Hippo Hunting trip in SA, Plus Hyena, Bushpig & More!
Booking Season: 2026
Hunt Difficulty: Difficult
Designed by Hunters, for Hunters
PLUS – 1 Day guided tour of the Kruger National Park AND 1 Safari DVD
South Africa’s well-managed game populations and ethical hunting practices ensure not only a thrilling hunt but also a deep appreciation for conservation and wildlife management. Whether using a rifle or bow, the thrill of stalking game, the satisfaction of a well-placed shot, and the memories made in the African wilderness make plains game hunting an adventure like no other.
Upon arriving at O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, you will need to take a domestic flight to Hoedspruit Airport, the gateway to Limpopo Province’s nature reserves and hunting concessions. With over forty flights available weekly, Airlink is the preferred carrier due to its reliability, firearm-friendly policies, and complimentary in-flight “adult beverages.” Round-trip airfare varies by season, typically ranging from $200 to $400 per person.
Depending on your inbound flight schedule, an overnight stay in Johannesburg may be necessary before continuing to Hoedspruit. The same may apply for your departure. Many international hunters choose African Sky Boutique Hotel, known for its exceptional service and convenience. Johannesburg also serves as a primary hub for travel to other African hunting destinations, including Tanzania, Mozambique, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. The hotel’s management assists with airport transfers, firearm permits, and other travel needs. For more details, refer to the “Affiliated Services” section below.
Upon arrival in Hoedspruit, Wayne or a team member will meet you for a short road transfer to the hunting concession.
Choose between the ultimate adventure at a luxurious tented camp or the refined comfort of a brick-and-mortar lodge at the Hunting Lodge.
In the tented camp, immerse yourself in the heart of Africa, where spacious, elegantly furnished tents offer plush beds, en-suite bathrooms, and private verandas – the perfect setting for relaxation amidst serene surroundings.
For a more traditional luxury experience, the brick-and-mortar lodge features beautifully designed rooms with modern amenities and inviting communal spaces, offering a seamless combination of comfort and style. WiFi is available for your convenience.
After a day of tracking Africa’s majestic wildlife, indulge in gourmet meals fit for royalty. Your chef will prepare exquisite dishes using fresh, locally sourced ingredients, taking you on a culinary journey through traditional South African flavors, perfectly complementing your hunting adventure.
Wayne and his team of expert PH’s operate across six regions in Africa, specializing in dangerous game, plains game, and unique nighttime hunts. With over a decade of experience, they are committed to offering a highly personalized hunting experience, ensuring complete privacy with exclusive use of the lodge and hunting areas.
Whether you’re a first-time hunter or a seasoned sportsman, Wayne accommodates both rifle and bow hunters, tailoring each hunt to the individual’s skills and preferences.
The Hoedspruit-Gravelotte area in Limpopo Province is famous for its rich and varied wildlife, offering a top-notch hunting experience for enthusiasts.
One of the most sought-after trophies here is the majestic Sable antelope, celebrated for its striking appearance and elusive nature. Sable antelope are known for their keen senses and can quickly detect human presence. They are more active during the early morning and late afternoon; demanding hunters adapt to their routines. The biggest challenge is getting close enough for a clean shot, as these cautious animals tend to keep a safe distance from potential threats.
Nyala hunting in Limpopo offers hunters the chance to peruse one of Africa’s most beautiful and elusive spiral horned antelopes. These animals thrive in the dense bushveld, using thick cover to their advantage.
The elusive Bushbuck is known for its secretive nature and ability to vanish into thick vegetation. Typically found along riverbanks and in dense thickets.
Renowned for its sturdy build and distinctive curved horns, the Blue Wildebeest presents a challenging and exhilarating hunt. These animals typically gather in herds across expansive open plains and bushveld areas. Blue Wildebeest are known for their robust resilience, sharp senses and unpredictable movements. Often referred to as the “poor man’s buffalo” due to their strength and durability.
The Impala, abundant and agile, offer a dynamic pursuit and are abundant in the region. Impala are easily recognized for their reddish-brown coat and distinct black markings on their hindquarters. Hunters typically employ spot-and-stalk or stalking methods, using the terrain’s openness to approach for a successful shot. Their popularity among hunters stems from the exhilarating chase and the prized trophy they offer.
Honey Badger hunt is a nocturnal odyssey into the realm of fearless tenacity. This animal is renowned for its fearlessness and tenacity, often appearing unexpectedly while hunting for other game. Be cautious around this mammal, it is known for being exceptionally vicious..
While Baboons can be active during the day, they are also known to move and feed at night, especially in areas where they may encounter less human activity. They are renowned for their intelligence and wariness, present a challenge that rewards meticulous planning and stealthy execution. From rocky outcrops to cliffside perches, each hunt demands swift action and strategic thinking to outwit these curious yet cunning adversaries.
Vervet Monkeys are diurnal (meaning they are active during the day. However, they may also be encountered near dawn or dusk). They are agile and wary and are known for their quick reflexes and ability to evade 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.
Yes you can. 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).
In South Africa, hunting is available year-round, with the season running from January to December. When pursuing free-range game in Limpopo, the ideal time depends on individual preferences and factors such as climate, vegetation, and animal movements. The dry season, from May to October, is generally regarded as the best time to hunt. In contrast, January and February can bring prolonged rainfall, and when it isn’t raining, temperatures can soar above 104°F.
During the dry months, the thinning vegetation improves visibility, and with water sources becoming scarce, game is more likely to gather at waterholes, increasing hunting opportunities. The cooler temperatures also make for a more comfortable experience in the field.
If any additional information is required regarding this plains game hunt in South Africa, contact the team at Game Hunting Safaris or message Wayne directly.
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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