Your Journey to the Heart of the Continent’s Premier Hunting Destination
A hunt in South Africa is the adventure of a lifetime. With its stunning landscapes, abundant wildlife, and world-class hospitality, a South African hunting safari offers an unforgettable experience for every hunter.
Over 50 species of game, including the iconic Big Five, are available for ethical, fair-chase hunts. With more than 10,000 hunters touring each year, South Africa has become the leading hunting destination on the continent. The country’s infrastructure is modern and reliable, and getting here is a breeze – visitors from the U.S. and E.U. don’t even need a visa.
South Africa’s conservation success story is remarkable.
The game population has exploded from less than half a million in the 1950s to approximately 25 million animals today. This makes South Africa an unrivalled destination for both variety and quantity of game.
A South African safari is also significantly more affordable than hunts in other countries, providing exceptional value without compromising the quality of the experience.
We offer a wide range of hunting packages and personalized experiences to suit any hunter, from first-timers to seasoned veterans.
Beyond the hunt, South Africa offers a unique opportunity to explore. The country is home to nearly 150 national parks and reserves, including the world-famous Kruger National Park, where you can take a guided tour to see the Big Five up close.
Traveling to South Africa for your hunt is more convenient and affordable than you might think. With first-world airports and modern infrastructure, a stress-free journey awaits you.
There are daily flights from major cities in the US and Europe to South Africa. Although the flights are long, they’re comfortable and very affordable. Most international flights arrive in Johannesburg (JNB), which serves as the primary gateway to the continent. For those flying from the United States, Delta and United offer direct flights to Cape Town (CPT), from which you can easily catch a domestic connection.
If you’re bringing your own rifles, it’s crucial to book your connecting flight from Johannesburg to Gqeberha (PLZ) with Airlink. As the only domestic airline that transports firearms, Airlink ensures your equipment travels with you safely.
While you can book flights yourself using various online search engines, we highly recommend working with a specialized hunting travel agent like Gracy Travel. They can assist with all your travel plans and ensure a seamless experience, especially if you’re traveling with firearms. You can typically expect to pay between $1,500 and $2,500 for a round-trip ticket from the US.
While hunting is available throughout the country, some provinces are more renowned for specific types of hunting due to their unique topography and climate.
The Eastern Cape is known for its incredible biodiversity, where you can hunt in diverse landscapes ranging from coastal valleys to mountainous terrain. The Limpopo Province is often called the “hunting heartland” of South Africa, famous for its high-quality trophies and expansive bushveld.
For those interested in big game, the Northern Cape offers a challenging hunt in a vast, arid environment.
In South Africa, you can hunt in all nine provinces, with each one offering a unique landscape and hunting experience. These provinces are:
We’ve compiled a list of common questions to help you prepare for an unforgettable hunting trip in South Africa.
Firearms and Hunting Regulations
As a non-citizen, you don’t need a personal hunting license. However, you must be supervised by a licensed professional hunter and hosted by a licensed outfitter, which we are.
While you can bring your own rifle, we recommend using one of ours for a seamless and stress-free trip. We offer a selection of high-end firearms, including .300 Winchester Magnums equipped with Swarovski scopes, free of charge. If you prefer to bring your own, using a travel agent like Gracey Travel can help simplify the legal documents or your rifle import permit.
Flat-shooting calibers like the 7mm or .300 Winchester Magnum are ideal. Your trusted .30-06 or any reliable deer rifle will also do the job just fine.
The legal minimum for hunting dangerous game is a .375 caliber rifle.
Yes! Hunting with shooting sticks is a universal practice in Africa, as most shots are taken from a standing position. Mastering them before your trip will greatly increase your chances of success.
Your professional hunter will have a rangefinder and will give you the exact distance to your target. That said, if you already own one, you’re welcome to bring it with you.
Health and Safety
Yes. Our hunting areas are in secluded, safe locations. Your professional hunter will be with you from the moment we pick you up at the airport until you depart, ensuring your safety during the entire safari.
We operate in a malaria-free area, but the CDC recommends being up-to-date on routine vaccinations. These include rabies, Hepatitis A and B, and typhoid. Always consult your doctor for personalized advice.
