One of the country’s nine provinces, Mpumalanga, offers international and American hunters a wide range of choices when hunting in South Africa. From dangerous and African plains game to specialty species, Mpumalanga is a hidden African gem just waiting to be discovered.

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Key Takeaways

• Mpumalanga offers an array of species, from dangerous game and African plains game to specialty game hunting species
• The region is divided into two main areas, namely the Highveld and the Lowveld
• These two hunting areas provide varying hunting experiences and species, allowing the hunter a diverse African hunt
• Hunters have the option to enjoy either free-range hunting adventures or hunting on a game ranch, with each option offering a different challenge to test their skills
• There are many post-safari tourist options for hunters to experience with their families after enjoying a hunting safari in Mpumalanga

Hunting in South Africa

South Africa has long been considered a premier game hunting destination, offering hunters worldwide the choice of prime hunting grounds together with quality trophies. This diverse destination offers hunting throughout its nine provinces, and while some may offer more notable hunting safaris and game species than others, Mpumalanga is a popular province in which to hunt, offering sought-after trophies and unforgettable experiences.

This region combines the dangerous game hunting experiences in the Lowveld with exceptional African plains game species in the Highveld, culminating in a memorable and diverse hunting safari.

Mpumalanga at a Glance

The second smallest province in South Africa, Mpumalanga is 29, 535 square miles, just slightly smaller than the US state of South Carolina at 32,020 square miles. The area is home to roughly 4,3 million people, with the capital city of Mbombelo (formerly Nelspruit), home to around 172,000 people.

Mpumalanga’s main cities include Mbombelo, eMalahleni (Witbank), Standerton, eMkhondo (Piet Retief), Malalane, Ermelo, Barberton, and Sabie. The province shares borders with Eswatini (Swaziland), and Mozambique to the east, as well as the South African provinces Limpopo, Gauteng, Free State, and KwaZulu-Natal.

Main industries in the region include tourism, mining, agriculture, and manufacturing. The province is well known for its wide array of game reserves and wildlife experiences.

Mpumalanga, South Africa’s second smallest province is home to challenging, yet rewarding safaris.

Why consider hunting in Mpumalanga?

• As one of South Africa’s nine provinces, hunting in this province is available throughout the year, allowing international and American hunters to easily choose a suitable time for their African hunting safari
• This stunning destination gives the hunters a choice of hunting amid stunning scenery, including the Blyde River Canyon, Pilgrim’s Rest, and the Kruger National Park region, thereby enhancing the overall African experience 
• The Mpumalanga region is easily accessed via a short domestic flight from OR Tambo in Johannesburg, allowing hunters to reach their final hunting location in less than two hours
• The region offers a wide array of species, including Africa’s Big 5
• Hunters have the choice of both free-range hunts and hunts on game ranches, with each option allowing a different and unique experience when hunting in South Africa
• Hunting in South Africa is seen as a cost-effective option when compared to other African countries, yet it offers exceptional value
• Hunters can travel with their families, creating a great African safari holiday in an enthralling African destination

The Black Wildebeest is just one of the African plains game species available to hunt in the region.

Traveling to Mpumalanga’s Hunting Grounds

When hunting in South Africa, hunters are often spoilt for choice in many things, even when it comes to reaching the hunting grounds. For those wanting to see the wide-open spaces for which South Africa is renowned, Mpumalanga is a 6-hour road trip from OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg.

We do, however, recommend a short domestic flight. The fastest and most convenient way of reaching the Mpumalanga hunting grounds is via a domestic flight from OR Tambo International to Kruger Mpumalanga Airport. Charter flights can also be taken into smaller airports in the area, including Skukuza Airport and Nelspruit Airport.

Popular Areas to Hunt within Mpumalanga

When it comes to game hunting in South Africa, Mpumalanga remains a popular destination, with the two main hunting areas in the region being the Highveld and the Lowveld. These two areas are divided by the Drakensberg Mountains, creating a varied and unique hunting adventure in the region.

The Lowveld

The Lowveld area of Mpumalanga tends to be flat and open, providing the perfect backdrop for hunters to actively stalk their prey, as well as spotting game across the savanna. It is characterized as a subtropical bushveld habitat, along with savanna plains, riverine forests, and woodlands. Lowveld vegetation includes the marula tree, thickets, and acacia groves.

The Highveld

The Highland is located on a high-altitude plateau, with the vegetation in the area being shrublands, open woodlands, and grasslands. The Highveld also experiences colder winters, allowing hunters to experience different hunting conditions from the Lowveld, with species in the area more accustomed to and adapting to these cooler temperatures.

Notable Species in South Africa’s Mpumalanga Region

Hunting in South Africa is an action-packed, adrenaline-filled adventure, with the Mpumalanga region being no exception. Africa’s Big 5 species, such as the Lion, Cape Buffalo, Leopard, Elephant, and Rhino, can be hunted on private game ranches and hunting concessions in Mpumalanga’s Lowveld region, under strict regulations.

Popular Lowveld Species

Apart from dangerous game hunting experiences in the region, the Lowveld offers hunters a great choice of some iconic African species, including the “McDonald's of the bush,” namely the Impala, Africa’s Grey Ghost in the form of the Kudu, the beautiful Sable, as well as the Blue Wildebeest, Nyala, and Waterbuck. Other iconic species include the Giraffe, Bushpig, and Zebra. Small predators such as the Spotted Hyena, Serval, Civet, and African Wild Cat are also hunted in this region.

The area is also home to the last two members of the Dangerous 7, namely the Hippo and Nile Crocodile, both of which are hunted in the region’s rivers and reservoirs.

