No African big game hunt is complete without at least one of the African hunts taking place in South Africa, a first choice as a safari hunting destination. South Africa offers a variety of choices when big game hunting, and South Africa is well known for its remarkable landscapes, world heritage sites, Winelands, and adventure activities.
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Commonly Asked Questions By First-Time International Visitors
Is there Public Hunting Land in South Africa?
- Most hunting in South Africa takes place on privately owned land. Ranches in provinces like the Free State are low-fenced, allowing antelope to traverse large areas.
- Public land refers to government reserves, and hunting outfitters in South Africa apply for concession rights or tags/permits per species.
- The Limpopo province is the most sought-after destination in South Africa. African big game hunting takes place within highly fenced-off areas many thousands of acres in size, thus promoting fair chase in hunting.
Where do you Hunt on a Hunting Safari in South Africa?
A hunting safari in South Africa can occur in any of the nine provinces. When planning your safari, specific consideration must be given to the target trophy species. While plains game hunting in South Africa occurs in all regions, certain African big game animals, such as elephants, rhinos, and crocodiles, are tracked in the northern areas.
How much does a Game Hunting Safari in South Africa cost?
The safari cost for game hunting in South Africa varies remarkably depending on factors such as:
- Domestic air travel may be required depending on the location of the game hunting safari within the country.
- Size of the trophy animals. Many outfitters charge based on the size of the horns.
- Facilities and extra services offered by the lodges while on your hunting safari may be a consideration.
- Whether or not discount hunts are being offered for your hunting safari in South Africa.
- The game hunting safari cost depends on the selection of animals, i.e., African plains game or dangerous game.
- For dangerous game hunting adventures, suitably qualified professional hunters who charge based on experience at premium prices will be used compared to professional hunters who are qualified only for plains game.
- The duration of the hunting safari in South Africa. A substantial portion of the safari hunt’s costs are allocated to day fees.
The cost of a hunting safari in South Africa also depends on whether an observer or companion accompanies the hunter. South African outfitters will levy additional daily rates based on the number of guests.
How to Book a Hunting Safari in South Africa
Numerous options are available to any hunter considering booking a game hunting safari in South Africa. Booking may take place using the below methods:
- South African outfitters attend many international conventions and showcase their African hunts. These shows are organized by hunting groups such as Safari Club International, Dallas Safari Club, Housten Safari Club, The Wild Sheep Foundation, Jadt and Hund Show, and the International Sportsman Exhibition.
- Online Booking Agents and Brokers
- South African outfitters also market their African hunts online using social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, and LinkedIn.
- South African outfitters have their own websites, and if ranked and indexed by Google, hunters planning a hunting safari in South Africa will find African hunts online.
Helpful Booking Tips during the Safari Planning Phase
- Always search online for South African outfitters’ reviews and see what other hunters have to say. Like in all areas of commerce, there are always a handful of service providers “taking chances” and not delivering in line with service expectations.
- Use an online African-based booking agency, such as www.gamehuntingsafaris.com. Agencies such as Game Hunting Safaris are focused on customer service and hunter experiences and ensure that all outfitters are adequately vetted, registered, and compliant.
- In most instances, consultants at international agencies have never even been to South Africa and are focusing on closing the deal and collecting their commission. Whether or not the African hunting trip exceeded all the hunters’ expectations is not of concern to booking consultants.
- Check the value of the local currency. The South African Rand has substantially devalued against the US Dollar, Euro, Pound, and other international currencies. Avoid being charged in foreign currency for local amenities and substantially overpaying for memorabilia, day trips, etc.
- Request recent images of the hunting lodges in South Africa
- Ask the booking agency for comparative quotes from various South African outfitters about similar safari hunting packages.
Additional Considerations when planning a Hunting Safari in South Africa
When planning the game hunting safari to South Africa, consideration needs to be given not only to the direct cost of the safari hunting adventure but also to the value of the time spent traveling, flight costs, pre, and post-safari accommodations, and general miscellaneous expenditures.
Extend the hunting safari timeline and set aside a few days to visit other tourist attractions. Local travel and hospitality are very affordable. A good way of exploring a little more of South Africa if there are time constraints is to alternate the cities when entering and exiting the country. South Africa has numerous international airports.
Another consideration during the planning phase is deciding whether to travel with your own firearm. While the process is relatively easy, South African outfitters can provide high-quality rifles at affordable daily rates. If you plan to extend your Africa hunting trip and travel, leaving your rifle in your primary country of residence may be easier, but this is a personal choice.
If you take your favorite rifle on the hunting safari, be sure to check before paying that the international carrier allows for the transport of firearms.
Book your Hunting Safari in South Africa today!
A hunting safari in South Africa is an adrenaline-packed hunting adventure that starts with planning and booking and ends with pure exhilaration and satisfaction.
Ready for a hunting safari in South Africa? Book today!
Read more about South Africa and what it has to offer. From African plains game, the Big Five and Dangerous 7, to specialty animals and African hunting adventures, South Africa has it all!
Author: P.C. van Wyk