Lioness Hunting in South Africa: Fierce, Fast, & Ferocious
Booking Season: 2025/2026
Hunt Difficulty: Difficult
Designed by Hunters, for Hunters
Lion hunting in South Africa remains a popular African hunt. As one of the Big 5 and Dangerous 7, hunting this apex predator is regarded as a rite of passage for many game hunting enthusiasts. This is not a hunt for a novice, but rather an experienced hunter with precise shot placement skills, patience, and experience who can handle the pressure this African hunt brings! The African lion (Panthera Leo) is found throughout southern Africa and enjoys a variety of habitats from savanna plains or thorn forests to thick bush. Lion hunting in South Africa can either be a fenced hunt, which is both more common and cost-effective or a free-range hunting safari. Lions weigh around 330-570 pounds and are renowned for deep ear-splitting roars, sharp claws, and even sharper teeth. One swipe with its powerful claw will seriously injure a man, if not kill him.
When hunting lion in South Africa, both genders are available for an African hunt, with the lioness hunt costing less than that of a trophy male. The best time to target this apex predator in South Africa would be during the dry season (June, July, and August) when the grass is shorter and therefore easier to spot the lion in the grass. Popular locations for lion hunting in South Africa are the Northwest Province and Limpopo. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has identified the African lion's status as “vulnerable.” A CITES permit is required for lion hunting in South Africa.
Shot Placement while Lion Hunting in South Africa
Hunting methods for a lion hunting safari involve one of two options: Firstly, baiting the animal and then building a temporary blind from which it is hunted, or secondly, a walk-and-stalk option where trackers track the lion until they are close enough for the hunter to take the perfect shot. While lion hunting in South Africa remains extremely exciting and challenging, whether you choose to bait or stalk, the most important part of the hunt happens when you have the lion in your sights, namely accurate and precise shot placement. Shot placement during any African hunt is important. On a dangerous game hunting safari, however, correct shot placement could be the difference between an angry, wounded lion charging the hunter down, or the animal having a humane and quick death, leaving the hunter safe and sound while enjoying his exceptional game hunting trophy.
Shot placement options when hunting this apex predator can include: The Broadside Shot The broadside shot is a favorite option that will be suggested by your PH, if appropriate. When the lion stands broadside, the heart will sit behind the lion’s front leg, just above the elbow joint. Quartering away from the Hunter This is not a shot the PH will suggest you take due to a small target and the associated risk. Quartering towards the Hunter When this apex predator is quartering towards a hunter, the lion will be facing him at a slight angle. The perfect shot will be aimed at the base of the lion’s neck where it meets the shoulder. The bullet will go through into the heart and lungs of the lion. The Fleeing Shot This shot placement is not recommended as a first shot. If the lion has been wounded due to a poorly placed first shot and is facing away from you, this shot severs the spine and will cripple the lion. The Frontal Shot Your PH would recommend this shot, if appropriate. A perfectly placed bullet in this position will hit the heart and lungs and will result in a humane and quick death.
What Caliber Rifle is Used for Lion Hunting in South Africa?
A minimum legal requirement of a .375 is stipulated when lion hunting in South Africa. Many hunters enjoying a lion hunting safari may prefer a .416 Rigby or a double rifle like a 470NE or 500NE. Other rifle options for hunting lion in South Africa include a .458 or a .458 Lott.
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