Being bitten by a snake is extremely rare. Our guides and trackers are experienced and know exactly what to do if a snake is encountered.
South Africa has an excellent private medical system. Your outfitter and guide will know where to find the best doctors and hospitals if a medical issue arises. We also recommend purchasing a medical evacuation policy from a provider like Global Rescue for added peace of mind.
Yes, just be sure to keep them in their original, labeled packaging.
Weather and Clothing
South Africa has a warm, mild, and dry climate. Our prime hunting season is from March through October, when the weather is cooler and more comfortable. Temperatures can range from 65-75°F in winter to a hot 80-95°F in summer.
We recommend bringing earth-toned clothing, such as khaki, brown, and olive green. Avoid bright colors. Your outfitter will offer daily laundry service, so there is no need to overpack.
A suggested list:
Yes, there are no restrictions on wearing camouflage in South Africa, and the patterns used in the United States work well here.
Food, Drink, and Culture
At our lodge, the water is sourced from a safe borehole. We also provide bottled water while in the field and during travel. Please avoid drinking from rivers or dams.
Yes! We pride ourselves on serving a variety of delicious game dishes and other meals similar to those you would find in the United States. Your guide will also carry your preferred drinks while in the field.
South Africa is famous for its exceptional local wines and beers. We will inquire about your preferences ahead of time to ensure we have your favorite refreshments available.
Logistics and Travel
If you hold a US, EU, or Canadian passport, you do not need a visa for hunting or tourism.
You must have at least two blank pages in your passport.
Yes. We welcome children and do not have special travel requirements beyond a valid passport. Always confirm with your travel agent for the most up-to-date information.
Yes. We welcome children and do not have special travel requirements beyond a valid passport. Always confirm with your travel agent for the most up-to-date information.
Taxidermy and Tipping
Yes. The cost is significantly less expensive, and South African taxidermists specialize in African trophies. Your outfitter will assist you throughout the process, from caping the animal to arranging shipment.
Tipping is a personal preference, but here are some general guidelines:
South Africa offers incredible hunting opportunities across its nine diverse provinces.
Each region provides a unique landscape and a distinct hunting experience, from the arid plains of the Karoo to the thick bushveld of Limpopo. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect when hunting in some of the country’s top provinces.
The Eastern Cape boasts a diverse topography, transitioning from the arid Karoo plains in the north to semi-wooded areas and lush valley bushveld in the south. This variety of habitats makes it a prime location for a wide range of plains game species.
The Eastern Cape is renowned for its biodiversity. Hunters can find a variety of animals here, with a specialty being the Eastern Cape kudu, a slightly smaller cousin of the Northern kudu. Other unique hunting opportunities include caracal and bushpig with hounds, as well as species like the mountain zebra and grey rhebok. Due to the open terrain, you can expect longer shooting distances, typically around 200 to 300 yards.
Most hunters fly into Johannesburg (OR Tambo International Airport) and take a short domestic flight to either Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) or East London. A two-hour drive from the airport will take you to your hunting area. Alternatively, you can take a direct flight from the US to Cape Town and then connect to a domestic flight.
Limpopo is often callaed the “hunting heartland” of South Africa. Located in the far north, its terrain is generally flat and thick with bushveld, interspersed with mixed grasslands. During the rainy season, the dense vegetation can make spotting game a challenging but rewarding experience.
The province has the highest number of outfitters and is a top choice for bow hunters due to the thick cover. Limpopo is also an excellent area for hunting the Big Five, as well as unique species like the civet cat and honey badger. The thick bushveld means shooting distances are typically much shorter, often under 100 yards.
Hunters will fly into Johannesburg and then drive for two to five hours to their hunting concession. Domestic flights are also an option to shorten the drive time.
Located in the heart of South Africa, the Free State is characterized by vast, flat grass plains and rolling hills. The landscape is dotted with unique sandstone formations known as “koppies.” This region’s good rainfall supports a variety of wildlife and is a major corn-growing area.
