General information about:
- HUNTING IN SOUTH AFRICA
- HUNT IN SOUTH AFRICA
- HUNTING SAFARI
- HUNTING PACKAGES
- HUNTING LODGES
- HUNTING THE BIG 5
- HUNTING SPECIES
Hunting in South Africa forms an integral and necessary part of Nature Conservation. It has nothing to do with the senseless massacre of the past century. And it represents an important source of income to the guardians of nature. Hunting lodges in South Africa offer accommodation facilities all of which add to this eco tourism experience of hunting. Hunting in South Africa is subject to very strict laws. But they protect the hunter and the conservationists alike and thus make it possible that a wide range of game can be hunted. It is any hunter’s dream of hunting the “big five”, Lion. Leopard, Buffalo, Rhino and Elephant, can only be realized to Hunt in South Africa.
No other country in the world offers such diverse landscapes, ranging from coasts to mountains, from lakes to deserts, from steppes to bushveld like South Africa. This veritable plant kingdom is the ideal habitat for the manifold animal world we know as South Africa. More than 290 mammals and 450 types of bird are at home in a paradise of more than 24,000 species of plants. In the past game was hunted in South Africa to a point of extinction and the passion for mono-culture laid waste vast tracts of natural vegetation. Ecologically responsible thinking dawned only a century ago and the conservation efforts of private landowners the past few years through hunting and related activities in South Africa played a very big role.
The first National Park in South Africa for the preservation of an unspoilt environment was created in 1894, the name of which has survived as a tribute to its president: Paul Kruger. It all began with a small area of 17,000 ha in the Eastern Transvaal and in 1898 the Sabi Game Reserve was added to it. From such small beginnings, grew the world-famous Kruger National Park. This National Park remains one of the most famous adding on tours for hunters visiting South Africa.
One hundred years hence, South Africa can boast 16 National Parks (30,700 km2) and more than 120 provincial parks: 62 of which are in KwaZulu-Natal (3,120 km2); 45 in the Cape Provinces; (1,350 km2) and 9 in the old Transvaal Province (1,150 km2). Fortunately, the people of South Africa embraced the idea of preserving their environment to the extent that the efforts of the state were matched by the efforts of private individuals. Today the combined area for privately owned land for tourism and hunting in South Africa are much bigger compared to those of National Parks.
The three Provinces of Mpumalanga, North West and Northern Province alone account for 560 private Nature Reserves (12,900 km2) and on 800 specially fenced-in private farms (12.000) the flora and fauna are protected by private initiative. The past decade has seen a quantum leap in private commitment to preserving the natural assets of this country. But those here mentioned alone represent a total area of 60.997 km2 - not far off the size of the Republic of Ireland.
It is therefore not surprising that the successes of such commitment have contributed to make South Africa a leader in “Eco-Tourism and hunting destination.
South Africa is the leader in “Eco-Tourism“, which ever way you might define it. Protection of wildlife within limited resources, has however led to a need of proper game management. The over-population of game in reserves and on farms can and has led to imbalances within the plant world, making game management as much a necessity as stock management on commercial farms. While the latter has been accepted by general consensus, the latter has become and remains a contentious issue. The conservationists call it culling for the sake of preserving a balance within a sensitive ecosystem; the antagonists call it hunting for sport and pleasure and with all the negative connotations that have morally outlawed this practice. Excesses and bad practices have added fuel to the flames. But this cannot negate the fact that conservation and hunting are the inseparable “Siamese twins” of modern environmental management. There are many courses accredited by tertiary institutions that cover all aspects of Game Management in South Africa.
Hunting in South Africa forms an integral and necessary part of Nature Conservation. More than 50 types of game need to be culled on a regular basis. But South Africa is fortunate in having a good infrastructure and highly qualified personnel to manage this delicate balance of conservation and hunting. Although the animals do live freely within Nature, their habitat is limited to the size of the Game Reserve, the Nature Reserve or the farm, all of which are fenced in to keep them in. This means that their numbers have to be limited to the number that the land and plants can sustain. If the number of game expands beyond the carrying capacity of the land, their numbers have to be reduced accordingly. This takes place either by re-location, natural causes or by culling. If this balance is not maintained, the land will be ruined, turn into a semi-desert or full desert and will not be able to sustain animal life in the long term.
