Preparing for Big 5 Hunting in Africa
For many hunters, the allure of the traditional African big game targets is simply too great to ignore. However, the preparation involved when planning on hunting in Africa is not as simple as it seems.
Hunting in Africa demands fitness and skills that many foreign hunters will need to work on and improve upon if they want to have the best chance at Big 5 hunting in Africa. Africa is also a land of many game hunting destinations and as one would expect, each country comes with its own big game hunting regulations and protocols surrounding their industries of Big 5 hunting in Africa.
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Why Choose Big 5 Hunting in Africa?
- Africa has some of the richest game hunting history worldwide, and the Big 5 can only be found when hunting in Africa.
- Africa also offers a variety of big game hunting destinations and packages to suit a hunter’s budget, skill level, and trophy preference, and by hunting in Africa, one can imagine themselves following in the footsteps of the legendary hunters of African big game like Frederick Selous, Harry Selby, and even Theodore Roosevelt.
- Big 5 hunting in Africa is regarded as the pinnacle of game hunting by many hunters, both of the past and present and by booking an experience for Big 5 hunting in Africa, one has the opportunity to journey home carrying the same stories of the African bush and what makes this game hunting destination so unique.
Africa’s Big 5: Challenging & Dangerous
Knowing your target is essential when embarking on any game hunting adventure, and while more information is available on the highlighted links below, here’s a brief mention of the animals of Big 5 hunting in Africa.
The African Lion
The King of the Jungle is no doubt one of the most recognizable of the African big game, and rightly so. Wearing a golden or black mane as a crown and possessing a muscular, powerful body; the lion (Panthera leo) is a traditional target of hunting in Africa and is sure to make any hunter successful in taking it down a very happy chap.
A member of the big 5 and Dangerous 7, the lion can be hunted in various destinations across the African continent, including amongst others, South Africa, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Botswana, Namibia, and Mozambique.
The Leopard
Famed for their unique pelts of sandy gold marked with black rosettes, the leopard (Panthera pardus) is the other famous wildcat targeted when Big 5 hunting in Africa. These solitary felines are strong hunters, relying on their extreme alertness and ability to charge up to speeds of just under 40 mph when taking down their prey, and are one of the most striking African big game trophies to bring home.
Leopards can be found in game hunting areas in Zambia, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Botswana, Tanzania, and Mozambique.
The African Elephant
The largest of all living land mammals, the elephant (Loxodonta Africana) is seen as the biggest (literally) and most historically desired target of African big game hunting. Known for their large appetites and trademark tusks, the African elephant is an opportunity not to be missed when Big 5 hunting in Africa.
These behemoths can be hunted in various countries across the continent, including Tanzania, Namibia, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Botswana, Mozambique, and Zambia.
The Rhinoceros
Both the black rhino (Diceros bicornis) and white rhino (Ceratotherium simum) species are available for game hunting opportunities. However, these hunts are strictly regulated and are subject to stringent quotas. Weighing up to 3,800 pounds and bearing their signature horns, the rhino is a symbol of Africa and a once-in-a-lifetime big game hunting experience.
Rhino hunts are only available in South Africa and Namibia.
The Cape Buffalo
Known as the Black Death, the Cape buffalo (Syncerus caffer caffer) is the toughest of African big game and possesses a dangerous combination of size and bad attitude, especially when wounded. Cape buffalo can be a challenging but rewarding big game hunting target while also delivering some of the best hunting adventures ever!
These big game hunting stalwarts of the bush can be found in game hunting destinations like South Africa, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Zambia, Botswana, and Namibia, amongst others.
Preparing for Big Game Hunting: Body, Mind, and More
Big game hunting demands a certain level of fitness, knowledge, and ability from those who desire to partake in this exhilarating pastime. Big 5 hunting in Africa presents its own set of challenges; from the terrain to the climate, the chosen target, and of course the shot placement, thus a hunter needs to be as best prepared in all areas!
Physical fitness for Big 5 Hunting in Africa
The majority of Big 5 hunting in Africa involves walking considerable distances over both the flat plains and rocky, rugged terrain that will test both strength and endurance. Working on your walking technique (yes, it’s a thing believe it or not!), being able to carry your firearms over long distances as well as being able to maneuver between bush, rocks, and blinds are just some of the factors a hunter needs to consider when working on the pre-big game hunting fitness plan.
