Designed by Hunters, for Hunters
Enjoying dangerous game hunting in Gabon is the dream of many international game hunting enthusiasts. The country offers numerous dangerous game species, including members of the Dangerous 7 and Africa’s Big 5. Gabon is known as a more expensive, but exceptional game hunting destination and a magnificent location to target the African elephant (Loxodonta africana). The African elephant prefers habitats including forests, grasslands, savannas, and deserts, and is found throughout sub-Saharan Africa, where it is a sought-after game hunting trophy, not only for its tusks but as a member of the Dangerous 7. Gabon is home to a large population of elephants found in the southern, central, and western areas of the country. The best locations for a big game hunting safari targeting elephants include the famous Selous Game Reserve and the swamps in the country’s western region.
When elephant hunting in Gabon, it is only permissible to target elephant bulls, with tusks no heavier than 33 pounds or longer than 59 inches. Gabon’s hunting season runs from 1 July until the end of December and a 21-day hunt is required for this big game hunting safari. The IUCN lists the African bush elephant as “endangered” and a CITES permit is required for this hunting safari. A reminder that is it illegal to export elephant trophies to the US or EU.
Shot Placement on a Gabonn Hunting Safari
Elephant hunting in Gabon is at the top of many hunters’ bucket lists and is a thrilling and challenging African hunt. This exceptional trophy requires a lot of skill on the hunter’s part: From excellent shot placement and patience to perseverance, and hunting experience, an elephant hunting safari requires the hunter to bring his A-game! Elephant hunting in Gabon uses the walk-and-stalk method, with the starting point being a body of water, such as a river or waterhole, or a road or path where fresh elephant spoor has been spotted. The hunt will be undertaken on foot, using trackers who follow fresh track or spoor until the trophy animal is sighted. Expect long and strenuous walks that are both physically and mentally demanding as you track an animal that is known to have excellent hearing and a very good sense of smell.
As with all African hunts, your shot placement should be excellent. If you feel unsure, don’t take the shot and wait for another opportunity. Tracking a wounded elephant through rough terrain or having an angry, injured elephant bull charge you is not ideal, and a hunt can quickly go south if your shot placement is not spot on. Elephants have extremely thick skull bones, so a large caliber rifle should be used, for example, forty and fifty caliber rifles loaded with 400 – 500 grain solids will work well on your big game hunting safari. Follow-ups are of the utmost importance, be ready for a quick follow-up after your initial shot. No bow hunting of dangerous game animals is allowed in Gabon.
What Caliber Rifle is used when Elephant Hunting in Gabon?
Dangerous game hunting requires a minimum of a .375 rifle with a 300-grain bullet. Popular calibers 450 grain and up, such as a .416 Rigby, .458, or .458 Lott, are recommended. Only solid bullets should be used on this African hunt. Double rifles are also often used to target members of the Big 5 and Dangerous 7 and the African elephant is no exception. Options such as 470NE and 500NE will be a good choice for elephant hunting in Gabon.
Search from our range of Hunts across various popular destinations in Africa.
Book Your Hunt
