SOUTH AFRICA - PLAINS GAME HUNT

While technically open year-round, the preferred season for plains game hunting in South Africa spans from March - October. Winter in the southern hemisphere is May - Sept., which is a cool and dry season, and is 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 and 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 while plains game hunting in South Africa.

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 PHs. Physically, these plains game 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 are 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 process. But many choose to rent the outfitter's vast assortment of proven rifles. For smaller game, .243 or similar rifles are available. Most plains game hunting in South Africa is done with .30 caliber rifles. 30-06 is very popular and available. For larger or dangerous big game hunts, 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 50lb 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. Customizable plains game hunt packages will find hunters in a variety of landscapes and habitats throughout the country. 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 just one hunting safari.

Due to the long hunting season (spanning all the way from March into October) and the various ecological regions covered, temperatures can vary dramatically. Depending on location and time, the weather can be quite hot during the day but also dip slightly below freezing at night. May until the end of August is winter in South Africa, and generally the dry season. Early September through November is considered spring, and December into April is generally regarded as summer, or the wet season.

Options for lodgings while plains game hunting in South Africa are varied and will be suited to the specific types of animals or level of luxury desired. All available 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 and Wi-Fi. Relax after the day’s hunt across gracious lounges, verandas, fire-pits, and dining areas, situated in quiet rural settings. Most accommodations are directly in the best hunting areas, with no need to commute in the mornings or evenings. Wildlife is often seen from the porch or through the window. All lodges provide complimentary 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 while plains game hunting in South Africa, and all efforts are made to impress. Enjoy dynamic menu items featuring locally-sourced delicacies such as Eland, Gemsbok, or Springbuck. Try other center points such as roast lamb, fried chicken, meat pies, or beefsteak, all artfully grilled over open acacia coals, flambéed, sautéd, or charbroiled. 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 expected classics like 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, 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 in 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), where hunters are greeted by the outfitter or his staff. The various areas for plains game hunting in South Africa 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 successful plains game hunting in South Africa, 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 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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