African Plains Game Hunt in South Africa

South Africa is renowned for its wide array of African plains game species, and the Free State is no exception. Enjoy hunting 5 species in 6-days in this action-packed African hunt!

**** “All in” at US$ 6950

1 x Hunter 1 x Professional Hunter  

**** Observers are welcome for only US$ 200 per day.

The African Plains Game Safari

Hunting in Africa is a bucket list activity for many inspiring game hunting enthusiasts and the chance to enjoy an African plains game hunting safari in one of the most popular destinations for an African hunt is an exciting opportunity!

Carmen and Werner have been in the hunting industry for decades, having started as outfitters in 2008, and offer clients the opportunity to hunt in the beautiful Free State province in South Africa. The 7,000-acre concession (with access to another 200,000 acres in the area) is home to more than 30 species of game, both plains game and dangerous game.

This African hunt will see hunters targeting:

• Blesbuck
• Red Hartebeest
• Impala 
• Kudu
• Zebra  

Included in this African Plains Game Package:

• 7 Nights & 6 Days of Hunting
• African plains game trophies: Blesbok, Red Hartebeest, Impala, Kudu, and Zebra
• Transfers to and from Kimberly Airport
• Accommodation, meals, snacks and beverages (alcohol included)
• Transport on the hunting concession
• Services of P.H., camp staff, skinners and trackers
• Daily Laundry Service
• Field preperation of Trophies

Excluded in the African Hunt:

• Dip & Pack of Trophies
• Pre- and Post-hunt Accommodation
• Taxidermy
• Rifle Rental
• International Shipping Costs
• Regional/Local Flights

Bring your hunting partner, husband, wife to come Hunt in South Africa

2 x Hunters 1 x Professional Hunter 7 Nights for a discounted price of US$ 6350 each

African Hospitality to a “T”

This African lodge is the perfect retreat after an enthralling day in the bush, hunting some majestic trophies. Offering hunters clean, cozy beds, with warm showers in en-suite bathrooms, comfort is a given. WiFi is also readily available throughout the camp, allowing you to easily stay in touch with family and friends.

Part of African hospitality is delicious meals, which are carefully crafted for the best tastes of African cuisine. Don’t be surprised to find your game hunting trophy incorporated into a meal, whether it is impala steaks with a traditional braai, or a lovely blesbuck venison stew slowly cooked for maximum flavor.

Experience African hospitality at its best, with long lazy chat over drinks with Carmen and Werner. The camp includes both inside and outside dining options, with starry African skies being the perfect background as you sit around a blazing fire, enjoying the cuisine, company, and hunting tales, with new friends. 

Plains Game Hunting Methods

Game hunting in South Africa is available throughout the year, but the months of April – October are the most popular, as this the drier season where the grass is shorter, and the animals are more likely to be congregating around water holes.

For many, the impala is one of the first targets of an African hunt. This medium antelope is targeted in many ways. Firstly, through ambushing the animal near water, using a blind. An alternate option is to stalk the herd when they are most active and grazing in the early morning or late afternoon.

Zebras are known for their innate ability to camouflage themselves; those stripes aren’t there for nothing! These African plains game trophies are known for their keen senses, making it a challenge to stalk or approach them undetected.

When it comes to a Blesbok hunt, the best time of the day to target the exquisite Blesbok is in the early morning or late afternoon when they are grazing in and around water. A hide can be set up near the water, allowing the hunter the perfect opportunity to take a great shot. The walk-and-stalk method is also often used, but with their superb senses on high alert, it is difficult to get close enough to easily identify a trophy ram, since both sexes have horns.

The Greater Kudu, affectionately known as “Africa’s gray ghost” is one of the most beautiful spiral-horned African plains game trophies there is. Known for its ability to seamlessly disappear into its surroundings, this antelope is a challenge to spot! When Kudu hunting, look for tracks around pans and water holes as they will never be far from water, and they drink regularly. They are most active in the early morning or late afternoon and early evening.

Dusk and dawn are the best times for Red Hartebeest hunting in Africa as this is when they are most active, searching for tubers, melons, and water. These antelopes can easily be spotted from a distance on the open plains, with one of the best techniques being to set up an ambush close to the areas they frequent or rest in.

Shot Placement And Fire Power

When hunting Impala a .223 caliber could be used. With this size caliber there is no margin for error and shot placement on this game hunting safari is critical. If you do not want to spend the entire day tracking a wounded impala, a 7mm up to 30 caliber would be a better option.

Blesbok tend to be quite skittish so this African hunt may well require some stalking. The best caliber for a Blesbok hunt ranges from a .243 to any of the thirty calibers fitted with a high-quality scope. 130 to 150 grain bullets are perfect.

When it comes to Zebra hunting in Africa, it is important to remember that Zebras are incredibly tough animals. Use a medium to large caliber rifle that you are comfortable shooting and with which you are accurate. Popular rifles for Zebra hunts include 30 caliber rifles with a minimum bullet weight of 150 grain, or the higher velocity rifles like the 7mm or 300 win-mag. A .375, with a solid tip can also work well to take down this tough trophy.

Speaking about tough trophies to target, Africa’s gray ghost is another one. The Kudu is one of the most sought-after African plains game trophy animals. A 30.06 is a great caliber for hunting Kudu. Do not use a bullet with a weight of less than 150 grain. A .375 right up to a .458 loaded with a solid is also an option. Shot placement  as always is critical. For longer shots, a 7mm or 300-win mag is also an option.

A flat shooting rifle is required when hunting Red Hartebeest in Africa, with this antelope being one of the toughest in Africa to hunt. 7mm and any 30 caliber rifle will deliver the desired result. The minimum caliber to consider is a .270 with a 130 grain. The optimal caliber would be a .308 or 30.06 loaded with a minimum of 150 grains.

Traveling for the Hunt in South Africa

Hunters will land at Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport and from there take a domestic flight to Kimberly. Airlink is recommended for this flight route as this airline is not only affordable (US$150 to US$200 return), but also professional, on time and equipped to safely transport firearms.

To import a firearm, 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 Werner and team, proof of ownership (Customs declaration form 4457 for US citizens).

Africa Sky Boutique is highly recommended for those needing to spend a night in Johannesburg, with the team from the hotel assisting with transfers both from and to OR Tambo International. They can also deal with all rifle import permits and obtain pre-clearance approvals, thus avoiding delays.

If you’ve been dreaming of an exciting African plains game hunting safari, this one is for you! 5 exceptional species in 6 Days!

If any further information is required relating to this plains game hunt in the Free State Province in South Africa, please message the team at Game Hunting Safaris, or message Werner and Carmen directly using the quick links provided.

If you would like to check availability, submit preferred and submit “Request to Book”