Price list

Other game also available on request.

Terms and conditions

A US$ 1 000 deposit is payable to confirm your hunt, or when hunting on a daily rate, a deposit equal to 50% of the total daily rates are payable. Payments can be made via direct bank transfer, travelers’ checks, cash or credit cards only. Animals that are wounded and lost will be charged for. Traveling time will be considered as hunting time. All prices quoted are in United States Dollars. Cancellation policy: If you are forced to cancel the hunt and require a refund, the following refund structure will apply: between 60 and 75 days ahead of the starting date of your safari, an 80% refund is payable between 45 and 60 days a 60% refund is payable between 30 and 45 days a 40% refund is payable less than 30 days there will be no refund for photographic safaris a 50% deposit is required. The outstanding balance is payable on arrival. we will always be as accommodating as possible, and if agreed, we can guarantee your deposit for the following year with no penalties, but subject to unforeseen price increases

Liability Hunting in Africa, its owner, agents or employees shall not be held responsible for any losses, damage to property and expenses incurred by any client as a result of sickness, quarantine, adverse weather conditions, riots, strikes or any other cause whatsoever. Hunting in Africa, its owner, agents or employees cannot accept any liability in respect of death, injury, loss or damage to person or property arising out of any act, omission or negligence. The client shall be deemed to have waived, renounced and abandoned any and all right or entitlement that the client may be entitled to under the provisions of the law of the Republic of South Africa for any loss or damage to person or property. Hunting in Africa shall not be liable for any loss or expense arising from the loss of property, cancellation or curtailment of the hunting safari however caused, save only to the extent that such loss of baggage, cancellation or curtailment was caused by negligence on the side of Hunting-in-Africa. If sickness or accident interrupts a safari, Hunting-in-Africa shall not be liable for any cost or expense arising there from, save only to the extent that such sickness or accident was caused by a willful act or negligence on the side of Hunting-in-Africa. The client shall not be entitled to any refund, either partial or in total, of any money paid. Hunting-in-Africa recommends that clients purchase separate insurance to protect themselves against such possible eventualities. Jurisdiction In all matters where it is, or may be necessary to have recourse to the courts, the courts of the Republic of South Africa shall have sole jurisdiction to the exclusion of the courts of any other country, and the prevailing law of the Republic of South Africa shall prevail. It is deemed that the Magistrates Court shall have the required jurisdiction to hear any case arising from the safari.

Hunting big game in Africa

When hunting big game in Africa, especially for the first-time out-of-country hunter, many questions will arise with regards to animals you intend hunting. Below are some facts with regards to your intended trophies. Most of these facts come from literature by the well-known South African ecologist, Deon Furstenburg, and some facts come from personal experience. Please only use this literature as a guideline and not as the alpha and omega of information on wildlife commonly found in Africa. For the hunter who has been to Africa before, you are welcome just to enjoy reading about what must have been a wonderful experience on your first trip out this way. Any comments or suggestions will be appreciated.

Hunting Kudu (Tragelaphus strepsiceros)
Description:
Hunting kudu, more commonly known as the “Gray Ghost” in the hunting society, this is a notoriously difficult animal to hunt. Almost the same size as an elk, the kudu uses its large ears to extremely good effect. A hunter needs to be quiet when hunting this magnificent beast and can congratulate him/herself upon the successful harvesting of a good specimen.

The bulls separate from the cows after the rut (May-June) and become solitary or will attach themselves to bachelor groups. During the rut the bulls will actively defend their harem of cows against other males. Only the bulls have horns. It is a member of the spiral-horned antelope species.

Habitat:
The kudu prefers a tree-rich savanna environment, as it is mainly a leaf-eater. It does feed on grass as a supplement but does not naturally occur in open grass plains. Kudu's are most active during the early mornings and late afternoons and prefer to bed down during the heat of the day.

Reproduction:
Calves can be born at any time of the year, but most births occur during the southern hemisphere summer months (October-February), as the main rut is during mid-winter. Once a calf is born, the cow will hide it until such a stage when it is strong enough to rejoin the group.

