No one is born a master at anything and game hunting is no different. While the act of hunting itself is relatively the same the world over, each destination brings with it its own rules and regulations, not to mention that each destination carries its own selection of hunting safari targets, climate, weapons requirements, etc.
Hunting in Africa is a dream encounter, whether you’re highly experienced or a novice. Africa has something for every level of expertise and interest; read on to find out more.
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Starting Your Game Hunting Journey
Hunting by its definition means to track and kill an animal, and in the sense of game hunting this includes shooting an animal for its “product.” This can be its skin, teeth, trophy mount, or tusks. This is a sport of constant learning and for now, we’ll start with the basics.
A Mentor and an Education
Whether you’re starting at a young age or later in life, it pays to find yourself a “mentor.” Some things need to be learned from experience, and getting a first-hand account from someone who knows the situation is the best way to go about it. A physical mentor can also tactically teach you things, like positioning shooting sticks, loading a bow, or the finer details of animal tracks; contrary to popular belief, only so much can learned from the Internet.
You’ll need to arm yourself with knowledge relating to hunting licenses, permits, and seasons. Hunting in Africa is an education in itself, as each country has its own rules regarding the above.
Safety
A firearm is a dangerous weapon and in the hands of someone inexperienced, it becomes worse. Familiarizing yourself with the basics of firearm safety is a must. These include treating all guns as loaded, not pointing at something you’re not going to shoot, keeping your finger off the trigger until the time is ready, and always making sure the surroundings are clear except for the target.
This safety extends to animal behavior too. There are game hunting safari targets that don’t go down without a fight if not shot correctly; and apart from jeopardizing the success of your hunt, this can impact the safety of you and those around you.
The Tools of the Trade
Relying on your equipment is one of the biggest things about hunting, a large part of your success or failure depends on it. Always purchase the best quality you can afford (brand names might not matter here); whether it’s your rifles and ammunition, bowhunting garb, binoculars, or clothing; having the right and most reliable equipment will go a long way to boosting your confidence and ensuring success.
Skills for Hunting in Africa and Beyond
- Stealth – moving quickly, quietly, and effectively is essential for any hunter.
- Tracking – learning to identify tracks or droppings, their direction, and if they seem viable are some of the most crucial skills you can master.
- Marksmanship – shooting properly needs to be learned before shot placement. You need to be comfortable with loading, aiming, and shooting your weapon as well as the recoil or blowback.
- Preparation – this skill involves taking the responsibility to learn about weather patterns, seasonal sunrise/sunset periods as well as the location you intend on traveling to.
- Hunting methods – different animals and landscapes require different methods. Familiarize yourself with concepts like blind and bait, spot and stalk, or walk and stalk.
Hunting in Africa: An Introduction
The continent is considered a game hunting mecca for those wanting to chase the Big 5 and African plains game alike. When embarking on one of your first hunting trips in Africa, you can be assured that the “smaller” targets on offer are just as enjoyable and exciting. The plains game selection across Africa hunt destinations is exceptionally diverse and many species are endemic either to Africa or the specific country/region in which they are found.
Destinations for hunting in Africa each set their own seasons, quotas, license structure, and weapons requirements. These regulations are subject to change at any time, and this is where you need to communicate with your outfitter or PH as they are most likely to be able to give you the most up-to-date information.
While most areas where hunting trips in Africa are offered can be considered safe, some regions sometimes experience conflict, especially in border regions. This information can be checked with your embassy or the outfitter, avoiding these specific regions is the best advice but they hardly ever affect the main hunting concessions or reserves.
Africa Hunts for Beginners: Game Hunting Destinations and Species
When learning to drive, you don’t immediately jump into a racecar, and the same goes for hunting in Africa. Your first hunt will not be for one of the Big 5 or a Nile crocodile. But don’t despair, many great game hunting species can still give you the thrill of the hunt you’re looking for.
Beginner’s hunting in Africa typically involves the hunting of African plains game, which are antelope. These species are available in many of the famous destinations for hunting trips in African.
Tanzania
Home to over 50 game hunting species, Tanzania is considered to be a mecca for hunting in Africa. Here your choice of target species will determine the license you need to purchase. The 3 main hunting areas in Tanzania are the Selous Reserve and the Masailand, as well as the western and central areas. All of Tanzania’s 150 concessions are unfenced, giving you a true sense of the African wild.
