What would a safari for plains game hunting in South Africa be without the majestic kudu bull? A kudu bull, with horns more than 60 inches, is the top trophy for plains game Africa hunts.
This elusive antelope, famously known as the “Gray Ghost” is the sole reason many international hunters return to Africa, to try and successfully hunt a trophy kudu bull, the king of all the spiral-horned antelopes.
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About the Kudu
A kudu (Tragelaphus strepsiceros) is considered a large antelope and is strikingly beautiful with long horns in a spiral shape. With a distinct white chevron across the face, and stripes running vertically down its body, this antelope can truly disappear into the bushveld surroundings.
Both male and female kudu have coats which are a color mix of pale grey and brown, while the females do not have any horns. A kudu bull can have a body mass of over 700 pounds. These antelope are exceptionally graceful, and a kudu bull can clear a fence of eight feet with ease! Judging a trophy bull can be extremely challenging due to factoring in length and the depth of the curl.
Kudu hunting in South Africa can be exceptionally difficult as this antelope is renowned for being elusive and sly. To add to this, kudu have exceptional senses. It is not often you will catch a kudu bull off guard, making trophy kudu hunting that much more difficult.
Older bulls are often solitary antelopes, except of course during mating season which runs from the end of April. They love to hide out in thickets, rather than exposing themselves in the open grassland areas.
Challenges while Kudu Hunting in South Africa
These graceful antelope are built for climbing and being browsers, ascend to high mountain tops in search of vegetation. While feasting mostly on leaves, they will on occasion also graze.
Early in the morning, kudu bulls can often be spotted on ridges when the first sun rays of the day reflect off their horns, giving their position away. Kudu cows can be spotted by looking out for the size and shape of their ears or just managing to pick up the slightest of movement.
Hunting kudu bulls in such harsh terrain can make for a challenging hunting safari. Often long-range shots are required. Additionally, the hunter needs to be able to shoot accurately up or down steep mountain slopes in areas such as the Limpopo province.
Where is the Best Place for Kudu Hunting in South Africa?
South Africa’s Eastern Cape region is well stocked with kudu; however, this is a subspecies, known as the lesser kudu.
Larger bulls, by both weight and horn length, are found further to the North of South Africa in the Limpopo, Mpumalanga, and Kalahari regions.
What is the Difference between a Lesser Kudu and the Greater Kudu?
- The lesser kudu (Tragelaphus Imberbis), also known as the Eastern Cape kudu in South Africa, is smaller in body size, along with width and girth of horns compared to their cousins, the greater kudu (Tragelaphus Strepsiceros).
- Lesser kudu are also darker in color.
- Lesser kudu also tend to have more vertical white stripes than the greater kudu, averaging between 11-15.
- When looking at the horn structure, greater kudu has much deeper curls.
- A lesser kudu bull will have a horn size of an average of 40 inches. If the hunter manages to bag a lesser kudu bull nearer to 50 inches, this truly is considered a trophy animal.
- Greater kudu bulls’ horns size will average 40-50 inches. Anything over 50 inches is considered a good trophy bull, but game hunters regularly search for true monsters over 60 inches.
When is the Best Season to go Kudu Hunting in South Africa?
There aren’t any kudu hunting restrictions in terms of timing. Kudu hunting in South Africa is allowed at any time throughout the year. However, if hunting kudu outside of the winter months, April through to June, the landowner needs to have a P3 Exemption permit issued by the Department of Nature Conservation.
When game hunting in South Africa, the hunter needs to remember that the summer months can be extremely hot. African hunts should be planned for the winter months when temperatures are cooler. This will assist with meat going “bad” in the heat along with the kudu game hunting trophy suffering hair loss.
Kudu hunting in South Africa is usually done on foot, applying walk and stalk tactics. Ticks and other critters thrive in the heat, which can make the game hunting experience unpleasant. There is nothing worse than suffering bites that are not only “itchy and scratchy” but run the risk of festering in the heat. Conditions like this can result in hunting safaris being exceptionally unpleasant.
Kudu Hunting Safari Preparation: Points of Consideration
Before embarking on the Kudu hunting safari, talk to your booking agent and ask practical questions such as:
- What will the terrain be like? Flat land or mountainous?
- What would the average distance of the shot be?
Obtaining answers to these questions will assist in choosing a suitable caliber rifle and weight/type of bullet.