General:
Gestation period 210 days
Average shoulder height 56”-62”
Average weight: mature bull Up to 550 lbs
Average weight: mature cows Up to 380 lbs

Hunting Gemsbuck/Oryx (Oryx gazella)
Description:
Striking white and black facial markings with two straight horns. The body is a gray color with a thick bushy tail, white and black markings on the flanks and legs and a white belly. Herd size can differ, but up to 15 animals can make it a challenging hunt indeed.

After the rut territorial bulls can become solitary. Female and juvenile herds are common during summer (October-February) and will be joined by territorial bulls during the rut.

Depending on population numbers on a property, some landowners can determine that only one of the sexes may be hunted. Usually the cows have longer horns than the bulls and make equally good trophies.

Habitat:
The gemsbuck prefers a drier climate but has adapted well to most environments in the country. Hunting the gemsbuck in any terrain can be a very challenging hunt.

Reproduction:
A single calf is born, usually during the summer months (October-February), and only joins the herd after 3-6 weeks.

General:
Gestation period Approximately 264 days
Average shoulder height 46”-50”
Average weight: mature bull Up to 500 lbs
Average weight: mature cows Up to 420 lbs
Horns Both bulls and cows have horns

Hunting Blue wildebeest (Connochaetes taurinus)
Description:
The blue wildebeest (sometimes referred to as the gnu) has a slight build towards the back section with a heavier build around the shoulders. The snout is wide and supported by a large head. Hunting blue wildebeest in the vicinity of a herd will challenge your every stalking abilities.

A number of darker vertical stripes occur from the neck to the end of the rib cage. These stripes account for the name “brindled gnu”. A thick beard extends along the throat area and a mane droops from the top of the neck. The tail is thick and can be compared to that of a horse. Faces are almost black with brown facial markings that occur on younger animals.

Habitat:
Wildebeest prefer open savanna bushveld to open grass plains. Access to stable water sources is essential.

Reproduction:
A single calf is born usually between mid-November and end of December, depending on factors like early rainfall and drought. The rut is usually between March and June.

General:
Gestation period About 250 days
Average shoulder height 52” – 60”
Average weight: mature bull Up to 500 lbs
Average weight: mature cows Up to 400 lbs
Horns Both bulls and cows have horns

Hunting Black wildebeest (Connochaetes gnu)
Description:
The color is more dark brown than black, but from a distance the black wildebeest presents as a black animal. The shoulders are higher than the rump and it has a broad snout and large head. The black wildebeest invariably has ground shrinkage in terms of body size. When on the ground the body presents much smaller than on the hoof. When hunting black wildebeest in open terrain, the hunter must be weary of not accidentally wounding other animals behind the intended target.

The face is covered with brush-like hair plumes protruding outward. Long hair occurs on the throat and chest and an upright mane round off the front of the body. Sometimes referred to as the “white tailed gnu”, the tail has long bushy white hair not too different from that of a horse.

Affectionately known as the “Clowns of the Prairie” as these herd animals have entertaining habits when being observed, frequently leading to laughter from the observers.

Habitat:
It prefers open plains but has successfully been introduced to semi-arid regions with wooded areas.

Reproduction:
Calves are mostly born during summer (mid-November to end December) but births can differ from region to region.

General:
Gestation period About 250 days
Average shoulder height 48”
Average weight: mature bull 330 lbs – 350 lbs
Average weight: mature cows 220 lbs – 250 lbs
Horns Both bulls and cows have horns

Hunting Blesbuck (Damaliscus dorcas phillipsi)
Description:
The body is a reddish brown non-iridescent color. A brown band usually interrupts the white face at the eyes. The rump is usually light colored to tan.

The shoulders are higher than the rump and it has an elongated face. The general body shape is not too dissimilar from that of the red hartebeest (Alcelaphus buselaphus) and tsessebe (Damaliscus lunatus).

During the heat of the day these herd animals will face the sun with bowed heads, or lay down in anticipation of the afternoon cool.

Hunting blesbuck is an intensive hunt. Many animals in a herd can complicate matters for the PH (Professional Hunter) and the hunters him/herself. It is advised that communication be clear with regards to the intended and desired animal.

