A 10-Day Hippo & Nocturnal Hunting Safari in South Africa
Booking Season: 2026
Hunt Difficulty: Difficult
Designed by Hunters, for Hunters
Accommodation is provided at the hunting lodge, with a choice between a luxury tented camp and a brick-and-mortar lodge. The tented camp features spacious, furnished tents with comfortable beds, en-suite bathrooms and private verandas. The brick-and-mortar lodge provides comfortable rooms, modern amenities and communal areas, with Wi-Fi available. Meals are prepared at the lodge using fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks and hot and cold beverages are included, with local beer and wine also available.
The hunting concession lies near the Hoedspruit area of Limpopo, within the Lowveld landscape. The terrain consists of typical bushveld and savanna, with open areas mixed with thicker woodland, shrubs and grassland. This varied landscape creates different conditions for glassing, tracking and stalking and provides a changing backdrop throughout the hunt. The combination of open ground and denser bush is suited to a mixed-species safari, allowing hunting methods to change according to the terrain and the animal being pursued.
| Fence Type: | Fenced |
| Nearest Airport Name: | Hoedspruit |
| Transfer From Airport: | Yes |
This 10-day hunting safari focuses on bushpig and five additional species, combining nighttime hunting with opportunities for selected daytime species. Based in the Hoedspruit area of Limpopo, the safari offers hunters a varied African hunting trip with 10 hunting days and 11 nights' accommodation. One observer is included, and a guided day tour of Kruger National Park and a Safari DVD are also part of the package.
Limpopo is a popular destination for hunting in South Africa because of its varied bushveld terrain, diverse game populations and the range of hunting opportunities available within the province. The Hoedspruit and Gravelotte areas offer a combination of thicker bush, open areas and varied terrain, creating different conditions for tracking, stalking and nighttime hunting.
For hunters looking for something beyond a conventional daytime safari, Limpopo also provides excellent opportunities to experience the bush after dark. This hunt combines those nighttime opportunities with several additional species, creating a safari that offers a different pace and style of hunting throughout the 10 days.
The main attraction of this safari is bushpig hunting in South Africa, with the bushpig being a secretive nocturnal species that typically inhabits dense cover and riverine areas. The package also includes honey badger, baboon, vervet monkey, jackal, and genet, providing a varied selection of species and hunting opportunities.
For hunters interested in bushpig hunts, the nighttime component is a major part of the experience. Bushpig are generally most active after dark and are often hunted from blinds positioned over bait. The other included species add further opportunities, with some being encountered during daylight and others being more active around dusk or after dark.
Together, these species provide a varied plains game hunt experience with a strong emphasis on smaller and nocturnal game rather than a traditional big plains-game package.
Wayne and his team of Professional Hunters operate across six regions in Africa, specializing in dangerous game, plains game and nighttime hunts. With more than a decade of experience, they offer personalized hunting experiences with exclusive use of the lodge and hunting areas.
Wayne accommodates both rifle and bow hunters, tailoring the hunt to the individual hunter's skills and preferences.
International hunters arriving at O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg will need to take a domestic flight to Hoedspruit Airport. Airlink operates flights between Johannesburg and Hoedspruit, with flight frequency varying by season.
Depending on the international flight schedule, an overnight stay in Johannesburg may be required before continuing to Hoedspruit. The outfitter recommends African Sky Boutique Hotel for hunters requiring accommodation in Johannesburg and notes that assistance is available with airport transfers, firearm permits and other travel requirements.
Upon arrival at Hoedspruit Airport, Wayne or a member of his team will meet the hunter for the road transfer to the hunting concession.
A typical day begins early, with hunters heading into the field with the Professional Hunter and hunting team. Depending on the species being targeted, the morning may involve tracking, glassing or stalking through the bushveld.
After returning to the lodge for lunch and some downtime, hunting can resume during the afternoon. As darkness approaches, the focus can shift toward the nocturnal species. Bushpig hunting is conducted from strategically positioned blinds over bait, while the availability of thermal equipment provides an additional tool for nighttime hunting.
The change from daylight to darkness creates two distinctly different hunting environments within the same safari.
The hunting methods used on this safari depend on the species being targeted. Bushpig are primarily hunted at night from strategically positioned blinds over bait, while other species may be pursued by tracking, stalking or using suitable observation points. Night hunting adds another element to the experience, with thermal equipment available as part of the rifle-rental option.
Regardless of the hunting method, accurate identification and careful shot placement are essential. Hunters should take the time to establish a clear target and wait for an ethical opportunity rather than rushing a shot. Our shot placement for African game resource provides further information on the principles of placing an effective shot on African species.
Hunting in South Africa is available throughout the year, with conditions varying between seasons. In Limpopo, the dry months from May through October generally provide good hunting conditions, as vegetation becomes thinner and water sources become more concentrated.
The cooler temperatures during the dry season can also make long days in the field more comfortable. January and February can bring periods of rainfall, followed by very warm conditions when the weather clears.
Yes. International hunters bringing their own firearm for sport hunting in South Africa need to complete the required SAPS 520 application and provide the necessary supporting documentation.
This includes a copy of the hunter's passport, airline tickets, a letter of invitation from the outfitter and proof of firearm ownership. US citizens should also provide the appropriate Customs declaration documentation.
For those hunters wanting a hassle-free safari,
This bushpig-focused safari offers a different kind of African hunting experience, combining nighttime hunting with a selection of additional species over 10 hunting days in the Limpopo bushveld. For further information about this hunt, to customize it, or enquire about African hunting safaris, contact the Game Hunting Safaris team.
Please note that terms, conditions and price are subject to change without notice and rates at the time of the hunt will apply
You can speak directly with the outfitter before booking. GHS remains available throughout the process.
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