Hunting dangerous game

Hunting in Africa – your Africa dangerous game hunting experts!

Hunting the Big 5 in Africa with Hunting in Africa
The name Big 5 originates from the early hunting days in South Africa (1860’s onwards) when muzzle loaders were in the order of the day. Early hunters like FC Selous and others coined the phrase Big 5 because they considered the elephant, Cape buffalo, lion, leopard and rhino the five most dangerous animals to hunt.

A Professional Hunter (PH) may only guide another hunter on a Big 5 hunt if that PH has the required minimum experience guiding hunters on dangerous game hunts. Only then an unrestricted guiding license is issued to the PH.

Currently in South Africa a Professional Hunter also needs to have his/her Big 5 guiding license to guide a hippo hunt. Together with the Big 5, the hippo included is known as the Dangerous 6.

Hints and tips when hunting the Big 5

Make sure you are using enough gun. In most African countries the 375 is considered the legal entry level caliber for hunting dangerous game. If you own larger calibers, please feel free to use the largest caliber you are comfortable using. The mere fact that this range of animals are referred to as dangerous game, should by implication be enough warning that these animals are precisely that: dangerous.

If it is your first dangerous game hunt, listen to your PH and take all precautions he/she advises. Your PH should know better as they do this for a living.

Be patient and ensure you make a good shot. A wounded dangerous animal is deadly and can be considered hazardous to your, and your PH’s health.

Enjoy every exhilarating moment of the hunt!