5-Day Lion Hunting Safari in South Africa
Booking Season: 2026
Hunt Difficulty: Difficult
Designed by Hunters, for Hunters
The hunting lodge near Messina provides a comfortable base surrounded by the bushveld of northern Limpopo. Six free-standing, air-conditioned chalets offer comfortable beds and en-suite bathrooms with hot showers. After a day in the field, hunters can relax on the deck, spend time around the firepit or cool off in the swimming pool. WiFi and cellphone reception are available for keeping in touch with family back home. The resident chef prepares fresh meals throughout the safari, with venison from previous hunts sometimes forming part of the menu. A traditional South African braai can also be expected during the stay.
The safari takes place on a 12,000-hectare free-range hunting concession near Messina in northern Limpopo. The property features a mixture of Mopane, Acacia and mixed bushveld, with open areas, rocky outcrops and small hills creating a varied hunting landscape. The Sand River also runs through the concession, adding riverine habitat to the area and further increasing the diversity of the hunting grounds. This combination of vegetation and terrain allows hunters to change their approach as they move through the concession and pursue different species. For Kudu in particular, the thicker bushveld and natural cover provide the conditions needed for careful glassing and patient stalking.
| Fence Type: | Fenced |
| Hunting Ground Size: | 12000 ha |
| Language Spoken By Staff: | English, Afrikaans |
Hills: 20 %, Mountains: 0 %
Fields/Bush: 80 %, Forest: 0 %
| Nearest Airport Name: | Polokwane Airport |
| Nearest Town Name: | Messina |
| Transfer From Airport: | Yes |
Hunting in South Africa is a popular choice for hunters seeking quality plains game, and this 6-species safari in Limpopo places Greater Kudu at the center of the hunt. Alongside Kudu, the package includes Blue Wildebeest, Gemsbok, Impala, Blesbok and Zebra, providing a varied safari across northern Limpopo hunting country.
Limpopo offers diverse bushveld habitat and a wide selection of African species, making it well suited to multi-species plains game hunting. Open areas, thicker vegetation, rocky terrain and riverine country provide different hunting conditions, while the variety of species means hunters can adapt their approach throughout the safari.
This package is designed for hunters who want the challenge of pursuing a Greater Kudu while also building a varied trophy collection. The combination of Kudu, Blue Wildebeest, Gemsbok, Impala, Blesbok and Zebra provides a broad plains game experience within one safari, with different animals and hunting challenges throughout the 5 hunting days.
Those interested specifically in kudu hunting in South Africa can also use this safari as a broader alternative to a dedicated single-species hunt.
The mix of species allows hunters to experience different hunting conditions and adapt their approach as the safari progresses. From the careful glassing and patient stalking required for Kudu to the more open-country opportunities for species such as Gemsbok and Zebra, no two hunting days need to be the same.
With six trophies included in the package, the safari also allows hunters to build a well-rounded plains game collection rather than focusing on a single species.
Kudu is widely regarded as one of Africa's most desirable spiral-horned antelope, prized for its impressive horns, striking markings and elusive nature. Often referred to as the “Grey Ghost,” Kudu can disappear into thick bush with surprising ease, making the search for a mature bull as challenging as the final stalk.
Kudu hunts requires patience, careful glassing and a quiet approach. Their alert behavior and excellent eyesight mean hunters need to make good use of cover, wind direction and terrain to get within range. A mature Kudu bull is a trophy that rewards the hunter who is prepared to wait for the right opportunity rather than rush the stalk.
This outfitter is a second-generation family-run outfitting business offering professionally guided hunting safaris in South Africa and Mozambique.
Brothers Dean and Hano run the business which focuses on plains game, specialty game and dangerous game hunts across a range of concessions. Hunters can expect experienced Professional Hunters, organized camp services and comfortable accommodation throughout the safari.
Hunters will fly into OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg before taking a short regional flight to Polokwane Airport in Limpopo. The hunting team will meet hunters there before a road transfer to the lodge and hunting grounds near Messina.
For hunters planning a multi-species safari, the location provides straightforward access to established hunting country and a wide variety of African game.
The species included in this package require hunters to adapt their approach throughout the safari. Walk-and-stalk and spot-and-stalk methods can both be used, with the Professional Hunter determining the best approach according to the species, terrain, wind and conditions.
Hunters bringing their own firearms into South Africa will need to complete the required SAPS 520 firearm import documentation. A .308 rifle is available for rental at US$55 per day, with ammunition at US$65 per box.
Hunters should choose a caliber they are comfortable and confident shooting accurately. A suitable caliber will depend on the species being pursued, with accurate shooting being more important than simply selecting a larger rifle.
Precise shot placement is essential, particularly when pursuing a mature Kudu or other large plains game. Your Professional Hunter will assist with shot selection, distance estimation and positioning to give you the best opportunity for a clean and ethical shot.
Kudu hunting can require long periods of glassing and careful movement before an opportunity presents itself. Hunters should be prepared to slow the pace, use available cover and let the Professional Hunter determine when the conditions are right for a stalk.
The other species included in the package provide flexibility throughout the safari. If Kudu conditions are not favorable at a particular time of day, hunters can shift their focus to another included species while continuing to work toward the full trophy list.
May through September generally offers favorable hunting conditions in Limpopo, with shorter vegetation improving visibility and animals more likely to concentrate around remaining water sources.
Every hunter has different priorities, and this safari can be adapted around the species you want to pursue, the number of hunters traveling and any additional trophies you would like to add.
For further information, additional hunters or a personalized safari, contact the Game Hunting Safaris team to discuss the available options.
You can also explore our hunting trips for other African safari opportunities and different combinations of species and destinations.
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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