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When discussing big game hunting in South Africa, elephants are definitely on many hunters’ bucket lists. Although this animal is often referred to as a gentle giant, when agitated it can become very aggressive, and with a land speed of nearly 25 miles per hour, it is a force with which to be reckoned. The world’s largest land animal, the African elephant (Loxodonta africana) weighs tips the scales at 13,200 pounds of pure muscle, from the tip of its trunk to the end of its tail. Native to countries within sub-Saharan Africa, the African elephant prefers habitats incorporating savannahs, grasslands, forests, and even deserts. It is a sought-after big game hunting trophy and is hunted throughout the region.
When elephant hunting in South Africa, popular destinations include the Limpopo, Mpumalanga or KwaZulu-Natal provinces. These areas are prime hunting regions within South Africa, especially the Limpopo province, and they are known for producing excellent hunting trophies, cementing South Africa’s reputation as a prime African big game hunting destination. The IUCN lists the African bush elephant as “endangered” and a CITES permit is required for this hunting safari, and a Threatened or Protected Species (TOPS) permit needs to be arranged before this African hunt commences.
Shot Placement on a South African Hunting Safari
Elephant hunting in South Africa is both challenging and exhilarating, testing the hunter’s skills, patience, and hunting expertise. While elephants have poor eyesight, they have exceptional hearing and an excellent sense of smell, making the walk-and-stalk method of hunting this dangerous game species even more challenging! The starting point for most elephant hunting in South Africa is a road or track where there is fresh spoor, or a water hole. The hunt will be on foot, using trackers who will follow fresh track and spoor until the trophy animal is sighted. This hunt is both invigorating and draining, as stalking the elephants through thick bushes, and shrubs and across rough African landscapes is a hot and physically demanding hunt.
Shot placement on a dangerous game hunting safari is critical. A word of caution: If your shot placement is not 100% or you feel unsure, rather don’t take the shot and wait for another opportunity. The last thing you want while elephant hunting in South Africa is either a charging elephant or a wounded elephant that needs to be tracked through rough African terrain. With shot placement remember: Use large caliber rifles that can penetrate the elephant’s thick skull bones, Forty and fifty caliber rifles loaded with 400 – 500 grain solids will suffice for your South African hunting safari. Follow-ups are critical and the hunter needs to be ready for a fast follow-up after the first shot.
What Caliber Rifle is used when Elephant Hunting in South Africa?
Dangerous game hunting in South Africa calls for a minimum of a .375 rifle, with a 300-grain bullet. Popular calibers 450 grain and up are recommended, such as a .416 Rigby, .458, or .458 Lott. Only solid bullets should be used on this African hunt. Double rifles are also often used to target these huge mammals and include options such as 470NE and 500NE.
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