By way of a well managed culling process, the game is culled to prevent overgrazing and soil erosion on the one hand and to provide valuable meat and protein supplies to the local population on the other. Only a limited quota of between 2-3% is allocated to the trophy hunting. The outfitters and hunting guides have to be registered and are constantly controlled by the local representative of the Department of Nature Conservation. The income derived from trophy hunting is finally re-invested into nature conservation. Initially it provides jobs for the conservationists, food for the local communities and in the long term more land can be set aside for the game in order to sustain greater numbers.
Hunting the “Big 5″ in South Africa
Elephant
The biggest mammal on land in Africa. Bulls have bigger tusks than the cows. Elephants have bad eye-sight but have and excellent sense of smell and hearing. Height at shoulder: 300 - 340 cm, Weight: 6000 up to 7000kg, Speed: 40 km/h, Tusks: up to 60kg
Lion
“King of the Beasts”. Lives in a pride and hunts mainly at night. Female lions are better hunters than the males. Height at shoulder: approx. 100cm, Weight: 200kg, Age: up to 20 years, Speed: 80km/h
White Rhino
The white rhino is a grazer as opposed to the black rhino, who is a browser. It is not white in color, but its name derives from its “wide” mouth. Height at shoulder: 160cm, Weight: 3500kg, Length of the horn: 158cm, Age: up to 45 years, Speed: 45km/h
Cape buffalo
The Cape or African buffalo should not be confused with its tame Asian cousin. The Cape buffalo is the wildest and possibly the most dangerous animal of the African bush, even more so when wounded. Height at shoulder: approx.160cm
Weight: approx. 750kg, Age: 20 - 25 years, Speed: 55km/h
Leopard
A hunter of the night and its favorite prey is baboons. Leopard lives mainly in mountainous and riverside areas. Height at shoulder: approx. 60cm, Weight: approx. 60kg, Age: up to 21 years
Hunting other big game in South Africa
Giraffe
The Afrikaans name is “Kameelperd”, a combination of kameel and luiperd referring to the color of this animal. (Giraffa camelopardalis). Height at shoulder: approx. 550cm, Weight: approx. 1500kg, Age: up to 28 years, Speed: 50km/h
HippopotamusIt is really a huge, unwieldy specialized pig. It is very gregarious and spends most of the day in water in order to protect its sensitive skin from the sun. It grazes mainly at night. They can stay submerged for up to five minutes. Height at shoulder: approx. 150cm, Weight: 2000 - 3000kg, Age: up to 41 years, Length of the teeth: 58cm/122cm
Nile crocodile
The largest reptile on earth and belongs to the oldest surviving creatures. Crocodiles have been around for more than 60 million years. Height at shoulder: approx. 40cm, Weight: up to 100kg, Length of body: up to 600cm.
Mountain Zebra
The mountain zebra is not a s common as Burchell´s zebra nor does it have “shadow” stripes. It is smaller, has longer ears and no stripes on its belly. Height at shoulder: approx. 120cm, Weight: 300kg, Age: up to 35 years, Speed: 65km/h
Baboon
The baboon is intelligent, cunning and almost human. Baboons live in groups and display a highly developed form of social behavior. Height at shoulder: approx. 100cm, Weight: approx. 20kg, Age: up to 45 years.
