South Africa is one of Africa’s most popular destinations for international hunting safaris.
South Africa is the most popular hunting destination on the continent. The wealth of species on offer, the wide range of hunting experiences, overall affordability and fantastic infrastructure all contribute to a world-class African hunting destination. From tracking gemsbok across the primeval sands of the Kalahari Desert to unwinding with a refreshing beverage in the plush environment of a luxury hunting camp, South Africa has a hunting experience available to realize every hunter's dream.
The primary areas that we include in our South African hunting packages are the bushveld (Limpopo and Gauteng), Lowveld (Mpumalanga), parts of the North West, the Kalahari (Northern West), the Eastern Cape and the plains of the eastern Free State. While certain trophy animals may be taken in multiple areas - particularly your more common plains game species like impala and blesbok - each area also boasts its own distinct species, which makes pursuing that animal in that environment all the more authentic and memorable.
We make use of various hunting camps in each area to ensure that each hunter's individual needs are met. Whether you prefer hunting from a base that is truly off-the-grid and rustic, or you savor the finer things in life and enjoy a base endowed with every imaginable creature comfort, you will find your expectations exceeded. The camps have been carefully selected for their locations, level of intimacy and the high caliber of the staff complement.
Most camps are easily accessible via OR Tambo International in Johannesburg, which is also a large part of the appeal in choosing South Africa for your hunting safari. You can hunt the formidable Cape buffalo in a truly wild area some two hours from the airport, and be none the wiser that such a cosmopolitan city is a stone's throw from your hunting camp. Regional flights - to Port Elizabeth for the Eastern Cape, or to Nelspruit for the Lowveld - are competitively priced. Charter flights are required for remote destinations like the Kalahari, and if you'd prefer to skip the lengthy drive to the Free State.
South Africa is particularly ideal if you are looking to bring along observers or your family, as there is such a wealth of local highlights for them to enjoy. Tacking on a safari in the world-renowned Kruger National Park is particularly popular, but you are welcome to venture further afield. Our photographic safaris and tours are entirely customizable for exactly this purpose.
Prepare for your South African journey with essential travel tips. Our FAQ covers international arrivals into Johannesburg, the best hunting windows from May to September, and a variety of activities for non-hunters, including game drives and cultural day trips.
Most international hunters arrive in South Africa via O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, the country’s primary international gateway. From here, many hunting areas are easily reached by road or short domestic flights. Bushveld camps in Limpopo and Gauteng are typically between 1.5 and 4 hours’ drive, while regions such as the Eastern Cape and Lowveld are accessed via regional flights to Gqeberha or Nelspruit. If flights arrive late, an overnight near Johannesburg may be recommended before transferring to camp.
South Africa offers excellent hunting opportunities throughout much of the year, but the most popular period is from late autumn through early spring, roughly May to September. During these months, cooler temperatures, reduced vegetation, and limited rainfall improve visibility and tracking conditions. Summer months can be warmer and greener, particularly in the bushveld, with occasional afternoon thunderstorms. While hunting is still possible year-round, seasonal conditions may influence species availability, daily schedules, and preferred regions.
South Africa is an ideal destination for hunters traveling with non-hunting companions. Depending on the region, activities can include guided game drives in reserves such as Dinokeng, visits to cultural attractions, city excursions in Pretoria or Johannesburg, and sightseeing day trips to nearby landmarks. Many camps also offer comfortable facilities for relaxation, including swimming pools, lounges, and scenic walking areas. Activities outside the standard safari itinerary may involve additional costs, depending on location and arrangements.
South Africa’s hunting terrain is extremely diverse, offering everything from dense bushveld and wooded savanna to open plains, semi-desert regions, and mountainous landscapes. Vegetation density varies by region, influencing hunting styles such as spot-and-stalk, blind hunting, or vehicle-based tracking. This variety allows hunters to pursue a wide range of species in environments that feel distinct and authentic. Weather conditions can change throughout the day, so layered clothing and good footwear are recommended for comfort and mobility.