Habitat:
Prefers open plains but has successfully been introduced to wooded areas.

Reproduction:
Most of the lambs are born during November and January. Peak lambing is usually during December.

General:
Gestation period About 240 days
Average shoulder height 38”
Average weight: mature ram 125 lbs – 150 lbs
Average weight: mature ewes 110 lbs – 130 lbs
Horns Both rams and ewes have horns

Hunting Bushbuck (Tragelaphus scriptus)
Description:
The bushbuck is a medium to small animal ranging in color from a rusty brown to a deep dark brown. White markings occur on the legs and flanks aiding in its camouflage.

Long hair on the back of the males only comes erect when they are in contest with other males mainly during the rut. It has a bushy tail that is white underneath and brown on top.

Hunting bushbuck along riverine areas is highly recommended. A trait these animals display when in danger is to simply lay down and wait. When they deem the danger to be too close they will jump up and depart with speed. Their warning call sounds like a small dogs' bark. It is a member of the spiral-horned family of antelope species.

Habitat:
As the name suggests, the bushbuck prefers thick vegetation normally along riverfronts.

Reproduction:
A single lamb is born usually between October and January. The mother hides the lamb for approximately the first four months after birth when it will join its mother.

General:
Gestation period About 180 days
Average shoulder height 32” – 36”
Average weight: mature ram 100 lbs – 130 lbs
Average weight: mature ewe 60 lbs – 80 lbs
Horns Only the males have horns

Hunting Warthog (Phacochoerus aethiopicus)
Description:
To many this must be one of the more ugly animals, yet to others this epitomizes Africa. It is gray in color and has dark, brush-like body hair with a mane of long hair on the back. The long hair on the back can become erect when the animal is stressed. A distinguishing feature is the plumes of white facial hair on the sides of the face.

The snout is typical that of a hog, with two pairs of warts on the face of a boar (second pair slightly above the tusks), and only one pair on that of a sow. The tail is thin with a tuft of hair at the tip. The tail is held upright when the animal is running.

The tusks curve upward. The incisors are shorter and are constantly honed when the animal is feeding. These incisors are extremely sharp and are a superb defense mechanism.

When hunting warthogs, your quarry can either be uncommonly canny, or exceedingly stupid. With a slight breeze in the hunters favor, and a feeding warthog with its head down, the hunter can approach it slowly to within 10 - 20 yards.

Habitat:
Open savanna fields to sparsely wooded areas are preferred. As a general rule warthogs prefer not to be in extreme cold areas.

Reproduction:
Batches of up to eight piglets are born (average four to six) usually during September – December. The sow will give birth in a hole (usually aardvark hole) and after two weeks the piglets will come to the surface.

General:
Gestation period About 170 days
Average shoulder height 28”
Average weight: mature boar 120 lbs – 200 lbs
Average weight: mature sow 90 lbs – 110 lbs
Tusks Both the boars and sows have tusks

Hunting Common (gray) duiker (Sylvicapra grimmia)
Description:
It has a gray brown body color with a tinge of reddish yellow on the upper body. Belly tends to be white to a dull white. A black facial stripe occurs from the tip of the nose towards the eyes, of which the length of the stripe can differ.

The front sides of the front legs have distinct black markings. On top of the head is a tuft of hair that protrudes upwards. This tuft of hair can easily be mistaken as horns when viewed from the side. Due to the small body size of the animal, hunting the Gray duiker is interesting in dense vegetation. It is highly alert and does not hesitate to run.

Habitat:
The duiker (“to dive/bob” when running) can adapt to a variety of habitats but prefers areas with short shrubs and bush.

Reproduction:
A single lamb can be born throughout the year. These are mostly solitary animals and team up when the female is ready to mate.

General:
Gestation period About 180 days
Average shoulder height 20”
Average weight: mature ram 38 lbs – 45 lbs
Average weight: mature ewe 45 lbs – 48 lbs
Horns Only the males have horns

Hunting Eland (Taurotragus oryx)
Description:
This is the largest antelope specie. It usually has a light brown to tan color and becomes bluish gray on the neck and shoulders when it gets older. Mature bulls develop a tuft of course hair on the fore head.