Hunting Larger Antelope in South Africa
Eland
The largest antelope in South Africa. Both male and female bear horns, the bulls being massive and short, the cow’s being elongated and slender. They live in herds of up to 60. They can leap remarkably high, up to 2.4m. Height at shoulder: approx. 170cm, Weight: approx. 650kg, Age: up to 12 years, Length of horn: up to 110cm
Kudu
Selous described the Kudu as “one of the most beautiful in the world”. The magnificent horns, borne only by the males, are spread in beautiful open spirals. They live in small herds of 5 to 10. They can leap up to 2.5m. Height at shoulder: approx. 150cm, Weight: 300kg, Age: up to 11 years, Length of horn: up to 181cm
Roan Antelope
The roan is the largest of the antelope after the Eland, and resembles the sable in some ways. Height at shoulder: approx. 150cm, Weight: approx. 285kg, Age: up to 19 years, Length of horn: up to 99cm
Sable Antelope
The sable with its regal bearing is one of the most beautiful antelope. Its heavily ringed horns rise vertically and sweep back in a semicircular curve. The bulls are black and the under parts are white. In Afrikaans it is called Swartwitpens: “black-white belly”. Both sexes bear horns. Height at shoulder: approx. 140cm, Weight: approx. 220kg, Age: up to 19 years, Length of horn: up to 155cm
Cape Hartebeest
Is also known as the red hartebeest. Both sexes bear horns. They have a docile appearance but are extremely fast runners who can maintain their pace for long distances. Height at shoulder: approx. 130cm, Weight: approx. 160kg, Age: up to 20 years, Speed: 65km/h, Length of horn: up to 66cm
Tsessebe
The Sassaby as it is also known occupies the position both physically and geographically between the Blesbok and the Bontebok. However it strongly resembles the Red Hartebeest. It is reputed to be the fastest African antelope, reaching speeds of up to 100km/h, and can run 7 miles and be as fresh as it was from the start. Height at shoulder: approx. 120cm, Weight: 160kg, Age: up to 20 years, Length of horn: up to 48cm
Oryx/Gemsbok
Both sexes bear horns, those of the cow being longer and slimmer. They live in herds of up to 40 animals and can survive without water for long periods. They are aggressive and always ready for a fight. Wounded animals can be dangerous. Height at shoulder: approx. 120cm, Weight: approx. 200kg, Age: up to 19 years, Length of horn: up to 122cm
Waterbuck
It is a stately looking beast with well ringed horns, borne by males only. Generally found close to water and bears a peculiar white marking on its rump that would suggest that the prototype waterbuck sat on a freshly painted toilet seat. Height at shoulder: approx. 130cm, Weight: approx. 250kg, Age: up to 12 years, Length of horn: up to 99cm
Blue Wildebeest/Bridled Gnu
Also known as black-tailed gnu, it is ox-like in build and has buffalo shaped horns. It lives in herds and is often seen with Zebras, Impalas and Giraffe. Height at shoulder: approx. 135cm, Weight: approx. 250kg, Age: up to 20 years, Length of horn: 83cm
Black Wildebeest/White-tailed Gnu
It is smaller than its “blue” cousin. Is generally referred to as the black wildebeest and its natural habitat is the Highveld and the Karoo regions of South Africa. Height at shoulder: approx. 120cm, Weight: approx. 180kg, Age: up to 20 years, Length of horn: up to 68cmLechwe
Looks like a cross between an Impala and a waterbuck. Lives mainly in swamps and lagoons. Height at shoulder: approx. 82cm, Weight: approx. 120kg, Length of horn: up to 68cm
Nyala
Looks like a mixture of a young kudu and a bushbuck, but wears its characteristic “orange-colored stockings”. Height at shoulder: approx. 105cm, Weight: approx. 130kg, Age: up to 8 years, Length of horn: up to 83cm.
Hunting medium sized antelope in South Africa
Bontebok
Was named after its characteristically colored coat. It was applied by the Dutch settlers and means “pied” or “variegated” buck. It nearly became extinct and is at home only in the south Western Cape. Both sexes bear horns. Height at shoulder: approx. 90cm, Weight: approx. 64kg, Age: up to 8 years, Length of horn: up to 43cm
Blesbok
Looks very similar to the Bontebok, but it is smaller, has a lighter coat and is more prolific Both sexes bear horns. Height at shoulder: approx. 95cm, Weight: approx. 80kg, Age: up to 9 years, Length of horn: approx. 51cm
Bushbuck
Is easily recognized by its white collar. Is at home in thick bush and close to water. It is aggressive, brave and quite dangerous. It will tackle leopard, dogs and even human beings. Height at shoulder: approx. 80cm, Weight: approx. 54kg, Age: up to 9 years, Length of horn: up to 55cm
Impala
The Impala is the most prolific antelope in South Africa. Only the ram bears horns. Height at shoulder: approx. 90cm
Weight: approx. 65kg, Age: up to 9 years, Length of horn: up to 65cm
Reedbuck
As its name denotes it is at home in areas rich in reeds. But it does not like to go into water. It can be recognized by a characteristic whistle. Only the ram bears horns. Height at shoulder: approx. 90cm, Weight: approx. 70kg, Age: up to 9 years, Length of horn: up to 46cm
Mountain Reedbuck
Is at home in mountainous regions and lives in small groups. It is smaller and shyer than the Reedbuck. Only the ram bears horns. Height at shoulder: approx. 75cm, Weight: approx. 25kg, Age: up to 8 years, Length of horn: up to 23cm
Springbok
This is the national animal of South Africa. It has an amazing ability to jump vertically as high as 3m and horizontally as far as 5m. Both sexes bear horns. Height at shoulder: approx. 75cm, Weight: approx. 35kg, Age: up to 10 years, Length of horn: up to 48cm
Reedbuck
Lives in larger groups, is small, aggressive and bravely defends its territory. Height at shoulder: approx. 75cm, Weight: approx. 22kg, Age: up to 9 years, Length of horn: up to 29cm.
