For thousands of years, hunting has been a way of life in Africa. The continent is home to some of the most spectacular and challenging big game in the world, making it a top destination for hunters seeking a true adventure. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at Africa hunt safaris – what makes them unique, what you can hunt, how to book a hunt, and what a typical safari entails. Whether you’re an experienced hunter or just dreaming of stalking the “Big Five,” read on for an insider’s guide to planning and enjoying an unforgettable African hunting trip.
A Continent of Abundant Game
There are few places left on Earth that rival Africa for sheer diversity and populations of big game animals. From the searing heat of the Sahara to the lush jungles of the Congo, the continent is home to an incredible variety of huntable species. These include:
● The “Big Five” – lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, and Cape buffalo. Hunting these dangerous prey species is the ultimate African challenge.
● Plains game – zebra, wildebeest, impala, kudu, hartebeest, and more. Populations are abundant, providing plenty of hunting opportunities.
● Dangerous game – hippo, crocodile, and giant eland. Requiring specialized hunting skills and equipment.
● Exotic imports – many ranches feature imported species like blackbuck antelope and Arabian oryx.
With so many animals to pursue, Africa simply offers more in terms of quantity and variety of big game than almost anywhere else on Earth. For hunters seeking adventure, it’s a target-rich environment like no other.
What to Expect on a Hunting Safari
Once you arrive in Africa, prepare for days spent pursuing your chosen big game species over vast expanses of spectacular countryside. Here’s what a typical day on an African hunting safari is like:
Early wake up – Rise before dawn to begin your hunting day and enjoy breakfast at camp. Bring a hearty appetite!
Game scouting – Head out with your professional hunter (“PH”) to scout and stalk prey animals. A lot of time is spent tracking over rugged terrain.
Set up blinds – Use natural cover like trees or rock outcroppings. PHs may also construct temporary blinds from branches when setting up ambush sites along game trails.
More tracking – Following up on promising signs and sightings to pinpoint trophy animals worthy of pursuit. Stalking is not always directly successful.
Take the shot – With luck and persistence, your PH will position you for a clean ethical shot on a magnificent trophy animal.
Approach downed game – After the shot, you’ll carefully approach the downed prey while your PH watches for any signs of life.
Field preparation – Once downed, the animal will be field dressed and caped for transport to camp.
Return to camp – Head back to enjoy lunch, relax a bit, trade stories with other hunters. Then it’s time to head out again!
Evening hunt – Afternoon is prime time for hunting dangerous game like lion, leopard, or Cape buffalo.
Dinner and drinks – At day’s end, enjoy a hot shower then share stories and photos over fine food and drink with your PH and fellow hunters.
This packed daily schedule keeps you focused on the hunt from dawn until dusk. With persistence and a bit of luck, you’ll come away with trophies from a successful African safari!
Hunting the “Big Five” in Africa
No Africa hunt safari would be complete without pursuing one or more of the legendary “Big Five” – lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, and Cape buffalo. Here’s a quick overview of what makes these five species the most sought after and challenging trophies on the continent:
● Lion – Kings of the African plains. Male lions put on dramatic displays of size and mane. A thick-maned lion makes a stunning trophy.
● Leopard – solitary and elusive cats which are experts in climbing and ambush hunting. Shots often happen at close distances.
● Rhinoceros – Massive, primeval-looking beasts reaching over a ton. Black rhino are pursued more frequently than white rhino.
● Elephant – Iconic pachyderms boasting huge ivory tusks. Hunting these giants is the pinnacle for many hunters.
● Cape buffalo – Ill-tempered and unpredictable, the Cape, or African, buffalo is known as “the black death” and is responsible for killing more hunters on the continent than any other creature.
Pursuing any of the Big Five tests a hunter’s skills and nerves like no other trophies. Planning a safari to hunt one or more of these legendary African animals is a true once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
Other Popular Species
While the Big Five get all the glory, Africa is also home to a fantastic variety of huntable plains game and other exciting species:
● Zebra – No safari is complete without spotting these beautifully striped beasts. Great trophy with dramatic patterned hides.
● Kudu – Statuesque spiral-horned antelope. Makes an impressive mount or rug.
● Warthog – Pug-faced members of the pig family. Provide exciting (and tasty) hunts.
● Gemsbok – tan, regal antelope with long, straight horns. Excellent trophy animal.
● Wildebeest – Large herding animal, the “cattle of the plains.” Challenging to stalk.
● Impala – Abundant graceful antelope often featured in safari scenes. Always an exciting hunt.
From tiny dik-dik antelope to the massive eland, Africa is home to dozens of unique plains game species for hunters to pursue. There’s simply no other place on Earth that rivals the continent’s variety of big game trophies.
Dream Hunting Destinations in Africa
With so many fantastic options, where are the best places in Africa to book your dream Africa hunting safari? Here are just a few top destinations:
South Africa – Home of upscale “biltong hunting.” Great infrastructure, variety of species from rhino to small antelope.
Namibia – Sparse population, stunning desert scenery. Excellent free-range trophy oryx, kudu, zebra and more.
Zimbabwe – Untouched bushveldt and thornscrub terrain. Cape buffalo and elephant hunting adventures.
Tanzania – Luxury safari camps. Cheetahs, lions, crocodiles, and more. Mount Kilimanjaro views on clear days!
Mozambique – Emerging coastal destination with untouched habitats. Leopard, Cape buffalo, crocodile, and hippo.
Zambia/Cameroon – Ultimate wilderness destination for pursuing forest dwellers like giant eland, bongo, forest sitatunga.
Whatever your safari dreams consist of – a classic tented camp, five-star luxury lodge, or DIY adventure – you’re sure to find perfect destinations to match your budget and wish list across Africa’s panoply of countries and habitats.
Experience the Heart-Pounding Excitement of African Big Game Hunting!
Are you ready to immerse yourself in the wild wonders of Africa? Look no further than J & J OUTFITTERS for the safari of your dreams! Picture yourself traversing vast savannas, tracking majestic beasts, and creating unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime.
Our Expert Guides:
For over a decade, our J & J OUTFITTERS guides have been in the line of duty, with extensive knowledge and an in-depth understanding in African wilderness, we will lead you to an exceptional and unforgettable safari experience. Conserving the wonders of the outdoors allows for a discovery of rare preys and valuable tracks, a direction through which they ensure a thrilling and risk free adventure at every step taken.
Thrilling Hunts:
The exaltation of surrounded by the true nobility of the land, towering above everyone and everything, is something that cannot be compared by no one. There is no match to that natural energy, drive, and courage that Africa’s iconic big game instills in the hunters, and adventurers are blessed with. Depending on what you are after, a royal lion or tall elephant you would opt for a guided hunt that would afford you the opportunity to take down your target game and also level up your skills.
Trophy Collection:
Smuggle beyond memories with fabulous souvenirs! Reconnect to adventure of safari via photos grasped. We, at J & J OUTFITTERS, know that the items you bring back will carry memories of your achievements. Our team is prepared to help you in the delicate process of preserving and moving your trophies with the respect and professionalism they deserve.
Sustainable Tourism:
Our J & J OUTFITTERS pledge to abiding by responsible tourism principles, ethical behavior and being sustainable. Through our sustainable hunting methods and dedication to benefit conservation everywhere, we aim to conserve Africa’s biodiversity and wilderness area for all of the generations to come. Call now to J&J OUTFITTERS and book your Africa hunting safari packages, an exciting tour into the wild and for the excitement of the chase and the magnificence of the continent of Africa.