This southern African country can be described as a land of opposites. Bordering the Atlantic Ocean on the west and housing an area of the Zambezi to the East; Namibia brings together an environment capable of supporting some of the biggest game species of African hunts and providing some of the best opportunities to target them under African skies.

Big game hunting in Namibia is an industry capable of bringing in hundreds of millions of dollars, and rightly so; any hunter worth their weight in ammo is sure to end up in this arid landscape at least once in a lifetime.

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The Attraction of a Hunting Safari in Namibia

Big game hunting in Namibia is extremely popular due to the range of species, great environment, and promise of some of the best safari hunting trophies African hunts can offer. Namibia’s hunting industry can almost be described as the country’s bread and butter. As such, it is a well-controlled, and well-regulated industry where conservation and preservation for the future are of high importance.

A hunting safari in Namibia can almost be seen as a one-stop shop type of experience as there is a hunting adventure for every hunter’s taste. Namibia brings big game safari hunting of both the predators and the plains together in one country where the common practice is fair–chase (as much as possible).

It also helps that Namibia (and its notorious Zambezi region, formerly known as the Caprivi Strip) is known for producing some of the biggest trophies to be found in the books.

Big Game Hunting in Namibia – The Top Targets

Thanks to both the Kalahari and Namib deserts as well as a contrasting Zambezi region, a hunting safari in Namibia is a diverse offering of both African big game (including hippo and crocodile) and African plains game offerings, such as kudu and the Namibian specialty, the Oryx.

These safari hunting opportunities have something for everyone and regardless of a hunter’s preference, no hunting adventure is a bad choice.

A Dangerous 7 Hunting Adventure

Lion (Panthera leo)

The biggest cat on the African continent, the lion is the king of trophies for African hunts. These cats are broad and have an impressive muscle structure that accounts for almost 60% of their body weight, the highest of all mammal species.

Lion hunting safari in Namibia can be done through both baiting and walk-and-stalk techniques.

• Baiting involves the use of a carcass (African plains game shot previously) hung up in a tree, where the lion can reach it. A blind will be erected nearby from where the shot will be taken.
• Safari hunting by stalking involves the tracking of a lion via its spoor until the target is located. The success of the shot will be determined, and if good, the shot is taken.

Leopard (Panthera pardus)

Known as some of the shyest and most elusive of big cats, leopard hunting safari in Namibia is sure to test the patience and skill of any safari hunting participant. The signature of a leopard is its pelt, a yellowy gold fur covered in dark brown to black markings that form magnificent rosettes.

Baiting for leopard is the order of the day when it comes to big game hunting in Namibia. These solitary and secretive cats almost take up the entire hunt allocation. But the effort is worth the reward. A word of advice for those who might face a wounded leopard, they can be hell-bent on revenge and depending on their injury will probably try and mount their attack. Not the best end to a hunting adventure, so make the first shot count.

African Elephant (Loxodonta Africana)

The largest land mammal may seem an unlikely target of a hunting adventure in Namibia due to their reliance on water, but thanks to the almost tropical Caprivi, they make it work.

The quality of an elephant trophy is determined by its tusks; however, this judgment can only be made once the elephant has been tracked. Tracking and stalking is the order of the day when it comes to elephant hunting in Namibia, often involving hours or miles of walking tracks until the herd or target is caught up

Rhino

When looking at big game hunting in Namibia, it’s worth noting that Namibia is the only country other than South Africa to offer rhino hunting opportunities. These hunts take place on private land and are very limited, hence their high price African hunts for both black and white rhinos.

Safari hunting for rhinos is very similar to that of the elephant, it involves long periods of walking and tracking with the trophy quality being determined only when the animal is sighted.

While Namibia has faced criticism for its offering of rhino hunting adventures, they are extremely regulated and limited, with a focus on ensuring the conservation of the species.

Cape Buffalo (Syncerus caffer caffer)

Put simply, the buffalo is a large animal with an incredibly grumpy nature. Buffalo hunting safari in Namibia is often limited to the Zambezi region and a benefit of these hunts is that the meat goes to underprivileged communities. Safari hunting for buffalo always requires a hunter to be cautious; these animals can and will defend themselves, and there aren’t many things on earth as dangerous as a wounded Cape buffalo.

A buffalo hunting adventure typically starts with tracking the animal from a watering hole or food source. These African big game have decent eyesight and hearing but their best sense is smell. Keeping wind direction in mind is a good remembrance to avoid the buffalo coming to you and not you to him. A buffalo’s trophy quality is measured on both the horns and the boss (in males) with worn down or damaged horns adding an extra level of character.

Hippo (Hippopotamus amphibious)

The river horse makes its home in the Zambezi waterways of Namibia where it can wallow, enjoy mud bathing, and keep a watchful eye on the banks for any predators like crocs, and yes, hunters. Known for their large barrel bodies, an adult hippo can tip the scales at around 3,000 pounds, regardless of gender.

Hippo hunting safari in Namibia often includes the historical hunting practice of using a mokoro (traditional wooden canoe) to navigate the water, followed by a walk-and-stalk along the banks in search of a prize trophy. A hippo’s trophy worth is determined by the tusks, like elephants.

Crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus)

Once again, the Zambezi region provides an unlikely hunting safari in Namibia. The Nile crocodile is a large reptile often measuring 11–16.5 feet in length and weighing anywhere from 500–1,600 pounds. These safari hunting targets are apex predators on both water and land, targeting African plains game at the water’s edge as well as young elephants and hippos.