A short dark mane occurs on the back of the neck. The tail is long with a dark tuft of hair at the tip.

Older bulls also develop a sizeable dewlap. When hunting eland the hunter should never be fooled into thinking that it will be as easy as hunting cattle. These animals (the largest antelope in South Africa) are agile jumpers that are able to clear a 6 foot fence with ease.

Habitat:
Eland adapt to a wide variety of habitats, ranging from mountainous areas to semi-desert regions. They do prefer open plains with the availability of wooded areas for cover.

Reproduction:
A single calf can be born throughout the year, but calving reaches its peak during the wet summer months (October – January).

General:
Gestation period About 270 days
Average shoulder height 68”
Average weight: mature bull Up to 2 000 lbs
Average weight: mature cows Up to 1 100 lbs
Horns Both bulls and cows have horns

Hunting Vaal (Gray) Rhebuck (Pelea capreolus)
Description:
This is a non-descript smaller antelope with a gray and dense coat with short hair. The belly is a pure white. It has a wooly short tail that is gray on top and white underneath and on the tip. The ears are long and narrow and the horns of the male are vertical and almost completely straight. The black nose seems swollen.

This could likely be the most difficult antelope to hunt. It has extremely good eyesight. Living mainly in mountainous open terrain, hunting the vaal/Gray rhebuck is a true test of skill, patience and shooting ability.

Habitat:
Mainly mountainous regions but restricted to South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland.

Reproduction:
A single lamb is born during November – December.

General:
Gestation period About 260 days
Average shoulder height 23” – 25”
Average weight: mature ram 42 lbs
Average weight: mature ewe 35 lbs
Horns Only males have horns

Hunting Impala (Aepyceros melampus)
Description:
The upper body of the impala is a deep reddish brown that becomes lighter in color along the flanks, chest and belly. The throat and chin are white. The short thin tail is white with a black line down the center. Corresponding black lines occur on both the buttocks. The ears have black tips.

A unique feature to the impala is the black hair tussles on the lower back part of the hind legs.

This is surely the “Whitetail of North America” in terms of numbers and location. The impala is one of the most prolific antelope species in Southern Africa. For many a hunter the impala must certainly be one of the animals to get on safari. Hunting the impala is an extraordinary affair with so many eyes and ears alert for any mistake made by the hunter. The impala makes for a great trophy and a great hunt. Probably one of the three most popular animals to be hunted by foreign hunters.

Habitat:
Open savanna bushveld where there is a permanent water source.

Reproduction:
A single lamb is born shortly after the first rainfall in early November.

General:
Gestation period About 196 days
Average shoulder height 48”
Average weight: mature ram 110 lbs – 130 lbs
Average weight: mature ewe 85 lbs – 100 lbs
Horns Only the males have horns

Hunting Mountain reedbuck (Redunca fulvorulula)
Description:
This is another non-descript mountain dwelling smaller antelope. The upper body and back are a dull gray and the belly a pure white. Hair on the head and neck is usually a yellowish gray. The elongated ears are narrow.

A bushy tail is gray on top and white underneath. When in flight the tail is held upright displaying the white part rather prominently. The horns of the males are rather stout, short and curve forward. When hunting the mountain reedbuck, the hunter must have patience, good eyes and a good flat-shooting rifle. These are small agile animals that will present a shot at a distance that the animal judges to be safe.

Habitat:
The mountain reedbuck is limited to mountainous and rocky regions.

Reproduction:
A single lamb is born mainly during the summer months of October – January, but is not limited to a specific time.

General:
Gestation period About 240 days
Average shoulder height 28” – 30”
Average weight: mature ram 65 lbs
Average weight: mature ewe 40 lbs
Horns Only the males have horns

Hunting Nyala (Tragelaphus angasii)
Description:
This is most likely one of the most beautiful of the antelope species of the African continent. The males have long dark gray hair that drapes from below the chin to between the hind legs. A bushy mane stretches from behind the head all the way to the rump. The mane lays flat on the body except when it displays dominance when in the vicinity of other males.

