Rifle hunting in southern Africa is conducted in a great variety of topography and ecosystems and a vast diversity of vegetation and climate varying from wind swept plains to lush forested mountainous terrain, the legendary Bushveldt ecosystems and rolling grass plains.
The hunting methods employed range from the much preferred walk and stalk method, driven hunts which are particularly suited to hunting on the vast open plains of the Karoo (where stalking is often nearly impossible) and in extreme cases spotting from an all terrain hunting vehicle followed by tracking and stalking of a suitable quarry.
Although we do allow situations where a single Professional Hunter is accompanied by a maximum of two hunters, we strongly advise that every hunter should be accompanied by his or her own Professional Hunter on a one-on-one basis. This ensures that the hunter receives the Professional Hunter’s undivided attention and maximizes the opportunities for obtaining the best possible quarries.
We conduct safaris throughout the year, however we do recommend the months of May to September when the days are mild to warm, and the evenings and mornings are cool to cold. We make every effort to carefully plan each Safari so that it suits the personal requirements of the hunter or photographer as close as possible. If required, we also offer a video service at a pre-arranged fee, which will ensure that you have a professionally filmed and edited record of your African Hunt.
Even though Southern Africa has a staggering array of ethnic groups and cultures, English is widely understood and used and all Professional Hunters, field staff and our experienced host are proficient in English.
Hunting rifle/s are generally freely imported into South Africa on a temporary permit valid for the duration of the hunt which is available on arrival in Johannesburg International Airport from the firearms desk of the South African Police Service. Please ensure that your firearms arrive on the same flight as you because only the registered owner can claim the firearms and do not pay for any service regarding the handling of a firearm or issuing of a temporary import permit at any port of entry into South Africa as this is a free service provided by the South African Police Service.
We recommend that hunters use a scope-sighted rifle/s he or she is most comfortable with. Popular all-round calibers range from .270 Winchester to .300 Winchester Magnum with the smallest calibre allowed for use on smaller game species, being the .243 Winchester or equivalent. We recommend that well-constructed soft nosed bullets from a reputable manufacturer be used. Typical shooting distances range from 35 metres for some species of dangerous game to 75m in typical Bushveldt environment and up to 200m in the open grass plains. Your Professional Hunter is experienced in ranging animals for you and generally has shooting sticks on hand to use as a rest when conditions allow or dictate it.
For dangerous game such as Buffalo, Rhino, Hippo or Elephant, the minimum allowable calibre is .375 H+H Magnum, using well-constructed, premium quality, soft nose hunting bullets. Hunt Africa Safari’s reserves the right to approve rifles and/or ammunition when dangerous game is hunted. Suitable rifle/s and ammunition can be made available by arrangement at a minimal fee.