The passing of the late American trophy hunter Asher Watkins in Africa shouldn’t cow you from exploring the best hunting safari in South Africa. The fear of losing your life to a buffalo or lion is real, but the excitement of hunting in the African wild washes away all this fear.
South African hunting safaris are, generally, safe. However, you need professional outfitters to take you through the dos and don’ts of the hunting safari. These guides only take you to the designated private reserves and any other certified land for wildlife hunting. Well, this article tells you everything you need to know about safari hunting in the Zulu kingdom.
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Where is the Best Hunting Safari in South Africa?
An African safari has inexhaustible options for real travel. But, the best hunting safari in South Africa sits a notch higher. It’s surreal, and a perfect pick for adrenaline junkies. These five places hold a reputation of the most amazing safari hunting destinations in South Africa.
1. Limpopo Province
Limpopo is the wildlife hunting hub in the Rainbow Nation. This province is in the north, bordering Botswana to the west, Zimbabwe to the South, and Mozambique to the East. Moreover, Limpopo is a border province with Gauteng, and Mpumalanga. As the home province of the globally famous Kruger National Park, game hunting is big business here.
A hunting safari in Limpopo Province. Photo/
The rugged and varied terrain with mountains and bushveld makes it an ideal place for hunting. Spotting the big five is easy, so are other high trophy wildlife such as the impala, kudu and nyala. Seasoned game hunters and first-time hunters enjoy a classic African bushveld experience in Limpopo, one of the best hunting safari in South Africa.
2. Eastern Cape
Eastern Cape hunting safari. Photo/Karoo Safaris
Eastern Cape’s Malaria-free status makes South Africa a prime destination for hunting safaris. You can tag along with your family to these hunting sprees without worrying too much about your health. Eastern Cape has dense bushes, rolling hills, and plains where kudu, black wildebeest, elands and the big five live in huge numbers.
3. Free State
The grasslands and gold plains make the Free State not only the best hunting safari in Africa, but also a place with a unique game hunting experience. It has this special aura with a hunting experience that reminds you of a classic African highveld.
Hunting safari in South Africa. Photo/The Hunter’s Dream Safari
Free State is best-suited for long-range hunting and hunting of species such as blesbok, black wildebeest, springbok and red hartebeest. The scenery is well visible. Further, its open country setting allows hunters to deploy spot and stalk hunting methods for smaller animals such as antelopes.
4. North West Province
The North West Province sits right next to the famous Pilanesberg Game Reserve, an area offering a mix of open grasslands and bushveld, making it ideal for wildlife hunting. It’s easily accessible from Johannesburg, which adds to its convenience. You’ll find healthy populations of white rhino (available for carefully regulated conservation hunting), sable antelope, and other plains game.
The Northern province is home to many well-managed hunting ranches. A big reason why the north appears as one of the best hunting safari in South Africa is the abundance of trophy animals. Besides, it’s close to OR Tambo International Airport.
5. KwaZulu-Natal
KwaZulu-Natal gives you a very different kind of ground, with to-sea-coastal forests and the grand Drakensberg range. This is one of the places where you can hunt down the indigenous nyala in its natural habitat. Cape buffaloes, reedbucks, and bushbucks are also plentiful in this region. Experienced hunters fare better in its rugged terrains where nyala hide.
How Much Does it Cost to go on a Hunting Safari in South Africa?
The cost of the best hunting safari in South Africa stretches from $3000 to north of $10,000, or more for a week-long hunting safari experience. The amount could be more if the safari extends beyond a week. The cost of the safari is dependent on several factors, such as accommodation, type of game hunting, and the number of hunters.
For example, a single hunter with only one professional guide pays at least $450 per day. If you choose two professional guides, per day is around $380. Trophy fees is also different depending on the size of the animal. Ideally, trophy fees start at $500 to $15,000. The more the fees, the bigger the animal. That’s the beauty of the best hunting safari in South Africa.
What is the Best Month to Hunt in South Africa?
May to September is the best time to visit South Africa for hunting safari. April opens the best safari hunting in South Africa season but the peak strikes in May through to September. Things slow down in October. These are dry months in the Rainbow Nation, thus ideal for safari.