Something else that can impact your physical abilities will be the climate of the destination. High altitudes, the baking sun, strong winds, and rain storms can affect the African big game hunting adventure. That, in turn, will play a role in a hunter’s physical capabilities.
The Game Hunting Mindset
Big game hunting is as much of a mental demand as it is physical; however, this part is best learned from experience and teaching. Being confident in your abilities and skills as well as your knowledge of the hunt is one thing; but being able to accept loss, deal with frustration and anger as well as maintain respect for the African big game being targeted is just as important.
Hunters need to be skilled in patience and discerning whether a chosen target will result in a successful game hunting experience or if a new approach is needed.
Researching Your Big 5 Hunting Targets
When big game hunting in Africa, a hunter cannot just be physically and mentally fit, they also need to prepare themselves by avidly researching their chosen prey, knowing their anatomy forwards and backward, as well as the best shot placement for their specific chosen species.
As the saying goes: Failing to prepare is preparing to fail.
Big Game Hunting Destinations and Hunting Methods
The continent boasts many destinations for Big 5 hunting in Africa, and hunters can choose based on their desired game hunting targets, tourism opportunities, or even budget. Within these destinations themselves, lie various regions for game hunting adventures, with differing landscapes, climates, and even endemic species found only in that neck of the woods.
Locales for Big 5 hunting in Africa
South Africa
With 12 official languages and 9 provinces, this country is one of the most diverse destinations for hunting in Africa, and that’s excluding wide array of wildlife. South Africa has a year-round game hunting season, and species for Big 5 hunting in Africa can be found within the borders of Africa’s southernmost country.
Namibia
Wedged between the Namib and Kalahari Deserts, this arid country has the lowest rainfall measurements in sub-Saharan Africa. African big game like leopards, Cape buffalo, lion, and black rhino can be found in most Namibian game hunting territories. The hunting season in Namibia runs throughout the year but is closed in January and February.
Zimbabwe
This southeast African country is home to many game hunting ranches and conservancies and offers good budget-friendly options for those wanting to go Big 5 hunting in Africa. Popular areas for African big game in Zimbabwe include the Zambezi River and Victoria Falls regions where the abundance of water attracts wildlife from far and wide.
Botswana
Botswana reopened its game hunting industry in 2019 and is most notably known for African big game like elephant and leopard. Game hunting methods for Botswana include the popular walk and stalk as well as hunting from mokoro (a dugout wood canoe) and even walking hunts with Bushmen trackers. The big game hunting season runs annually from April to September and hunting is popular on private ranches as well as in the Okavango Delta region.
Mozambique
Game hunting territories in Mozambique can either be private or government-owned (known as coutadas) and cover an area of well over 100,000 acres. Of the African big game species, the leopard, Cape buffalo, and elephant are the most prevalent targets of the Big 5. Game hunting season runs from May – November and popular big game hunting territories include the wild Niassa Reserve and the Cohora Bassa region which finds itself not far from the Zambezi River.
Tanzania
This country is considered the crown jewel of African big game hunting countries and it’s not hard to see why Tanzania is so popular. The Selous Reserve draws game hunting animals to its water sources and is one of the least human-impacted areas in the country. The Masailand region is home to the felines of Big 5 hunting in Africa, thanks to its open plain areas and thick bushy outcrops.
Zambia
This big game hunting destination is home to populations of African big game like lion, elephant, and Cape buffalo as well as being known as the home of leopard hunting. Game hunting season in Zambia runs from July – November and frequently visited hunting areas include the Kafue Basin and the Zambezi Valley.
Popular Game Hunting Methods for Hunting in Africa
Walk and Stalk
This big game hunting method is the most common and involves the hunting party starting by vehicle until a promising set of tracks is found. From here the group will proceed on foot, sometimes covering a good distance, until the herd or target is found.
Spot and Stalk
Similar to the walk and stalk, but instead this game hunting method first starts with a glassing or spotting taking place from a hill or elevated ground before returning to the vehicle and proceeding as above.
Bait and blind
Normally used for the felines of African big game, this game hunting method involves a bait (typically plains game shot earlier) hung up in a tree or bait site. The bait will be monitored for activity, and when action is noted, a blind will be erected near the site where the hunter and PH will typically wait for the game hunting target to return.
Documents Required When Hunting in Africa
- Each destination for Big 5 hunting in Africa naturally has its own set of requirements for foreign travelers and game hunters alike.
