While a South African hunting safari is rated as one of the best worldwide, a hunting safari in South Africa’s Limpopo province is seen as the crème de la crème of African hunts. Limpopo offers hunters an abundance of species to target, in challenging conditions, across varying terrain. This is Limpopo, South Africa, where hunting adventures are second to none and medal worth trophies are par for the course…

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Key Takeaways

• South Africa is renowned for its wide range of hunting experiences throughout each of its 9 provinces.
• Seen as the hunting mecca of South Africa, the Limpopo province offers hunters a diverse and abundant hunting experience, with both African plains game and dangerous game hunting options.
• Hunting in Limpopo happens throughout the year, but the prime hunting season runs from May through to August, where warmer, balmy days and cooler nights add to the overall hunting experience.
• Africa’s Big 5 is available to hunt in Limpopo.
• The region is renowned for its quality trophies and memorable hunting experiences in varying terrain and conditions.

Hunting in South Africa

South Africa remains a sought-after hunting location, offering a wide array of species, including Africa’s Big 5 (Rhino, Elephant, Leopard, Lion, and Cape Buffalo) as well as the two remaining species of the Dangerous 7 (Big 5 plus Nile Crocodile and Hippo), and numerous African plains game species to hunt in this diverse and testing hunting destination. South African hunting trophies are mature, quality animals, harvested during diverse hunting experiences throughout the country, ensuring that international hunters are well-satisfied with their hunting safari in the region.

The county’s hunting industry, together with skilled and experienced South African outfitters, Professional Hunters (PH’s), and a regulatory framework ensures sustainable and ethical hunting practices are followed.

South Africa is often referred to as Africa’s hunting mecca, with hunting available throughout the year, although the best time to enjoy an African hunt here is during the cooler, drier months of May to August. All nine of South Africa’s provinces have hunting in some form, with certain provinces, such as the Limpopo province, being more popular. Each province has its own set of rules and regulations relating to hunting methods.

The Limpopo Province

The fifth largest of South Africa’s nine province at 48,554 square miles, the Limpopo province is responsible for around 80% of the country’s hunting. The area is known for its wide array of species, including dangerous game as well as African plains game species and remains a sought-after destination when hunting in South Africa.

Landscape & Terrain

Hunters are spoilt for choice when hunting in Limpopo, with a picturesque and diverse hunting environment. The province is home to an array of landscapes, including savannas, hills, and forests, and the famous Waterberg Mountains.

Limpopo can be divided into two main hunting regions:
• The Lowveld (Eastern Limpopo): This area is renowned for its baobab and Mopane trees and includes a more open savanna-type terrain as well as some riverine habitats. For those hunters seeking a traditional African hunt, the Lowveld offers free-range hunting on private and community reserves, with a rich diversity and abundance of wildlife.
• The Bushveld (Western Limpopo): This area is famous for its dense Acacia thorn scrubland, open savannas and rocky regions, the combination of which makes the area a challenge to hunt in, as the terrain and vegetation allows perfect coverage and camouflage opportunities for game.

Available Species

Limpopo is renowned for its game species, which include both African plains game as well as dangerous game hunting species and the quality of trophies that are harvested in the province.

Popular huntable species in the province include, amongst others:
• Africa’s Big 5: Lion, Elephant, Cape Buffalo, Leopard, and Rhino
• African plains game: Eland, Giraffe, Waterbuck, Greater Kudu, Impala, Blue Wildebeest, Roan, Sable, Zebra, Tsessebe, and Warthog.
• Dangerous Game: Big 5 plus Hippo and Nile Crocodile
• Specialty Game: Brown Hyena, Spotted Hyena

Hunting Methods

Hunting methods utilized depend largely on the type of game the hunter is targeting. The main hunting methods used include:
• Walk-and-stalk: This method is one of the most used and focuses on fair chase principles. It is often used when hunting species such as the Cape Buffalo, Kudu, Eland, and so forth.
• Spot-and-stalk: Like the walk-and-stalk, this method is used to target highly elusive animals who are spotted from a distance and then very carefully stalked until the hunter is within range. Species targeted in this manner include the leopard and kudu.
• Bow hunting: This method is popular for African plains game hunts, with the hunter needing good stalking skills to get close to his prey.
• Blinds: Permanent or temporary blinds are erected in areas that animals are known to frequent, such as a waterhole, or along a path often used, and the animal is then ambushed from the blind.

Traveling to the Limpopo Hunting Grounds

International hunters should arrive at OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg.

Reaching Limpopo is then done in one of two ways:
• A Road Transfer of around 3.5-4 hours, depending on where in Limpopo you are headed
• A Domestic Flight

There are a few possible destinations within Limpopo for those choosing a domestic flight:
• Polokwane International Airport (PTG) in Polokwane, Limpopo’s capital city;
• Hoedspruit Airport (HDS), situated in the south of the province;
• Phalaborwa Airport (PHW), located near Kruger Park, and a popular choice to access the hunting areas in the region.

Why Consider a Limpopo Hunting Safari?