The Hippo, a member of Africa’s Dangerous 7 provides adrenaline-filled hunting safaris in the Lowveld.

Popular Highveld Species

The Highveld is renowned for its wide array of African plains game and specialty game, including the iconic Springbok, Eland, Reedbuck, Blesbok, Black Wildebeest, and Hartebeest. Warthog hunting adventures are a must in the province, with smaller antelope such as the Steenbok also available.

Best Time to Hunt in Mpumalanga

Mpumalanga’s peak hunting season is during the cooler and drier winter months from May through August. During this period, the vegetation is lower, allowing easier visibility for the hunter, and animals are more likely to congregate around limited water sources. The cooler weather sees fewer bugs and critters out, allowing a more comfortable hunting experience.

While hunting is available throughout the year, the summer months can be hot and draining for hunters, making physical exertion a challenge. The heat of the summer also leads to decreased animal activity in the day, with early morning and late afternoon hunts being the best time to target game, as they are more active.

If you are specifically looking at hunting Africa’s Grey Ghost, the Kudu, May and September are good months to target this spiral-horned species. This is the rutting season, leading to males being more active, with a greater chance of hunters encountering them.

International and American hunters should consider planning an African hunting trip over these months to optimize the chances of a successful hunting safari.

What to Pack for a Hunting Safari in Mpumalanga

The key to packing for an African safari is to remember that they do have washing machines in Africa, so don’t go overboard! Check with your outfitter, as there will most likely be a daily laundry service included in your package, allowing minimal clothing for the trip.

• Well-worn, waterproof boots are a must; two pairs would be advisable for the trip, especially if you plan to hunt Hippos or Crocs and be near water
• Use the layered approach, as temperatures can be cooler in the morning and evening, rising during the day. A layered approach will allow you to discard clothing as needed to adjust to rising temperatures
• If traveling during the cooler months, a thick jacket for early mornings is a must, along with a beanie
• Pack a rain jacket for unexpected showers
• Camouflage, easy-breathing material, long-sleeve shirts, and long pants are recommended. Not only do they protect you from insects and thorny vegetation, but they also protect you against the harsh African sun
• Speaking of the harsh African sun, pack sunscreen as well as a wide-brimmed hat that will not only protect your face but also your neck, unlike a cap
• A small backpack for daily essentials will work well
• Other useful gear includes a small medical kit for personal use, a camera, a flashlight, insect repellent, wet wipes, eye drops, spare glasses, and so forth
• Personal Medications and Toiletries
• 2-3 Casual outfits to wear in camp and for traveling to and from the hunting destination

Tourist Activities to enjoy after hunting

Aside from being a diverse game hunting destination, Mpumalanga offers tourists a range of natural and cultural attractions to whet their appetites and keep them entertained. The world-famous Kruger National Park is one of Africa’s largest game reserves and offers tourists some of the best game viewing worldwide, including Africa’s Big 5.

The Blyde River Canyon is well worth a visit. As the world’s third-largest canyon, it is renowned for its lush vegetation, stunning waterfalls, and cliffs, all combining to form breathtaking scenery and picturesque views. The adjacent Panorama Route includes numerous tourist attractions, such as Bourke’s Luck Potholes and the Mac Mac Falls.

Step back in time in the historical town of Pilgrim’s Rest, an old gold-mining town that has been preserved in the mining era.  Other attractions include the Sudwala Caves, known for their ancient geology, and numerous game reserves and parks offering a variety of safari experiences.

The McDonald’s of the bush, the Impala, are found in abundance in the Kruger National Park which offers exceptional game viewing.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to enjoy hunting in Mpumalanga?

While hunting in Mpumalanga is available throughout the year, the best time to enjoy a hunting safari is during the cooler, dry months of May to August. During this time, the vegetation is shorter, allowing the hunter better visibility, and the animals are more likely to congregate around the smaller water sources.

Do I need a hunting permit to hunt in Mpumalanga?

As with all hunting in South Africa, a permit is required.

When hunting in South Africa, can I hunt the Big 5 in Mpumalanga?

South Africa is home to all the members of the Big 5, namely the Elephant, Lion, Rhino, Cape buffalo, and Leopard. Mpumalanga is Big 5 territory, and these can be hunted should the necessary permits be obtained and regulations met.

What game can I hunt in Mpumalanga?

Mpumalanga offers great big game hunting safaris, including species such as Elephant, Hippo, Cape Buffalo, Kudu, Nyala, and many more. The region’s Lowveld region is renowned for its Big 5 dangerous game hunting, offering top-tier trophies including Leopard, Lion, Cape Buffalo, Elephant, and Rhino. The Highveld offers hunters an epic variety of African plains game, including the Black Wildebeest, Kudu, Nyala, Springbok, and Eland, to mention but a few.

Can I experience a free-range hunt in Mpumalanga?

Yes, Mpumalanga offers hunters the best of both worlds and varied hunting experiences, with both free-range hunting safaris and safaris on game hunting ranches.

Mpumalanga: A Great South African Hunting Destination

This South African hunting location might be the second smallest province in the country, but it offers hunters big experiences, thrilling safaris, and unforgettable memories in one picturesque setting. One of its appeals is the raw, untamed wilderness with free-range hunting adventures, while combining this with exceptional South African hospitality and comfortable game lodges. From targeting one of Africa’s Big 5 or Dangerous 7 to harvesting a tiny Duiker, Mpumalanga’s diverse offering in some of the country’s most beautiful landscapes makes it a stop well worth considering when hunting in South Africa.