South Africa Hunting Trip, Plains Game Special in Limpopo

This eight-day plains game safari in Limpopo combines five distinctive trophies with the comfort of a four-star lodge in South Africa's Waterberg region. From the strength and resilience of the blue wildebeest to the impressive waterbuck, alert blesbok and impala, and distinctive warthog, the package offers a well-rounded hunting experience across varied bushveld terrain. With Andre and his experienced team hosting the hunt, hunters can enjoy traditional African hunting alongside comfortable accommodation and activities for accompanying family members.

Hunt Summary

• Price: US$6,500 per hunter
• Duration: 8-day safari / 9 nights
• Hunter / Professional Hunter Ratio: 1 hunter / 1 Professional Hunter
• Observers: US$200 per person, per night
• Rifle Rental: Optional; .270 at US$45 for the safari or .308 at US$55 for the safari, with ammunition charged separately
• Included Species: Blue Wildebeest Bull | Waterbuck Bull | Blesbok Ram | Impala Ram | Warthog
• Trophy Export: All included trophies are fully exportable
• Hunting Area: High-fenced private ranch in the Waterberg region of Limpopo

A Balanced Five-Species Hunting Package

The appeal of this hunt lies in its mix of medium and large antelope alongside a distinctive specialty species. Blue wildebeest and waterbuck provide substantial trophies with their own challenges in the field, while blesbok and impala offer a different stalking experience. The warthog adds another dimension, with its distinctive tusks and quick, unpredictable movements.

Rather than focusing on one trophy alone, this package allows hunters to pursue five species during a single safari. The combination creates variety in both the animals being hunted and the approaches required, making it an appealing choice for hunters who want to experience several aspects of African plains game hunting without changing concessions.

All included trophies are fully exportable, subject to the relevant export documentation and requirements.

Five Species and Their Hunting Methods

Each animal has its own characteristics, making patience, observation, and the ability to adapt important throughout the safari.

• Blue Wildebeest: These robust, wary antelope can be challenging to approach. Hunters typically glass herds, assess their movement, watch the wind, and plan a careful stalk. The strength and resilience of the species make accurate shooting particularly important. Hunters interested in blue wildebeest hunts often value this combination of fieldcraft and challenge.
• Waterbuck: Large and impressive, waterbuck can use thicker vegetation to their advantage. Glass suitable habitat, watch feeding movements, and work patiently with the Professional Hunter to identify an appropriate opportunity.
• Blesbok: These alert antelope are often found in groups in open or lightly wooded country. Careful use of terrain and cover helps hunters approach without alarming the herd.
• Impala: Impala are agile, watchful animals that react quickly to movement. Quiet stalking, wind awareness, and patience when selecting a suitable ram are important elements of successful hunting.
• Warthog: Warthogs can disappear into cover quickly, so observation and timing are important. Hunters may need to adapt their approach to the animal's movements and the cover available. This is part of what makes warthog hunts such an enjoyable addition to a multi-species safari.

The Professional Hunter will help select appropriate methods according to the terrain, conditions, and opportunities presented by each species.

Why the Waterberg Is Worth Exploring

The Waterberg is a distinctive part of Limpopo's savanna biome, characterized by wooded grasslands, bushveld vegetation, low mountain ranges, rocky escarpments, and valleys. The combination of terrain and vegetation creates a varied landscape rather than a uniform stretch of open plains. The wider Waterberg region is also known for its biodiversity, making it an appealing destination for visitors who want to experience the natural character of the South African bush.

For hunters considering plains game hunts, this diversity is a particular advantage. Open ground can provide opportunities for glassing and careful stalking, while thicker bushveld requires patience and attention to wind direction. The Waterberg's established hunting lodges and accessibility from Johannesburg also make it a practical destination for pursuing several species during one safari.

The region supports a wide range of wildlife, and Andre offers additional species beyond the five included in this package. Depending on availability, hunters can discuss expanding their trophy list or building a more specialized itinerary around their preferred animals.

The Outfitter Hosting the Hunt

Andre and his team host this safari at a family-friendly lodge with more than 35 years of history. The team provides professional guidance and support throughout the hunt, while the lodge offers a comfortable setting for hunters and their companions.

