One of the biggest determiners of species selection and hunting safari success in a region comes down to the landscape. Any hunter worth their caliber will know that the landscape and environment play a crucial role in the type of African hunting safari available in a region. Things like altitude, temperature, and vegetation strongly influence the range of species available, and when hunting in South Africa, nine provinces of varying landscapes come together to provide a wholly unique and thoroughly enjoyable hunting experience.
These varying landscapes also influence the other activities and options available to those who might not be participating in the hunting adventure; and the plans for what happens when the hunt draws to a close.
Table of Contents
Hunting in South Africa: The Nine Provinces
Northern Cape: Safari Hunting in near Desolation
South Africa’s largest province is ironically the most sparsely populated, giving this game hunting destination a sense of eerie barrenness. Distances between “civilizations” can span hours, and with expanses of land as far as the eye can see, you’ll be spoilt for choice when looking at a Northern Cape hunting adventure.
The Northern Cape is largely covered by the Kalahari Desert, its name meaning “waterless region.” Despite the desert in its name, the Kalahari is considered sub-tropical and supports a diverse range of vegetation drawing in some of the hunting adventure favorites.
Predator hunting in South Africa is subject to quota, and in the Northern Cape those quotas may be low, but the experience of tracking a leopard or lion through the dunes swings in the saying of quality over quantity. Plains game hunting safari options are bountiful with options like springbok, gemsbok, sable, and roan. Other plains options include Cape buffalo, wildebeest, hyena, and even the non-traditional ostrich.
Western Cape: A Hunting Safari with Convenience
This L–shaped territory offers hunters some of the easiest travel and accommodation options with most safari hunting areas being within an hour or less of the lodge. The southernmost tip of Africa, Cape Agulhas, can be found along the expanse of coastline known as the Cape of Storms.
Geographically, the Western Cape’s landscape lends itself to various game hunting environments. With sandstone-type mountains, Namaqualand, and the Great Escarpment giving rise to a portion of the Karoo, the Western Cape supports a variety of plant and animal life perfect for your hunting adventure. While the coastal region caters to a more Mediterranean-type climate, the further inland one travels, the more arid the province becomes.
In terms of the big game hunting, Big 5 species are limited to the ranches or farms that host them, Cape buffalo is a more available option, but the plains game hunting is a true experience. Home to almost all subspecies of springbok and zebra as well as kudu and the Cape grysbok, the Western Cape is also home to some smaller antelope namely the klipspringer. Wing shooting is proving to be a popular choice with Egyptian geese, Spur-winged geese, guinea fowl, and other safari-hunting birds being found in the province.
Eastern Cape – a Hunting Adventure for all
South Africa’s second-largest province and the birthplace of many notable names, the Eastern Cape Province can be a left-to-right tour for those wanting the best of both. Starting in the west, the province is semi-arid and flat, owing to a strip of Karoo land. From here the landscape becomes mostly hilly and mountainous in areas with a more temperate climate save for the mountain regions. The eastern portion slowly starts becoming wetter and almost tropical as it nears the KZN border, an area known for deep gorges and lush forest patches.
The Eastern Cape brings something for everyone in terms of a game hunting experience. Big game hunting safari for buffalo, lion, rhino, and elephant exist in the province as well as one of the biggest varieties of plains game hunting opportunities. Antelope species include the greater Kudu, nyala, sable, blesbok, wildebeest, gemsbok, and impala. Alternative and specialty game shoots include caracal, serval, baboon, and even the Cape porcupine.
Kwa Zulu Natal: A Hunting Adventure from the Mountain to the Coast
The “Garden Province” has game hunting landscapes that vary as one moves from inland to the coast. Starting at the shores, KZN is low-laying and tropical, this gives way to a lush and very green section known as the Midlands, where a fair share of plains hunting in South Africa takes place. The dense Midlands eventually give way to the iconic Drakensberg and Lebombo mountains as you near the Lesotho border. These mountain ranges are also known to produce exciting and highly memorable safari hunting experiences.
Given the rich quality of KZN’s geography, a hunting safari for members of the Big 5 or even the Tiny Ten can be found across the province. The easternmost province offers free-range lion hunting safari as well as leopard and rhino game hunting opportunities. In terms of plains game, hunters can sift through Nyala (a KZN icon), common reedbuck, eland, red duiker, and Natal special, the suni.
Mpumalanga: Game Hunting where the Sun rises
Thanks to the continuation of the Drakensberg Mountains coming out of KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga also sees itself being divided into two landscapes; each offering some of the best hunting in South Africa. The Lowveld side of the province is savannah-like to almost subtropical in nature, the flat terrain makes it an easy range to transverse when game hunting. On the other side, the Highveld is a grassland-type area that is much cooler and drier thanks to its higher altitude.
