Sable Hunting Trip to Limpopo, SA

US$ 4 950 “All In”

Hunt  Trophy Sable, “The Prince of Africa” in South Africa

The Safari can be extended at US$ 350 per hunting day

5 x Nights and 6 x Days hunting Exotic Plains Game 

*** Observers welcome at US$ 250 per person/per night

*** Rifle Rental available at US$ 30/day, Ammunition at Cost

*** Additional Plains Game Antelope and Specialty Game Available

Inclusions in the Sable Hunting Safari:

• 6 x days of plains game hunting (5 x nights of lodging)
• Accommodation
• Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner (Incl. Snacks)
• Hot and Cold Beverages (Incl. local beer and wine)
• Services of Professional Hunter, Skinners, Trackers and Camp Staff
• Transfers to/from Oliver Tambo International Airport to the Hunting Lodge
• Field preparation of Hunting Trophies

Plains Game Hunting in South Africa

• An African hunting safari is a dream that is often realized only once or twice in a lifetime by international hunters. South Africa has an unrivalled diversity of game animals, more than 50 plains game species, specialty animals and of course the “Big Five”.
• No matter your hunting preference, being a variety of “winged hunts”, plains game, dangerous game hunts, or nocturnal hunts, you will find a suitable hunting safari.
• Why hunt in South Africa? South Africa has a large, organized and well-structured safari hunting industry combined with hunting being safaris being the most affordable on the African continent.

The Hunting Trip Exclusions:

• Staff gratuities (at the hunter’s discretion)
• Dip and Pack of Trophies
• Any Pre or Post Safari Accommodation
• International Travel Costs
• Shipping and Taxidermy of Trophies
• Travel Insurance

About Sable Antelope

• The Sable Antelope (Hippotragus Niger) or “mbarapi” in Swahili, is considered by many hunters to be one Africa’s most sought-after plains game trophies.
• A Sable bull is a true sight to behold and should be on your list on any African game hunting safari.
• Sable herds usually involve cows, calves, and a dominant bull. Young males are chased off from the breeding heard at around three years and will form “Bachelor Groups”.
• The breeding season of the sable antelope depends on the climate, with births taking place in the rainy season when food and coverage are more available. Females gestate for 9 months and birth a single calf that at birth is sandy-colored.
• Sable antelope consume leaves of mid-length grasses and herbs, but when necessary, will chew bones to boost mineral intake.
• Predators of Sable include lions, leopards, hyenas, wild dogs, and Nile crocodiles. Adult sables will fight aggressively, using their horns as a means to impale their attacker and cause death.
• A trophy Sable is considered to be a bull measuring greater than 42 inches from the base of the horns to the tip.

Traveling to Limpopo

Arriving at Oliver Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, hunters will be met by Johan, your African outfitter, or a member of the team who will assist with any rifle import permits and "meet and greet" before heading out to the hunting concession.

Navigating through airport procedures at Oliver Tambo is smooth and efficient. The road transfer to the Limpopo Province will take approximately three hours, showcasing the varied landscapes that South Africa has on offer.

Depending on the arrival time of your inbound flight into Oliver Tambo International Airport, overnighting in Johannesburg may be a requirement, and possibly again when departing South Africa, or heading off for the next hunting adventure.

African Sky Boutique Hotel is recommended, situated in close proximity to the Oliver Tambo International Airport. African Sky will assist with transfers to and from African Sky and also assist with arranging any firearm permits should hunters be bringing their own rifles. For further information, see "Affiliated Services" below. 

Hunting Methods on the Trip

This hunt is in typical African safari style using the "walk and stalk" method. A safari truck will be made use of to move around and cover "more miles".  The hunting grounds in the Limpopo Province are a combination of hilly, mountainous and open grass land areas.

Hunters can also follow the “ambush method” of plains game hunting by camouflaging themselves along frequently used game trails and strategic vantage points.

The Hunting Lodge 

This hunting lodge offers you Africa in a unique way. You will unwind and relax in the African bush veld. Accommodations at the hunting lodge are elegant, 3 to 4 star, all with en-suite bathrooms. Units are all electrified, fitted with air conditioning units with Wi-Fi at the main lodge. The lodge boasts a super camp area with roaring fires and a swimming pool. Cuisine will follow traditional African themes, homemade and delicious.

The Outfitter hosting the Safari

Johan and team leads a family-run operation offering world-class African hunting experiences. Alongside his sons, Johan Jr. and Herman, Johan ensures every hunting safari is tailored to the client’s needs, focusing on professionalism, integrity, and exceptional customer service. With a deep passion for wildlife and African hunting traditions, they provide a unique, immersive adventure, prioritizing safety, respect for nature, and creating lifelong memories. 

Johan operates in numerous territories, including South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia. Not only does this top-rated outfitter specialize in plains game hunts in SA, but also conducts numerous dangerous game hunting safaris for Cape Buffalo. Johan also offers dedicated Elephant hunting in Zimbabwe and combination hunts for plains game and Cheetah hunting in Namibia. We at GHS in 2024 attended a safari with Johan for a Brown Hyena hunt, the service, facilities and ranch is recommended.

When is the best time to hunt Sable in South Africa?

Hunting Sable in South Africa is not regulated with and specific hunting season and plains game hunts can take place throughout the all year. The cooler months, which run from April to October are normally preferred. In summer, the temperatures are high and can exceed 104 Fahrenheit, which can also lead to heat stroke and dehydration. The drier months see the grasses being shorter in the veld and the bush veld not as thick which allows hunters a better opportunity to spot antelope.

The months of November through to February are also the rainy season. Rain showers and bad weather can continue for days.  Ranch owners have a P3 exemption permit which legally allows game hunting to take place throughout the year.

Rifles and Permits in South Africa

While the provision of a suitable hunting rifle is available on this Sable hunt, you may want to bring your own, being familiar and knowing trajectories. To import a firearm into South Africa for the purpose of sports hunting, hunters will need to complete a SAPS 520 form which you can obtain online.

International hunters need to provide copy passports, copy airline tickets, letter of invitation from Johan and proof of ownership (Customs declaration form 4457 for US citizens). Each hunter may bring a maximum of four rifles, with no two calibers being the same. Ammunition is limited to 200 rounds per rifle. When traveling  and transporting rifles, keep in mind that rifles need to be kept in a hard and lockable bag/travel vault, with ammunition transported separately.

Rifles, Rounds and Ammunition 

A good choice of rifle would be any thirty-calibre rifle, shooting quality expanding "soft" tips A decent choice would be a bullet weighing 165 or 180 grain. Thirty caliber rifles such as a 300 Win Mag, or a .270 caliber are also recommended due to the rifle "packing a punch" and shooting a flat trajectory, which is perfect for any “long shots”.

When  hunting Sable, know that these animals are exceptionally tough.  

If any further information is required relating to this plains game hunt in South Africa, contact the team at Game Hunting Safaris, or message Johan directly.