Cape Buffalo Hunting in South Africa | Sable & Crocodile Safari

This South Africa Cape Buffalo hunt combines dangerous game and premium plains game hunting in Limpopo, giving hunters the opportunity to pursue Cape Buffalo, Nile Crocodile, and Sable in one authentic African safari.

US$ 23,350 “All In!”

*1 x Hunter 1 x Professional Hunter
** Observers welcome at US$ 250 per night
*** Rifle Rental available: .375 at US$ 55 per day. Ammo at US$ 130 per box.

7 x Days, 8 x Nights Hunting 

Hunting in South Africa's Limpopo Province

Limpopo is widely regarded as one of the top destinations for hunting in South Africa, offering exceptional dangerous game and plains game safaris across vast bushveld concessions. 

Combining Cape Buffalo hunts with Nile Crocodile and Sable, this professionally managed South African safari offers hunters the opportunity to pursue quality trophies across diverse bushveld hunting terrain.

Hunters on this Limpopo safari will pursue:

• 1 x Cape Buffalo (up to 44”)
• 1 x Nile Crocodile (up to 12,1 feet)
• 1 x Sable

The African Outfitter hosting the Hunt 

Dean and Hano operate a well-established family-run safari business offering professionally guided hunting safaris throughout South Africa and Mozambique. Their concessions provide hunters with access to quality dangerous game and plains game trophies across diverse African hunting environments.

Included in the Safari:

• Meet and greet upon arrival at Polokwane Airport
• All necessary Hunting Licenses and Permits
• Services of Trackers, Skinners, Chef, and Camp Staff
• Field Preparation of Trophies
• Luxury Accommodation
• Laundry & Room Service
• Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner (Including Snacks)
• Alcoholic Beverages (Local Beers & Wines)
• On Territory Transport (4 x 4 Vehicle)
• Transfer from Polokwane Airport to the hunting grounds

The Safari Excludes:

• Firearm Import Licenses
• Any pre- or post-safari accommodation
• Dip and Pack of Trophies
• International Trophy Shipping Costs
• Trophy fees for any additional trophies hunted and not specified in the package
• Observers are welcome on the safari at US$ 250 per day
• Tips for staff (at hunter’s discretion)

Traveling to Hunt in South Africa

Hunters will fly into OR Tambo International Airport, after which they will take a regional flight to Polokwane Airport. Dean and his team will meet hunters upon arrival. After a short road transfer, hunters will arrive at the lodge and hunting grounds.

The Hunting Grounds in Limpopo

• Limpopo is widely regarded as the best hunting ground in South Africa. For this hunt, the hunting lodge is based in Messina, northern Limpopo.
• The hunting grounds are 12,000ha, teeming with African plains game, specialty game, as well as dangerous game, with the Cape Buffalo roaming the area.
• Vegetation consists of Mopane bush, Acacia trees, and mixed bushveld
• In terms of terrain, the area and surrounds are generally flat, with rocky outcrops and small hills, while the Sand River also runs through the concession and is home to the Nile Crocodile.
• This type of landscape and vegetation provides the hunter with a more challenging hunting experience, testing his skills and ability to adapt his hunting style on the move.

The Hunting Lodge 

The hunting lodge outside Messina offers comfortable accommodation in the heart of Limpopo’s bushveld, giving hunters the opportunity to relax and recharge after a day in the field. The lodge combines a traditional African safari atmosphere with modern comforts, creating the ideal base for this South African hunting safari.

The six double chalets are well equipped with en-suite bathrooms, air conditioning, WiFi, and cell phone reception. Hunters can also enjoy the swimming pool, outdoor firepits, and various lounge areas overlooking the surrounding bushveld.

Meals are prepared daily by the resident chef and served in the dining area overlooking the veld. Expect hearty safari-style cuisine, including venison from previous hunts, along with traditional African braais enjoyed around the fire after a successful day’s hunting.

Game Hunting Methods & Rifle Calibers

For those hunters bringing their firearms into South Africa, a SAPS 520 Import Form needs to be completed.

Cape Buffalo and Nile Crocodile are classified as dangerous game in South Africa, with a minimum caliber of .375 required for both species. Professional hunters recommend larger calibers for Cape Buffalo due to the animal’s strength, resilience, and reputation for aggressive behavior when wounded.

Cape Buffalo are hunted by tracking and stalking through thick Limpopo bushveld, while Nile Crocodile hunts are either from blinds positioned near water or by careful spot-and-stalk hunting along riverbanks.

When hunting Sable, calibers such as the .30-06 and .308 perform exceptionally well with proper shot placement, while larger calibers including the .338 and .375 remain popular options for hunters combining plains game and dangerous game hunting on the same safari.

Tips when Sable Hunting 

Sable hunting in South Africa offers hunters the opportunity to pursue one of Africa’s most impressive plains game species. Mature bulls are prized for their dark coats, powerful build, and long ringed horns, while their aggressive nature and alert behavior make them a respected trophy throughout southern Africa.
Check out some tips for bagging the perfect Sable:
• Sables are more active early in the morning or later in the afternoon. Plan your hunt accordingly.
• Sables prefer to be close to water and usually stay within 2 miles of a water source.
• Ensure that you have done your research and know the best option for accurate shot placement on the antelope.
• Be aware that Sable may become aggressive, especially the males, who are very territorial.
• Lastly, ensure that your prized trophy is, in fact, dead before approaching it. Those horns are not to be messed with.

Why go hunting in South Africa?

• South Africa is easily accessible from anywhere worldwide, with daily international flights landing at one of the three international airports.
• South Africa has nine provinces, and each province offers some form of hunting. While some provinces, such as the Limpopo province, offer more variety, it is possible to hunt in each province.
• Hunting takes place throughout the year in South Africa, although the peak season is the cooler months from around May to August.
• South African hunts are seen as value for money.
• South African outfitters are seen as some of the best worldwide, with South African hospitality being legendary.
• The area is renowned for its wide array of both African plains game and dangerous game hunting options.
• It is the only destination worldwide, apart from Namibia, where all members of Africa’s Big 5 can be hunted.
• South Africa, also referred to as the rainbow nation, offers great family getaways and holidays, allowing hunters to easily travel with family and other non-hunting parties.

Tips when Cape Buffalo Hunting

Cape Buffalo hunting in South Africa is widely regarded as one of Africa’s toughest dangerous game safaris, with mature bulls known for their unpredictable behavior, stubborn nature, and willingness to charge when wounded or threatened. Hunting buffalo in Limpopo’s thick bushveld requires patience, careful tracking, and experienced professional hunters capable of reading both the terrain and the animal’s behavior.

Accurate Cape Buffalo shot placement is critical, as these powerful animals are exceptionally resilient and unforgiving of poor shooting. A wounded buffalo will often retreat into thick cover before circling back on the hunter, creating extremely dangerous follow-up situations at close range. Combined with their excellent hearing, strong sense of smell, immense strength, and ability to charge at high speed, Cape Buffalo remain one of the most respected and challenging dangerous game animals in Africa.

If any further information is required regarding this hunt in South Africa, or you are seeking a custom hunting safari including additional hunters, please contact our team at Game Hunting Safaris, or message Dean  directly.