On average there are 8 – 14 vertical white stripes on the flanks that tend to disappear or become less prominent with age. Several white markings are visible on the rump and face. The lower legs are a yellow brown in color.

Females are relatively smaller than the males and are a rusty brown color with up to 18 vertical white stripes on the flanks. When hunting the nyala the hunter must be able to take a shot at an animal that is usually partially obscured by vegetation. A soft-skinned animal, the nyala can be a weary opponent that makes for an immensely beautiful trophy. It is a member of the spiral-horned family of antelope species.

Habitat:
They prefer dry savanna bushveld and along riverfronts.

Reproduction:
A single lamb is born mainly during the summer months of October – January.

General:
Gestation period About 220 days
Average shoulder height 46”
Average weight: mature bull 240 lbs
Average weight: mature ewe* 130 lbs
Horns Only the bulls have horns
*The nyala is where differentiation starts between rams/ewes and bulls/cows. It is a nyala bull, but a nyala ewe.

Hunting Red hartebeest (Alcelaphus buselaphus)
Description:
With shoulders that are much higher than the rump and a long face like that of a horse, this antelope specie must be the “Warthog of the Antelope World”.

The body color is a deep golden brown becoming darker down the shoulders. The rump and hindquarters are lighter in color. A black line occurs down the center of the face and down all four legs.

The medium length tail is light brown at the base and covered with black hair on the rest of it.

One should not be fooled when hunting the red hartebeest as these animals are much smarter than what they look like. Hunting the red hartebeest in dense vegetation is a challenge at best. Being gregarious, the large number of ears and eyes contribute to having a memorable hunt.

Habitat:
Open savanna or bushveld.

Reproduction:
A single calf is born during early summer months of October – November.

General:
Gestation period About 240 days
Average shoulder height 50”
Average weight: mature bull 320 lbs – 350 lbs
Average weight: mature cows 250 lbs – 280 lbs
Horns Both bulls and cows have horns

Hunting Reedbuck (Redunca arundinum)
Description:
The reedbuck is of medium size and has a furry gray coat of fuzzy hair. The head and neck are lighter in color. The belly is white with a very bushy white tail. The tail is gray at the top and white on the bottom.

It has a vertical black stripe down the front legs and the ears are broad, rounded and white on the inside. The common reedbuck loves open areas slightly before sunset, so when hunting them one can expect a clear shot at a distance mostly exceeding 100 yards.

Habitat:
These animals prefer areas with tall grass, reeds, or a combination of both. A constant water source is essential.

Reproduction:
A single lamb is born any time of year, but lambing season peaks during the wet summer months of November – January.

General:
Gestation period About 220 days
Average shoulder height 32” – 38”
Average weight: mature ram 130 lbs – 160 lbs
Average weight: mature ewe 100 lbs – 130 lbs
Horns Only the males have horns

Hunting Sable (Hippotragus niger)
Description:
This is one of the larger antelope species of Southern Africa. A fully mature bull has a shiny black coat with a contrasting pure white belly and inner thighs. Cows and juveniles usually have a rusty brown coloration on top of the body.

The black and white facial markings are striking. It has an upright mane on top of the neck that reaches down to the shoulders. The ears are long and narrow.

The Afrikaans name (Afrikaans is a South African language spoken by about 10% of South Africans) for the sable (swartwitpens) directly translates to: “black white belly”. When hunting this majestic animal, the sable is notorious for being vigilant and can contribute to an exciting hunt. Territorial lone bulls are fantastic adversaries.

Habitat:
Usually associated with dry open savanna bushveld and prefers medium to tall grass.

Reproduction:
A single calf is born mostly from January – March, but can differ from region to region.

General:
Gestation period About 270 days
Average shoulder height 54”
Average weight: mature bull 530 lbs – 600 lbs
Average weight: mature cows 470 lbs – 510 lbs
Horns Both the bulls and the cows have horns

Hunting Springbuck (Antidorcas marsupialis)
Description:
The rear of the body of the springbuck presents higher than the shoulders. A dark reddish brown band on the flanks separates the top light brown section from the white bottom section.

