as Botswana, Mozambique, or Zimbabwe. Depending on the arrival time of your international flight, an additional night’s accommodation in Johannesburg may need to be budgeted for.
• Weigh up exactly what is included and excluded with each game hunting package, to ensure that there aren’t any surprises during the trip. Remember that any gratuities, although at your discretion, are not included in the package price.

Hunting Seasons & Permits for Your Hunt in Africa

Different countries have different hunting seasons, based on a variety of factors, including the ever-important weather. Remember to take this into account when considering any African destination, as well as times that are considered most favorable for game hunting safaris in the area.

For example, the best time to enjoy an African hunting safari in South Africa is during the cooler winter months, with the peak hunting taking place in June, July, and August when the weather is cooler. This in turn results in fewer bugs, cooler temperatures, and as it is the dry season for many hunting areas in South Africa, shorter grass, which improves the visibility and possible sighting of the animals.  Rain falls in the summer months, resulting in a lush, green area, with plenty of growth, making hunting and the stalking of animals, more challenging.  Speak to your potential outfitter about the best time to hunt in that region.

Each destination has its own set of rules and regulations about permits and licenses. Research these carefully before deciding on a hunting destination.

Pre- and Post Activities

Many hunters prefer to bring family or friends with them when traveling to the “dark continent,” simultaneously making it a family holiday or breakaway. Africa is a large and diverse destination to consider with many different options available for hunters wanting a tourism experience as well.

The question here is: Are you willing to travel to enjoy specific tourist activities, or do you want them to be within the same country that you are visiting?

While each country has its charm and offers great hunting, realistically some regions are just more geared towards tourists and have a thrilling tourism industry.

South Africa is seen as a prime tourist destination offering varied activities for single travelers, couples, and families.  From experiencing wildlife game viewing safaris in the famous Kruger Park, beautiful beaches, and a variety of water activities, to Table Mountain and wine tasting in the Western Cape, South Africa’s rich heritage and culture are well worth exploring.

Namibia is another country that offers great adventures for first-time travelers, with excursions including cultural, wildlife, and adventure activities in the “Land of Sand.”

Botswana is renowned for its breathtaking wildlife experiences, both on land and in the Okavango Delta, and are worth exploring.

How can Game Hunting Safaris Assist you?

Game Hunting Safaris is a hunting broker, and the intermediary between our trusted African outfitters and the hunter, searching for the perfect African hunt.

At Game Hunting Safaris hunting is a passion, and our team is fortunate enough to live this passion daily. Our team consists of Africans, with knowledge of the African landscape and hunting industry, who can recommend and match hunters with the best customised hunting adventure to suit their needs.

Our online portal allows hunters to view and compare various available hunts, in different locations and utilizing various hunting methods. Hunting outfitters and guides also utilize this platform to showcase their services to a target market of hunters worldwide.

Gamehuntingsafaris.com is owned by avid hunters who personally vet outfitters and have experienced many of the listed hunts. As your trusted broker, we go beyond mere bookings: We introduce you to reputable and experienced hunting outfitters, ensuring your adventure is in the hands of seasoned professionals.

We take pride in being the ultimate online platform, meticulously designed to connect discerning hunters with pre-qualified outfitters, ensuring a seamless journey into the world of thrilling hunts. The ultimate goal is simple, to provide a user-friendly platform where hunters can find a variety of hunts from quality, pre-qualified outfitters.

By using this platform, you can easily and seamlessly search for your dream hunt, compare hunts, and request further information about specific packages or regions, all from the comfort of your home.

Let us help you and book your hunt in Africa.

Be Prepared for a Return Visit – or More!

Choosing the correct destination for your first African hunt is both thrilling and overwhelming at times, with so many opportunities available to enjoy and experience.

Start your journey now, and see which hunts are currently available with Game Hunting Safaris.

One certain thing is that once you have set foot on her shores and enjoyed the excitement of hunting in Africa, together with the overall experience, you will soon be planning your next African hunting safari!

One of Africa’s famous hunters, Frederick Courtney Selous, summed up a trip to Africa, and the yearning to visit again, very aptly:

“The fascination of Africa, once it has gripped a man, never leaves him. The spell of the sun-drenched plains, the mystery of the silent bush, the thunder of mighty rivers, the crashing of unseen game in the tangled depths of the forest – all these things are but the outward symptoms of the hidden magic that draws men back to her again and again.”

Author: B. Hershensohnn