Hippo Hunting trip in SA, Plus Hyena, Bushpig & More!
Booking Season: 2025
Hunt Difficulty: Moderate, Difficult
Designed by Hunters, for Hunters
INCLUDED – 1 Day guided tour of the Kruger National Park AND 1 Safari DVD
Hunting in Limpopo, South Africa, is a popular and diverse experience due to the region’s varied terrain, climate, and vegetation.
Limpopo is characterized by a mix of rugged mountains, bushveld, and vast plains. The province features the Waterberg Mountains in the west, rolling hills, and expansive savannas. The diverse landscape provides excellent opportunities for both rifle and bow hunting.
Limpopo has a subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters. Summer temperatures can exceed 30°C (86°F), and rainfall is higher during the summer months (October to March). Winters are dry, with temperatures ranging from cool to warm during the day, but it can be chilly at night.
The vegetation in Limpopo varies from dense bushveld and woodland to open savanna. Common plant species include acacia trees, baobabs, and various grasses. The vegetation supports a wide range of wildlife, including antelope, lions, elephants, and buffalo, making it a prime hunting destination.
Overall, Limpopo offers a rich and diverse environment for hunters, blending challenging terrain with a variety of wildlife.
Arriving at Oliver Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, you will then need to take a domestic flight to Hoedspruit Airport, the gateway to nature reserves and hunting concessions in the Limpopo Province.There are in excess of forty flights a week to Hoedspruit. Airlink would be the carrier of choice, being on time and having facilities for transportation of hunting rifles (plus they serve “adult beverages” at no cost). A return flight, depending on season ranges between US$ 200 and US$ 400 per person.
Depending on the arrival time of your inbound flight into Oliver Tambo International Airport, overnighting in Johannesburg may be a requirement before departing to Hoedspruit. The same may apply for departure. African Sky Boutique Hotel is recommended and made is use of by many international hunters visiting South Africa. Johannesburg is also the main gateway into other Africa destinations such as Tanzania, Mozambique, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Management of African Sky Boutique Hotel will assist with transfers to and from African Sky/ Oliver Tambo International Airport, and with and firearm permits. For further information, see “Affiliated Services” below.
On arrival in Hoedspruit, Wayne, or a member of the team will meet you to embark on the short road transfer to the hunting concession.
Choose between a luxurious tented camp or a refined brick-and-mortar lodge at the hunting lodge.
At the tented camp, revel in the ultimate African adventure amidst expansive, tastefully furnished tents featuring plush beds, en-suite bathrooms, and private verandas, providing the ideal backdrop for unwinding in tranquil surroundings.
Alternatively, the brick-and-mortar lodge offers a more conventional luxury experience with beautifully appointed rooms, modern amenities, and inviting common areas, ensuring a stay that seamlessly blends comfort and style. WiFi is available.
After a hard day of stalking Africa’s wildlife, indulge in gourmet meals fit for royalty. Your chef will skillfully prepare dishes using fresh, locally sourced ingredients, offering a culinary journey through traditional South African flavors that perfectly complement your hunting adventure.
Wayne and his team of professional hunters operate in six territories in Africa, specializing in dangerous, plains game and specialty nocturnal hunts, being in operation for more than a decade. They prioritize personalized care, providing complete privacy with exclusive access to the lodge and hunting concessions.
Wayne welcomes novice and experienced hunters and caters for rifle as well as bow hunters.
South Africa is not regulated with regards to a specific hunting season and Buffalo hunts can take place all year round. The cooler months, which run from April to October are preferred. In summer, the temperatures are just to high which can make Buffalo hunting even more of a challenge. Tamlyn hunted a Cape Buffalo in the Limpopo Province, South Africa in late November 2023. While the Buffalo measure over 42 inches, Tamlyn started off with a poor shot, low in the brisket. 8 hours of walking in the heat is not pleasant and can lead to dehydration and poor judgement. You need to be on top of your game on a Buffalo hunt.
The months of November through to February are also the rainy season. Rain showers and bad weather can continue for days, literally placing a “damper” on the hunting safari.
