Plains Game Safari
The ideal introduction to African hunting and the foundation of any serious hunter's South African experience. Extraordinary species variety across open bushveld — kudu, impala, wildebeest, zebra, warthog, and more.
Southern Africa's Premier Hunt Concierge
South Africa is the world's most developed hunting destination. Over 50 huntable species. Private concessions covering millions of hectares. A professional hunter industry governed by the strictest standards on the continent. The question isn't whether to hunt South Africa — it's how to do it properly.
The Destination
South Africa has been the world's premier trophy hunting destination for over 40 years. Not by accident. The private game farming industry — built on the commercial value of wildlife — has restored species to regions where they were hunted out a century ago. Today, South Africa's game populations are at their highest levels since pre-colonial times. The hunting industry funded that recovery.
What this means for the hunter: more species, better trophy quality, more professional outfitters, and more choice than anywhere else on the continent. It also means more variation in quality. Knowing which outfitters are worth hunting with — and which concessions carry genuinely mature trophies — is exactly what we do.
Fly into OR Tambo, connect to a bush airstrip, and you're in the field the same day. South Africa's hunting infrastructure — lodges, taxidermists, freight forwarders, trophy processors — is the most developed in Africa. Nothing gets lost. Nothing gets delayed.
No other country on earth offers the plains game variety of South Africa on private land. Kudu, sable, eland, nyala, bushbuck, gemsbok, zebra, warthog, waterbuck, and dozens more — often on the same concession. A serious hunter could spend a decade hunting South Africa and not repeat the same experience.
Every legal hunt in South Africa is conducted under PHASA-registered oversight with provincial permits and CITES documentation where required. This is not a grey market. The paperwork is real, the process is auditable, and your trophies will clear customs without issue.
Compared to Tanzania, Zimbabwe, or Mozambique, South Africa offers more hunting per dollar. Daily rates are lower, trophy fees are competitive, and lodge quality frequently exceeds what you'd find at twice the price in East Africa. It is the most accessible entry point into serious African hunting.
What We Offer
Africa Hunting Co arranges the full spectrum of South African hunting experiences. Each hunt type is matched to the right outfitter, the right concession, and the right professional hunter for your specific goals.
The ideal introduction to African hunting and the foundation of any serious hunter's South African experience. Extraordinary species variety across open bushveld — kudu, impala, wildebeest, zebra, warthog, and more.
Africa's most dangerous trophy. Old dagga boy bulls on private Limpopo concessions and free-ranging Zambezi Valley herds. Not for the first-time hunter — but the defining experience for those ready.
South Africa is one of the world's premier bow hunting destinations. Purpose-built blinds, exceptional species variety, and professional hunters experienced in archery-specific tracking and recovery.
Muslim hunters should also see our dedicated Halaal Safari Hunting page.
Where We Hunt
South Africa's hunting heartland. The Waterberg, Limpopo Valley, and Mokopane areas carry the full species list with exceptional trophy quality. The first choice for most international hunters.
Temperate climate, malaria-free, and outstanding nyala and kudu hunting. The practical choice for hunters with health considerations or those travelling with families.
Semi-arid open landscape ideal for gemsbok, springbok, and blesbok. Longer shot distances, dramatic scenery, exceptional Kalahari gemsbok trophy quality.
Coastal bushveld with a distinctive species mix. The primary destination for nyala hunting in Southern Africa, alongside bushbuck, impala, and warthog.
How It Works
Hunt type, species, budget, dates, party size. First time in Africa or returning hunter? The more context, the better the match.
Right professional hunter, right concession, right trophy quality for your specific goals. Not just whoever is available.
Trophy fee list, daily rates, firearm import permits, and logistics locked in before you book flights.
You arrive. Everything is ready. Your professional hunter has been briefed. The bush is waiting.
Common Questions
A hunting safari in South Africa typically costs between $5,000 and $40,000 USD depending on the hunt type, duration, species, and outfitter. A standard 7-day plains game safari targeting 5–8 species ranges from $8,000 to $15,000 USD. A Cape Buffalo hunt adds $8,000 to $18,000 USD to that figure. Luxury packages with five-star lodge accommodation sit at the higher end. All packages generally include your professional hunter, trackers, field preparation, accommodation, and meals.
International hunters do not require a personal hunting licence to hunt in South Africa. You hunt under the licence and supervision of your PHASA-registered professional hunter, who holds all required permits. You will need a valid passport and, for firearm imports, a South African temporary import permit which your outfitter arranges in advance.
Limpopo Province is South Africa's premier hunting destination, offering the widest species variety and the highest concentration of PHASA-registered professional hunters. The Eastern Cape is the preferred malaria-free alternative, popular with hunters travelling with families. The Northern Cape offers exceptional open-country hunting for gemsbok, springbok, and blesbok. KwaZulu-Natal is the primary destination for nyala hunting.
Yes. Trophy hunting is legal in South Africa and is governed by national and provincial legislation. All hunting must be conducted under the supervision of a PHASA-registered professional hunter on legally registered game farms or concessions. South Africa has one of the most highly regulated hunting industries in the world, with strict quotas, permit systems, and species protection under CITES.
Yes. International hunters may import firearms into South Africa for hunting purposes using a temporary import permit. Your outfitter applies for the permit on your behalf prior to your arrival. You will declare your firearm on arrival at OR Tambo or Cape Town International Airport. Most outfitters also have rifles available for client use if you prefer not to travel with your own firearm.
The most important factors when choosing a South African hunting outfitter are PHASA registration, the professional hunter's track record with your target species, concession size and trophy quality, and transparent pricing. Avoid outfitters who cannot provide references or who are vague about trophy fees. Africa Hunting Co vets every outfitter in our network personally — we only refer hunters to outfitters we would use ourselves.
Request a Package
Fill in your details and we'll match you with the right outfitter and package within 24 hours.
We match your species goals and budget to the right outfitter — not just the first available one.
All outfitters are PHASA-registered and CITES compliant. Trophy export assistance included.
Group packages welcome. We've arranged hunts for parties of 2 to 12 across multiple countries.
Thank you — we'll review your hunt requirements and be in touch within 24 hours with outfitter matches and package options.