Hunting is one of those things that requires personal choice. It needs the hunter to evaluate their hunting skills and experience levels, as well as the types of species they’d like to target (and if they are up to the challenge).
Luckily, there are plenty of options when it comes to a hunting safari in South Africa. Across its nine provinces, South Africa offers everything from big game hunting opportunities tackling the Big Five, incredible hunting packages for plains game, and as well as some specialty game options.
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Choose your Weapons
Whether you’re looking at targeting the Big 5 or want to try your hand at African plains game, South Africa allows you to choose the best hunting tool to suit your abilities and preferences. Shot requirements in South Africa’s hunting industry are clearly laid out and keep both the hunter’s safety and humane hunting in mind.
A Rifle Hunting Safari in South Africa
The most traditional route, the rifle is the most reliable and versatile hunting weapon. South Africa’s hunting industry has very specific declarations surrounding which game requires what caliber of weapon, this is to ensure the most effective and humane shot possible to make the hunt successful.
Requirements by Game Classification
- Big game hunting ammunition depends on the animal targeted
- Elephant and rhino – .450 caliber and above, solid bullets only
- Lion and leopard – minimum caliber calls for .375, but .416 is recommended for the quickest outcome.
- Cape buffalo – a notoriously difficult animal, the buffalo calls for a minimum of .375, but heavier calibers like the .416 or 458 are strongly recommended.
- African plains game can be readily taken with the standard .375 or by .300 depending on the size of the animal.
- Hunting safaris for small game can be tackled using a .243 or 20–28 gauge shotgun if that’s more your preference
Firearms Rules
Some of the basic rules and guidelines when it comes to packing your weapons for hunting in South Africa include:
- Each hunter may bring in 4 firearms, however they must be of varying calibers.
- All ammunition must match the firearms and hunters are limited to 200 rounds or 11 pounds of ammunition per firearm.
- Semi-automatic firearms may only be imported and used for wing shooting.
- No automatic weapons or firearms for personal protection purposes are allowed.
- No individuals under the age of 21 are allowed to import firearms or apply for a firearms permit under their own name. An adult over the age of 21 will need to do so on their behalf.
Bowhunting
A more personal form of hunting that requires a different skill set is bowhunting. Hunting safaris using this method requires special permission depending on the province or farm, and PHs need to be specifically qualified in leading bowhunting safaris.
Bowhunting Requirements
Big game hunting in South Africa can be done through this method as long as one adheres to the regulations below:
Animal | Requirements |
Buffalo and giraffe | 80 – 90-pound draw mass and 750-grain |
Lion | 60-pound draw mass and 500 grain |
Bowhunting for African plains game is also permitted following the stipulated requirements:
Animal | Requirements |
Small Game Birds/fowl, small predators/cats, small antelope | 40-pound draw mass and 300 grain |
Medium Game Impala, blesbuck, nyala, springbuck, warthog, bushpig etc. | 50 pound draw mass and 400 grain |
Large Game Wildebeest, hartebeest, kudu, zebra, sable, waterbuck etc. | 60-pound draw mass and 500 grain |
It needs to be noted that rhinos and elephants may not be hunted using the bow method.
From Dawn till Dusk and Beyond
Daylight Hunting
A hunting safari in South Africa typically takes place in the daylight hours 30 minutes after sunrise and continues till 30 minutes after sunset. Hunting during the day provides some of the best visual opportunities as well as a chance to truly see your surroundings and take in the landscape.
This hunting is seen as the standard and doesn’t require any special arrangement or permission from the landowner or outfitter.
Game Hunting at Night
Night-time safari hunting is a completely different ball game. Firstly, a night hunting safari in South Africa requires special applications and permission, sometimes this requires extra charges per hunter to cover the special licenses and fees.
Night-time hunting requires hunters to be well-attuned with their abilities and their senses. With diminished light, hearing and even smell become even more important; as well as memory and remembering your landmarks and direction.
Hunting Methods
Oftentimes when booking your Africa hunting trip, the method will be shown as part of the hunting advertisement. The method you choose needs to factor in your experience, physical abilities, and other strengths or weaknesses.
Going by Foot: Stalking and Tracking
Most hunting safaris in South Africa follow this method, including both those for big game hunting and African plains game offerings. While both options are similar, stalking often starts with a glassing session; this is where the hunter and PH will find an elevated landmark and scan the environment using binoculars. From here the hunting party will leave in the direction of the desired area.