Hunting small antelope in South Africa
Oribi
An elegant golden colored antelope that can be found in grassy landscapes that are rich in water. Height at shoulder: approx. 65cm, Weight: approx. 20kg, Age: up to 13 years, Length of horn: up to 19cm
Klipspringer
Lives only on rocky hills and mountains. Generally lives in groups and is both a grazer and browser. Height at shoulder: approx. 60cm, Weight: approx. 16kg, Age: up to 8 years, Length of horn: up to 16cm
Cape Grysbok
Looks like a steenbok but is a very shy animal that comes out only at night. Live in dense bush. Height at shoulder: approx. 55cm, Weight: approx. 12kg, Length of horn: up to 12cm
Steenbok
Lives in pairs, but only the buck bears horns. Its habitat is the steppe and open woodland. Needs very little water and is active during the day. Height at shoulder: approx. 50cm, Weight: approx. 12kg, Age: up to 6 years, Length of horn: circa. 18cm.
Grey Duiker
Only the buck bears horns. It lives in woodland and in grassland with thickets. It is active mainly at night and live in pairs. Height at shoulder: approx. 50cm, Weight: approx. 12kg, Age: up to 9 years, Length of horn: up to 18cm
Red Duiker
Lives in thick bush, is extremely shy and is recognizable by the long head tuft between the ears. Both sexes bear horns. Height at shoulder: approx. 45cm, Weight: approx. 12kg, Age: up to 9 years, Length of horn: up to 11cm
Suni
Is a tiny antelope, that can be found only in some definite areas of KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga and Northern Province. Only the bucks bear horn. Height at shoulder: approx. 40cm, Weight: up to 8kg, Length of horn: up to 9cm
Blue Duiker
Is the smallest antelope in South Africa. Lives in dense woodland, mainly in the eastern parts of the country. Height at shoulder: approx. 30cm, Weight: up to 5kg, Age: up to 9 years, Length of horn: up to 10cm
Hunting small cats and game in South Africa
Serval
Looks similar to a young cheetah. Is active at night and lives on birds and antelope. Height at shoulder: approx. 55cm, Weight: up to 18kg, Age: up to 13 years, Length of body: approx. 110cm
Caracal
A beautiful, but dangerous animal, when cornered. Can be found everywhere except in rainforests. Height at shoulder: approx. 45cm, Weight: approx. 18kg, Age: up to 15 years, Length of body: 75cm
Black-backed Jackal
Can be found on the open plains and lives on reptiles, birds, birds’ eggs, small mammals and carrion. Can often be seen during the day. Height at shoulder: approx. 40cm, Weight: approx. 10kg, Age: up to 10 years, Speed: 55km/h
Wild Cat
Is found throughout South Africa and looks very much like a house-cat. It is not aggressive to human beings. Height at shoulder: approx. 35cm, Weight: approx. 6kg, Age: 10 years, Length of body: 50cm
Civet�
A grey “cat” with a long body and wiry coat and has a gland which produces a scent used in perfume. It is a loner and is active mainly at night. Height at shoulder: approx. 40cm, Weight: approx. 20kg, Age: 8 years, Length of body: approx. 90cm
Genet
Is a relative of the civet, and although it is not a cat, it looks deceptively like one. It lives on rabbits, birds, reptiles and insects. Height at shoulder: approx. 20cm, Weight: approx. 2kg, Age: up to 13 years, Length of body: 50cm
Warthog
Has a disproportionately large head compared to the rest of the body. The female has two and the male has four warts on either side of the head. When they trot along they hold their tails upright like antennae. When they feed they often go down on their knees, as if praying for their meal. Height at shoulder: approx. 75cm, Weight: 70 - 100kg, Age: up to 20 years, Speed: 30 - 50 km/h, Length of body: up to 60cm
Bush Pig
Looks similar to its domesticated cousin and lives in groups of 5 to 20 in thick bush, woodland or forests. It is aggressive and known to have attacked human beings with serious consequences. Height at shoulder: approx. 80cm, Weight: 55 - 75kg, Age: up to 20 years, Length of body: up to 18cm
Hunting Operators in South Africa
Be sure your operator is licensed. A foreign client is not allowed to hunt in South Africa unless: the hunt has been organized by a licensed hunting outfitter, and he/she is guided on the hunt by a licensed professional hunter. Professional hunters/hunting outfitters must hold licenses for each province where they operate.
