10x African Plains Game Trophies in 10 Days in Limpopo, SA

Experience an exceptional South African hunting safari with Juan and his team on this 10-day plains game hunt in Limpopo. The package combines ten distinctive trophies, from the impressive gemsbok and blue wildebeest to the elusive duiker, steenbok, and klipspringer. With a variety of medium and large antelope alongside smaller specialty species, this safari offers hunters the opportunity to build a diverse trophy collection while experiencing the landscapes and traditional hunting methods of South Africa.

Hunt Summary

• Price: US$11,400 per hunter, including trophy fees for all 10 listed species
• Duration: 10 hunting days / 11 nights
• Hunter / Professional Hunter Ratio: 1 hunter / 1 Professional Hunter
• Observers: US$375 per person, per night
• Rifle Rental: US$100 per hunting day
• Included Species: Gemsbok (Oryx) | Impala | Red Hartebeest | Waterbuck | Warthog | Zebra | Duiker | Steenbok | Klipspringer | Blue Wildebeest

Ten Species, One Varied Hunting Safari

This package is designed for hunters who value variety. The included species cover several sizes and types of plains game, from the powerful blue wildebeest and substantial waterbuck to the alert impala and distinctive zebra. The addition of duiker, steenbok, and klipspringer creates another dimension, appealing to hunters interested in smaller, elusive antelope that demand patience and careful observation.

The gemsbok is a standout trophy, with its long, straight horns and striking facial markings, while the red hartebeest is known for its reddish coat and distinctive elongated head. Each species has its own appeal, and pursuing ten different animals over one safari gives hunters a broad experience of African plains game without having to plan separate trips for every trophy.

Why Limpopo Is South Africa's Plains Game Capital

Limpopo is widely recognized as one of South Africa's leading hunting destinations. Its extensive savanna landscapes, diverse wildlife, established hunting operations, and range of private concessions make the province particularly attractive to hunters seeking a multi-species safari. The South African Government identifies Polokwane as a leading game-hunting destination, while the province's broader landscape includes hot savanna plains, mountain ranges, and varied bushveld habitats.

For hunters considering plains game hunts, Limpopo offers several advantages:

• Species diversity: The opportunity to pursue a broad selection of plains game, including antelope of different sizes and specialty species.
• Varied terrain: Open country, bushveld, river systems, and rocky landscapes create different stalking conditions.
• Established hunting operations: Experienced Professional Hunters, trackers, and support teams help organize well-managed hunting experiences.
• Flexible safari planning: Additional species and, where available, dangerous game can be incorporated into a broader itinerary.
• Travel and accommodation options: Hunters can choose from established lodges and travel arrangements suited to different safari preferences.

This combination of wildlife, terrain, and hunting infrastructure makes Limpopo an appealing choice for international hunters seeking a comprehensive African safari.

The Outfitter Hosting the Hunt

Juan and his team bring a traditional safari ethos to their hunting operations, emphasizing experienced guiding, tracking, and respect for the land. Their hunting areas include large concessions exceeding 5,000 hectares, with Greater Balepye Nature Reserve among the areas used by the team.

The focus is on professionally guided hunting experiences with accommodation and support services designed for international visitors. Juan's operations also offer additional dangerous game and plains game opportunities, allowing hunters to discuss customized itineraries around their primary trophy objectives.

Hunting Methods for the Ten Species

The variety of this hunt means that the approach can change considerably from one species to the next. Working closely with your Professional Hunter is important when assessing animal behavior, terrain, wind direction, and suitable shot opportunities.

• Gemsbok (Oryx): These powerful antelope are renowned for their long horns, alertness, and ability to use open country effectively. Glassing from a suitable vantage point and planning a patient stalk can be important when gemsbok hunting in South Africa.
• Impala: Fast and alert, impala are often encountered in groups. Hunters need quiet movement, careful use of cover, and patience when identifying a suitable mature ram.
• Red Hartebeest: These watchful antelope often favor open or lightly wooded country. Glass suitable areas carefully and plan an approach that avoids skylining or unnecessary movement.
• Waterbuck: Waterbuck are large, impressive antelope that can use thick vegetation near water and drainage lines for cover. Careful observation and a patient stalk are often important.
• Warthog: Warthogs are alert and can retreat rapidly into cover. Successful approaches often depend on observation, good timing, and resisting the temptation to rush a shot.
• Zebra: Zebra are highly alert herd animals, which can make identifying an appropriate trophy and finding a clear, ethical shooting opportunity challenging. This is part of the appeal of zebra hunts.
• Duiker: These small, elusive antelope can blend into their surroundings and disappear into vegetation quickly. Slow movement and careful observation are essential.
• Steenbok: Their small size and camouflage make steenbok difficult to spot. Patience and careful attention to the ground and surrounding vegetation can help hunters identify opportunities.
• Klipspringer: These small antelope are associated with rocky terrain, where their sandy coats help them blend into the background. Hunting requires careful observation and an approach suited to the local terrain.
• Blue Wildebeest: Strong, robust, and wary, blue wildebeest can be challenging to stalk. Hunters often need to study herd movements, pay attention to the wind, and use available cover. Blue wildebeest hunting in South Africa is prized by hunters who appreciate the combination of strength, resilience, and fieldcraft these animals demand.

Your Professional Hunter will help adapt the hunting method to the species, the conditions, and the opportunities available on the day.