Of the two landscapes, the Lowveld is known for big game hunting. Producing trophy specimens of buffalo, crocodiles, elephants, and the big cats; the Lowveld is the area to go for if you’re looking at taking on a big game hunting safari. The Highveld region welcomes hunters looking for prime plains game safari hunting experiences; offering wildebeest, blesbok, bushbuck, nyala, and springbok. Other alternative hunting adventure options include serval, hyena, and small predators, such as the civet.
Limpopo: The Gold Star of Game Hunting in South Africa
South Africa’s northernmost province gets its name from the famous river that makes up its northern and western border. Largely rural in nature, Limpopo offers wide open expanses of land perfect for hunting. Limpopo is considered South Africa’s mecca of game hunting, as almost 80% of the country’s game ranches can be found spread across this province.
On the big game safari hunting side, Limpopo offers well–known elephant and Cape buffalo hunting opportunities with some great trophy specimens coming out of the province. On the plains side, Limpopo offers antelope like its endemic Limpopo bushbuck, zebra, and sable; as well as more exotic hunting safari targets like the roan, and tsessebe. Other huntable species found in the province include baboon, warthog, black-backed jackal, and caracal.
Free State: The Flat Lands
A province on virtually one level, the Free State is at an almost consistent altitude, unlike South Africa’s other game hunting provinces. While the province itself may be flat and Highveld in nature; it finds itself in the shadows of neighboring Lesotho’s major peaks. This means that winter hunting adventure bookings require one to pack their thermals and brace for chillier starts to the day.
As a more plains game hunting destination, the Free State offers much of South Africa’s antelope like blesbok, springbok, and gemsbok (South African Oryx). Other plains hunting safari targets include red lechwe, sable, and red hartebeest, as well as zebra and buffalo. Nighttime safari hunting is allowed by special permission, and the Free State is popular for small predator hunts under the use of a spotlight.
Wing shooting is also a drawcard to the province thanks to the Free State’s agricultural focus on grain crops like maize. Guinea fowl, francolin, spurfowl, and the common speckled pigeons can be hunted with the use of trained dogs.
Gauteng: Safari Hunting in the City of Gold
South Africa’s smallest province is crammed with a variety of game hunting landscapes and climates. Most of the province stands on high altitude grounds, while lower hills and pieces of the Magaliesburg Mountains turn the south of the province much cooler than the drier, savannah-type land found in the north.
When it comes to big game hunting fare, Gauteng doesn’t have the biggest selection, offering hunting safari for Cape buffalo and (occasional) white rhino. The antelope side carries much more variety with zebra, black wildebeest, hartebeest, and eland; as well as impala and kudu.
North West: Plains Game Hunting and Platinum
Known for its many crucial platinum mines, South Africa’s North West province boasts savannah land thanks to its Kalahari Desert region as well as bushveld regions all within a relatively close proximity, cutting down on time wasted by traveling during your hunting adventure.
Known as plains game territory, the North West offers everything from varieties of wildebeest, springbok, and roan; to lechwe and Tsessebe. Small predators like caracal, bat-eared fox, and jackal can be found, while the big game hunting side offers chances at rhino and buffalo.
Picking your Province: Choosing the Right Hunting Adventure for You
Choosing the right destination for hunting in South Africa needs to start with a look at the type of game a hunter wishes to target. From here one can look at destination options which can be influenced by factors like local traveling distance and arrangements, preferred climate, hunting safari experience, and landscape knowledge, as well as things that need to be accounted for when traveling with families and non–hunters.
Provinces can also have their own regulations that can differ when it comes to circumstances surrounding bowhunting, night hunts, and most importantly, quotas. Hunting in South Africa is regulated through strict and straightforward quotas that can change from season to season depending on factors like animal populations, popularity, and trophy quality.
Choosing the right province for your hunting adventure can be easy once you have considered the above and any other factors that may affect you personally, like medical or accessibility needs. South Africa is a very accommodating and friendly country and many outfitters will do their level best to accommodate your safari hunting preferences and wishes.
Beyond the Hunting Safari
Apart from being a hunting adventure capital, South Africa is also a major tourist destination; drawing in crowds of visitors with varying interests. With many hunters looking for opportunities to bring the family along, a destination like South Africa offers a multitude of activities and tourism opportunities to keep the non-game hunter entertained. Many of South Africa’s tourist attractions and drawcards have a connection to the outdoors, making for adventures that can be a tame walk in the park or a jaunt on the wild side.
From the bush to the beach and almost everything in between, SA has something for everyone and every interest.