A crocodile hunting adventure can employ the baiting method or a walk-and-stalk approach. Baiting requires a rotting carcass and nearby blind, while stalking takes place along the riverbank. Challenges to crocodile hunting safari in Namibia are mainly the croc’s highly attuned senses and ability to pick up vibrations in the water via their Dermal Pressure Receptors.

African Hunts for the Plains Game

Cape Eland (Taurotragus oryx)

One of the native species on hunting safari in Namibia, the Cape eland is the second largest antelope in the world with males weighing up to or over 2,000 pounds. The Cape eland is quite widely spread throughout Namibia, and not just found in the Caprivi region. Known for their smashing spiral horns, eland might not be the fastest of the safari hunting antelope, but they can jump up to 8 feet and maintain a trot at 25 miles per hour.

The Cape eland can be hunted through stalking, first by glassing the area for a suitable target and then tracking/stalking the animal, or by blind (sometimes called the “ambush method”). Eland are reliant on water, and they can be hunted by blind erected near a watering hole and shot as and when a good trophy appears.

Greater Kudu (Tragelaphus strepsiceros)

The “Grey Ghost” of the desert is an antelope known for impressive spiral horns (reaching up to 3 twists) and unusual white markings on the face and body. An immediate difference is that only males possess these horns as well as a beard reaching down the throat.

Kudu hunting safari in Namibia typically occur in the central region and kudu are usually stalked while on the mile-long journeys toward water. Like other plains game, greater kudu is active in the dawn and dusk hours, seeking out shade and rest during the heat of the day.

Wildebeest

Black wildebeest (Connochaetes gnou)

One of the species introduced to Namibia and now a focus of African hunts; the black wildebeest is known for its white, almost horse-like tail and a coat of dark brown to black hair. Both male and female black wildebeest grow hook-shaped horns that reach up to 30 inches.

Big game hunting in Namibia caters to the black wildebeest as it thrives in the semi-arid environment. Their numbers are lower than those of the Blue wildebeest, so hunts aren’t as widely available.

Blue wildebeest (Connochaetes taurinus)

Often nicknamed the “poor man’s buffalo”, the blue wildebeest is another tough safari hunting target. Found in both free-range and ranch areas across Namibia, this gnu is known for its broad and front-heavy appearance. Getting their name from the color range in the coat, this wildebeest ranges from slate–grey to blue-grey; both sexes grow horns that grow outward, upward, and eventually inward, measuring over 30 inches in males.

Like the buffalo, a successful hunting adventure for this animal needs solid shot placement and a decent bullet to ensure a quick, humane shot.

Red Hartebeest (Alcelaphus buselaphus caama)

The second fastest antelope after the Tsessebe, the Red hartebeest is a flighty, easily spooked antelope known for bolting off at up to 40 miles per hour when in stride. The Red hartebeest is a large antelope measuring around 4,4 feet at the shoulder and weighing 260–330 pounds depending on sex, with horns averaging around one foot in length.

These antelope have incredible hearing and smell, but a reward of that famous red coat and horn combo is sure to be a worthy motivation.

Oryx/Gemsbok

Endemic to Namibia, the gemsbok may have spread across the safari hunting domain, but Namibia will always be its home territory. Gemsbok are some of the lightest colored antelope with a few dark markings and patches on the legs, face, back, and tail. The horns are the main prize for this hunting adventure and are some of the most signature horn trophies known in the hunting world.

Gemsbok are generally hunted by very careful tracking (they too have brilliant senses) and need a good shot placement otherwise the “Desert Warrior” will simply cause a panic alert and the herd will scatter. Gemsbok African hunts can be done at the water’s edge when the antelope is slightly distracted and unable to move as quickly if in water.

Big Game Hunting in Namibia – Packing the Firepower Needed

Import Regulations

• Unlike other African safari hunting countries, Namibia doesn’t limit the number of firearms allowed into the country.
• Ammunition is limited to 60 rounds per firearm.
• No handguns, semi-automatic, or automatic weapons are allowed.
• Firearms permit will be issued at airport customs when the forms are completed.

*If flying via South Africa, you will need to comply with South African firearms requirements, these will supersede the Namibian guidelines.

Hunting requirements

• Medium game hunting safari in Namibia requires a minimum of .270
  • Gemsbok, wildebeest, eland, and kudu fall under this category.
• Big game hunting in Namibia calls for a minimum of .375, although heavier can be used depending on the hunter’s skill and confidence.
  • Lion, leopard, buffalo, rhino, elephant, and crocodile are considered under this regulation.
• Solid point ammunition can only be used on elephants, rhinos, and hippos; it’s highly recommended to do so.

Bow Hunting Legislation

Bow hunting has been a legal safari hunting method in Namibia since 1997 and can only be carried out if the PH is registered as a bow hunting guide and provider.

• Broadhead arrows may not be serrated or barbed.
• Broadhead arrows must have two fixed blades with a cutting edge of 1 inch
• Bow hunting is granted as a separate right in hunting concessions
• Arrows used for bow hunting safari in Namibia may be made from wood, steel, carbon, or carbon blend materials.
• Crossbows are illegal in Namibia.

Bow Hunting Requirements

• The African plains game mentioned in this article are considered “large game” and should be planned for as follows
  • 65 ft./pound kinetic energy
  • 450-grain weight
• DANGEROUS GAME MAY NOT BE HUNTED IN THIS MANNER

It’s important to note that these regulations can be updated or changed at any time, so speak to your African outfitter or PH regarding the latest regulations.

Big Game Hunting in Namibia – Are You Ready?

Considering a hunting safari in Namibia is the start of an experience you won’t find anywhere else in Africa. Home to a rich landscape and an even richer array of safari-hunting species, Namibia is sure to have you wanting a repeat hunting adventure in this game rich country.

Author: A. Baker