Rhino, Buffalo & Sable Hunt in South Africa
Booking Season: 2026
Hunt Difficulty: Difficult
Designed by Hunters, for Hunters
The hunting areas consist primarily of classic Limpopo bushveld, combining Mopane woodland, open clearings, dry river systems, and sections of thicker thorn bush typical of northern South Africa. Terrain is generally varied but manageable, with gently rolling ground, sandy drainage lines, and dense cover creating ideal habitat for both dangerous game and plains game species. Visibility can change quickly depending on vegetation density, particularly when tracking Cape buffalo or hunting sable in thicker bushveld areas. In more open sections, hunters are able to glass and cover ground effectively, while denser cover often leads to slower stalking and closer shooting opportunities.
| Fence Type: | Fenced |
| Hunting Ground Size: | 6000 ha |
| Nearest Airport Name: | Oliver Tambo then to Hoedspruit (Regional Flight) |
| Nearest Town Name: | Hoedspruit |
| Transfer From Airport: | Yes |
This professionally guided dangerous game safari combines three of South Africa’s most sought-after species on well-managed private hunting concessions in Limpopo. The hunt includes a white rhino bull, Cape buffalo, and sable antelope, offering hunters a rare opportunity to pursue iconic dangerous game and premium plains game within a single safari.
Hunters who are interested in authentic rhino hunting in South Africa, this safari combines experienced guiding, carefully managed wildlife populations, and quality accommodation with access to large hunting areas supporting exceptional trophy potential.
US$ 45,400 Per Hunter | Rhino, Buffalo & Sable Hunting Safari
This safari includes three of South Africa’s most sought-after hunting trophies:
12-Day Dangerous Game Safari in South Africa
*** Rifle rental available at US$ 100 per hunting day
One observer included in the package price.
For American and international hunters, hunting in South Africa offers one of the most established and professionally managed safari experiences anywhere in Africa. The country is well known for its extensive private hunting concessions, strong wildlife management practices, quality accommodation, and wide variety of huntable species ranging from dangerous game to exceptional plains game.
South Africa is also one of the few destinations where carefully regulated rhino hunts continue to play a role in private wildlife conservation and long-term species protection. Alongside white rhino, hunters can pursue Cape buffalo, sable antelope, and numerous plains game species across diverse hunting areas ranging from bushveld and savanna to mountainous terrain and river systems.
Juan and his team specialize in professionally guided dangerous game safaris across several hunting areas in South Africa, with a strong focus on Cape buffalo, white rhino, elephant, hippo, crocodile, and premium plains game species. Their operations are built around experienced guiding, traditional tracking methods, and carefully managed hunting concessions offering low hunting pressure and quality trophy potential.
Hunting areas include sections of Limpopo and the Greater Balepeye region, where large private concessions and conservancies support both dangerous game and plains game hunting within well-managed wildlife systems. Group sizes are intentionally kept small to maintain a more personal safari experience and a high standard of service throughout the hunt.
Alongside the hunting itself, observers and family members also have access to photographic safaris, day trips to the Kruger National Park, and additional non-hunting activities during their stay.
The most straightforward flight path involves arriving at OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg. From Johannesburg commercial flights are available to the closest airport to your hunting destination (Polokwane or Hoedspruit) typically lasting about an hour with the airlines of choice being either CemAir or Airlink. The return regional/domestic flight will cost approximately US$ 250. Once you have landed at Hoedspruit Airport, Juan or a member of his team will meet you. Access to the hunting area is possible via road transfer (4 to 6 hours)’ or Via air charter to the hunting areas. The charter flight will need to be arranged in advance with Juan.
If you need to overnight in Johannesburg, the African Sky Boutique Hotel is recommended conveniently situated near to the airport. Their staff can also assist with rifle permits and the airport transfers for the local flights.
Accommodation during the safari is provided in two well-appointed hunting lodges offering comfortable bushveld accommodation within large private hunting areas in Limpopo. The lodges consist of traditional thatched chalets with en-suite bathrooms, spacious lounge areas, dining facilities, outdoor boma areas, and full lodge services throughout the stay.