Embark on an unforgettable adventure across South Africa’s rugged terrain.
Crocodile hunting is as exciting as it is a test of precision. These ancient reptiles are true apex predators and masters of ambush, often lying motionless for hours, waiting for the perfect moment to strike. Their ability to blend seamlessly into their surroundings makes spotting one a feat in itself.
Hunting Crocodiles often involves staking out watering holes or riverbanks where they bask in the sun. The hunt requires precision shot placement, as these creatures are incredibly tough and can retreat to the water even after being hit, making recovery nearly impossible.
Cape Buffalo Hunt: Cape Buffalo are cunning and wise. Buffalo are known to avoid and outsmart hunters. A charging Buffalo is going to come at you like a freight train, at more than thirty five miles an hour, destroying everything in its path. A Buffalo Bull shows no emotion or behavior change before a charge. Only a well placed bullet in the brain will stop him. Bring enough gun!!
Hippo Hunting: This beautiful mammal is renowned for its strength, territorial behavior, and unpredictability. Hippos can be aggressive when threatened or cornered, making careful planning and precise execution essential. The hunt requires patience and skill, as hippos are often submerged in water, requiring accurate shot placement.
Spotted hyenas are highly social and intelligent animals, known for their complex clan structures, which can consist of up to 80 individuals. They are primarily scavengers, though they also hunt in groups, preying on medium-sized animals like antelope. These hyenas are most active at night, using their keen sense of smell and powerful jaws to locate food. They thrive in a variety of habitats, including savannas, grasslands, and open woodlands, often found near water sources. Their adaptability to different environments and ability to thrive in harsh conditions make them one of Africa’s most successful predators and scavengers.
Bushpigs. These shy and elusive creatures are nocturnal and omnivorous, typically solitary or found in small family groups. They are known for their powerful sense of smell.They prefer areas with plenty of cover to avoid predators and are often found near water sources. Despite their reclusive nature, they can become aggressive if threatened.
Honey Badgers (Ratel), are fearless, solitary animals known for their bold and aggressive behavior. They are primarily nocturnal and highly opportunistic feeders, with a diet that includes small mammals, birds, insects, and honey, which they are particularly famous for raiding. Known for their thick, tough skin and sharp claws, Honey Badgers can defend themselves against predators and even venomous snakes. They are excellent diggers, often burrowing to find food or shelter.
Baboons, are intelligent and social creatures and are challenging to hunt due to their alertness and group dynamics. They are often found near water sources and require stealth and patience to approach successfully.
Vervet Monkeys, agile and wary, they are are diurnal and active during the day, spending much of their time foraging for fruits, seeds, insects, and small animals.
Known for their communication skills, Vervet Monkeys use a variety of vocalizations and facial expressions to warn of predators or signal troop activities. These monkeys are often found near water sources and seek refuge in trees or on rocky outcrops to avoid predators.
Jackals are adaptable, opportunistic animals known for their intelligence and resourcefulness. They are primarily scavengers but also hunt small mammals, birds, and insects, often in pairs or small family groups. Jackals are mostly nocturnal, though they can also be active during the day, especially in cooler weather.
Genets are solitary, nocturnal mammals known for their sleek, cat-like appearance and agile movements. They are skilled climbers and often spend much of their time in trees, though they are also capable of moving swiftly on the ground. Genets are territorial animals, marking their home ranges with scent glands. They prefer areas with dense vegetation or cover to hide from predators.
To import a firearm into South Africa for the purpose of Sport Hunting, you will need to complete a SAPS 520 form. International hunters bringing their own rifles will need to provide copy passports, copy airline tickets, letter of invitation from Wesley and proof of ownership. (Customs declaration form 4457 for US citizens).
If any additional information is required regarding this plains game hunt in South Africa, contact the team at Game Hunting Safaris or message Wesley directly using the message icons provided.
If you would like to check availability, please select “request to book”, Wayne and team will shortly revert.
Please note that terms, conditions and price are subject to change without notice and rates at the time of the hunt will apply
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