Safety while traveling to Africa is a genuine concern for many potential tourists. Correct, truthful, and substantiated information is not always made available to those considering a thrilling Africa hunting trip.

This opinion piece on the safety of booking a hunting safari in Africa was written by PC van Wyk. Born and bred in Africa, I have traveled throughout many African countries and am one of the founders of Game Hunting Safaris.com.

As such, it is correct and represents facts, not international subjective and often skewed opinions and so-called “newsworthy articles,” supposedly representative of our magnificent African continent.

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African Economics Short Summary

• Africa, while still mainly consisting of third-world countries, is a continent rich in natural resources. The African country with the highest Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is, in fact, Nigeria, which grossed US$ 477 Billion in 2022.
• Throughout the 1960s, South Africa showed economic dominance and was, in fact, the only first-world country as rated by the United Nations’ financial criteria.
• Nigeria, as per the IMF (International Monetary Fund) report shows that Nigeria in fact, overtook South Africa in 2018 as the richest and wealthiest economy.
• Currently, as it stands, Egypt is in second place.

What country should I visit first while hunting in Africa?

• This question is often asked by first-time travelers pondering a vacation to Africa. The answer is South Africa.
• South Africa is the premier and most popular big game hunting destination of all the countries making up the mysterious African continent.
• The 2022 Tourism report by Stats South Africa showed that 5,698,062 international tourists visited South Africa’s sunny shores.
• Game reserves such as the Kruger National Park and Sabi Sands offer Africa’s most densely populated wildlife areas.
• Hunting in Africa is becoming more affordable.

Corruption in Africa

Corruption, or greed, by the Government, is rife in many African countries. In South Africa, News24.com released a press article on the 23rd of June 2021 that in just the period 2014 to 2019, R1,5 trillion was lost to corruption, or what is known as “State Capture” in South Africa. Robin Island has, in fact, produced more millionaires and billionaires than any formal institution!

At the height of COVID-19, US$30 Billion was made available to assist the public. The hands of the ANC Government officials and comrades, as usual, could not resist emptying the entire “cookie jar.” News 24.com in October 2021 published that despite COVID-19, exotic car dealerships posted the highest sales volume during this period.

It certainly is not rocket science to guess these funds’ source and origins.

The officials, with their black and soulless hearts, are happy to “live the life” while children are dying in pit latrines and attend schools that are operating from shacks. Knowing there must be a special place in hell reserved for corrupt government officials gives me peace of mind. Overcrowding is going to be a problem.

What does corruption have to do with safety when on a hunting safari in Africa?

• When the government coffers are empty, unemployment increases due to a lack of employment opportunities. Weak currencies lead to disinvestment by international companies.
• These factors lead to unemployment and poverty.
• Unemployment across all African countries is at approximately 7%. In South Africa, this rate is far higher at about 30%.
• As the old saying goes, “Idle hands are the devil’s playground!”
• Unemployment and impoverishment thus lead to petty crimes just to be able to provide a simple meal. Living in circumstances like this can lead to depression, lack of hope, and boredom. Youths then turn to alcohol and drugs, resulting in more serious crimes. And so, the circle continues to turn.
• In places such as South Africa, the ANC’s philosophy is, let us carry on stealing and go into debt by issuing grants to those unemployed and support for those with babies. So, the logic of the people is, well, we get paid not to work, we have load shedding, so we have darkness most nights. Let us have some fun and make more babies; the more we have, the more money we will get. So, not only is crime then a problem, but the population is increasing.
• According to stats released by the IMF in 2023, five of the eight countries that will account for more than half the world’s population by 2050 will be African.

Unemployment, poverty, and population growth are contributing factors when considering safety during any African hunting trip.

Safety on a Hunting Safari in Africa vs. USA Mass Shootings

So, at this juncture, we are looking at international statistics relating to safety when on a game hunting safari in Africa.

At the same time, let us make a few comparisons. Since most African hunts are concluded with international guests from the United States of America (17% from the state of Texas), let’s pull some data. Mass shootings in America are horrific in every aspect.

The below graph indicates the number of mass shootings where four or more people were killed or injured.