African plains game hunting targets include:
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· Suni |
· Gerenuk |
· Mountain Reedbuck |
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· Roan |
· Sable |
· Oryx |
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· Impala |
· Sitatunga |
· Red Duiker |
Botswana
This African country reopened its hunting industry in 2019 due to predation on livestock and the loss of income to communities who benefitted from hunting safari operations. The main game hunting areas in Botswana include the Okavango Delta, the Central Kalahari Game Reserve, as well as many private game ranches.
African plains game hunting safari targets include:
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· Bushbuck |
· Blesbok |
· Red hartebeest |
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· Eland |
· Oryx |
· Lechwe |
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· Warthog |
· Impala |
· Zebra |
Namibia
On average, over 5,000 hunters visit Namibia annually and like other Africa hunt destinations, game hunting takes place on private ranches, government concessions, and conservancies that allow hunting. Most of these areas are located either near the northwestern Walvis Bay area or the Zambezi (formerly Caprivi Strip) in the northeast.
Game hunting targets include:
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· Blesbok |
· Oryx |
· Ostrich |
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· Eland |
· Reedbuck |
· Wildebeest |
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· Grysbok |
· Roan |
· Baboon |
Zambia
Like other African hunt destinations, hunting in Zambia takes place in conservancies, private hunting reserves, and game management areas (GMA) and most of these are in the Kafue plateau and Luangwa Valley regions. While most ranches offer lodge-style accommodation, there are tented hunting safari options available.
African Plains game hunting targets include:
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· Kafue lechwe |
· Wildebeest |
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· Black lechwe |
· Puku |
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· Sable |
· Bushpig |
South Africa
Over 30 species of plains game are available across South Africa, and most hunts for these take place in the Limpopo and Eastern Cape provinces. A year-round hunting season is a bonus, and the recommended game hunting time is the winter months June–August.
African plains game hunting safari species include:
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· Springbok |
· Blue wildebeest |
· Reedbuck |
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· Impala |
· Waterbuck |
· Gemsbok |
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· Warthog |
· Bontebok |
· Blue, red and grey Duiker |
Mozambique
This southeast African destination has both government (coutada) and private game hunting ranches and these areas can cover over 150,000 acres. Hunting in Africa would not be complete with a stop in Mozambique, where both you and the family can be kept occupied with the many activities on offer.
African plains game species include:
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· Blue Wildbeest |
· Bushpig |
· Limpopo bushbuck |
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· Hartebeest |
· Chobe bushbuck |
· Oribi |
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· Suni |
· Blue and red duiker |
· Nyala |
Zimbabwe
Game hunting in this landlocked African country takes place on 3 types of ground, namely government hunting areas, tribal hunting areas, and private concessions. Zimbabwe is an Africa hunt destination that offers both value for money and great accommodation options.
African plains game species include:
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· Kudu |
· Eland |
· Sable |
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· Waterbuck |
· Bushbuck |
· Warthog |
|
· Tsessebe |
· Bushpigs |
· Impala |
Hunting in Africa: What to Pack
The clothing and apparel you pack can impact your success when hunting in Africa. The following are some basic recommendations for what to add into your luggage.
Colors
To best blend in with the African environment, your color options are khaki, light brown, and tan. Animals are highly perceptible to dark colors so clothing in black, dark grey, or navy could highlight your movement and spook them. Darker colors are also more likely to trap heat, the last thing you need if you’re out under the hot African sun.
Weather-related Needs
The winter months usually bring rainfall to most countries, especially in southern Africa; while summer monsoons bring tropical storms and heavy rains to those higher up the coast. If in doubt, pack a rain poncho or light waterproof jacket, nothing too heavy that might affect your movement or shooting ability.
Speaking of weather-related, a thick jacket for cold mornings and evenings is also a must.
Shoes
Good boots are a must with any hunting safari. Given that most African hunts involve high amounts of walking, you need to ensure that your boots are supportive, comfortable, and well broken in. If there’s a high chance your boots might get wet, consider packing 2 pairs; wet boots can increase your risk of blisters and draw mosquitos while hunting in Africa.
