South Africa has always been a popular destination for game hunting enthusiasts worldwide, where the thrill of the chase, together with a kaleidoscope of the country’s people, experiences, and adventures, makes for an unforgettable experience. With nine different provinces, each offering a unique hunting expedition, this rainbow nation is well worth exploring. Learn more about the Eastern Cape and what makes this province an exceptional option to consider for a hunting safari.

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Key Takeaways

• One of South Africa’s nine provinces, the Eastern Cape offers hunters a challenging African hunting safari with a wide array of species on offer.
• From hunting the Big 5, to targeting some of the majestic African plains game on offer, the Eastern Cape comes alive for those willing to take the time to stop and enjoy the view – and the diverse hunting opportunities.
• Hunting in South Africa is available throughout the year, and the Eastern Cape is no exception, but the best time to enjoy an African hunt in the region is from March to September, coinciding with the cooler temperatures and drier weather.
• Notable game species to target in the province include the Kudu, Eland, Bushbuck, Waterbuck, Blesbok, and Oribi, amongst others.

The Eastern Cape at a Glance

• One of South Africa’s nine provinces, the Eastern Cape is the country’s second largest province covering an area of 65,633 square miles.
• Main towns in the area include Gqeberha Port Elizabeth), East London, Bisho, and Umtata.
• Stretching along the southeastern coast of South Africa, South Africa’s Eastern Cape province is bordered by the Western Cape, Northern Cape, Free State, KwaZulu-Natal, Lesotho, and the warm Indian Ocean.
• The region’s landscape is diverse, ranging from stunning coastal belts to mountainous regions, forests, and semi-arid areas.
• The climate in the Eastern Cape differs from largely temperate on the coast to more arid inland.
• Languages spoken include English, Afrikaans, and isiXhosa.

Hunting in the Eastern Cape

The Eastern Cape region is a mix of old versus new, with large bustling cities versus small picturesque towns, traditional versus modern, and this, together with experienced outfitters, numerous tourist activities, idyllic accommodation, scenic landscapes, varied hunting techniques, and a wide array of trophies, ticks all the boxes for an unforgettable hunting safari in South Africa.

Terrain & Vegetation

The Eastern Cape includes six of South Africa’s seven ecological biomes, including valley bushveld, savannah grasslands, fynbos, riverine forests, and acacia woodland. This area is the most ecologically diverse in South Africa.

This diversity, in turn, means that hunters need to be physically prepared for a variety of terrain, depending on the trophy they wish to target, with species such as the Eland and Grey Rhebok preferring mountainous areas, while open plains and grasslands are the choice of African plains game species and Cape buffalo, while for those species who prefer more cover and camouflage, regions rich in dense bush and riverine forests are the perfect option for the shy Bushbuck and elusive Leopard.

Vegetation ranges from thick tree cover in mountainous and coastal areas to open grassy plains and thornveld in the Karoo, challenging the hunter not only physically, but testing his ability to adapt to the ever-changing conditions.

The unique and wide-ranging diversity of this province supports a wide variety of game species, each adapted to survive and thrive in these differing habitats.

Unique & Notable Species in the Eastern Cape

While the Eastern Cape may not be the first choice for first-time hunters visiting South Africa, the area boasts a variety of dangerous, African plains game, and specialty game species and is renowned for its quality trophies.

Dangerous game species such as the Cape Buffalo, Elephant, and Lions are hunted in the area. Specialty game such as Caracal, Bushpig, Baboon, Jackal, and Aardwolf are also available to hunt. The Eastern Cape is renowned for its astounding array of African plains game, including the Kudu, Blue and Black Wildebeest, Grey Rhebuck, Bontebok, Blesbuck, Springbok, Impala, Gemsbok, Nyala, Sable, Waterbuck, Oribi, Red Hartebeest, Blue Duiker, and Mountain Reedbuck, amongst others.

While dangerous game is targeted in the region, it must be stressed that it is the African plains game and the challenges that these species bring to the fore that has hunters returning time and again to this beautiful part of the country. The area is home to the world’s largest antelope, namely the Eland, along with the king of the spiral horns, the Kudu. The diverse range includes iconic species such as the Springbok, as well as the Impala, offering hunters of all skill levels the opportunity to harvest some truly magnificent trophies.

Hunting Techniques

The region’s varied terrain, diverse trophies, and hunting methods make the area a popular choice with hunters seeking a safari, offering great challenges, rewards, and trophy variety.

The spot-and-stalk hunting method is widely practiced throughout the region and tests the hunter’s ability to approach their trophy undetected. While this may sound quite simple, many of the Eastern Cape species are renowned for their sharp senses, and this, together with varied terrain and vegetation underfoot, can be quite challenging.

For those who want a different and highly adrenaline-filled hunting adventure, try hunting with hounds, targeting the diminutive Blue Duiker as well as the Caracal. This hunting practice is legal and a great source of fun.

Traveling to the Eastern Cape

When enjoying a hunting safari in South Africa, OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, Gauteng, is the main gateway to the country, with another option being Cape Town International Airport in Cape Town, Western Cape.

The main airports in the Eastern Cape are David Stuurman Airport in Port Elizabeth and King Phalo Airport in East London, but Port Elizabeth is more likely to be the destination of choice to start your hunting safari in the Eastern Cape.

From there, road transfers will take you to your hunting grounds and accommodation, ready for a spectacular African safari.

Why Choose A Hunting Safari in the Eastern Cape?