In October 2022, using South Africa as an example, the Minister of Tourism, Lindiwe Sisulu, advised that in the last 27 years, three tourists to South Africa had been murdered.

However, in 2023, the Minister of Police, Bheki Cele, announced that, on average, 73 people were being murdered daily in South Africa. Many of these murders are gang-related, mob justice attacks, and vigilantism in highly populated areas. Again, we refer to regions categorized by poverty, unemployment, drugs, gangs, and alcohol abuse.

Looking at these statistics, I can categorically state that a hunting safari in Africa is a safer option to pursue. I think there is less risk in Africa than in certain first-world countries. A hunting safari in Africa would undoubtedly be my first choice!

Personal Safety Statistics when hunting in Africa

Having lived in Africa all my life, I have been fortunate and blessed to have visited many African countries. Not because I was born with a silver spoon in my mouth, but when working 18 hours every day, and when possible, I spend my available time wisely—my first vacation choice is a hunting safari in Africa with my family. There is no place like Africa.

When it comes to African big game, we have hunted hippos in the Caprivi Strip, Namibia. Lions and Cape buffalo in South Africa, Nile crocodile and Cape buffalo in Mozambique. I still have my work cut out in terms of big game hunting to be completed for the Dangerous 7. Priorities!

Plains game hunting in Africa has included a variety of antelope such as sable, roan, impala, gemsbuck, klipspringer, oryx, blackbuck, eland, kudu, and many more, and has taken us to remote locations all over Africa.

Besides the above game hunting destinations, I have traveled extensively to Zambia, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Mozambique, South Africa, and Tanzania. From riding elephants, walking with lions, swimming with dolphins, game fishing safaris, and plenty more, we experienced African hunting trips of note! African hunts and game hunting safaris present a variety of choices!

I also, unfortunately, was dragged to Italy, France, and Dubai. Thailand, well, for those “in the know,” Thailand for a break from reality is fantastic—four trips under the belt. I do not think my liver can manage or survive another trip! 

Factually, without “jinxing it,” not once on a hunting safari in Africa have I, that I can recall been murdered, robbed, hijacked, or assaulted. In fact, I have always been treated like royalty and a VIP; such is African hospitality.

Safety while hunting in Africa

In short, Africa may present some “not so nice” crime statistics. Not many countries report the contrary.

There are a few points for consideration and general guidance areas to follow while on a hunting safari in Africa.

• Your world-class African outfitter will meet you at the point of entry. If you are hunting in Africa, you will be safe. Your African outfitter will also ensure that you arrive at your point of exit safely.
• Safety while hunting in Africa depends on whether your destination is an area of unrest or civil war.
• Stay out of impoverished areas at night and walk with others. A person with half a brain would do that anyway, no matter what country they are in.
• Your hunting safari support staff, including trackers, skinners, chefs, etc., know they are incredibly lucky to have employment, a hot meal, and a roof over their heads. They will look after you at every turn. They know that the hunter is paying their salaries and creating employment. You are in safe hands.
• When it comes to support staff, do not lead them into temptation. i.e., do not leave piles of cash or other valuables lying around and on display. We are all, after all, only human.
• Even while safari hunting in remote and desolate areas, ensure that the firearms are safely always stored.
• African outfitters and all their staff will ensure that you receive five-star treatment; after all, they want you to return on another occasion when hunting in Africa.

African Hunts: A Must-Have On Any Bucket List!

A game hunting safari in Africa should definitely be on every hunter’s bucket list. Associated safety risks when hunting in Africa are manageable, assuming that wise choices are made. Game Hunting Safaris aims to match international hunters to their dream hunting safari, ensuring that they visit repeatedly.

If I believed the safety of the hunter, friends, or family would be compromised while on an African hunting trip, I would not, with a clear conscience, be able to promote African hunting safari packages. Our primary objective at Game Hunting Safaris is for visitors to Africa to have thrilling hunting adventures and fall in love with Africa as we have.

Africa is the premium big game hunting destination; join us for an African game hunting adventure of note!

Read more about African hunting destinations and which destinations best suit your needs.

PC van Wyk