Explore the diverse wilderness regions that make South Africa a top hunting destination. From the dense Bushveld and scenic Eastern Cape to the open Free State plains and red dunes of the Kalahari, each area offers unique terrain and authentic experiences.
The bushveld is convenient both for its easily accessible location, and variety of species - both plains and dangerous game - available for hunting. Our bushveld hunting camps are warm, inviting and luxurious, while still enjoying wild authenticity integral to an African hunting safari.
The Eastern Cape offers an incredibly scenic hunting environment, with hunting camps in bucolic settings and unique species on offer to set the avid African hunter's heart racing. Pursue rarer antelope species like the tiny blue duiker, the grey rhebok and red lechwe, or opt for a thrilling nighttime caracal hunt.
The eastern Free State is an area of open plains, framed by undulating mountains in the distance. This terrain is ideal for hunting South Africa's wealth of plains game species, including black wildebeest, blesbok, springbok, red hartebeest and more. The hunting camps are celebrated for their countryside charm.
The Kalahari offers a remote and visually striking hunting environment, defined by vast red sand dunes, open plains, and dramatic night skies. This region provides an authentic African safari experience, with challenging terrain that rewards careful tracking and patient spot-and-stalk hunting. In addition to its iconic landscapes, the Kalahari supports a range of sought-after species, including gemsbok, giraffe, springbok, and a variety of plains game. Its sense of space, solitude, and wilderness makes it a memorable destination for hunters seeking something truly distinctive.
South Africa offers a wide range of hunting styles to suit different experience levels and goals. From classic plains game safaris to challenging Big Five pursuits, each hunt is planned around your preferred species, terrain, and pace. We can also accommodate rifle, bow, and specialized options where available, with experienced Professional Hunters guiding the process from field preparation to trophy care.
A variety of fully inclusive plains game packages are on offer. These packages include all the most popular trophy animals like kudu, impala and blue wildebeest. Both rifle and bow hunting can easily be accommodated, and both types are conducted by highly experienced, licensed Professional Hunters. If you are looking for an exciting, unique, and memorable hunting experience, head for South Africa.
Big Five hunting in South Africa, as offered by AS Hunting Adventures, is focused exclusively on the Cape buffalo. Cape buffalo hunts are conducted in carefully selected areas under strict regulation and professional oversight, emphasizing ethical, fair-chase practices and responsible wildlife management. These safaris provide a challenging and rewarding experience while maintaining the highest standards of conservation and safety.
Wing shooting in South Africa is an outdoor pursuit that can be enjoyed in several of the country's safari areas. AS Hunting Adventures does not offer dedicated wing shooting packages, but we do offer wing shooting as an add-on to your plains game or Cape buffalo hunting safari in South Africa. When wing shooting in South Africa, the bag can include several species of dove, duck, spurfowl, Egyptian goose and guinea fowl.
Rifle hunting is a very popular outdoor pursuit in South Africa. Hundreds of thousands of South Africans and international sportsmen hunt the great diversity of plains game species in South Africa annually with their favorite rifle in hand. Most of our clients prefer rifle hunting to bow hunting. About 95% of all the trophies taken by our clients annually are done so with a bolt action rifle.
South Africa offers some exceptional bow hunting opportunities. The concession areas in which AS Hunting Adventures offers bow hunting are dedicated solely to this purpose, ensuring that the animals are more relaxed than in areas where rifle hunting is conducted. Comfortable blinds have been erected in strategic positions, maximizing the chances of taking the trophy of your choice.
South Africa offers exceptional hunting for physically challenged sportsmen. The concession areas in which AS Hunting Adventures conducts disabled safaris are chosen for their accessible terrain and infrastructure, ensuring that mobility limitations do not hinder the experience. Specialized vehicles and strategically positioned blinds are utilized to provide every hunter with a fair and ethical chance at taking the trophy of their choice. Our professional hunters are highly experienced in adapting field techniques to accommodate specific needs while maintaining the highest standards of safety and professional guiding throughout the safari.