Kudu Hunting in South Africa: Rifles and Ammunition
A kudu bull is remarkably similar in size to an elk and as such, top-quality expanding bullets are essential. A hunting safari for a trophy kudu bull does not come cheap, and as such recovery of the kudu, especially considering the terrain, is of utmost importance. Additionally, ethical hunting practices want to ensure a quick, clean, and humane kill.
When hunting kudu, a 7mm, .270 or any thirty-caliber rifle will suffice. My personal preference is a 300 win-mag with an expanding 180-grain tip, which packs a hard punch.
While kudu bull is not considered to be “exceptionally tough,” it is recommended that the hunter not be “under gunned.” Shot placement, no matter the caliber, like on any African hunt is critical.
Shot Placement when Kudu Hunting in South Africa
- A headshot or a brainshot should not be considered. Not only is precision shooting a requirement, but a solid headshot will most certainly ruin your trophy kudu.
- Headshots are also risky in that the target area is so small. I personally do not want to go to sleep at night knowing due to my stupidity, a kudu bull is now wounded and still walking around.
- The preferred shot would be the broadside shot, one-third of the way up on the shoulder. Missing the heart by an inch or two will still result in other vital such as the lungs being hit, resulting in certain death.
- Find out more about shot placement when Kudu hunting in South Africa.
The below image of a kudu bull was hunted on our ranch in Limpopo, South Africa. This trophy bull measured 55 inches. Take a close look at not only the kudu bull’s horns but the conditions of the terrain. Kudu hunting in South Africa certainly requires a certain amount of fitness and stamina. Due to poor shot placement of the first bullet, the entire following day was spent tracking this kudu through the mountains. If it were not for our faithful Jack Russel, Roxy, I am not convinced that this kudu would have been recovered.
Hunting in South Africa, while being tough, is exceptionally rewarding. Save yourself a world of pain and ensure the first shot counts and anchors the kudu.
Is Kudu Antelope Meat Tasty?
Kudu, especially “meat bulls” or cows out of mating season make for exceptionally good eating. Backstraps and the tenderloin are often “braaied” (barbequed) by African outfitters. Kudu also makes exceptionally tasty biltong (jerky) and droewors (dried sausage). Slow-grilled and roasted venison cubes make an excellent South African traditional potjie (stew) cooked over the coals for a few hours.
A perfect dinner after a long and hard day on your hunting safari. The meat is also minced, mixed with lamb fat and spices, filled into casings, and processed into breakfast sausages. A perfect protein with eggs for the start of each hunting day.
The kudu meat is also cut into cubes, skewered, and mixed with fresh onions and peppers. These kebabs are then curried and marinated and again “braaied” on the open coals. First-time attendees for a hunting safari in Africa have superb cuisine to look forward to!
What is the Cost for Kudu Hunting in South Africa?
Kudu is hunted along with many other antelope species such as impala, blesbuck, sable, roan, and wildebeest. Plains game hunting in South Africa offers more than 90 types of antelope. Plains Game hunting safaris are normally on a package deal basis offering the inclusion of a variety of antelopes and can cost between US $5,500 and US $12,500 depending on the species on offer.
Additional animals may be offered at a per-specie trophy fee. A stand-alone kudu bull trophy fee will cost between US $ 2500 and US $ 4000, depending of course on the size of the horns.
African outfitters on occasion will also have management or cull hunts available. These discount hunts are usually conducted to either thin out kudu populations or to remove poor genetics.
Kudu Hunting in South Africa and the Quest for the “Spiral Slam”
Four antelopes are considered to make up a hunting safari called the Spiral Slam, a dream challenge of most international plains game hunters.
The antelope in question are:
All these antelope, as can probably be guessed, are considered trophies in their own right due to the sheer magnificence of these species and the beauty of their horns.
A hunting safari in South Africa can be geared just for hunting these antelope. There may be some domestic travel involved as not all the species inhabit the same areas. In my opinion, the most difficult to hunt is the kudu bull, followed by bushbuck, nyala, and lastly eland.
How Big was the World’s Largest Kudu Bull?
The biggest Kudu bull ever measured was 77 & 1/4 inches at the time of his death. He was dubbed Mr. Wow and was bred in South Africa.
