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    The Top Ten Destinations for Hunting Trips in Africa

    September 3, 2025
    The Top Ten Destinations for Hunting Trips in Africa

    Africa is a wild, raw, dynamic, and beautiful continent, perfect for that big game or African plains game hunting trip you’ve been dreaming about! Do not let the uneducated, subjected views and impressions of others whose opinions have been formed by media releases influence your view of the “Dark Continent.” Experience and see Africa for yourself; a big game hunting adventure like no other awaits!

    We are spoilt with various choices when choosing a destination for safari hunting trips in Africa. Herewith are our top ten African big game hunting destinations for adrenaline-filled and unforgettable hunting trips in Africa. 

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    Top 10 Destinations for African Game Hunting Safaris

    Northern Namibia

    This game-rich area stretches from the Kunene River to the regions surrounding the Etosha National Park. Endemic species such as the black-faced impala and Damara dik-dik can be hunted here with limited permits being issued.

    Northern Namibia is also well known for the desert lion, huge leopard, rhinoand elephant, making it the perfect destination for African big game hunting.

    Image of elephants at a waterhole, drinking
    Northern Namibia offers vast varieties of African big game hunting species, including the rhino and African elephant.

    Niassa Reserve, Mozambique

    The Niassa Reserve is one of Africa’s most untouched and unspoiled areas, bordering the Cabo Delgado Province with Tanzania to the North.

    After all the years of civil war, Mozambique was late in offering Africa hunts. Hunting in Niassa occurs in unfenced and scarcely populated areas, emphasizing free-range elephants, Cape buffaloleopards, and lions. Big game hunting in Africa is at its wildest within the Niassa Reserve, with top-quality trophies being consistently delivered, ensuring a memorable hunting adventure.

    Limpopo Province, South Africa

    When it comes to Big 5 hunting in Africa, this popular destination has a history of delivering beyond expectations. South African outfitters are known as some of the best in the business.

    Hunting takes place on fenced-off ranches averaging 6,000 acres. Lion, elephant, Cape buffalo, and white rhino can be hunted along with various African plains game. Hunting lodges in South Africa are geared and cater to the entire family, with South African outfitters outdoing themselves by offering a multitude of non-hunting activities for observers. 

    Sable standing in the bush
    Limpopo is rated as one of the best game hunting destinations worldwide, with many species available.

    Selous Reserve, Tanzania

    The Selous, being more than 20,000 square miles, is the largest unpopulated game reserve worldwide. It is named after the famous big game hunter and British explorer Frederick Selous. The reserve can be reached utilizing domestic charter services.

    The Selous Reserve boasts one of the most significant Dangerous game and African plains game concentrations. Big game hunting includes the Cape buffalo, elephant, leopard, and lion.

    Luangwa Valley, Zambia

    The Luangwa Valley provides a vast variety of African big game hunting safaris. Dangerous game huntable species include elephants, buffalo, lions, and leopards. It is not uncommon to spot leopards during daylight hours. The tributaries of the Luangwa River provide for excellent hippo and crocodile hunts.

    African plains game favorites in the Luangwa Valley include Puku, Sitatunga, and Chobe Bushbuck.

    Caprivi Strip, Namibia

    This expanse of African heaven stretches into the borders of Zambia and Botswana and is rich with Cape buffalo, Nile crocodile, and hippo. It is situated a little north of the famous Chobe National Park. Elephant hunting also takes place. Due to the genetics of these Chobe elephants, the average tusk size ranges between 35-45 pounds.

    Hunting buffalo in the Caprivi during the dry months, May to August, is best.

    hippos in the water
    Hippo game hunting safaris, along with Nile crocodile hunting adventures, are popular pursuits in Namibia's Caprivi Strip.

    Bangweulu Swamp, Zambia

    Situated in the northern central region of Zambia, this area provides some fantastic species of African plains game antelope. No African hunting trip to the Bangweulu Swamps should exclude the fabulous Zambezi SitatungaLivingston ElandBlack LechweTsessebe, and Oribi, all adapted to the wetland areas.

    Big game hunting in the swampy riverways includes the Cape buffalo.

    Matetsi, Zimbabwe

    Matetsi is the oldest and best-known big game hunting area in Zimbabwe. It is in the Nort West area, near the Famous Victoria Falls. The location is well known for having healthy leopard and lion populations.

    Elephants, Hippos, Crocodiles, and Cape Buffalo are also available, and trophy animals are regularly produced.

    Masailand, Tanzania

    Maisailand is one of the most scenic and untouched areas within Tanzania and is situated in central Tanzania. Lion, leopard, and Cape buffalo can form part of a “full bag” game hunting safari.

    African plains game antelope are abundant and include Gerenuk, Thomson’s Gazelle, White Bearded Wildebeest, and Lesser Kudu.

    Old Cape buffao bull
    The Cape buffalo remains a sought-after Tanzanian game hunting species.

    Lake Cahora Bassa, Mozambique

    This lake is one of the largest man-made lakes in Africa and is well known for highly concentrated numbers of mature hippo Bulls. This area of Mozambique is well-known for crocodile hunting and produces prehistoric dinosaurs regularly measuring over 15 feet long.

    Africa: A Breathtaking Game Hunting Safari Destination

    Africa is undoubtedly the best big game hunting experience for international hunters. The beauty of subjective opinions regarding the best hunting destinations for African hunting trips is that we can all agree to disagree.

    elephants walking in sunset
    When are you booking your African hunting trip?

    The only man I envy is the man who has not yet been to Africa, for he has so much to look forward to — Richard Mullin

    I never knew of a morning in Africa when I woke up that I was not happy — Ernest Hemingway

    When it comes to an epic game hunting safari, Africa is the place to visit. If you enjoyed reading about the Top 10 hunting Destinations in Africa, read more about dangerous game hunting in Africa or why African hunts are growing in popularity. Don’t delay, book your African safari hunt today! 

    Author: P.C. van Wyk