The head is white with a brown line from the eyes to the corner of the mouth. The springbuck has a plume of long white hair that stretches from the middle of the back to the base of the rump that, when opened or extended, exhibits a beautiful pure white plume. It usually only opens the plume when “pronking”, a term associated with the springbuck when it exhibits its typical behavior when it arches its back and leaps into the air with stiffened legs. It has a very short tail with a tuft of hair on the tip.

The only other time when the plume is opened is shortly after the animal expires. The plume will, in most cases, open completely; remain open for about a minute before closing itself. When out hunting springbuck, have a flat-shooting rifle, a steady rest and lots of patience. These tiny animals have excellent eye-sight and run at the drop of a hat. The beautiful arch-backed leaps are a treat to observe. When the males "pronk", they open the plume on their backs, arch, and leap stiff-legged into the air while secreting a sweet smelling odor from a gland on the back that none of the ladies can refuse. After the animal expired, it usually opens the plume and the sweet smell, not uncommon to candy floss, can be observed.

Habitat:
Open, dry regions. Because of the habitat and region, there are no springbuck in the Kruger National Park.

Reproduction:
A single lamb is born during the wet summer months of November – January.

General:
Gestation period About 168 days
Average shoulder height 30”
Average weight: mature ram 50 lbs
Average weight: mature ewe 40 lbs
Horns Both males and females have horns

Notes
There are color variations to the Springbuck, South Africa’s National antelope. These colors are white, black, and more recently, copper.

Hunting Steenbuck (Raphicerus campestris)
Description:
The steenbuck is one of the smaller antelope species of Southern Africa. It is a loner and only teams up with another member of its specie during the mating season.

It is an elegant antelope with large eyes, rusty brown on the upper body with a white belly. It has a white stain on the throat and around the eyes. It has a very short, rusty brown tail.

When hunting other animals, one will frequently come across the steenbuck. They make beautiful pedestal- and full body mounts, as they do not take up a lot of space. When hunting the dainty little steenbuck, the hunter should be weary not to use too much gun. The best caliber for hunting steenbuck would be any caliber that allows for using a solid bullet. The solid bullet causes very little damage to the cape.

Habitat:
Open areas are preferred with at least some form of cover.

Reproduction:
A single lamb is born usually during the wet summer months of November – January.

General:
Gestation period About 170 days
Average shoulder height 20”
Average weight: mature ram 22 lbs
Average weight: mature ewe 20 lbs
Horns Only the males have horns

Hunting Waterbuck (Kobus ellipsiprimnus)
Description:
The waterbuck is a large antelope with course long gray hair. A broad white ring surrounds the rump. A white line runs from the throat to the basis of the ears.

The color on the flanks is lighter than on the back. The hair around the mouth, nose and the area above the eyes are white. The ears are short, round, white on the inside and have black tips. The tail is relatively long and has a black tuft of hair on the tip.

The waterbuck secretes a distinctive musky odor that can be observed early in the morning, especially along riverbanks. The hair is extremely oily and when handled, your hands not only become oily, but also have the distinct musky smell associated with these animals. Many times when out hunting the waterbuck, specially early in the morning and late afternoon, the hunter can experience the pungent smell secreted by these long-haired antelope. The many oil glands make for a greasy coat that is clearly visible on the hands after loading the trophy.

Habitat:
As the name indicates, these animals are associated with water. They will also move into water when drinking. They prefer areas with tall grass or reeds. Open fields can be utilized if sufficient cover is close by.

Reproduction:
A single calf is born any time of year, but the main time for births is during the wet summer months of November - January

General:
Gestation period About 280 days
Average shoulder height 52”
Average weight: mature bull 550 lbs
Average weight: mature cows 470 lbs
Horns Only the bulls have horns

Hunting Burchell’s zebra (Equus burchelli)
Description:
This must one of a number of African animals that must be well known in any country of the world. Each zebra has a unique pattern to the black and white stripes on its body. This zebra normally has more shadow stripes between the white and black ones at the rear than in the front. The stripes continue down towards the center of the belly.

It has a tall upright mane that stretches from the top of the head to the shoulders. The stripes do not always extend down to the hooves. When hunting the zebra the hunter would expect to be in for an easy hunt. The contrary is quite true as this is an intelligent opponent in the bush that should not be taken on face value. Mostly the trophy would consist of a rug mount, but wall mounts are becoming more popular.

