No hunting safari in South Africa is complete without targeting the warthog (Phacochoerus). Warthog game hunting safaris are fun, exciting, and definitely worth including when hunting in Africa. Warthogs are considered pests by local farmers due to the damage they cause to crops by digging, but they remain a popular game hunting trophy for many hunting enthusiasts.

The warthog is native to sub-Saharan Africa and found in Zimbabwe, Botswana, Mozambique, Kenya, Zambia and Tanzania. Warthogs prefer a habitat of grasslands, open bush, and woodlands, but remain highly adaptable in terms of environment. The IUCN lists the warthog’s status as “least concern.”

Warthogs are omnivores and enjoy a varied diet. Grass, roots, fruit, bark, and berries form the backbone of the warthog’s diet, but they also consume insects, eggs, carrion and even injured animals.

Warthogs are prey for numerous larger carnivores, including leopards, lions, wild dogs, cheetahs, crocodiles, and the spotted hyena, while raptors also target warthog piglets.