Tales of dangerous game hunting in Africa takes us down memory lane, to the great hunting legends such as Frederick C Selous, Peter Capstick, Phillippus Pretorius, and who of course can forget Harry Selby.  Read more about these fine hunters in a blog post entitled “Big 5 African Game Animals and their Legendary Hunters.”

There is nothing quite as exciting as planning and preparing for a game hunting safari focusing on Big 5 hunting in Africa!

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What is Dangerous Game Hunting in Africa?

Dangerous game hunting in Africa refers to the hunting of all Big Five species. The “Big Five” historically referred to the difficulty and danger associated with hunting these animals. Bringing these five species of dangerous mammals back to the hunter’s homeland was considered a marvelous achievement by local communities.

Dangerous game animals are cunning, large, smart, and a worthy opponent for any game hunting enthusiast. In recent years, we have heard discussions in the hunting communities now referring to “The Dangerous 7 in Africa.”

So, let’s backtrack a second, big 5 hunting in Africa refers to hunting safaris that were focused on one, or all of the below hunting species, namely:

Elephant Hunting in Africa

There is simply no bigger prize than bagging a trophy bull elephant! Elephant hunting in Africa requires skill, perseverance, patience, and determination. Elephant hunting takes the hunter up close and personal with the quarry and is an adrenaline rush like no other.

Elephant hunting in Africa can include hunting trophy elephants, tuskless elephants, and non-exportable elephant trophies.

Rhino Hunting in Africa

With all the international news around rhinos and the effect of poaching, rhino hunting in Africa has been reduced to Namibia and South Africa (Black & White Rhino). Rhinos make incredible trophies and are hunted on foot. 

This dinosaur is a worthy opponent weighing in at over 7,700 pounds. A frontal brain shot into a charging rhino is almost impossible.

Leopard Hunting in Africa

This cunning and exceptionally dangerous African cat will provide a challenge for any hunter’s marksmanship. Patience is the key to success in this thrilling game hunting safari. 

Leopards can also be hunted in African countries such as Mozambique and Zimbabwe by using hounds. A big tom leopard can weigh over 160 pounds.

Lion Hunting in Africa

A lion hunt for a mature cat with a black mane is a dream African hunting trophy. There is always the debate of which is better, hunting lions in South Africa on foot in fenced-off areas, or baiting lions in free-range areas and shooting from a blind in the majority of the time. Read more about this topic in a recent blog post entitled “Hunting Lion in South Africa – The Canned Lion Debate.”

Cape Buffalo Hunting in Africa

Old “Dugga Boys” are one of the all-time favorite dangerous game species when we refer to the big 5 hunting in Africa. The Cape Buffalo is also very well known as the “Widow Maker.” 

Cape Buffalo hunts are extremely popular and are available in most Southern African countries. Buffalo populations in Africa are healthy, and importantly Cape Buffalo hunts are affordable.

The Dangerous 7 in Africa: Meet the Team

Right, so we have our first five members as per the above African big game listings, with the addition of two more dangerous game animals that will make up the group now known and referred to as “The Dangerous 7 in Africa”.

Crocodile Hunting in Africa

To successfully hunt this prehistoric reptile, which has been designed as the perfect killing machine, the hunter is going to have to have nerves of steel to ensure a triumphant and successful game hunting safari. Hunting these creatures in the waterways, swamps, and estuaries of Africa promises an unforgettable and daring hunting adventure. Crocodiles, with the strongest bite force in Africa, equipped with large teeth, bony scales, and the ability to quickly propel their body out of the water, are formidable opponents.

Hippo Hunting in Africa

This enormous mammal, equipped with large and razor-sharp tusks has deceptive speed and unpredictable nature, which in turn makes it extremely dangerous. The hunter does not want to be caught between a hippo and the safety of water, that’s for sure!

A hippo hunting safari is an adrenaline-packed-pumping experience, with these mighty beasts being hunted by walking and stalking along the banks. A hippo bull is not to be messed with and remains one of Africa’s greatest game hunting trophies.

What does a Dangerous Game Hunting Safari in Africa cost?

Dangerous game animals can be affordable to hunters, depending on the location of the game hunting safari. By combining more than one member of the dangerous 7, costs due to operational synergies can be substantially reduced i.e. A hippo and crocodile hunt, or a lion and Cape buffalo safari.

Single species hunts, for lion, leopard, hippo, and crocodile hunting do at times become available nearer the end of the hunting seasons and are sold and marketed as “discount hunts.”

Dangerous game safaris can also be combined with African plains game hunts. Hunting a Cape buffalo, and adding on specialty plains games such as sable, roan, and kudu is a favorite. Dangerous game hunting safaris can also be upgraded to include antelope endemic to certain countries, such as Damara Diki-Dik, Black-Faced Impala, and Hartmann’s Zebra when hunting in Namibia.

What is the best Caliber of Rifle to use when Big Game Hunting in Africa?

As a rule of thumb, a .375 caliber with a 300-grain bullet is the minimum to use when hunting the dangerous 7 in Africa.

However, certain animals, for example, crocodiles, or hippos (brain shots) required incredible accuracy. It would be a clever idea to choose between something built for accuracy and a heavy caliber such as a .416 Rigby or any quality double rifle, depending on the target species.

Shot placement when hunting the dangerous 7 in Africa is critical.

Dangerous 7 Game Hunting in Africa: A Hunters' Paradise

Hunting dangerous game animals is one of the world’s greatest adventures and is the pinnacle of thrill and challenge. Dangerous 7 hunts in Africa will evaluate the hunter’s skill and courage, together with his perseverance and patience.

Learn more about dangerous game hunting in Africa.

 Author: PC van Wyk