The combination of a varied hunting area, four-star accommodation, and activities beyond the field makes the property suitable for more than a trophy-focused visit. Hunters can spend their days working with the Professional Hunter, while accompanying guests can enjoy the lodge and surrounding landscape.

The Hunting Safari Includes

• Road transfers to and from O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg
• Services of a licensed Professional Hunter and outfitter, Andre
• Four-star lodge accommodation
• Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks
• Local beers and wines, in moderation
• Hot and cold beverages
• Daily laundry service
• Field preparation of trophies
• Transportation during the hunt

The Safari Excludes

• International airfares and travel costs
• Accommodation before or after the safari
• Taxidermy and international trophy shipping
• Dip and pack of trophies
• Optional rifle rental and ammunition
• Insurance and medical costs
• Gratuities for the Professional Hunter and staff, at the hunter's discretion
• Additional species and associated trophy fees not included in the package

All five included trophies are fully exportable. Hunters should confirm taxidermy, dip-and-pack, and shipping arrangements and costs before departure.

Additional Species and Dangerous Game Options

Andre offers a range of additional species for hunters who want to expand their safari. Potential options include springbok, gemsbok, red hartebeest, kudu, nyala, and tsessebe, subject to availability and applicable trophy fees.

For hunters wanting to add a more demanding experience, the ranch also has Cape buffalo bulls available. This creates the opportunity to combine plains game with Cape buffalo hunts in one broader itinerary, subject to confirmed availability, the necessary permits, and the additional costs involved.

Selected night hunts can also be arranged for species such as porcupine, black-backed jackal, civet cat, and serval. Appropriate permits are required for certain species, so discuss these options with Andre before the safari to allow time for planning and paperwork.

Traveling to the Waterberg

International hunters should arrive at O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg. Andre or a member of his team will meet the hunting party before the approximately two-and-a-half-hour road transfer to the lodge.

Hunters bringing their own firearms must complete the relevant SAPS 520 temporary firearm import application and comply with South African import requirements. Confirm current documentation requirements before departure.

Rifle Rental and Ammunition

Hunters who prefer not to import their own firearm can choose between two rental options. A .270 rifle is available at US$45 for the duration of the safari, with ammunition at US$9 per round. A .308 is available at US$55 for the safari, with ammunition at US$12 per round. Both options include three practice rounds.

Discuss the choice with Andre before arrival so the rifle and ammunition are appropriate for your experience and intended quarry. Hunters bringing their own firearms should confirm all temporary import requirements before departure.

Is This Hunt Right for You?

This package is well suited to hunters looking for a varied plains game experience without having to plan a separate trip for each species. Over eight hunting days, the combination of blue wildebeest, waterbuck, blesbok, impala, and warthog provides several different challenges, from carefully stalking larger antelope to making the most of brief opportunities with smaller, alert game.

It is particularly appealing to hunters who want comfortable accommodation and the option to share their trip with family members or friends. The lodge's spa, pools, children's area, restaurant, and bar provide time to relax, while game drives, fishing, bush lunches, and helicopter tours offer activities for non-hunters. Hunters seeking only a single highly specialized trophy or a remote wilderness expedition may prefer a different package, but this hunt offers a balanced combination of hunting variety and lodge comfort.

South Africa: Hunting and Family Travel

One of the advantages of planning a South African hunting safari is that hunting can be combined with other travel experiences. Before or after the safari, visitors may choose to explore South Africa's wildlife destinations, scenic landscapes, cultural attractions, or cities, depending on their interests and available time.

For families and groups with mixed interests, this can turn the hunt into a broader African hunting trip, with time in the field for the hunter and memorable experiences for accompanying guests. Discuss travel dates and possible extensions with the Game Hunting Safaris team when planning your itinerary.

Enquire About This Hunt

For further information about this five-species Waterberg safari, customizing the package, or adding additional trophies or dangerous game, contact the Game Hunting Safaris team.We can also help with enquiries about other hunting destinations across Africa and tailor an itinerary to suit your hunting goals.