- All African countries require a valid passport; and if traveling from the US, most countries don’t require a visa for stays under 90 days. Carrying your letter of invitation is also recommended. Passports usually require 2 – 3 blank pages depending on the country and a passport must be valid for 3 – 6 months post departure depending on the requirements.
- Big game hunting also requires permits which generally need to be sorted out before your arrival. These licenses and permits differ from country to country and are also often subject to quotas.
- On the side of firearms, each country has its own regulations regarding firearms and ammunition requirements as well as procedures for bringing weapons into the country. Almost all destinations require application forms which will need a copy of the hunter’s identity documents, a copy of the gun license or proof of ownership as well as a local permit.
- After a successful outing of Big 5 hunting in Africa, a hunter may want to arrange for their trophy to be transported to their home country and this presents its own set of conditions. Hunting trophies, depending on the species, require special permits like CITES and TOPS; and some countries like the US, Australia, and EU member states don’t allow for certain trophy species to be imported.
Using an Outfitter for Big 5 Hunting in Africa
Hunting in Africa can come with a time-consuming and complicated planning process, especially if a hunter is on their maiden trip to the continent. This is where the services of a hunting outfitter can help.
Game hunting outfitters are required to have a vast knowledge of the regulations, rules, permits, and requirements of their country’s hunting industry, as well as a good understanding of the hunting regions and animals a hunter wishes to target when hunting in Africa.
Hunting outfitters can assist foreign travelers with issues concerning visas, letters of invitation, firearm permits, and even accommodation. This is a wise service to utilize whether you’re a first-timer or a grizzled veteran of game hunting adventures in Africa.
An outfitter’s services can also offer hunters some peace of mind and reduce the potential stress and frenzy that can come with planning your game hunting trip in a foreign country.
What to Pack when Big 5 Hunting in Africa
You don’t need the whole Wardrobe!
Many game hunting lodges and accommodation facilities offer daily or regular laundry service options, so you can be assured that your clothing will be clean and ready to go when you are.
Clothing Requirements
- Long sleeve shirts – to offer protection from the sun, bugs, and thorns.
- Short sleeve shirts – to be worn when hunting or back at camp.
- Jackets – depending on the region and season; light jackets may be needed for the early morning departures while other times may call for thicker coats and rainproof gear.
- Pants – both long and short pants can be worn on your game hunting safari depending on your preference or the advice of the outfitter. Longer pants will naturally offer protection from the sun and unwanted bites or stings.
- Socks and underwear – foot odor can attract mosquitos so having clean and dry socks is a must, this can also help prevent issues like blisters and fungal foot problems. Having clean underwear on the other hand is pretty self-explanatory!
- Shoes – good quality hunting boots are a must, and they need to be worn in, nobody likes a fat blister on the heel or toe. Depending on the chances of your feet getting wet, an extra pair of boots may be a practical and needed option.
- Winter apparel – colder seasons or areas of higher altitude areas may require you to pack in a beanie, thermal base layers, gloves, and warmer clothing options.
- Hats – a sunhat is a must for being out in the African bush. The sun can be extremely harsh on the body in terms of sunburn or sunstroke, so be sure to protect yourself.
Hygiene and First Aid Measures
- Basic toiletries like soap, dental products, skincare items, and other hygiene-related items should be packed. Depending on your destination when hunting in Africa, these items could be unavailable or limited.
- Chronic medications should be accounted for and a full supply for the duration of your stay is highly recommended.
- First aid basics like band-aids, antiseptic lotions or washes, bug repellant, etc. should be squeezed into a field kit if possible, should you suffer a minor injury out in the bush.
- Sunscreen and after-sun products are strongly recommended.
- Travelers are often advised to pack medication that can assist with conditions like nausea, “tourist tummy”, jet lag issues, and other minor ills.
Miscellaneous Items
- Travel adaptors for plug points.
- Chargers for electronic devices.
- Copies of passports and other travel documents as well as hunting permits and firearms paperwork.
Are You Ready for Big 5 Hunting in Africa?
Big 5 hunting in Africa is an opportunity not to be missed if afforded to you. From experiencing the legendary wonder of the African bush to the adrenalin rush of a successful shot, an African safari hunting adventure is definitely a bucket list experience!
Are you ready for your big game adventure, or a hunting trip in Africa?
Author: A. Baker