Things to do and places to see:
Northern Cape
The Northern Cape’s varied attractions take full advantage of the province’s wide-open land and expanses of nothingness.
Once the game hunting is packed up, head to Sutherland and experience South Africa’s Largest Telescope (SALT). A prime spot for those looking to enjoy the beauty of the stars above that rich safari hunting land. One of the more well-known attractions is the Big Hole found in the region of Kimberley, where one can experience the largest hand-dug mining site in the world.
Western Cape
A famous region in the Western Cape that boasts various famous places is the Klein Karoo. Apart from the incredibly beautiful landscapes, this iconic area offers fun attractions like the Cango Ostrich Farm, where visitors receive a message from the birds themselves, as well as the Cango Caves where hunters and their families can experience some of South Africa’s rich history.
A seasonal attraction that is definitely worth a bit of well-timed planning is Namaqualand. Famous the world over for its spring blossoms that bring an otherwise desert-like land to life with rich colors, Namaqualand is one memory you don’t want to miss out on capturing.
Eastern Cape
The EC region offers attractions ranging from those exploring the province’s rich history and natural beauty, to those seeking adrenaline.
If you find yourself and your hunting adventure not too far from the main city of Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth), it’s not too long a drive before you reach the seaside mecca that is Jeffrey’s Bay, a great place to wash off the dust. If you (or the family) are looking to enjoy the game drive route, head out to the famous Addo Elephant Park or Shamwari Game Reserve, both world-renowned for their wildlife and accommodation experiences.
Alternatives for those looking to take things slow and steady include the Giant Pineapple at Bathurst (with tractor rides through the farmlands, for the young and young at heart) as well as the Big Tree at Tsitsikamma. A historic tree estimated at almost 800 years old, take a simple stroll or head out on one of the various hiking trails.
KwaZulu-Natal
KZN’s famous Umgeni River area is home to the Valley of 1000 Hills, an attraction that takes full advantage of some of the province’s lushest land. The area brings boating, fishing, and even plane tours to the public, but the best way to experience this area is by the 1000 Hills Choo Choo, a historic steam–train–powered tourist experience.
For those looking to take full advantage of the province’s tropical climate; there’s the Golden Mile strip of beachfront coast as well as the iconic uShaka Marine World, combining educational activities with famous rides, marine attractions, and good food (always welcome).
For those with a hunting safari in the Drakensberg region, the area is also home to multiple tourist activities that take advantage of the area’s natural landscape, including rock climbing, hikes, river rafting, and abseiling.
Mpumalanga
While the whole Blyde River Canyons is an attraction on its own, specific locations along the way include God’s Window, where on a clear day, one can see all the way to the Lebombo Mountains bordering Mozambique.
An experience of both nature and history is the Lisbon Falls, named for the Portuguese miners who panned for gold in its flowing waters, this attraction forms part of the Panorama Route.
Limpopo
Famed for its elephant-centered activities, Bela–Bela Game Reserve is a private reserve with expert handlers and guides to bring up close and personal with Africa’s largest mammal.
A combined experience for lovers of water and birding is the Fundudzi River and Thathe Vondo Forest region where the river seems to have no outlet and the birdlife of the forest seems just as endless.
Free State
South Africa’s largest dam, the Gariep, is surrounded by a host of various accommodation facilities, from caravan parks and campsites to luxury resorts and chalet-style options.
The area is famous for its array of activities including traditional favorites like fly fishing, rafting, houseboat tours at sundown, and horseback trails centering on the dam and its awesome scenery.
Gauteng
Something to thrill everyone, especially the youngsters is Gold Reef City, South Africa’s most famous amusement park. It boasts rides for all experiences, movie theaters, a casino, and a multitude of food stalls and restaurants to experience South African fare.
A truly South African experience is Vilakazi Street in Soweto. The only street in the world to have raised two Nobel Prize winners in the form of Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu. There are various activities and attractions along the way to make this educational experience exciting.
North West
One of the best ways to experience the North West’s iconic Hartbeespoort Cableway, the longest aerial cable car ride in Africa, showcasing the wonders of both the Magaliesburg Mountains and Hartbeespoort Dam.
For those looking to enjoy a little luxury and perhaps civilization (after days in the bush) the place to go is South Africa’s famous Sun City resort. With something for everyone, this resort is a one-stop destination that will keep the whole hunting party happy.
South Africa: Something For Everyone
Hunting in South Africa provides hunters the exciting opportunity to target various game species across diverse locations within the country, with each hunting adventure a unique experience. This together, with numerous and varied tourism attractions on offer makes the destination one that should be considered for a bucket list!
See our hunting section on the website for some thrilling South African hunting experiences!
Author: A.Baker