The Kudu Hunting Lodges in South Africa
One thing that South African outfitters know how to do very well, is look after international hunters. Hunting lodges in South Africa are geared towards comfort, no matter how remote, and are family and disability friendly. No matter your unique requirements, your South African outfitter will always “make a plan.”
Lodges are rated three to five stars and have the amenities for daily laundry services, a variety of local South African wine and beer selections, wi-fi, and cell phone receptions.
Rooms are always spacious with fantastic views of the African hunting landscape and dining areas serve the best of local cuisine. If the hunter has any special dietary requirements, be sure to advise your booking agent in advance. The support staff are friendly and understand the value that international hunters bring to local communities.
South African outfitters will always have a well-stocked chiller box available during the kudu hunting safari, filled with cold beverages and snacks. Again, if there are any special requests be sure to let your booking agent know in advance.
My first kudu bull was over 50 inches, it did take a few years to achieve, but still not Rowald Ward. This kudu was hunted in the Limpopo area of South Africa and had an enormous body.
I have a saying, teach your children how to hunt and they will not have money for drugs and substance abuse.
What does a Kudu Hunting Safari in South Africa Include?
When reviewing the African plains game hunting safari package, details of inclusions will be highlighted in the content and will as a rule of thumb include:
- Number of nights and full hunting days.
- All accommodation, beverages, and soft drinks. Alcohol in moderation is usually included in the cost of the safari.
- Details relating to dip and pack policies of trophies.
- Transfers to and from the port of entry into South Africa
FAQ's About Kudu Hunting in South Africa
Can I bring my firearm when plains game hunting in South Africa?
Yes, international visitors can import their own firearms.
What is the best time of day to go Kudu hunting in South Africa?
Kudu are best hunted early in the morning or just before sunset. The period just before sunset is often referred to as “The Golden Hour” by African hunters.
Can I bring an observer while Plains Game Hunting in South Africa?
Yes, hunting lodges in South Africa offer great facilities and observers are always welcome. Observers will be billed at additional daily rates and the price is discounted to between US $150 and US $ 250 per day depending on the facilities and cost overheads.
Many hunting lodges in South Africa also have additional activities specifically designed for observers which include day trips, spas, and hiking to name a few. South African outfitters offer many hunting safaris geared and promoting family hunting trips.
What will happen to the Meat from the Kudu Hunting Safari in South Africa?
While hunting lodges in South Africa will ensure that this valuable protein, known as “venison,” is prepared by the chef for meals and snacks during the hunting safari, the balance goes to charities and community upliftment programs.
South Africa has unemployment at over 40%, so meat is a commodity not often enjoyed by all. South African outfitters work with local non-profit organizations and do bulk donations, and feeding programs and often the proceeds of the sale will fund local community schools and churches.
Speak with your hunt broker for more information, or read this blog called “How your hunting safari in South Africa makes a difference.”
Is it safe to go on a Plains Game Hunting Safari in South Africa?
Yes, hunters and travelers will be safe while under the care of South African outfitters. On arrival at the point of entry into the country, the members of the hunting safari will be collected at the international airport and transferred directly to the hunting lodge.
What should I pack when going on my African Hunts?
Besides the obvious choices of rifles and ammunition, most items will largely depend on the season the hunter has chosen to conduct the hunting safari. Most importantly, remember any specific medical requirements.
For more about what to pack, check out this blog entitled “What Should I Pack on My Africa Hunting Trip?”
Should I consider extending the Safari when Plains Game Hunting in South Africa?
If the hunter is a first-time visitor to South Africa, it is highly recommended that should the hunter have the additional time and financial resources, a few additional days be set aside.
South Africa is a premier tourist destination with a variety of tourist attractions and is affordable to visit. Read more about what South Africa has to offer tourists in the blog entitled “Can I bring my family on a South Africa Hunting Trip?”
Should I use a local South African Taxidermist for my Trophy Kudu Bull?
In my opinion, most definitely. South Africa boasts top taxidermists who understand the “makeup” of African hunting trophies. If I were hunting deer in the USA, I would not want a South African taxidermist to prepare my mount.
Kudu hunting in South Africa is undoubtedly one of the most challenging of all African hunts, be sure to book and plan your trophy hunting safari in Africa’s premium big game hunting destination.
Read more about South Africa in a recently completed blog entitled: “All You need to know about hunting in South Africa” or discover more about this diverse game hunting destination in another blog detailing the A-Z of South Africa.
Author: PC van Wyk