Plains game hunts: the best value in Africa

Plan, Price, and Pick Your Plains Game Week

We keep pricing plain. Final quotes depend on lodge class, exact area, and your species list, but these bands reflect typical plains game packages in 2025. For a full inclusions/exclusions breakdown, see Hunting Safaris in Africa.

2025 price bands (USD) — reality you can plan around

• Starter Package (3–5 days, 1–2 species): $1,650–$3,250 — suits first-timers, family add-ons, tight windows.
• Classic 7 Day Plains Game Package (3–5 species): $3,900–$6,900 — sweet spot for value and variety without rushing.
• Family / All-Inclusive (7–10 days, mixed species): $6,500–$9,800 — often premium lodging, expanded species credits, observer value.

Add-ons & Extras: Observer $150–$300/night; Impala $250–$650; Warthog $350–$800; Wildebeest $750–$1,600 (blue > black varies by province); Gemsbok $850–$1,800; Kudu $1,200–$2,900; Springbok slam priced per area.

Where to hunt (quick map in words)

• South Africa: unbeatable species variety and lodge comfort; short transfers from Johannesburg or Cape Town.
• Namibia: open country, iconic gemsbok & springbok, Hartmann’s zebra; low malaria risk in many regions and clean logistics.

Use the country hubs—South Africa and Namibia—to compare travel time, terrain, and season windows.

Species mini-guides (what to expect, how to plan)

Kudu (the gray ghost)
Why: patience, wind reading, angles. Best: bushveld (Limpopo, North West), broken country (Eastern Cape). Shots: 120–220 yds. Price: $1,200–$2,900 add-on (lower in bundled packages). Tip: hunt mornings/evenings; pass marginal angles.

Gemsbok / Oryx
Why: tough, wary, photogenic. Best: Namibia’s gravel plains/dry riverbeds; Northern Cape options. Shots: 150–250 yds (prone/pack support). Price: $850–$1,800. Tip: heat drives water patterns—glass mid-day, move late.

Impala
Why: classic first African animal. Best: widespread in SA. Shots: 80–180 yds. Price: $250–$650. Tip: wait out herd shuffle for a clean lane.

Warthog
Why: quick decisions, great photos. Best: bushveld/farm fringes. Shots: 40–150 yds; bow blinds shine in dry months. Add-on: $350–$800. Tip: watch wind swirls around pans.

Wildebeest (blue & black)
Why: durable, lively stalks. Best: open grasslands (Free State, Northern Cape) & bushveld edges. Shots: 120–220 yds. Price: $750–$1,600. Tip: hold discipline on quartering angles.

Springbok (plus the Slam)
Why: long views, clean rifle work. Best: Northern Cape & Namibia. Shots: 170–260 yds. Pricing: subspecies varies; color variants per area. Tip: build a stable prone; read mirage.

Bowhunting plains game — calm, close, achievable

• Dry months: reliable waterhole sits for impala, warthog, wildebeest, zebra, kudu (area-dependent).
• Greener months: spot-and-stalk in broken cover; mind wind and outline.
• What we need: draw weight, effective ranges, broadheads you trust; we shortlist concessions with proven bow records.

Caliber & bullet guidance (simple & ethical)

• Rifle: .308, .30-06, 7mm family with bonded/monolithic bullets.
• Zero: 100 or 200 yds based on comfort; confirm onsite.
• Practice: sticks, kneeling, seated with pack support. Smooth > fast.
• Average shots: 80–220 yds; open-country springbok/gemsbok can stretch a bit.

The classic 7-day plains game package (how the week flows)

• Day 0: airport meet (JNB/CPT/WDH), 1–4 hr transfer, rifle check, dinner & plan.
• Days 1–2: warm-up stalks (impala/warthog/wildebeest); learn wind, sticks, property logic.
• Days 3–4: anchor species (kudu or gemsbok) with time to pass marginal shots.
• Day 5: round out list (zebra or second wildebeest); selective bow sit (dry months).
• Day 6: upgrade window, golden-hour photos.
• Day 7: pack, settle tips, transfer.

This cadence keeps pressure low and success high, especially for a father–son Africa hunt where you share the vehicle and alternate stalks.

South Africa vs Namibia — which should you choose?

• South Africa: huge species variety, short transfers, family-friendly. Consider bushveld lanes for kudu; mix two provinces for contrasting terrain.
• Namibia: open glassing, iconic gemsbok & springbok, many low-malaria areas. Expect slightly longer shot windows; practice prone/pack support.

Not sure? Tell us your top three species and travel month; we’ll rank the fit and send the best two options.

Bring the family — observers welcome

• Observer rates: $150–$300/night.
• Activities: game drives, local markets, conservation centers; some lodges offer spa treatments.
• Rooms: family chalets or side-by-side suites.

What’s included vs extras (so you budget cleanly)

• Typical inclusions: lodging, meals, licensed PH, hunting vehicle, trackers/skinners, field prep, daily laundry, airport transfers.
• Common extras: trophy fees (if not bundled), dip & ship/taxidermy, tips, rifle/ammo if renting, permits/fees where applicable, premium drinks.

When to go (season pointers)

• South Africa: Apr–Sep cool/dry/clear; Oct–Mar greener/thicker but still huntable (bow water sits excel).
• Namibia: Apr–Sep prime for glassing & water patterns; late dry season photographs beautifully.

Locked to school breaks? Tell us exact dates and we’ll match blocks where that window performs.

Deals, combos, and smart add-ons

Hunting mid-week arrivals, shoulder months, and 2x1 guided setups can shave costs without hurting the experience. Planning buffalo later? Bank skills now and keep Dangerous Game bookmarked.

Talk to a Hunt Advisor (real human, fast answers)

Share three things—species list, month, budget range—and we’ll send two to three tailored plains game packages with live dates, travel time from the airport, and clean inclusions/exclusions.

Start here: African Hunts (filter by country, species, weapon, dates) • Compare logistics: South Africa • Namibia • Price mechanics: Hunting Safaris in Africa

Quick FAQ

How many animals should I plan in a 7-day plains game package?
Three to five is a sweet spot—enough variety without rushing. Add a sixth if density is high and you’re comfortable with quick, ethical shots.

Is .243 too light?
For smaller antelope with perfect placement it can work, but .308/.30-06/7mm class keeps margin for wildebeest, zebra, and quartering angles.

Can I mix rifle and bow in one week?
Yes—structure mornings for rifle stalks and plan selective bow sits when wind and water cooperate.

Do observers ride along?
Often yes. It’s a shared story, and many families love the rhythm of the day.