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South African Culture: Big Game Hunting in South Africa

South Africa: Big Game Hunting

Mariam Noronha

If you are looking for a hunting experience that is both challenging and exciting then options abound across concession areas in South Africa. A diverse assortment of game animals, good accommodation, a wide range of culinary expertise and the watchful eye of professional hunters are all some of the perks of big game hunting here in the Dark Continent.

Game Species

South Africa offers diversity in game species which is way beyond the Big Five. Variations in climatic conditions and topography exist across the country provide habitats for different game species.

Lion, Leopard, Buffalo (Cape), White Rhino, Hippopotamus and Elephant, all species of dangerous game are found here.

South Africa is also home to Kudu, Bushbuck, Bontebok, Gemsbok, Giraffe, Impala, Lechwe, Ostrich, Mountain Reedbuck, Roan Antelope, Sable Antelope, Springbok, Black Backed Jackal, Blesbok, Bush Pig and the Zebra and many more plains game species.

Hunting Areas

Almost all hunting in South Africa is done on private game farms that span anything from 2,000 acres to 40,000 acres or in controlled areas in provincial game reserves. Here is a look at some of the hunting provinces in the country.

Limpopo Bushveld

A large part of the Kruger National Park lies in Limpopo, South Africa's most northerly province which is home to Brant's Climbing Mouse weighing just a few grams, the African elephant which could easily weigh up to seven thousand kilograms and every game species in between. Many colorful birds are also found in this area. April-September is the best time to visit the province. Warm days and chilly evenings are the highlight of winter which is the best time of the year to hunt in this area.

Eastern Free State

Hunting is available all year round in the Free State Province which offers some breathtaking landscapes dotted with grasslands, sandstone hills and mountains. However, March-May and August-October are the best times to hunt here. Most tour operators conduct safaris in the area and the use of horses only adds to the excitement of the hunting experience.

Kalahari

Camel Thorn trees and sparse vegetation cover rolling sand dunes in the Kalahari which spans the North West and Northern Cape of South Africa and stretches in to Namibia and Botswana. Herds of plains game make this area attractive for hunting expeditions. The area is also inhabited by the Bushmen who are accomplished trackers.

Eastern Cape

The area is home to all popular plains game species of Africa as well as some like the Vaal Rhebok which are hard to find elsewhere. Africa's numerous antelope species can be spotted across large game provinces across the province. Bordering the area is Karoo, a semi-arid desert region and the Indian Ocean. The climate here varies from hot summers to frosty winters and heavy rainfall during the monsoon.

Lowveld

Most of the Kruger National Park lies in the province and an abundance of game can be found here except Blesbok, Springbok and Black Wildebeest, which are exclusively plains dwellers. The Big Five roam freely in and around Kruger but hunting within Kruger is not an option. The concession areas around Kruger however offer excellent opportunities for hunting.

Trophy Hunting

Undoubtedly the most challenging experience for a hunter, trophy hunting in Africa could take you to many remote areas in the country. South Africa offers the availability of experienced outfitters, good infrastructure and diversity of trophy animals all of which are essential for a good trophy hunting experience. Those in search of trophy hunting expeditions should know that the logistics and high cost of establishing a camp in remote areas could push up the total cost.

Tips for Hunters

Vaccinations against Hepatitis A and B, diphtheria, tetanus and polio are recommended. Nearly all of South Africa is malaria free but the disease is endemic in KwaZulu, Natal, Lowveld, Limpopo and on the Maputaland coast. Travelers visiting these areas during the months of December-May must consult a doctor for the latest advice on malaria prophylaxis. There are no mandatory vaccinations for travelers from Europe and North America.

Light cotton clothing in olive green and sand colors with sturdy shoes covering the ankle are recommended for hunters. Shoes must be shaken out before wearing. Warm pajamas and sweaters are required to keep warm in cool mornings and chilly nights.

Hunters should be watchful and careful while walking in the bush. Careful listening for sounds is essential to steer clear of snakes. And those visitors staying in tented camps must zip their tents up completely.

Accommodation Options

A wide range of accommodation options from comfortable to luxurious are available in all hunting and concession areas across the country. Safari style tents and bungalows with thatched roofs and attached bathrooms blending with the surrounding areas are common alternatives. Dietary requirements can also be taken care of and there are two full meals, plenty of snacks and beverages available.

Hunting Packages

All hunting packages include lodging and boarding, transportation and the services of a professional hunter. Beginners' packages, hunting and fishing packages, Plains Game and Kruger are just some of the many hunting packages on offer from tour operators who specialize in big game hunting in the country. Corporate hunting packages and incentives are also available. A quick internet search throws up many options and depending on budget and requirements there are a number of alternatives available.

An array of hunting opportunities and the presence of thousands of licensed professional hunters together make hunting in South Africa different from hunting in any other country in Africa.

Flight Tickets

Expedia has good flight deals and flight, hotels and car hire packages for South Africa.

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