SOUTH AFRICA - CAPE BUFFALO HUNT

While technically open year-round, the preferred season for Cape Buffalo hunting in South Africa spans from March - October. Winter in the southern hemisphere would be May-Sept, which is a cool and dry season, and a very popular time to hunt.

Have a quick breakfast and jump in the Landcruiser to search for Cape Buffalo with your team each morning just as the sun begins to rise. Tracks at water holes or crossing roads betray their presence in thicker cover. Begin glassing from vantage points in more open country. Specialized Cape Buffalo hunts on very large concessions are tailored for both open country by spot and stalk tactics, or thicker country which relies heavily on tracking skills. Each version of Cape Buffalo hunting in South Africa is exciting and can be action-packed. Archery hunting is also catered to, either from blinds over water holes or on foot. Lunches are back at the lodge, or at times in the field. Only fully mature bulls are considered with meticulous judging by seasoned PHs. Physically, the hunt can be tailored to suit almost any needs. Each Cape Buffalo hunting area will also have a variety of other species available for hunters wishing to add to these fully customizable safaris.

Dangerous game hunts call for the right rifle. Some clients choose to bring their personal firearms from home, which is a simple enough process. But many choose to rent the outfitter’s proven and high-end bolt action or double rifles. The minimum caliber is .375 H&H, but also popular is the proven 416 Ruger, .458 LOTT, and up to 500 Nitro.

Regarding archery, all hunters must bring their own equipment. A 65lb draw weight bow or more (traditional or compound) is recommended, along with 12 arrows tipped with 150-grain broadheads of fixed 2-blade solid construction. Arrow and broadhead combined are encouraged to weigh around 650 grams.

South Africa is an ecologically rich and diverse landscape. Hunting safari packages across the country will find hunters in a variety of landscapes and habitats. Some of the more popular areas for Cape Buffalo hunting in South Africa include the Kalahari Desert of the Northern Cape and the rolling partly-open bushveld of the Northwest Province or the thicker Mopani scrub and densely vegetated river valleys of Limpopo Province. Along the Indian Ocean are the green, forested coastal mountains of both Kwazulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape, which give way to the open savannah and sprawling grasslands of the Free State in the central Plateau. Each region offers a different experience and its own prime species line-up. Many have tried, but it’s impossible to see and experience all of South Africa in one hunting safari.

Due to the long Cape Buffalo hunting season, (spanning primarily from March into October), and across the various regions of the country, temperatures can vary dramatically. Depending on location and time of year, weather can be quite hot, ranging from slightly below freezing at night. May through the end of August is winter in South Africa and generally the dry season. Spring is considered early September through November, and December into April is generally regarded as Summer or the wet season.

Options for lodgings while Cape Buffalo hunting in South Africa are varied and suited to the types of game animals, or level of luxury desired. All our lodges follow the same general principles. Firstly, lodges and hunting areas are made exclusive to each group. As for the accommodations, privacy, remote settings, luxury, comfort, and amenities are all standards. Each hunter or couple has their own private bedrooms, usually with ensuite bathrooms. Regale the day’s hunt across gracious lounges, verandas, fire pits, and dining areas. Lodges are all situated in quiet rural settings, usually directly in prime Cape Buffalo hunting areas with no need to commute in the mornings or evenings. Wildlife is often seen from the porch or through the window. Nearly all lodges have Wi-Fi to help stay in touch, and all accommodations provide complimentary snacks, biltong, beer, wine, and liquor in moderation, as well as beautifully catered meals featuring fresh local cuisine.

Meals and dining are an important part of the experience, and efforts are made to impress. Here is no exception. Enjoy dynamic menu items featuring locally-sourced delicacies such as Eland, Gemsbok, or Springbuck. Other delicious center points such as roast lamb, fried chicken, meat pies, or beefsteak are grilled over open acacia coals, flambéed, sautéd, or charbroiled to perfection. A selection of wines, chutneys, and mustards accompany medleys of mixed vegetables, fresh breads, fruits, salads, and decadent desserts. Breakfasts are usually quick and light, with all the cornerstone items such as coffee, tea, and juice, along with eggs, toast, cereal, yogurt, or fruit to get hunters out the door for dawn. Upon returning from the morning’s hunt be greeted by a hearty brunch line-up or enjoy a classy field picnic featuring interesting and delicious menu items as diverse as South Africa itself.

Destination City: Hunters can arrive to various destination cities depending on proximity to their concessions while Cape Buffalo hunting in South Africa. These can include (but are not limited to) Johannesburg (central), Kimberly (west), Polokwane (north), Port Elizabeth (east) or Bloemfontein (South), where hunters are greeted by the outfitter or his staff. The various hunting areas range from roughly 1-6 hour’s drive from every destination city.

Travel Suggestions: Johannesburg is easily reached by various major airlines such as Delta, Emirates or United/South African Star Alliance Airlines, utilizing several major connection hub airports. The other smaller destination cities are a simple, cheap connection from Johannesburg, with a 1–2-hour flight.

Airport Shuttles: Round-trip airport shuttles between the airport (or hotel if needed) are included from the smaller destination cities (Kimberly, Polokwane, Port Elizabeth, or Bloemfontein). Additionally, private charter flights can be arranged from any airport, often arriving directly to private airstrips immediately on or within minutes of the selected hunting concessions. Prices for private charter flights are available upon request.

After successfully hunting Cape Buffalo in South Africa, capes and skulls are prepared (fleshed, turned, salted, and dried) by the outfitter's staff and carefully labeled. The outfitter then makes arrangements for trophies to be delivered to a local taxidermy partner. The taxidermists can then do the complete work or dip and pack, certify, crate, and deliver trophies to an expeditor in South Africa to be shipped internationally. Turnaround time ranges from 8-12 months.

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