Special First Blood Hunting Safari in South Africa North West
Booking Season: 2026
Hunt Difficulty: Moderate
Designed by Hunters, for Hunters
Accommodation is provided at a private game reserve and spa, with air-conditioned thatched en-suite rooms located close to the communal swimming pool and lapa. The lodge combines modern comforts with an African bush setting and includes Wi-Fi, laundry facilities, and a communal sitting room. A traditional boma provides an outdoor setting for evening socializing. Meals include a selection of traditional African dishes prepared by the camp's chefs.
The hunting grounds described for this safari combine hilly and mountainous terrain with open grassland. This variety provides opportunities to glass from elevated positions before moving in on game, while thicker or broken terrain can make closing the final distance more demanding. The terrain is well suited to a traditional African hunting approach, where hunters and the Professional Hunter work together to locate mature animals, assess the wind and terrain, and plan the stalk.
| Fence Type: | Fenced |
| Year Founded: | 2003 |
| Language Spoken By Staff: | English, Afrikaans |
| Nearest Airport Name: | OR Tambo International Airport |
| Nearest Airport Distance: | 100 miles |
| Transfer From Airport: | Yes |
Pursue two of Africa's most impressive large antelope on a 7-day hunting safari in South Africa. This combination hunt offers the opportunity to take a trophy sable bull and trophy roan bull on the same safari, with experienced professional guidance and a traditional walk-and-stalk hunting approach.
Sable and roan are among Africa's most sought-after large antelope because of their impressive size, striking appearance and distinctive horns. A mature sable bull is an iconic African trophy, while the roan is one of the continent's largest antelope and is highly valued for its rarity, size and powerful appearance. Pursuing both species on one safari creates a challenging combination for hunters looking for something beyond the more commonly pursued plains game species.
The challenge comes from more than simply the size of these animals. Finding a mature bull, judging the trophy correctly, and getting within effective shooting range, can require patience and careful use of the terrain. Sable and roan can also occupy areas where vegetation, hills and open country create constantly changing visibility.
For hunters specifically interested in roan hunts, the opportunity to pursue a mature bull is particularly appealing because of the species' impressive size and distinctive appearance. Sable hunts are equally sought-after, with mature bulls being among the most recognizable trophies in African hunting.
Patrick has been professionally guiding and offering plains and dangerous game hunts since 2003. He is also a committed conservationist who supports the sustainable utilization of wildlife resources.
His approach is centered on tailor-made safaris, personal attention and a strong focus on creating a rewarding hunting experience for each client.
South Africa offers an exceptional variety of plains game, established hunting infrastructure and relatively straightforward access to many hunting areas. For an international hunter, this makes it possible to pursue highly desirable trophies while enjoying comfortable accommodation and professional support throughout the safari.
The country's private hunting properties can also support strong game-management and breeding programs, contributing to the availability of quality trophies. For hunters looking for a focused plains game hunt experience, a dedicated sable and roan safari provides a very different challenge from a multi-species plains game package.
Limpopo is one of South Africa's best-known hunting regions, with diverse landscapes ranging from valleys and plains to more mountainous terrain. The province has a long-established hunting industry and supports a wide variety of game species, including both plains game and dangerous game hunts.
Its location in the north of South Africa also places it within reach of the broader wildlife areas bordering Botswana and Zimbabwe. For hunters looking for classic safari while hunting in South Africa, Limpopo offers a bushveld environment combined with established safari infrastructure.
The primary method is walk-and-stalk hunting. Hunters typically head out early, using waterholes, ridges and elevated positions to glass the surrounding terrain. A safari vehicle may be used to cover more ground before continuing the hunt on foot.
An ambush approach can also be used where appropriate, with hunters positioned along frequently used game trails, at strategic vantage points or in temporary blinds.
Sable and roan are large antelope and require an appropriate rifle and ammunition combination. A .30-06 or .308 can serve as an effective all-round choice, while a .270 or .300 Winchester Magnum loaded with quality expanding bullets provides another suitable option.
Regardless of caliber, accurate shot placement for large antelope is critical. Hunters should be completely familiar with their rifle, ammunition and effective shooting range before arriving for the safari. Practicing from realistic field positions is particularly valuable, as the final shot may be taken from an uneven or unsupported position rather than from a bench.
With large antelope, patience is also important. A hunter should resist rushing a shot simply because an opportunity presents itself. Waiting for a clear presentation and allowing the Professional Hunter to confirm the animal, position and shot opportunity can make the difference between a clean recovery and a difficult tracking job.
Hunters arrive at O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, where they will be met by Patrick or a member of his team. Assistance with rifle collection and the arrival process is provided before transferring by road to the hunting area.
Transport from Oliver Tambo will be by road, takes about three hours through rolling hills and tranquil valleys covering a distance of approximately one hundred miles. Depending on international flight schedules, an overnight stay in Johannesburg may be required.
Hunters bringing their own firearms into South Africa will need a temporary import permit. The SAPS 520 application requires copies of passports and airline tickets, a letter of invitation from Patrick and proof of firearm ownership, such as a firearm license or Customs Declaration Form 4457 for U.S. citizens.
A maximum of four rifles may be imported, with no two rifles of the same caliber. No more than 200 rounds of ammunition may be brought per caliber.
This is a focused safari for hunters who want to dedicate their time to two exceptional African trophies rather than simply building a large species list. The combination of sable and roan provides variety while keeping the objective clear: find mature bulls, hunt them properly and experience the challenge of pursuing two of Africa's most prestigious large antelope.
For hunters planning a dedicated African hunting trip, this combination offers a demanding and memorable safari built around quality trophies, traditional hunting methods and professional guidance.
This hunt is suited to experienced hunters or adventurous plains game hunters looking for a more specialized African trophy experience. It is particularly appealing if sable and roan are high on your list and you want the opportunity to pursue both species during one dedicated safari.
The 1-to-1 Professional Hunter ratio, focused two-species package and varied Limpopo terrain make this a strong choice for hunters who value the quality and challenge of the hunt rather than simply the number of animals taken.
For further information relating to this hunt, or to enquire about a customised African hunting trip, contact the team at Game Hunting Safaris.
Please note that terms, conditions and price are subject to change without notice and rates at the time of the hunt will apply
You can speak directly with the outfitter before booking. GHS remains available throughout the process.
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