Not one, but TWO spectacular game hunting trophies.
*** Rifle Rental available at US$ 80/hunting day (ammunition at cost)
The Cape buffalo, often referred to as Africa’s Black Death is a member of Africa’s Big 5 and Dangerous 7. Seen as one of the most aggressive, unpredictable, and dangerous animals on earth to target, Cape buffalo hunts test a hunter’s courage, perseverance, and skills in one adrenaline-filled hunting adventure!
The Sable is a challenging target, that will test your perseverance, patience, and stalking skills to harvest your trophy.
Arriving at Johannesburg’s Oliver Tambo International Airport, you will need to take a domestic flight to Hoedspruit Airport. The flight is a short, pleasant trip that will take less than an hour, with the airlines of choice being either CemAir or Airlink.The return regional/domestic flight will cost approximately US$ 250.
Once you have landed at Hoedspruit Airport, your South African outfitter, who likes to be called “AH” will meet you. The hunting concession will then be reached via a short road transfer. If you need to overnight in Johannesburg, the African Boutique Hotel is recommended conveniently situated near to the airport. Their staff can also assist with rifle permits and the airport transfers for the local flights. See “Affiliate Services” below.
The Limpopo province is often referred to as South Africa’s premier game hunting province, or the hunting Mecca of South Africa. One of South Africa’s nine provinces, Limpopo is renowned for its exceptional and top-quality game hunting trophies, including dangerous game, specialty game, and African plains game options.
Hunting adventures are available throughout the year in Limpopo, but the best time to enjoy a Cape buffalo hunt is during the dry season, which runs from May to October. It is during this time that the animals are more likely to be found closer to a waterhole, the vegetation sparser, and the grass shorter, allowing hunters to target their chosen prey.
The hunting lodge is the perfect place to unwind after a days hunting under African skies! Expect comfortable rooms, with en-suite bathrooms, hot showers, and a breathtakingly blue swimming pool in which to relax while you enjoy the stunning bush-veld views! .
South Africans are known for their hospitality, and their ability to whip up some truly culinary delights! Enjoy delicious cuisine with mouthwatering options featuring both local and international food choices, but no African hunting safari is complete without a traditional South African “braai” or BBQ. Mealtimes at this lodge are up an new heights, and the variety of drinks offered is incredible. You certainly do not want to miss mealtimes. Cell phone and Wi-Fi is available in the camp.
The Buffalo hunting day will typically start early morning, before packing and heading out to the bush-veld. Together with your P.H., you will glass and scan the hills, valleys and open savanna areas looking for groups of Cape Buffalo, or maybe catching the glimpse of a long “Dagga Boy”. Even if no Buffalo are in sight, fresh tracks, dung, or broken branches could signal that they’re nearby, setting the stage for an exciting pursuit. Once you catch a glimpse of one—or spot fresh signs—it’s time to get to work.
On a Cape Buffalo hunt, you can expect to hunt these animals on foot, tracking and stalking for however long it takes to close the distance between you and the herd, or a the lone Bull. Stay alert and being aware of the surroundings is critical, watch what the trackers are doing i.e. when they stop, listen and start again. Cape Buffalo are notorious for their unpredictable behavior and in a short period of time, you could become the hunted.
For very young hunters, or for anyway with a disability, have a chat to “AH” and arrangements can be made to hunt near a waterhole, or a similar vantage point from a blind. Finding the sought after Bull, shot placement is critical. Buffalo Bulls do not go down easily, be ready a quick follow up shots. Once the Bull is in the salt, expect a few celebratory “adult beverages”.
South Africa is not regulated with regards to a specific hunting season and hunting can take place all year round as outfitters are in possession of a P3 Exemption Permit. The cooler months, which run from April to October are preferred. In summer, the temperatures are just to high which can make hunting even more of a challenge. 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.
On a buffalo hunt, we at Game Hunting Safaris are firm believers that there can never be too much gun. As much as shot placement is always a critical factor, the hunter needs a rifle with enough stopping power in case things go a little “pear-shaped”.
A .375 loaded with good quality 300 grain bullets is the minimum legal requirement when dangerous game hunting in South Africa. But bigger caliber rifles such as a .458, .458 Lott, .404, .416 will kill a Big Buffalo “just fine”. Any quality double rifle, that you can shoot well, from a .470 long and bigger will certainly get the job done at close quarters.
When making your choice of what rifle to bring, as a rule of thumb bring the biggest caliber that you can accurately shoot and handle with confidence.
” A.H” van Heerden”, has been in operation and offering top quality African hunts since 2009. Situated in the North Eastern part of South Africa known as the “Jewel of African Game Reserves” this team hunts over 500 000 acres. They are professional and well organized. You will be in expert hands on this hunting safari.
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 “AH” and proof of ownership. (Customs declaration form 4457 for US citizens).
If any further information is needed requiring this hunt, contact our team at Game Hunting Safaris, or message “AH” directly using the quick message icons. If you wanting to check availability, insert the preferred dates and submit via “Request a Quote”.
Please note that terms, conditions and price are subject to change without notice and rates at the time of the hunt will apply
Needing assistance with firearm permits and international travel services, or good taxidermists? View our affiliated companies
View Affiliated Services