When it comes to dangerous game and African big game hunting, this member of the Dangerous 7 is a deadly and challenging opponent. The Nile crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus) is a cold-blooded, man-eating, prehistoric beast that would like nothing better than to add you to its long list of prey. Weighing up to 2,000 pounds and reaching 18 feet in length, the Nile crocodile is found in freshwater areas throughout sub-Saharan Africa, including freshwater swamps, estuaries, lakes, and rivers. It feasts on a variety of animals who have the unfortunate tiding of meeting it, including fish, birds, small African plains game, young hippos, and even porcupines.

Nile crocodiles are extremely aggressive, with razor-sharp teeth and a powerful tail, just waiting to pounce on their next victim. They can be quite cunning, playing the part of a lazy crocodile, just basking in the sun on or near riverbanks. Nothing, however, could be further from the truth. They are constantly alert, able to feel vibrations in the ground through special sensors throughout their skin, and with one swift move they are up, and ready for action! South Africa remains a diverse and exciting hunting safari destination for African big game hunting, including the Nile crocodile. Popular destinations within the country for crocodile hunting in South Africa include the renowned Limpopo, Northwest, and Mpumalanga provinces. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has classified the status of the Nile crocodile as that of “least concern.” That being said, a CITES permit as well as a Threatened or Protected Species permit is required when crocodile hunting in South Africa.