Habitat:
Prefer grass fields with availability of cover.

Reproduction:
A single foal is born during the wet summer months of November – January.

General:
Gestation period About 375 days
Average shoulder height 52”
Average weight: mature stallion 550 lbs – 600 lbs
Average weight: mature mare Up to 550 lbs
Horns None

Hunting dangerous game / Hunting the Big 5 in Africa

Hunting Leopard (Panthera pardus)
Description:
The leopard is most likely, pound-for-pound, the strongest of the big cat species of Africa. The basic color is an orange brown with black spots on the legs, flanks hindquarters and head. The rest of the body is covered in rosettes rather than spots. The tail is, on average, about half the length of the body. The ears are rounded with white tips. The belly is usually white.

Hunting leopard is mostly done by baiting and successful harvesting of this beautiful animal is mostly during the evenings as leopard are considered to be nocturnal. A hide/blind is set up at a distance from the hide where after the hunter needs to be very quiet.

Together with buffalo, the leopard is most likely one of the most sought after members of the Big 5 to harvest. There are few adversaries that can become as wily as a leopard that has been hunted before. Hunting the leopard is mostly done over bait, but some African countries allow for leopard hunting with hounds. In South Africa it is illegal to hunt leopard with hounds.

Habitat:
It has a wide variety of habitats it can adjust to. From high mountains to coastal areas to wooded areas the leopard does equally well. It does need sufficient cover.

Reproduction:
Litters of 2 – 3 kittens are born any time of the year in places of dense cover, crevices and caves.

General:
Gestation period About 100 days
Average shoulder height 28”
Average weight: mature male Up to 160 lbs
Average weight: mature female Up to 120 lbs

Hunting Lion (Panthera leo)
Description:
Many people will know the lion as “King of the Jungle” (well at least until the elephant arrives). It should be noted that wild lions are not the same docile friendly little creatures of the animation movie “The Lion King”. Wild lions are dangerous and when hunting lions they should be treated with due respect.

This is the largest of all the African cats. Color differs from a reddish gray to tan with a lighter undercarriage. Spots occur on juvenile animals that usually disappear when the animal reaches adulthood. The tuft of hair on the tip of the tail is usually black.

Only adult male lions have mane that stretches from the sides of the face down the neck, shoulders and chest. The color of the mane differs from tan to black. White lions do occur and are not true albinos, but rather a genetic variation with reduced pigmentation. Hunting lion can be done over bait, and or the traditional "walk-and-see-more" tactic. The capabilities of the hunter mostly determines the hunting method.

Habitat:
Lions can adjust in a wide range of different habitats from semi-desert to bushveld to open savanna. They do not adjust to equatorial forest.

Reproduction:
Litters on average are from 1 – 4 kittens and can be born any time of year.

General:
Gestation period About 110 days
Average shoulder height 48”
Average weight: mature lion 330 lbs – 500 lbs
Average weight: mature lioness 240 lbs – 300 lbs

Hunting African elephant (Loxodonta africana)
Description:
The African elephant is the largest land mammal on earth. The most prominent features of the elephant would most likely be its long trunk, large ears and tusks. Some elephants may not develop tusks and others sometimes break the tusks off in a variety of manners.

The trunk is very maneuverable and can perform almost any task at hand. Thick veins in the back of the ears allow for cooling of blood to help regulate body temperature. The tusks are a prominent feature on elephants, even though tusk less elephants are not uncommon. Tusks grow throughout the life span of an elephant but are worn down and broken frequently. Hunting elephant is a physically demanding hunt. Lots of time is spent walking on the tracks of these pachyderms only to find that tusk quality is sub-standard or that the animal carries a broken tusk. Be prepared for an exhilarating hunt.

Habitat:
Elephants can adapt to a very wide variety of habitats. The main requirements are food, water and shade in abundance.

Reproduction:
A single calf is born any time of the year. Mostly calving will reach a climax during the rainy season of the area in which the elephants occur. There are only two documented cases of twins being born and both times have been recorded in the Kruger National Park.

