The Ultimate Antelope Hunting Safari: A Limpopo Blesbok Slam

Hunting in South Africa offers excellent opportunities for specialized plains game, and this safari is built around completing a five-variant Blesbok Slam in Limpopo. Hunters will pursue Common, White, Copper, Saddleback and Yellow Blesbok during one professionally guided hunt, creating a distinctive trophy collection from a single safari.

With its 12,000 ha hunting grounds in northern Limpopo, this hunt sees five Blesbok trophies included, and is designed for hunters looking for something different from a conventional plains game safari. The hunt demands patience and precision to pursue these wary antelope.

Hunt Summary

• Price: US$10,250
• Duration: 5 Hunting Days / 6 Nights
• Hunter / PH Ratio: 1 Hunter : 1 Professional Hunter
• Observer: US$250 per night
• Rifle Rental: .308 at US$55 per day
• Ammunition: US$65 per box
• Included Species: 1 x Common Blesbok | 1 x White Blesbok | 1 x Copper Blesbok | 1 x Saddleback Blesbok | 1 x Yellow Blesbok

Complete the Blesbok Slam

This safari is built around five distinct Blesbok color variants, giving hunters the opportunity to harvest a Common, White, Copper, Saddleback and Yellow Blesbok during one hunt. Each trophy adds something different to the final collection, while pursuing all five requires hunters to remain patient and adapt to changing conditions throughout the safari.

For hunters interested in specialized blesbok hunts, this package provides a focused opportunity to pursue multiple trophy variants rather than concentrating on a single animal.

Why Is Blesbok Hunting a Challenge?

Blesbok are alert plains game that can be difficult to approach in open country. Their strong eyesight and wariness mean hunters need to use available cover carefully and take their time when closing the distance. The challenge becomes even greater when hunting multiple color variants, as hunters may need to spend considerable time glassing herds and identifying the right trophy before beginning the stalk. Patience, careful observation and precise shooting all play an important role in completing the Slam.

Hunting in Limpopo

Limpopo is a popular destination for plains game hunts, offering varied bushveld terrain and a wide selection of African species. The combination of open areas, thicker vegetation, rocky terrain and riverine habitat gives hunters different conditions to work with throughout the safari.

Blesbok hunting in South Africa allows the hunter to concentrate on a specialized trophy goal while still benefiting from the diverse hunting environment of northern Limpopo.

The African Outfitter 

Run by brothers Dean and Hano, this outfitter is a second-generation family-run outfitting business offering professionally guided safaris in South Africa and Mozambique. The outfitter operates plains game, specialty game and dangerous game hunts across a range of hunting concessions. Hunters can expect experienced Professional Hunters, organized camp services and comfortable accommodation throughout the safari.

Traveling to the Limpopo Hunting Grounds

After arriving at OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, hunters will take a short domestic flight to Polokwane Airport in Limpopo. The hunting team will meet hunters there before a road transfer to the lodge and hunting grounds near Messina.

The journey allows hunters to move quickly from the major international gateway into the bushveld of northern Limpopo, where the Blesbok hunt takes place.

Hunting Methods, Caliber & Shot Placement

The hunt can be conducted using blind hunting near frequented water sources, spot-and-stalk or walk-and-stalk techniques. Experienced bow hunters may also choose to pursue the Blesbok with a bow.

Calibers such as .243 and .270 can be suitable choices for Blesbok, with the hunter's familiarity and ability to shoot accurately being important considerations.

Because Blesbok are a medium-sized antelope and the trophy itself is the focus of the hunt, precise shot placement is essential. Hunters should avoid rushed head or neck shots that could damage the trophy and should wait for a suitable presentation.

Tips for Completing the Blesbok Slam

• Hunt during the cooler parts of the morning and late afternoon when Blesbok may be more active.
• Spend time glassing before beginning a stalk.
• Use natural vegetation and terrain to remain concealed when approaching wary animals.
• Be patient and avoid rushing a shooting opportunity.
• A rangefinder can help with accurate distance estimation.
• Be prepared for longer shots across more open terrain.
• Pay close attention to the behavior of individual animals when identifying the desired color variant.
• May through September generally offers shorter vegetation and improved visibility.
• Bow hunters should be prepared for the additional challenge of getting within effective range.

Customize Your Blesbok Slam

This safari is designed around completing the five-variant Blesbok Slam, but the hunt can be adapted for hunters who would like to add additional plains game or tailor the safari around their own trophy goals. For further information, additional hunters or a personalized safari, contact the Game Hunting Safaris team to discuss the available options.

You can also explore our African hunting trips for other safari opportunities and different combinations of species and destinations.