Hunters are looking for diverse, challenging, and entertaining hunting safaris that test their skills, along with some quality (and at times rare) trophies to add to their collection. South Africa’s Limpopo province ticks all these boxes and more….

• South Africa, and the Limpopo province, is easily accessible from any destination worldwide, with numerous international flights landing daily at OR Tambo Airport in Johannesburg, as well as Cape Town International Airport and King Shaka Airport in Durban. Domestic flights are available to fly from OR Tambo into Limpopo, or a scenic drive to your Limpopo hunting grounds is another option.
• While the prime hunting season in Limpopo is from May to August, hunting can happen throughout the year. It should be noted, however, that hunting during the summer months can be extremely challenging due to the heat, taller vegetation, and accessibility, because of summer rains.
• With its two main hunting areas (the Lowveld and Bushveld), hunters experience varied landscapes and terrain, allowing them to enjoy an authentic African hunting adventure.
• Limpopo is renowned for not only its abundant variety of game, but also the quality of the game hunting trophies harvested, ensuring superior trophies to add to collections at home.
• The province’s wide array of game includes African plains game and dangerous game, allowing hunters the opportunity to target both during one safari.
• Limpopo, as with the rest of South Africa, is known for offering exceptional hunting safaris, with experienced outfitters and professional hunters ensuring memorable safaris, while accommodation and facilities are world-class, culminating in a positive and enjoyable African hunt.
• Many of the hunting lodges offer a range of activities for non-hunters and family members to enjoy, from games rooms and on-site spas, to game viewing and excursions to local tourist attractions, all family members are considered and catered for.
• The ongoing conservation programs and initiatives have assisted in maintaining sustainable wildlife practices, with healthy ecosystems, habitats, and wildlife for generations to come.

Tourist Activities near the Limpopo Province

A visit to South Africa is not complete without spending some time exploring this melting pot of people, heritage, cultures, and activities. While the country has many diverse excursions to enjoy, you may not be able to take the time to enjoy them.

If you have time, consider enjoying some of the tourist activities that can be enjoyed within or close to South Africa’s Limpopo province:
• For history buffs, enjoy a visit to Makapansgat UNESCO World Heritage Site, also known as the Makapan Valley World Heritage Site. This site, situated about an hour from Mokopane, is known for its rich fossil deposits that date back between 2.6 and 3 million years.
• Modjadjiskloof (formerly Duiwelskloof) is home to one of the oldest and largest baobab trees in Africa, with the trunk once having housed a bar and wine cellar! Visit Sunland Baobab to see this amazing site!
• No visit to South Africa is complete without visiting the Kruger National Park! The Kruger Park is South Africa’s largest game park (+-7,576 square miles) and sections of it are spread across Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces. The area is known for its incredible biodiversity and is well worth a visit!
• Magoebaskloof and Haenertsburg are the perfect stops for those wanting to be a bit more adventurous and enjoy hiking, fishing, and even canopy tours.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to enjoy hunting in Limpopo?

While hunting in South Africa is available throughout the year, the best hunting in South Africa and Limpopo is during the drier, cooler months of May to August. There is less rainfall, ensuring that the animals are more likely to be spotted at permanent water holes, while the cooler weather will see the animals being more active. The vegetation is shorter, allowing for easier spotting of game during a Limpopo hunting safari.

Can I hunt the Big 5 in Limpopo?

Africa’s Big 5 (Rhino, Lion, Leopard, Cape Buffalo, and Elephant) are seen as the most dangerous African animals to hunt on foot. While the Big 5 technically can be hunted in Limpopo, no permits for leopards have been issued by the South African government for a few years.

Can I use a bow during my Limpopo hunting safari?

Yes, bow hunting in South Africa is legal, and you can harvest dangerous game using bows. There are, however, strict rules and regulations that need to be adhered to. Speak to your outfitter for further information.

Is Limpopo a good option to consider for a hunting safari in South Africa?

Limpopo is seen as the hunting mecca of South Africa, where 80% of the hunting industry is located. It offers hunters an array of species, terrain, hunting methods and experiences and is more definitely worth a visit – or two – on an African hunt.

Can I hunt cheetah in Limpopo?

No, cheetahs may not be hunted in South Africa. The only country where it is legal to hunt cheetah is Namibia.

Can I hunt African plains game in Limpopo?

Limpopo is home to a wide array of African plains game species. From the mighty Eland and Greater Kudu to the elegant striped zebra and smaller members of the Tiny 10, such as the Steenbok or Klipspringer, the Limpopo province is home to diverse plains game, ready to be harvested.

Is it difficult to travel to Limpopo?

Traveling to hunting grounds in Limpopo is quite simple, with hunters either making use of a domestic flight from OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, to one of three airports in Limpopo, or enjoying a road transfer to the hunting grounds. Depending on where the hunting grounds are in the Limpopo province, it will take 3.5-4 hours or more.

Conclusion

Home to a wide array of game species, challenging landscapes, and varying terrain, with unforgettable hunting adventures and experiences, hunting in South Africa is a popular pastime for many international hunters. But when it comes to the premier hunting location in South Africa, the award must go to the Limpopo province. 

Don’t miss out, book your Limpopo hunting safari today.