General:
Gestation period 22 months
Average shoulder height 8 – 10 ft
Average weight: mature bull 10 000 lbs – 12 000 lbs
Average weight: mature cows 6 000 lbs – 8 000 lbs
Tusks Both bulls and cows can have tusks

Hunting White rhino (Ceratotherium simum)
Description:
This pachyderm (thick-skinned animal) has a distinctive gray color that can take on a discoloration depending on the color of mud/dust that it wallowed in. It has a large hump on the neck, the head is large that is held down to a few inches off the ground.

It has a large square shaped mouth, hence the colloquial name: “square-lipped rhino”. It has two horns on the area between the mouth and the forehead, of which the front one usually is the longest. The ears are large and pointed and work very well. Hunting the white rhino in Africa must get the adrenalin flowing due to the close quarters from which it is hunted. Many times hunters contribute to the well-being of these pachyderms by paying for a "green hunt". This type of hunting is conducted with a tranquilizer rifle from extreme close quarters, temporarily immobilizing the animal so that a micro chip may be inserted into the horn for identification- and research purposes. A qualified vet assists in ensuring the well-being of the animal at all times.

Habitat:
Due to the large amount of grass it has to consume to maintain bodyweight, these animals prefer areas with short grass, dense cover en a consistent water source.

Reproduction:
A single calf is born any time of the year.

General:
Gestation period About 480 days
Average shoulder height 72”
Average weight: mature bull 4 400 lbs – 5 200 lbs
Average weight: mature cows 3 000 lbs – 3 500 lbs
Horns Both the bulls and the cows have horns

Notes:
Neither the white rhino, nor the black rhino derive their names from body color. The early Dutch settlers named the white rhino as “wijd”, meaning wide, but when pronounced, sounded to the British like “white” (from the Dutch word “wit”). Therefore the rhino became known as the white rhino.

The early European settlers moving to the central Southern African regions came across another rhino and named it the “black” rhino.

Other myths include that the horn, when ground to a powder, possesses aphrodisiacal powers. This is, to say the least, not true.

Some differences between the white- and black rhino are:
White rhino is 30 - 40% larger than the black rhino. White rhino has a square lip, and the black rhino has a hooked lip. The white rhino is strictly a grazer, and the black is a browser. Due to the difference in habitat, the calf of the white rhino mostly walks in front of the cow, and vice versa with the black rhino.

Hunting Cape Buffalo (Syncerus caffer)
Description:
Often referred to, as the “Black Death” this member of the bovine family is most likely one of the most sought after of all African trophy animals. Considered to be one of the Big 5 it is a customer not to be taken lightly, especially when wounded. Peter Capstick was absolutely correct when he described the Cape buffalo as “he looks at you like you owe him money”.

The buffalo is a heavily built animal with the bulls ranging from dark brown to mostly black. They have relatively short legs with the front hooves invariably being larger than the rear hooves. In the case of the bulls, the horns are heavy and very well developed at the bosses on the top of the head. The cows have much slighter bosses. Large ears hang beneath the horns. The tail is rounded off with brown to black hair right at the tip, similar to that of a head of beef.

When hunting the Cape buffalo, make sure you have enough gun. It can come at you like a train with no breaks. A well placed shot can ensure not only your safety, but also that of the whole crew.

Habitat:
Preferred habitat has enough grass, water and cover. Open areas can be utilized as long as they have access to sufficient cover.

Reproduction:
A single calf is born seasonally, but usually in the wet summer months (November – January) Dominant bulls will mate with cows that are in season.

General:
Gestation period About 340 days
Average shoulder height 56”
Average weight: mature bull 1200 lbs – 1400 lbs
Average weight: mature cows 1000 lbs – 1200 lbs
Horns Both bulls and cows have horns

Hunting dangerous game in Africa.

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 is referred to as "dangerous game", should by implication be enough warning that these animals are precisely that: dangerous.

Listen to your PH and do not try to be smart when advised to take certain precautions. Your PH has to have a certain minimum amount of experience in hunting dangerous game before being issued with a dangerous game licence by the authorities. He/she 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!