When planning a game hunting safari, most hunters have a very good idea of what they plan on targeting, whether it be big game hunting, dangerous game, specialty game, or perhaps they are longing for an incredible African plains game experience.

All these targeted species are, in fact, in their own way, unique and special. But some animals just need to be highlighted for their special characteristics that make them stand out from the crowd, whether good or bad. Maybe they are the most ferocious, perhaps the fastest, or even the most cunning to target on an African hunting safari.

Let’s take a closer look at some of Africa’s unique game hunting species.

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Fastest Land Animal: The Cheetah

This award would definitely go to the cheetah, a member of the African cat family. Their speed puts them in the perfect position of being able to hunt down prey, while being able to accelerate tremendously within single strides. These felines are incredibly lightweight and agile and have earned the award of fastest mammal with incredible speeds of up to 120 miles per hour!The bad news for humans is, that the top speed recorded by a sprinter was in 2009, by Usain Bolt, which was 27.78 mph…so whatever you do, don’t annoy a cheetah as you won’t win the foot race! At the moment, Namibia is the only African country where you can enjoy a cheetah game hunting safari.

Most Aggressive: The Hippo

While you may fondly remember Gloria, the hippo from Madagascar, unfortunately, the hippos you encounter in the wild do not match her in personality! They may be herbivorous, and look cute and chubby with short stubby legs, but, they are, in fact, the most aggressive creatures you will encounter when hunting in Africa. Weighing from around 3,300 pounds upwards, this animal is pure muscle, with huge incisors that are almost 2 feet in length. These tusks are made of extremely hard ivory and are sharpened when they grind them against one another, making them even deadlier. Hippos will defend themselves, their pod, and their territory against other hippos, predators, and humans. Hippo mothers are the most aggressive animals on earth, be careful to never separate a hippo cow from her calf, it could literally be the last thing you do. Hippos are said to kill about 500 humans per year, don’t be part of that statistic!

They are just as dangerous out of the water as in water and don’t think that you can outrun one, as they can reach speeds of up to 30 miles per hour. Hippos are found throughout Southern Africa, so you can plan your hunting safari accordingly.

Most Cunning: The Leopard

• The leopard is a member of the African cat family. It is a carnivore that prefers to spend its day hiding and resting in caves or bushes, and up trees. When hunting in Africa, consider yourself extremely lucky should you spot one of these beautiful specimens during the day, as it is an extremely rare occurrence.
• Leopards are shy, and elusive and camouflage themselves exceptionally well. They are nocturnal predators, hunting during the night and managing to target and kill prey larger than themselves. They are extremely agile and spend a great deal of time in trees, where they not only hide from other predators but also store their prey and keep it safe from other predators, such as lions.
• Leopards are hunted for their incredible pelt and are one of Africa’s Big 5 and Dangerous 7 game animals, making for an incredible game hunting adventure!
• Leopards are found in most Southern African countries, such as Namibia, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Mozambique, and Tanzania.
• Leopard hunting is not available in South Africa, and it has been years since South Africa has granted any hunting permits.

Largest Land Animal: The African Elephant

The African elephant takes this title hands down! One of Africa’s big game hunting targets, the African elephant is available to hunt throughout Southern Africa, including South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, Mozambique, and Zambia.

As a member of Africa’s Big 5 and Dangerous 7, the African elephant is by no means a pushover and will stand its ground when confronted. A male bull stands around 10,2 feet at the shoulder and weighs approximately 13,200 pounds. It defends itself with its tusks and can get very aggressive when agitated.

Smallest Antelope: The Royal Antelope

This pigmy antelope is the size of a large rabbit and weighs up to 6 pounds. Being so tiny, royal antelopes are notorious for being experts at camouflaging themselves within the dense underbrush and thick vegetation of West Africa’s rainforests.

They are found in Ghana, Ivory Coast, Liberia, Guinea, and Sierra Leone.