Guests have access to Wi-Fi, daily housekeeping, laundry service, air-conditioned rooms, and comfortable communal areas designed for relaxing after time spent in the field. One of the lodges is situated along the Sand River, overlooking dry river systems and surrounding bushveld habitat typical of the region.
The surrounding concession consists of thousands of hectares of privately managed wilderness, combining Mopane bushveld, open clearings, river systems, and dense cover supporting a wide range of dangerous game and plains game species.
Alongside the dangerous game species included in the safari package, hunters also have the opportunity to add a variety of additional plains game hunts during their stay. The hunting areas support a broad mix of species across Limpopo bushveld habitat, allowing hunters to customize the safari based on available time and hunting interests.
In addition to species such as kudu, waterbuck, zebra, and wildebeest, opportunistic hunting for warthog hunts and bushpig hunts remains especially popular among international hunters visiting the region. These species add variety to the safari and often create memorable hunting opportunities alongside the primary dangerous game focus of the hunt.
| Species | Trophy Fee | Species | Trophy Fee |
| Duiker common | US$1450 | Hyena | US$4250 |
| Hartebeest Lichtenstein | US$3250 | Kudu | US$3500 |
| Impala Johnstons | US$1350 | Sable Roosevelt | US$5500 |
| Warthog | US$990 | Waterbuck Defassa | US$3750 |
| Zebra Boehms’ | US$4250 | Baboon | US$395 |
| Wildebeest Niassa | US$4500 | Reedbuck Common | US$1400 |
| Bushpig | US$1250 |
For hunters interested in traditional rhino hunts in Africa, South Africa remains one of the few destinations where carefully regulated rhino hunting still takes place under strict conservation and permit systems. These hunts are highly controlled and typically conducted on privately managed properties where wildlife conservation, anti-poaching efforts, and long-term species management are closely connected.
Hunting a mature white rhino bull requires careful preparation, proper rifle selection, and a clear understanding of rhino shot placement and anatomy. Due to the size and structure of these animals, shot placement becomes especially important for ethical and effective hunting outcomes. Hunters should also be prepared for close-range shooting situations and follow-up procedures directed by the professional hunter.
The main hunting season in South Africa generally runs from April through October, covering the cooler and drier winter months. During this period, vegetation becomes less dense, visibility improves, and overall hunting conditions are often more favorable for dangerous game hunting. While some privately managed properties may operate under specific exemptions allowing hunting outside the normal season, winter conditions are generally considered the most comfortable and practical time for hunting in much of South Africa.
International hunters traveling for a rhino hunting safari in South Africa are permitted to bring their own firearms into the country, provided the required temporary import documentation is completed before arrival. The SAPS 520 form should be prepared in advance to help streamline the firearm clearance process at Johannesburg International Airport.
Hunters should travel with supporting documentation including proof of firearm ownership, passport details, airline tickets, and a formal invitation letter from the outfitter. When properly prepared in advance, the import process is generally straightforward for international hunters arriving in South Africa.
Widely regarded as one of Africa’s most prestigious plains game species, sable antelope are highly sought after for their striking appearance, dark coat coloration, and heavily curved horns. For many hunters, adding a mature sable bull to a dangerous game safari creates a unique combination of premium plains game and dangerous game hunting within a single trip.
For hunters interested in sable hunting in South Africa, Limpopo remains one of the country’s leading regions for quality sable genetics and professionally managed hunting concessions. Mature bulls are typically hunted in thicker bushveld habitat where patience, careful glassing, and accurate shooting become important parts of the hunt.
In addition to their impressive trophy quality, sable hunts are also valued for the hunting experience itself, with bulls often encountered in small breeding groups or bachelor herds moving through dense cover and open bushveld clearings.
Combining a Cape buffalo hunt, White Rhino and sable antelope within a single safari creates a rare balance between dangerous game hunting and premium plains game hunting in South Africa. For hunters looking to experience professionally guided dangerous game hunts alongside some of the continent’s most sought-after species, this safari offers a well-rounded hunting experience across large private concessions in Limpopo.
If further information is required relating to this combination hunt in South Africa, contact our team at Game Hunting Safaris, or message Juan 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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