The Free State is famous for its large herds of springbok, black wildebeest, and blesbok. It’s also a premier destination for bird hunting, with vast cornfields providing ideal habitat for pigeons, doves, geese, and other game birds. As in the Eastern Cape, shooting distances are often longer, around 200 to 300 yards.
Hunters typically arrive at Johannesburg International Airport and then drive two to five hours to their hunting area. A domestic flight to Bloemfontein can shorten the drive.
South Africa’s largest province, the Northern Cape, is a dry, semi-desert landscape. The terrain is sweeping and open, with rocky outcrops and iconic red sand dunes. This is the land of the gemsbok and springbok, which are perfectly adapted to the dry conditions.
While most plains game are available, the Northern Cape is the traditional home of the gemsbok and springbok. It also offers unique introduced species like the scimitar-horned oryx and blackbuck. Due to the expansive, open landscape, long-range shots are common, typically between 200 and 300 yards.
Hunters will arrive at Johannesburg International Airport and take a short one-hour domestic flight to Upington, followed by a two-hour drive to their hunting area.
Mpumalanga is a mix of highveld and lowveld, with a varied terrain of mountains, rivers, and valleys. This is considered a hunting mecca, with many outfitters operating in the region.
Known as a premier destination for Big Five hunting, Mpumalanga also offers all the plains game species found in South Africa. The terrain is often thick with vegetation, resulting in shorter shooting distances, usually 200 yards or less.
Hunters typically fly into Johannesburg and then take a short domestic flight to Nelspruit, where they will be met by their outfitter.
Located on the country’s eastern coast, KwaZulu-Natal is bordered by the Indian Ocean. The province features dense coastal forests, wetlands, grasslands, and rolling hills inland.
This province is known for unique species like the red duiker and Suni antelope. While the Nyala was once exclusive to this province, it can now be found throughout the country. Shooting distances are similar to those in Mpumalanga, generally 200 yards or less.
Hunters will fly into Johannesburg and then take a one-hour domestic flight to Durban, where their outfitter will meet them.
The North West province is characterized by flat, high plains, savannas, and bushveld. It is home to numerous game ranches scattered across the region.
Outfitters in the North West offer nearly all available plains game species, and some Big Five hunting is available as well. It’s a popular destination for bow hunters and is especially known for the Tsessebe, which thrives here. Shooting distances vary from 50 to 300 yards.
Hunters typically fly into Johannesburg and then take a domestic flight to Mahikeng, followed by a drive to their hunting area.
Located at the southern tip of South Africa, the Western Cape has a diverse landscape of mountains, valleys, and beaches. Its interior is more arid, similar to the Northern Cape.
While not as renowned for hunting as other provinces, the Western Cape does offer classic plains game hunting. It is the original home of the Bontebok, a species that was saved from extinction here.
Hunters can either fly into Johannesburg and connect to a two-hour domestic flight to Cape Town or fly directly into Cape Town International Airport from the United States.
Understanding the climate of each province is key to planning a comfortable and successful hunt. Here is a breakdown of the weather you can expect in some of South Africa’s top hunting provinces.
The Eastern Cape has a warm, moderate climate. The inland areas where most hunting takes place receive most of their rain during the summer.
Limpopo, crossed by the Tropic of Capricorn, gets plenty of sunshine. The rainy season is primarily in the summer months.
The Free State is known for its abundant sunshine but cooler temperatures compared to other provinces. Most rainfall occurs in the summer.
The Northern Cape, with its dry conditions, experiences the coldest winter days and the warmest days in fall and spring. Rainfall is consistently low.
Gauteng offers ample sunshine and comfortable, warm winter days. Rainfall is heaviest in the summer months.
Mpumalanga’s weather is excellent for hunting, with lots of sunshine. Most of the rain falls during the summer.
As the warmest province, KwaZulu-Natal has a subtropical feel at times. Most rainfall occurs during the summer months.
The North West province enjoys abundant sunshine and excellent hunting weather. Rainfall is predominantly in the summer.
The Western Cape has a warm, mild climate. Like the Eastern Cape, most hunting takes place inland, where the majority of the rain falls in the summer.