For many, African hunting trips are purely pipeline dreams that hopefully, will become a reality. These hunters dream of stalking antelopes across African savannas, coming face-to-face with Africa’s Black Death, or meeting the icy stare of a Nile crocodile while precariously balancing in a traditional mokoro! This is Africa, the dark continent, the hunting mecca of the world, where dreams not only become reality but the home of memorable African hunts that will have a hunter returning time after time!
And, the pinnacle of African hunting trips would most definitely be South Africa’s Limpopo province, a place where hunting dreams, aspirations, and unforgettable hunting experiences come alive, and a destination that each hunter needs to experience at least once in their lives! Let’s take a look at what makes the Limpopo province the ideal getaway for an African hunting safari.
South Africa as a Hunting Destination
Situated on the tip of Africa lies a country home to a melting pot of people, heritage and cultures, experiences, destinations, and wildlife. Yes, South Africa has its challenges, as do other countries, but there is a vibe and welcoming that you will go far to find elsewhere worldwide.
Referred to as “the rainbow nation” South Africa is divided into nine provinces, with 11 official languages spoken. More than 60 million people call South Africa home, a country that is home to an abundance of wildlife and natural resources.
Hunting has always been part of South Africa’s cultural heritage. The oldest inhabitants of southern Africa were the hunter-gatherer nation of the Khoisan who hunted and lived and thrived off the land, where they hunted animals for meat and hides. Nowadays, hunting is seen as a sport and is enjoyed worldwide, including in South Africa.
While it is legal to hunt throughout the year in South Africa, the best time to enjoy a hunt in Limpopo is during the cooler winter months (May-August). This is the dry season when more animals are likely to gather or visit waterholes. The grasses are shorter, allowing for better opportunities to spot and stalk your prey. Cooler weather also keeps some of the critters, like ticks, many bugs, and mosquitos at bay.
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The Limpopo Province
At a Glance
Capital: Polokwane
Main Cities: Hoedspruit, Haenertsburg, Lephalale, Bandelierkop, Phalaborwa, Makhado, Bela-Bela
Size: 48,554 square miles
Main Industries: Mining, Manufacturing, Tourism, Agriculture
Population: +-6,5 million
Limpopo’s Vegetation
Limpopo consists of tropical and sub-tropical grasslands, as well as shrublands and savannas. Most of the province is comprised of savannas that include trees and grasslands, with forests found in areas of higher altitudes. The area ranges from flat savannas and bushveld to high mountains, with the tallest mountain in the area being the Wolkberg at 7,200 feet. Limpopo is renowned for its unique beauty, breathtaking views, and endless grasslands that seem to continue forever.
Limpopo is home to quite a couple of mountains, that are both rugged, yet each carrying its own unique beauty and thriving ecosystems. Some of the popular mountain ranges include:
- Soutpansberg
- Waterberg
- Blouberg
- Wolkberg
- Magoebaskloof
Why Choose Limpopo as your Game Hunting Destination?
- Did you know that Limpopo is home to almost 80% of South Africa’s game hunting tourism? If you are looking for African hunting trips that combine dangerous game, as well as an enormous variety of plains game, specialty, and African cats, Limpopo is your destination of choice.
- Limpopo is home to quality trophy animals, with a wide array of species.
- Not only does the Limpopo province offer hunting adventures with a variety of species, but the diverse topography allows the hunter to experience different landscapes. From savannas and forests to mountains and hills, the differing landscapes offer hunters a glimpse into the real Africa of old.
- Game hunting safaris in the region offer well-priced, affordable, and value-for-money hunts, in exquisite surroundings, together with excellent facilities.
- South African outfitters are very hands-on, experienced, knowledgeable, and eager to show visitors the superb range of exceptional trophies available in the area. You are in good hands!
- Traveling to and from Limpopo hunting grounds is simple and safe.
Traveling to Limpopo’s Hunting Grounds
Travelers will land at South Africa’s O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg. There are two options in terms of traveling to Limpopo, either by ground transfer or flying in.
Traveling by road will take approximately 2-3 hours, depending on where in Limpopo you are traveling to and what time of the day you depart. The national roads in South Africa are maintained and the journey should be smooth and stress-free.
There are options to fly into the Limpopo province, using the Polokwane International Airport, or Hoedspruit’s Eastgate Airport. Two regional airlines fly into this area, namely Airlink and CemAir, as well as other smaller charter plane companies.
Popular Game Species
Limpopo is home to dangerous game hunting trophies as well as big game hunting options and African plains game. The Big 5, namely the Cape buffalo, rhino, elephant, lion, and leopard are found throughout the province in private reserves. Each of these African Big 5 animals is renowned for their individual strength, and courage and is seen as worthy and challenging adversaries to target during African hunting trips.
The Big 5
Cape Buffalo
Often referred to as “Africa’s Black Death” or the “Widow Maker” the Cape buffalo (Syncerus caffer caffer) is an extremely aggressive, unpredictable, and dangerous member of the Big 5 and Dangerous 7. Weighing more than 2,000 pounds and armed with a sharp set of horns, the Cape buffalo is widely regarded as one of the most dangerous animals alive when wounded.
They are usually targeted on a spot-and-stalk, or safari-style basis, bringing every sound, smell, and adrenaline-filled minute to life for the hunter! Shot placement remains of paramount importance, so make that first shot count! Cape buffalo can also be targeted using a bow, speak to your African outfitter for further details.
Both free-range and fenced buffalo African hunts are available in South Africa.
