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

With so many different hunting areas, environments and species, no two safaris are the same, and preferred hunting tactics can vary slightly. Generally, safari style hunting can be best described by vehicle assisted spot & stalk hunting, especially in open or partly open country where visibility is good. Drive or hike to strategic high points and do some glassing, followed by short hikes to different nearby vantage points. Many of the iconic plains game species are hunted this way. It’s not uncommon to see hundreds of animals, and dozens of species each day. 

In flatter, sandy and more vegetated terrain where visibility is more limited, tracking along roads and waterways and then slowly proceeding on foot is a common and successful strategy. Encounters in these areas are usually closer range, and with species that favor thicker cover. Here fundamental tracking and stalking skills are honed, as there is always so much to learn. Archery hunting from blinds over water holes during the dry season is also very effective. Only fully mature, trophy-class animals are considered with meticulous judging by seasoned PH’s. Physically the hunts can be tailored to suit almost any needs. 

Specialty higher-elevation mountain safaris are available, and require more hiking and glassing. Specialty night-hunts focusing primarily on predator species is also possible. Hunt from blinds over bait, along with thermal or calling tactics. All of South Africa’s provinces have an assortment of predator, oddball or “varmint” species.

Some clients choose to bring their personal firearms from home, which is a simple enough process. But many choose to rent the outfitters vast assortment of proven rifles. For smaller game, .243 or similar rifles are available. Most Plains Game hunting is done with .30 caliber rifles, and so 30-06 is very popular and available. For larger or dangerous game, or back up, larger rifles such as .375 H&H, or 416 Ruger, are also available.  

Archery hunters are encouraged to bring their personal equipment from home. A 50lbs draw weight bow or more (traditional or compound) is recommended, along with 12 arrows tipped with 125+ grain broadheads of fixed 2 blade solid construction. Typical shot distances can range from 30-50+ yards.

South Africa is an ecologically rich and diverse landscape. Offering safari packages across the country will find hunters in a variety of landscapes and habitats. Some of the more popular hunting areas  include; The Kalahari Desert of the Northern Cape, the rolling partly-open bushveld of the Northwest Province, the thicker Mopani scrub and densely vegetated river valleys of Limpopo Province, forested coastal mountains along the Indian Ocean of both Kwazulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape and 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 Safari.

Due to the long hunting season (spanning all the way from March into October), and across the variety of regions the country, temperatures can vary dramatically. Depending on location and time year weather can be quite hot during the day but also dip slightly below freezing at night. May until the end of August is winter, 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 are varied and suited to the types of game animals or level of luxury desired. All of our lodges in South Africa however follow the same general principals. Firstly, lodges and hunting areas are made exclusive to each group. Privacy, remote settings, luxury, comfort and amenities are all standard.  Each hunter or couple will have their own private bedroom, usually with an ensuite bathroom. Relax after the days hunt across gracious lounges, verandas, fire-pits and dining areas. Lodges are all situated in quiet rural settings, usually directly in the hunting areas with no need to commute in the mornings or evenings. Wildlife are often seen from the porch or through the window. Nearly all lodges have WiFi to help stay in touch, and all accommodations provide complementary snacks, biltong, beer and wine, 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. Enjoy dynamic menu items featuring locally sourced delicacies such as Eland, Gemsbok or Springbuck. In addition are other center points such as roast lamb, fried chicken, meat pies or beefsteak, grilled over open acacia coals, flambé, sauté 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 hunt, you will 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 hunting areas. These can include (but are not limited to) Johannesburg (central), Kimberly (West), Polokwane (North), Port Elizabeth (East) or Bloemfontein (South) and 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 from 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.

Skulls are cleaned and boiled, and capes are prepared (skinned, 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 complete the work, or dip & pack, certify, crate and deliver trophies to an expeditor in South Africa to be shipped internationally. Turnaround time ranges from 8-12 months.