• The destination is easily accessible with daily flights from most major cities within South Africa
• The Eastern Cape offers a wide variety of landscapes and terrain, challenging the hunter to adapt hunting methods and styles to match his surroundings
• The area offers family-friendly safaris, with numerous excursions, daytrips, and cultural trips available for non-hunting members of the family.
• The region is renowned for its large and diverse array of species. From dangerous game to specialty species and a huge array of African plains game, the trophies just keep coming!
• South African outfitters are renowned for their professionalism, resulting in a memorable and rewarding African hunt.
• The area offers a range of hunting methods, including spot and stalk, bow hunting, and even hunting with hounds for some specific species.
• Conservation and ethical hunting principles are strictly adhered to.

Tourism in the Eastern Cape

If you’ve completed your hunt and are looking for some interesting and varied tourist attractions to enjoy within the Eastern Cape, you won’t be disappointed! Often referred to as the “sunshine state” as it enjoys more days of sunshine than any other province (a whopping 300 out of 365 days!), this beautiful area is sure to tick the box in terms of excursions, activities, and adventures!

• The Eastern Cape is renowned for its breathtakingly beautiful pristine beaches, and the province boasts more than 800km of coastline. A visit to beaches in Jeffrey’s Bay, Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), St Francis Bay, Port Alfred, East London, and Coffee Bay are suggested for those wanting to work on their tans, enjoy the gorgeous beaches and catch a wave or two.
• Less than 24 miles from Port Elizabeth lies Addo Elephant National Park. This park is home to large herds of Elephants, Cape Buffalo, and even the rare Black Rhino.
• Imagine! Snow skiing in sunny South Africa! Located in the Southern Drakensburg with the closest town being Barkley East in the Eastern Cape, lies South Africa’s only ski resort – Tiffindell! The snow season runs annually from June to August.
• Running annually for 11 days from the last week in June to the first week in July, the Grahamstown National Arts Festival is Africa’s largest cultural event. Shows take place throughout 60 venues, from schools and churches to theatres and outdoor events. This festival showcases an amazing array of talent and is held in the small university town of Makanda (Grahamstown).
• If you are keen to view more animal species, an outing to some of the national parks in the area might be just what you want! From Camdeboo National Park in Graaff-Reinet, to the Mountain Zebra Park near Cradock, or even the famous Tsitsikamma National Park, visitors are spoilt for choice in terms of species, experiences, and unforgettable memories!
• A nice stop along the way is Jeffrey’s Bay, also known as J-Bay, a world-renowned surfing town, that is known for its laid-back and relaxed lifestyle as well as its beautiful beaches and amazing waves.
• The Eastern Cape is a multitude of small towns and villages, brimming with history and stories of old, making the gems to discover. One of these is Bathurst, with its claim to fame being home to the world’s largest pineapple! Worth a trip? Most definitely!

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Eastern Cape have hunting safaris?

Yes, hunting safaris in the Eastern Cape are quite popular and include a variety of species, including the Big 5, Kudu, Eland, Impala, Springbok, Wildebeest, Warthog, and Gemsbok. The area is especially renowned for its diversity of African plains game, both big and small.

What are the Big 7 found in the Eastern Cape?

The Big 7 of the Eastern Cape include the Rhino, Leopard, Lion, Cape Buffalo, and Elephant, together with the remaining two water-based species, namely the Great White Shark and the Southern Whale. The Big 7 are not to be confused with the Dangerous 7, which consists of the Big 5 along with the Nile Crocodile and the Hippo.

Can I hunt the Big 5 in the Eastern Cape?

Yes, the Big 5 can be hunted in the Eastern Cape. The Rhino, Cape Buffalo, Elephant, Lion, and Leopard are available to hunt, mostly on private reserves. While the Leopard is available to hunt, the South African government has not issued any Leopard tags for a couple of years now,

Can I use a bow during my Eastern Cape hunting safari?

Bow hunting in the Eastern Cape is very popular. Under the guidance of a professional hunter (PH), certain species, such as the kudu, warthog, and impala can be targeted using a bow.

Is the Eastern Cape a good option to consider for a hunting safari in South Africa?

Yes, the Eastern Cape is a great option to consider for a hunting safari in South Africa, with the region offering a variety of landscape and terrain to challenge a hunter, a wide array of species are on offer as well as various hunting methods that can be employed.

Can I hunt cheetahs in the Eastern Cape?

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

Is it legal to hunt with hounds in the Eastern Cape?

The Eastern Cape does allow the use of hunting dogs for certain species. The province follows the tradition of harvesting the Caracal as well as the Blue Duiker using hounds (dogs). These hunts are fast-paced and adrenaline-filled, allowing the hunter to harvest his prey using this age-old method.

What is a fun and action-packed hunt to consider when hunting in the Eastern Cape?

Ask any hunter and they will be sure to confirm that hunting warthogs is an exciting, fast-paced and adrenaline-filled hunting safari to enjoy! And not only that, but the smoked sausages made from its meat are simply more-ish, especially when grilled over the open flames of a traditional BBQ or braai!

This largely undiscovered hunting gem and section of (mostly!) sunny South Africa ticks all the boxes in terms of hunting challenges and rewards, offering hunting enthusiasts the opportunity to not only enjoy the thrill of hunting some quality trophies, but enjoy the majestic landscape and overall experience of the friendly Eastern Cape.

Whether pursuing the shy Bushbuck, the majestic Eland, or the aggressive and notorious Cape Buffalo, a hunting safari in the Eastern Cape promises memories that last a lifetime.