African Lion
Lions (Panthera leo) have deep symbolism for many African tribes and cultures, symbolizing both courage and strength. For many hunters, hunting the Big 5 in Africa is a dream come true. But the pinnacle of all hunting safaris would most certainly boil down to the lion. Nothing beats targeting this king of the beasts on its home turf, and this hunt is almost seen as a rite of passage for many in the hunting world.
Lion hunts can either be captive-bred, ranched lion safari hunts, or wild lion hunts. There is a vast difference in price between the two, so ensure that you are booking your intended hunt. While captive-bred lion hunts may sound like an easy hunt without much challenge for the hunter, this is not the case at all.
Check out a recent article written by Game Hunting Safari’s Founder Pierre van Wyk about captive-bred lion hunts as well as his personal experience of hunting a captive-bred lion.
African Elephant
The mighty African elephant (Loxodonta Africana) is a sought-after big game hunting trophy, with its ivory tusks unfortunately also making it an extremely popular poaching victim. Found throughout sub-Saharan Africa, South Africa’s Limpopo province’s mixture of savannas and woodlands makes the perfect habitat for the elephant.
Elephants are the largest terrestrial mammals and are highly intelligent. They can become extremely aggressive if they are injured or feel threatened. The thrill in this hunt is all about the stalk, as elephants have a keen sense of hearing and smell. Luck is on your side, however, as their eyesight is quite poor and they can only see about 25 feet ahead. How close do you reckon you can get on a big game hunting safari before you are smelt, or heard, by this majestic mammal?
Leopard
This nocturnal feline is known for its cunning and elusive nature and is an apex predator that is certainly not to be messed with. Limpopo and the Waterberg mountains are popular destinations for this leopard (Panthera pardus), with many hunts completed in the region. While hunting leopards is legal on a South African hunting trip and CITES quotas confirmed, no tags have been issued for the past couple of years. Check with your African outfitter for the latest information about leopard hunting in South Africa.
Rhino
South Africa is one of only two countries where the hunting of both black and white rhinos is legal, the other being Namibia. Both the white rhino (Ceratotherium simum) and black rhino (Diceros bicornis) are available for hunting. The black rhino, however, has many more stringent regulations and rules surrounding their hunts.
These humungous herbivores can be found on private reserves in Limpopo, as well as the Northern Cape, and North West provinces.
African Plains Game
Limpopo is a game hunters’ paradise, with unparalleled amounts of trophy game hunting species in the area. This includes big game hunting trophies, such as the eland, blue wildebeest, kudu, and waterbuck, as well as other plains game such as giraffe, impala, springbok, sable, tsessebe, warthog, and many, many more.
Accommodation
Accommodation in South Africa is a lot like you have come to like and know throughout Africa, with various options available, depending on your budget and requirements.
Options range from basic tents with self-catering facilities to tented camps that are far more luxurious than they sound, to chalets and state-of-the-art 5* hunting lodges with everything that opens and shuts!
South African Outfitters
South African hunting outfitters are amongst some of the best worldwide, and they have a vested interest in you enjoying your time on your South African hunting trips, which will hopefully see you returning to Africa, for more hunting adventures.
From professional hunters, skinners, and trackers, to camp and support staff, South African outfitters are like a well-oiled machine, ensuring that their clients receive only the best of the best when it comes to a safari hunting experience. They will do all in their power to ensure that the hunting safari is a successful one and that you leave your African hunting trip with plans to return and enjoy more hunting adventures in Africa.
For South Africans, hospitality comes naturally and we love being able to host, entertain, and share some of the Africa we all love so much, with visitors. As a nation, South Africans are known for their friendly demeanor and we have officially been crowned as the friendliest nation worldwide! I kid you not, GQ South Africa recently ran an article relating to South Africa being voted as the friendliest country in the world, according to a new study by Remitly (South Africa crowned the Friendliest Country in the World – 30 May 2024). The article goes on to state that South Africa is “known for its warm and welcoming people,” and that “South Africans are typically open to conversations, socializing, and humor, making visitors and newcomers feel at home.”
What more could you want from a great hunting safari? Excellent cuisine? Read on!
Cuisine
If there is one thing that South Africans enjoy (apart from hunting!), it’s good food. And nothing, but nothing beats a good old South African braai. Yes, many nations worldwide also enjoy their BBQ but there is a very big difference between a braai and a BBQ – well, South Africans like to believe so! From fillet steaks, sosaties, and wors (sausages), your chef will work wonders to produce a braai fit for a king, along with traditional side dishes, such as braaibroodjies (sandwiches cooked on the braai, delicious!), and salads.
South Africans have a sweet tooth and you will be spoilt for choice with desserts and sweet treats, like traditional milk tarts, malva puddings, and koeksisters.
Your chef and his team will be on hand to ensure your meals are top-class, with some meals featuring game that have been shot during the hunts. From springbok carpaccio and venison stews and kudu steaks fresh on the braai, you are going to be spoilt for choice and return home a few pounds heavier!
Limpopo: An African Hunting Adventure Destination
It’s about the friendships formed over a couple of drinks as the coals spark, it’s about stories told and retold under starry African skies as you listen to the raucous laugh of the hyenas in the distance. It’s about planning and strategies and regrouping after a tough day hunting in Africa. It’s about the hunt, and the animals and ethically hunting them as your heart pounds in your chest and the feeling you have when you know your shot was good.
This is hunting in Limpopo, South Africa, where the wildlife abounds and the hunting experiences never get old. Visit South Africa’s Limpopo province and experience some of the best hunting in Africa.
Author: B. Hershensohnn