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The Springbok Slam: Iconic African plain game hunt in Limpopo
Booking Season: 2025/2026
Hunt Difficulty: Moderate
Designed by Hunters, for Hunters
Apart from being their national animal, and the name of South Africa’s award-winning rugby team, the springbok (Antidorcas marsupialis) is a medium-sized antelope found mainly in southern and southwestern Africa and remains a firm favorite of hunters on an African plains game hunting safari. Springbucks prefer a habitat consisting of arid and semi-arid regions, with vegetation including sparse bush and shrub regions of treeless plains and open veld. When on a game hunting safari targeting springbuck in South Africa, some of the best hunting takes place in the Eastern Cape (Karoo area) and Kalahari regions, as well as the Free State and Northern Cape provinces. This popular antelope often forms part of an African plains game hunting safari, of which South Africa has many plains game options available. This elegant antelope is recognized by their unique and striking coloring on their small to medium frame. Their backs range in color from a reddish-brown to light brown, with a dark line separating the brown from their white underbellies and backside. Springbucks also have a dark stripe across their faces and both sexes have a set of black horns that curve backward and can reach between 14-20 inches. This majestic antelope can reach speeds of up to 55 miles per hour.
The springbuck gets their name from the Afrikaans words “spring,” meaning jump, and “bok” meaning antelope. The name is very fitting since springbuck has the amazing ability to jump straight up in the air, reaching up to 10 feet! The International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) lists the status of the springbok as that of “least concern,” with no immediate threats to its survival. No special permits are required for springbuck hunting in South Africa.
Shot Placement when Springbok Hunting in South Africa
Springbucks are usually hunted using the spot and stalk method from a vehicle, after which the walk and stalk method is utilized. This is usually quite a challenging stalk, as springbucks tend to stay in their herd, with more eyes and ears around to spot or hear the hunter. This results in the hunter being more likely to take long-distance shots on his African game hunting safari. When it comes to shot placement when springbuck hunting in South Africa, the best possible shot to take this antelope on would be the shoulder while it is standing broadside to the hunter. The aim should be a third of the way up the front shoulder. A headshot is not advised, except during culling, as any hope of a decent springbuck game hunting trophy will be ruined.
What Caliber Rifle is used when Hunting Springbok in South Africa?
As the hunter may be shooting open areas and long ranges, the best rifle choice would be one with a flat trajectory. A recommended caliber when springbuck hunting in South Africa is a .243 or a .270, while larger rifles in the thirty calibers such as a 30.06, .308- and 300-Win Mag will also ensure a quick and humane kill on your springbok game hunting safari.
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