While “going by foot” is the main idea, these hunting methods will employ the use of 4×4 or off-road vehicles up until a certain point or until the herd or target is spotted. From then on it will be a case of footwork to track or stalk the animal until the shot is made.
In a Blind
The use of a blind on a hunt is sometimes used for big game hunting setups. This method involves the use of bait in the form of an African plains game (wildebeest, zebra, antelope, etc.) being strung up in an area where the lion, leopard, or croc target is known to frequent. The blind is then built near the bait station in a manner that ensures the best possible chance of a good shot. Using a blind also gives the hunter and a PH a good opportunity to scope out the target and judge its quality.
Many other African plains game as well as specialty species can be hunted from a blind that is often set up near a water hole to target the animals as they come to drink, for example, sable, warthogs, and bushpigs.
The building of a blind is one of the responsibilities of the outfitter.
Taking the Trophy Home – or Not: Exportable versus Non-Exportable Hunts
When hunting, one of the main questions you should ask yourself is whether you intend to hunt for a trophy or not. Trophy hunting safari in South Africa is the main drawcard; after all, the best way to relive a successful African hunt experience is to have some form of trophy sitting above your mantle or standing proudly in the corner. But these trophies are expensive and run up the overall costs of the hunt. Taxidermy and overseas transportation is expensive, especially when things like permits, labor, and taxes get factored in.
If this is your dream and you have the budget, then let’s make it happen! Trophy hunting also calls for a bit extra planning and consideration as finding a good trophy specimen needs a bit more time and energy.
Non–exportable hunts are perfect for those looking to finally experience the thrill of an African hunt and add the experience to their “been there, done it” list. This type of hunting safari might not produce the best specimen, but it will still deliver in terms of the encounter. Typically, the animals advertised and targeted on non–non-exportable hunt offerings are the ones that have aged out of the breeding/mating pool, showing signs of poor genetics, or have become problematic in their behavior. When it comes to managing populations, cull hunts too fall under the umbrella of non–exportable hunt offerings.
Non–exportable hunts are a good option for those wanting the South African hunting experience but have budget limitations, live in areas where trophies aren’t allowed, or simply don’t feel the need to have a mount on their wall.
Targets for your Hunting Safari in South Africa
Big Game Hunting: The Traditional Choice
· Lion (Panthera leo)
The king of big game hunting in South Africa and beyond is a hunt that requires experience and skill. An average lion hunt clocks in at 7–10 days depending on factors like tracking and baiting as well as the weather and type of trophy wanted. Of the provinces in SA lion safari hunting is most commonly offered in the Limpopo, Northern Cape, and Mpumalanga provinces.
· Leopard (Panthera pardus)
Leopards are shy yet highly territorial with keenly attuned senses of hearing and smell. Leopard hunting often relies on their love of hauling prey (or bait) up a tree and settling into their meal. Using this advantage lowers the risk of the leopard engaging in their sprinting abilities and taking off into the distance! Although legal to hunt in South Africa, no tags have been issued for quite a while – check with your African outfitter in terms of availability.
· Black (Diceros bicornis) and White (Ceratotherium simum) rhinoceros
South Africa is one of two countries offering rhino hunting opportunities. Despite the obvious, the best way to judge which rhino is which is to take a look at their mouth and jaw shape. Black rhinos are browsers with a pointed mouth shape helping them to pick off sticks, bark, and bush leaves. White rhinos are grazers with a straight and flat lawnmower–like mouth assisting them in mowing through African grasses.
Hunting opportunities for rhinos are some of the most stringently controlled and are limited to strict quota allowances.
· Elephant (Loxodonta afrikana)
The biggest of South Africa’s dangerous game targets, the African elephant makes for a walking-intensive hunting adventure. Much like rhino hunts, an elephant hunting safari in South Africa is limited to quota numbers, and hunts are known to be booked years in advance. An average elephant hunt can last 14–21 days depending on the area and how far the herd or target needs to be tracked.
· Cape buffalo (Syncerus caffer caffer)
An extremely robust and tough-as-nails animal, the Cape buffalo can be a challenging hunt requiring exact shot placement and a heavy caliber to take the Black Death down as quickly as possible. Lasting 7–10 days, a buffalo hunt can be extremely rewarding.
· Nile crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus)
A more unique trophy coming out of a hunting safari in South Africa, the Nile crocodile is an impressive trophy that first demands patience and then impeccable shot placement. Hunted in the waterways of the Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces, this hunt can last 5–10 days depending on if the hunt is carried out from the shore or by blind.
· Hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibius)
The River Horse as the hippo is affectionately known, finds itself on the list of dangerous yet exciting big game hunting options due to their sometimes aggressive and territorial nature. Lasting 7–10 days, a hippo hunting safari in South Africa typically takes place in Limpopo and lasts and is often coupled with another target, such as the Nile crocodile, as they share the same habitats.
African Plains Game: Antelope Hunts
South Africa is home to many prime hunting species of the African plains game category. Spread across the country, a hunter is guaranteed to find an antelope to satisfy their game hunting desire; as well as chalking up a memorable and rewarding experience, especially if those prize horns travel back home.
Bang for your Bucks – or Dollars!
South Africa is home to a variety of African plains game, with some provinces known to produce enormous trophy specimens. These hunts can be great value for money on the own or coupled up with another African hunt to give you the full experience.
Kudu
South Africa is home to the Greater kudu (Tragelaphus strepsiceros). Males are known for their magnificent spiraling horns and a grey-brown coat, rather than the reddish brown seen on the females. One of the largest antelope under the African plains game umbrella, the male Greater kudu can reach 600 pounds at maturity with horns measuring over 40 inches, if they were straight.
Impala
A medium-sized antelope, the Impala (Aepyceros melampus) has a beautiful red-brown and tan coat and graceful build similar to the gazelle. Only males grow the impressive thick and ridged lyre-shaped horns. These antelope can be found across South Africa from the Eastern Cape to the Free State, and Limpopo provinces
Eland
Eland can be found across the country. This impressive antelope is known for its sprinting and leaping abilities with jumps of over 6 feet being recorded, made all the more special when you consider their size and title of second largest antelope worldwide.
Nyala
Known here as the Lowland Nyala (Tragelaphus angasii), this antelope has some of the most unique coat markings found on an antelope species. When juveniles age, their coats move from rusty brown to dark brown (almost grey) with vertical white stripes on their sides and white markings on their face. Both sexes grow the trademark “Mohawk” – type crest running the length of the back, while only males grow horns.
Gemsbok
A member of the Oryx family, the gemsbok (Oryx gazella) is a striking game hunting antelope. Both sexes grow horns measuring up to and over 33 inches with the males being slightly thicker, these come in handy when battling over breeding, territory, or fending off predators like lions. Preferring a drier climate, the gemsbok can be found in the Northern Cape, North West, and Free State provinces.
Tiny Targets
South Africa is home to a group of antelope nicknamed the Tiny Ten. These African plains game offer an exciting and fun alternative to the big game hunting targets commonly taken on. They can be tackled as a complete safari hunting experience on their own or as an addition to the main hunt.
Oribi (Ourebia ourebi)
A small target, the Oribi resembles a small springbok at a quick glance thanks to its coloring and build. Reaching a maximum of 35 inches in height, Oribi can be found in KZN, Mpumalanga, and Eastern Cape provinces.
Klipspringer
Highly vigilant and highly skilled at maneuvering their way over the rocky regions they call home; the Klipspringer is a unique-looking trophy sure to be a conversation starter.
Duiker
Duiker hunting safari in South Africa focuses on 3 species, the Blue, Gray, and Red Duiker. These hunts require caution and patience as the hunter almost needs to draw the buck out of the grass or forest undergrowth depending on the species. These small African plains game species can be found across the country and can be an exciting hunt offering, especially for a family or small group setting.
Small and speedy, these little antelope are masters of camouflage and as fast as they appear, they can sprint off into the long grasses.
For an in-depth look at South Africa’s small antelope listed above as well as others, click here for our blog about A Small Antelope Hunting Safari in South Africa
For the Birds: Wing Shooting
While South Africa may be known for big game hunting and African plains game safaris, wing shooting is a fast-growing choice for many hunters. These hunts are typically shorter, lasting 2–4 days, and are offered according to set season guidelines, with some bird hunts offering the chance to get the hounds involved, bringing a throwback to the golden days gone by. Wing shooting is offered across South Africa with species like Quail, Grouse, Egyptian geese, doves, pigeons, Spur fowl, and Guinea fowl.
A bonus is that these trips are often geared towards a group of 2–4 hunters, making them a great and fun challenge for friends.
Hunting in South Africa: The Last Word
South Africa is a land known for its diversity of people and culture, which carries over into its wildlife. There is a South African hunt for everyone, whether you’re starting out or looking for the next challenge. Safari hunting in our area will keep you coming back for more, after all, one trip down the proverbial buffet is never enough.
Find what you’re looking for and more in our 9 provinces, we’ll help you get there!
Check out our latest hunting safaris in South Africa.
Author: A. Baker