Be sure to get a written agreement. It is law that a written agreement must be entered into between the client and hunting outfitter prior to the commencement of the hunt. Such agreement to include species, sex, fees for trophies, services provided, duration of the hunt and daily rates, etc.
Preparation and the Import/Export of Trophies
Trophies are generally prepared in two phases: the field treatment and the final preparation. The first phase is done in the field, hence known as the field treatment, which involves salt treatment and drying of the skins. In the case of horns these are carefully “cooked” in boiled water and packed in dry salt. The final preparation can be done by a taxidermist either in South Africa or in the hunter’s home country. The following taxidermists in South Africa are known for their quality work:
Trophies should be air-freighted to their final destination. The forwarding company will take care of all the technical requirements for export. But the basic requirement for the export of trophies is the hunting license. The import/export of trophies is subject to the Washington Agreement for the Protection of Endangered Species. Since the rules governing the importation trophies can vary from country to country, we recommend that you contact the relevant department in your country regarding the type of trophies you plan to import before setting off on your hunting trip. For further information on taxidermists, trophy regulations and quality, the controlling body for taxidermists may be contacted.
The Hunting Season
The main hunting season is from June to August, but may vary from Province to Province. However, hunting is allowed all year round, making South Africa the only country in Africa where this is possible. The most pleasant time from a weather point of view is from March to November.
Importation of Hunting Rifles and Ammunition
Generally speaking, you can borrow hunting rifles locally. Most hunters however prefer to bring their own and should observe the following rules and regulations.
Personal rifles and ammunition may be imported duty free but must be declared upon arrival and departure. The customs official will issue the import permit on arrival at the airport, provided you can prove legal ownership by way of a valid gun license. The rifle must have a serial number of the manufacturer inscribed in the metal part of the rifle, which must correspond with the number on the gun license. The import permit is valid for 180 days but can be extended by the South African Police if this should become necessary.
Please not that the rifle has to be exported upon departure. Be aware that it is illegal to leave your rifle with the outfitter after the hunt, unless an export permit is obtained prior to leaving the UK, and the outfitter will need a confirmation letter from you to prevent problems when he has to register it. The laws and regulations regarding firearms and weapons are currently being amended and new regulations may become applicable as to the import and export of hunting weapons. Further information on the new regulations can be obtained from the following Internet sites:
· www.shooting-online.co.za
· www.saga.org.za
· saga@iafrica.com
Hunting Dogs
If you wish to take your dog along, you have to apply for a veterinary/import/transit permit eight weeks before departure at:
· Director of Veterinary Services
Private Bag X138, Pretoria, 0001; Tel: 012-328 5140, Fax: 012- 329 8292
Hunting Dress
It is advisable to bring along some comfortable safari dress. Bring a mixture of short and long sleeved shirts and pants made of light cotton. Our winter months can be cool in the mornings and evenings, so do pack some woollies and an anorak. Sturdy boots, hats or caps should form part of your gear and do not forget your binoculars, insect spay, sun-block, a hunting knife, a flashlight and your camera.
Some Useful Hunting Addresses
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