Larger than the states of Montana and Texas combined, South Africa claims the most incredible variety of wildlife in all of Africa. Its topography is as diverse as its wildlife. Mountains, plains, deserts, and swamps produce a thriving ecosystem for all the wildlife that calls South Africa home. The country holds one of the largest populations of buffalo on the continent and currently claims half of all Safari Club International records for the animal. South Africa is a top destination for luxury hunting tours as it is home to all of the “Big Five” and “Dangerous Seven” game animals and over a dozen species of antelope, with five of those being found only in South Africa. Species considered to be “endangered,” such as elephants, rhinoceroses, and leopards, may also be legally hunted and imported into the U.S. with the proper permits. While there are many more animals to be hunted there, the most popular game animals in South Africa are divided into the two main categories of “plains game” and “dangerous game.”
South African Plains Game Safaris
There are so many species of plains game across Southern Africa it would take you multiple trips over many years to hunt them all. To help you keep it all sorted, here is a list of the most popular species:
- Blesbok are endemic to South Africa and are one of the most popular plains antelope.
- Bontebok: Nearly wiped out at one point, this colorful antelope now thrives in South Africa.
- Bushbuck: The small spiral-horned antelope makes for an elusive quarry in dense forests and thickets.
- Bushpig: This ill-tempered wild swine with razor-sharp tusks is similar to the European wild boar.
- Cape Eland: The largest of all the South-African antelope can tip the scales at over 2,000 pounds!
- Cape Grysbok: A shy and diminutive antelope is found in the mountain valleys and brushy flats.
- Duiker: Like the Cape Grysbok, the duiker is a small, shy antelope in gray, red, and blue phases.
- Kudu: The spectacular spiraling horns and white markings make this large antelope one of the most coveted of all African species.
- Hartebeest: Sometimes called the “Harley Davidson” by hunters because their horns resemble handlebars, the Hartebeest is one of the swiftest antelope on the plains.
- Impala: A great introduction to African hunting, this antelope is abundant throughout South Africa and is excellent table fare.
- Klipspringer: This enchanting little antelope lives in mountainous areas and is named for its jumping ability.
- Mountain Reedbuck: Rarely seen in the open, this little mountain antelope makes for a challenging and rewarding hunt.
- Nyala: Cousin to the kudu, this antelope requires a tenacious hunter to get close enough for a shot.
- Oribi: Having a “stotting” gate like the mule deer of the American west, this tiny antelope is a unique trophy animal.
- Roan: Slightly smaller than the eland in size, this antelope lives on the open plains.
- Sable: This is unarguably the most beautiful and regal of all the African antelope.
- Springbok: With black, white, and common (brown) phases, this stunning little antelope can hit speeds of 55 MPH.
- Warthog: This pig’s razor-sharp upper tusks and love for thick cover make it a formidable adversary.
- Waterbuck: A robust antelope with a long, shaggy brownish-gray coat that is always close to a water source.
- Wildebeest: South Africa holds the black, blue, golden, and king subspecies of wildebeest, with the blue phase being indigenous only to South Africa.
South African Dangerous Game Safaris: The Big Five and the Dangerous Seven
Along with plains game safaris, many sportspeople feel an African dangerous-game hunt is the ultimate adventure. The first Europeans to explore the southern and central portions of the continent classified the Big Five for the potential danger the animals posed to hunters. Over the years, two more animals have been added to the list to make up the Dangerous Seven.
The Big Five
- African Elephants are the world’s largest land mammal, and the biggest bore rifle you can handle is not too much gun.
- African Lions are justly nicknamed the King of the Jungle and make for a heart-pounding hunt.
- African Buffalo, or “Cape” buffalo, and not to be confused with water buffalo, which are native to the Australian continent, are the most unpredictable and coveted of the Big Five.
- Leopards are the most dangerous and elusive member of the Big Five. Because these cats are hunted in the dead of night, they require nerves of titanium and superhuman patience.
- Rhinoceroses are the second largest land mammal and provide for a spine-chilling hunt. Both the white and black rhinoceros can be legally hunted in South Africa, but the black species is subject to far greater permitting restrictions.
The two other animals added to the Big Five that make up the Dangerous Seven are the hippopotamus and Nile crocodile. These are the number one and two species, respectively, responsible for the most human deaths each year in South Africa.
- Hippopotamus are imposing animals weighing up to almost 10,000 pounds! Hippo hunts are typically conducted after dark when the behemoths come ashore to feed.
- Crocodiles can reach up to 15 feet in length and weigh up to 1,700 pounds. Crocodiles are most often hunted while they are laying out sunning themselves on the banks of the river.
How to Book a Hunt
While public hunting land is available in South Africa, most of the game is on private property, for which the law requires you to have the landowner’s permission to hunt. As virtually all private land in South Africa is owned or leased by outfitters, there are very limited opportunities for public hunting. As such, the only practical way to hunt in South Africa is to book a hunt with an outfitter. Numzaan Safaris is one of the top rated outfitters in South Africa, offering both dangerous and plains game safaris with some of the best PH’s (“professional hunters”) in the world. Numzaan offers multiple locations for safaris, with all their lodges offering en-suite rooms with authentic African ambiance and cuisine. All hunting guests are assigned a professional hunter with years of African-hunting experience. Firearms are available to rent if guests don’t want to hassle with the paperwork to import their own guns. Numzaan Safaris also offers services for non-hunting guests. Wildside Adventures Travel Service is a U.S. agent for Numzaan Safaris and will be able to book your trip and help you through every step of the way.
Given all the country has to offer, South African big-game safaris are an incredible way to experience Africa. From the Dangerous Seven to over a dozen species of antelope, there is no question that South Africa offers the most hunting opportunities anywhere on the continent. Additionally, South Africa has potentially the best-developed infrastructure, with the entire country being accessible by auto and plane to facilitate reaching the game. If you are ready to take on the challenge of hunting South Africa, perform your due diligence and only then book your trip with a reputable agent. Wildside Adventures Travel Service, owned and operated by Wildside Joe Rossi, books luxury hunting tours and fishing trips all around the globe, including dangerous game and plains game safaris in South Africa. Contact Joe at wildsidejoe.com or call him at 412-352-8703. Joe also hosted the long-running TV series “Joe’s Wildside Adventures” that aired on the Sportsman Channel, FOX, and ROOT Sports. Visit Joe’s YouTube channel at youtube.com/@WildsideJoe.