Most Dangerous: The Cape Buffalo

• As a member of the Big 5 and the Dangerous 7, the Cape buffalo is a sought-after big game hunting trophy.
• It is available to hunt throughout Southern Africa, including South Africa, Tanzania, Mozambique, Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Botswana.
• Known as “Africa’s Black Death” or the “Widow Maker,” it is an extremely dangerous animal to hunt. It is known as being extremely aggressive, easily agitated, grumpy, and it holds a grudge.
• There have been reports of Cape buffalos targeting lions that have attacked the herd and even humans who have hunted or attempted to hunt them.
• This animal is 100% fearless and is a challenge to hunt. Be afraid, be very afraid! Are you ready to take up the challenge of a Cape buffalo hunting adventure?

Most Camouflaged: The Puff Adder

• Snakes are something that most game hunters are nervous about encountering during an African hunting trip. Although most snakes will prefer to turn and not attack, they will attack if threatening, or if possibly stepped on.
• This may sound far-fetched, but some snakes can camouflage themselves exceptionally well, which is why the puff adder gets the award for best camouflaged.
• Puff adders are part of the viper family, and even though this snake pictured above looks short and fat, this is in fact, a healthy young puff adder.
• The puff adder is an exceptionally dangerous snake to be bitten by because if the bite wound is not treated, the surrounding tissue will rot and need to be removed. Death is a possibility.
• Puff adders are notorious for biting people, but they normally only attack when stepped on, or aggravated. Their camouflage hides them well in their habitat, see the image below.

Most Likely To Head To Water When In Danger: The Waterbuck

The waterbuck, both the Defassa Waterbuck and the Common Waterbuck, are known to flee to the water when danger calls. They are excellent swimmers, leaving their predators high and dry on the edge of the marsh, river or estuary while they head into deep waters to escape.

The Common Waterbuck can be hunted throughout Southern Africa, while the Defassa Waterbuck can be targeted in Zambia as well as Tanzania.

Fiercest: The Honey Badger

• The honey badger is renowned as being an animal that should not be messed with. It is relatively small but tough, and words such as “fierce,” “fearless” and “vicious” have been used to describe this aggressive creature.Honey badgers are also known as “ratels” in South Africa.
• In fact, many years ago the South African Defence Force named its tanks “Ratels,” eluding to the fierce, fearless, and never-say-die attitude that these animals bring to the fore.
• Honey badgers are known as bold, opportunistic hunters. They are omnivores whose diet varies according to which type of food is in abundance at the time.
• They also have a particular fondness for honey and will hunt, together with a bird called a honeyguide. These honeyguides will guide the honey badger to bee hives. The honey badger then breaks open the hive, taking their fill and leaving the nest for the honeyguide to enjoy.
• You will not find a more aggressive or ill-tempered animal than a honey badger. They are preyed on by the large cats, including lions and leopards. Unfortunately for these large predators, the honey badger didn’t get the memo that it is prey, and it will not back down when attacked. It has been known to attack lions and even Cape buffalos when in danger!
• The honey badger can be hunted throughout Southern Africa and usually takes the form of a night hunting adventure, making the game hunting experience even more exhilarating!

Least Likely to Run: Hippos, Cape Buffalo Bulls & African Elephants

African hunts are not the place for “sissies” and this is prevalent when we look at some animals that are said to be confident and willing to face danger head-on and the hunters that face them. While to a certain extent this might be generalizing, keep in mind that when big game hunting in Africa, these animals will retaliate, and they will stand their ground.

A special mention here again about the hippo cows and their young, do not get between them, they will take you out without a second’s remorse!

A quick thought comes to mind here, when addressing this category of animals: Ensure that your shot placement is correct and on target – and that your first shot counts!

You do not want to be in the situation where you are trampled by an adult African elephant bull, they can do major damage, and perhaps, death would be preferable here. The Cape Buffalo is known to gorge with its strong horns while the hippo will take you out on land or in water.

Again: Make that first shot count and be ready for the follow-up!

Game Hunting in Africa: Are You Ready?

We have listed some unique and interesting species, along with their special characteristic or features. Read more about African plains game, dangerous game hunting or specialty animals on offer.

Are you ready to meet these species on their home turf and do battle with them? Let us help you make it happen! Read more about Hunting Trips in Africa and what makes this destination so unforgettable. 

Author: B. Hershensohnn