The Hunting Safari Includes

• Accommodation
• 10 hunting days
• Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks
• Hot and cold beverages, including beer and wine
• Hunting license
• On-territory transportation in a 4x4 vehicle
• Guiding by a registered Professional Hunter
• Daily laundry service and housekeeping
• Transport of trophies to the taxidermist for dip-and-pack processing

The Hunting Package Excludes

• International flights and applicable visa or airport charges
• Regional flights or air charters between Johannesburg and the hunting concession
• Accommodation before or after the safari
• Trophy fees for any additional species not included in the package
• Rifle rental at US$100 per hunting day
• Dip-and-pack processing
• Taxidermy and international trophy shipping
• Medical evacuation and personal travel insurance
• Gratuities for staff, at the hunter's discretion

Please confirm all additional charges, flight arrangements, and trophy-handling costs with Juan before booking.

Traveling to Limpopo

The most straightforward route is to arrive at O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg. From there, commercial flights to either Polokwane or Hoedspruit may be available, depending on the selected hunting area. Regional flights are estimated at approximately US$250 return per person in the supplied information, although fares and availability should be reconfirmed before booking.

Once hunters arrive at the regional airport, Juan or a member of his team will meet them. Road transfers to the hunting areas can take approximately four to six hours, depending on the concession and route. An air charter can also be arranged in advance.

Hunters travelling with their own firearms must prepare the relevant SAPS 520 temporary firearm import application and supporting documents. These may include passport copies, airline tickets, proof of ownership, and an outfitter invitation letter. Confirm current requirements before travelling, and leave the application unsigned if required by the current procedure.

If an overnight stay in Johannesburg is necessary, the African Sky Boutique Hotel is recommended in the supplied itinerary. The hotel can also assist with airport transfers and firearm-related arrangements.

Rifle Selection and Ammunition

This safari covers a wide range of game sizes, from the small duiker, steenbok, and klipspringer to larger species such as gemsbok, waterbuck, zebra, and blue wildebeest. Rifle choice should account for the largest intended species, typical shooting distances, suitable bullet construction, and the hunter's ability to shoot accurately.

A versatile .30-caliber rifle, such as a .30-06 Springfield or .300 Winchester Magnum, is commonly considered for mixed plains game hunting because it can provide suitable performance for larger antelope when used with appropriate ammunition. Hunters focusing on smaller specialty antelope may also wish to discuss a lighter option with their Professional Hunter, particularly if minimizing hide damage is important.

Rifle rental is available at US$100 per hunting day. Confirm the available rental calibers, ammunition costs, and any specific requirements with Juan before traveling. Hunters bringing their own firearms should ensure the selected rifle and ammunition comply with South African regulations and are suitable for the intended quarry.

Shot Placement for African Plains Game

Accurate shot placement is essential for a humane harvest, especially on a safari covering such different animal sizes. A shot opportunity that may be suitable for one species should not automatically be treated as appropriate for another. Hunters should understand the animal's anatomy, assess the angle and distance, and take a shot only when conditions are suitable.

The larger species in this package, including gemsbok, waterbuck, zebra, and blue wildebeest, require particular care in rifle and ammunition selection. For duiker, steenbok, klipspringer, and impala, precise shooting also matters because their smaller vital areas leave less room for error. Hunters should practice with their chosen rifle before travelling and follow their Professional Hunter's guidance on safe, responsible shot selection.

Reviewing shot placement for African game before departure can help hunters prepare for the different species and improve their understanding of ethical hunting principles.

Tips for Hunting These Ten Species

A ten-species safari rewards preparation, patience, and flexibility. The following tips can help hunters prepare for the range of challenges in this package:

• Study the species: Familiarize yourself with the size, anatomy, and behavior of the ten included animals before departure.
• Prepare for mixed terrain: Open country, bushveld, riverine habitat, and rocky areas may each require a different stalking approach.
• Watch the wind: Scent control and quiet movement are important when approaching wary antelope and herd animals.
• Be patient with small antelope: Duiker, steenbok, and klipspringer can be difficult to spot and approach; allow time for observation rather than rushing.
• Assess herds carefully: Impala, zebra, and blue wildebeest may be found in groups, so work with your PH to identify an appropriate target and a clear shooting opportunity.
• Use suitable equipment: Ensure your rifle and ammunition are appropriate for the largest species you plan to hunt, and practice beforehand.
• Listen to your Professional Hunter: Your PH knows the concession, local conditions, and safe approaches to each species.
• Manage your energy: Ten hunting days can involve extended time outdoors, so reasonable fitness, hydration, and rest are important.
• Check documentation early: Prepare all required permits and travel documents well before departure.
• Prioritize ethical shooting: Only take a shot when you are confident of making a clean, responsible harvest.

Is This Hunt Right for You?

This safari is well-suited to hunters who want a broad plains game collection rather than focusing on one headline trophy. With ten included species, it offers a combination of larger antelope, familiar classic trophies, and the more specialized challenge of pursuing small antelope such as duiker, steenbok, and klipspringer.

It is also an appealing option for hunters who want to extend their itinerary, provided the additional species and arrangements are confirmed in advance. The ten hunting days and 11-night stay allow time to pursue a varied package, while the lodges provide a comfortable base for time in the field.

African Hunting Trips 

An African hunting trip can also include time to explore South Africa beyond the concession. Juan's team can discuss photography safaris and day trips to Kruger National Park, while the broader Limpopo region offers wildlife experiences, scenic landscapes, and cultural attractions. Depending on the itinerary, hunters may be able to add these experiences before or after their time in the field.

For families and accompanying guests, this flexibility makes South African hunting safaris appealing because non-hunters can enjoy the lodge, wildlife viewing, and excursions while the hunter pursues the planned trophies. Ask Juan or the Game Hunting Safaris team about suitable extensions and arrangements.

Enquire About This Hunt

For more information about this ten-species Limpopo safari, customizing your trophy package, or exploring additional dangerous game opportunities, contact the Game Hunting Safaris team. We can also help you compare other hunting opportunities across Africa and plan a safari around your preferred species and travel goals.