Clothing Suggestions
Long sleeves and long pants are usually the order of the day when hunting in Africa. A lot of our bush and shrubbery contains thorns, and these garments will provide a layer of protection against these little stabbings. Quality hunting clothes have anti-rip seams and fabric that is strong yet lightweight for breathability and movement. Clothing that gives more coverage will also be an added measure of protection from the harsh sun while on an Africa hunt and clothing or hats with UPF factors are highly recommended. By covering more of your body, you’re also more likely to avoid bug bites and stings, which are never pleasant.
A General List
A lot of hunting safari resorts and reserves offer reliable laundry services so you don’t need to pack an entire cupboard:
- Underwear and socks suitable for your boots.
- At least 3 long-sleeved/short-sleeved shirts for being out on the hunt.
- A lightweight raincoat and warm jacket (fleece or soft shell) depending on the season, time, and location of your hunt and accommodation.
- Hat and beanie (depending on your hunting season)
- 3 pairs of hunt-suitable pants
- Shorts and casual shirts can be worn when back at your accommodation.
- Toiletry and hygiene products (mosquitos can be attracted to odor, especially foot odor)
- General first aid products and any chronic medication.
- Sun and bug protection products.
Home Truths: Game Hunting Concepts You Need to Accept
Take it Slowly
Hunting in Africa and hunting in general is ultimately a test of patience and will. Spotting, tracking, and stalking requires you to be deliberate and patient; you can’t just charge through the bushveld, run down a hill, or jump from your blind when an animal is in sight. Learn to evaluate the situation properly, taking the time to read the environment and the animal’s behavior can greatly improve your odds.
Wounded Animals Happen
Game hunting animals, just like nature, can be extremely unpredictable. The animal you’re stalking can suddenly charge or run off (either towards or away from you) and when this happens during a shot it’s unlikely you’ll hit where you need to. You’ll need to know skills in tracking wounded animals and how to fire the shot correctly on the second or even third attempt. These situations happen.
Not Every Hunt will be Successful
Failure while on a hunting safari is inevitable and these situations will be some of the biggest teaching moments on your hunting journey. Whether it’s due to human error, planning a hunt at a bad time, or an unexpected change in the weather, these things happen, and you’ll be more prepared for it the next time it happens. Your hunt might not end with a trophy, but the lesson will be even more valuable in the long run.
Have Respect
Game hunting is pretty much as old as the Earth itself, and if it weren’t for nature mankind would not have made it this far. So show respect for nature and uphold the honorable side of hunting. Leave the environment the way you found it, follow rules regarding quotas and weapon requirements, listen to the advice of your PH and outfitter; and most importantly, respect the animal.
Don’t Beat Yourself Up
Every hunter, regardless of knowledge or years of experience has moments where they kick themselves. Africa hunts and hunts in general always have an element of adrenaline and stress which can impact your decision-making and confidence level. These moments are as guaranteed as getting a mosquito bite: Learn from them and move on.
Quick Tips for Visiting Africa
- Read up on your game hunting destination’s rules regarding permits, weapons, and money. Some countries have strict rules regarding cash brought in by foreigners.
- Don’t forget to pack protection; sun protection is non-negotiable during the daytime and at night bring out mosquito or bug repellant (containing DEET). Africa has its fair share of little biters and critters.
- When hunting in Africa it’s wise to remember that a lot of African cultures are conservative, both in dress and behavior. This is especially true for the more rural or village areas.
- Read up on your hunting safari area to see if there are any specific health concerns or vaccinations that you need cover. Some only apply during times when there are active cases, so be sure to check.
- A standard passport rule in most African countries is that it must be valid for at least 30 days after you’ve left the country.
Hunting in Africa: An Adventure Like No Other
As your hunting abilities and experience grow, so your Africa hunts will grow with you. Starting with African plains game only ensures that one day you’ll be ready to chase the rest of Africa’s game hunting targets like the Dangerous 7.
Learn more about hunting in Africa in our handy blog entitled: A Beginner’s Guide to an Africa Hunting Trip.
We look forward to being your partner on your hunting safari journey.
Author: A. Baker