The Five Day Beginner's Package is an excellent introduction to hunting in South Africa. This hunting package is conducted in South Africa's Bushveld region.
The five day beginners hunting package is conducted in the bushveld. It is a short but memorable African hunting safari, aimed at the first-time hunter, as well as those with limited time who want to enjoy a hunting experience in South Africa. Three of the most popular South African plains game trophies are included in this package. The area in which this hunting package is conducted is about an hour and a half from OR Tambo International airport in Johannesburg, making it a very convenient hunting destination.
You will be met and welcomed upon arrival at OR Tambo International by your professional hunter or hunters, who will be holding a sign with your name on it as you enter the arrivals lounge. From here the safari travels to the hunting camp, which is located in the bushveld of Gauteng. The afternoon is devoted to the sighting of rifles and, time permitting, the first afternoon hunt.
Your days are devoted to hunting in the bushveld. The area is characterized by wooded savanna in varying degrees of density, ranging from densely wooded ravines to rolling hills and open savanna areas. This region supports a large diversity of mammal species and is generally regarded as one of South Africa's finest hunting areas.
Species which are available in the Bushveld area include:
Common Species:
Blue Wildebeest, Blesbok, Buffalo, Bush Pig, Bushbuck, Eland, Gemsbok, Giraffe, Grey Duiker, Impala, Jackal, Kudu, Nyala, Red Hartebeest, Roan Antelope, Sable Antelope, Steenbok, Tsessebe, Warthog, Waterbuck and Burchell's Zebra.
Available on Special Request:
Common Reedbuck, Elephant, Hippopotamus, Klipspringer, Leopard, Lion, Ostrich.
Should the opportunity present itself, you are welcome to take trophies in addition to those included in your package. All dangerous game have to be pre-booked. Additional trophies are charged at list prices.
A last morning spent in the African wilderness is followed by a journey to Pretoria and the ASH Adventures office. Some time devoted to paperwork is followed by a late lunch after which guests are transferred to the airport, where their memorable African hunting safari ends.
Clients are met upon arrival at OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg and are returned there upon completion of the safari. Accommodation is in first rate hunting camps and lodges where all modern amenities are available. Meals are of the highest standard and a large variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages are available (and included in the package).
The success rate on the trophies is close to 100%. If, however, you do not take one of the trophies which is included in the package, 90% of the list price of the trophy is deducted from your hunting safari price. A deposit of 20% is payable upon booking your hunting package. The balance is payable upon completion of the safari.
If your flight arrives after 13:00, we suggest that you overnight at Castello di Monte Guest House on the day of arrival and start the safari on the following day. A cost of $200 per person includes accommodation, meals and a transfer to the hotel from OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg. If you do not wish to bring your own rifles, you are welcome to hunt with one of the rifles of your professional hunter. The only cost involved is the replacement of ammunition ($100).
The hunting areas in the bushveld region range in size from 800 to 7 000 hectares (approximately 2 000 - 17 300 acres). Every area can be counted upon to provide an authentic and exciting hunting adventure. Our primary focus is on ensuring that you take the trophies which are included in your safari package. The camp that we use is selected just before the starting date of your safari, as a variety of factors will determine which area's current conditions will be best suited to your safari. Our success rate is very close to 100%.
On all our hunting safaris, the camps and lodges are luxurious with en suite accommodation, electricity, fine decor and delicious meals. Families accompanying as observers will feel just as comfortable. Each of the camps and lodges we use feature on our website in the areas and camps section. We can also provide a list of references in your area who have hunted with us and who can bear testimony to the quality of accommodation.
A typical hunting day begins just before the sun sheds its first rays. Enjoy a cup of coffee and rusks before setting out on your safari, or opt for the more substantial selection of breakfast cereals, yogurt and juice. The morning hunt will generally run until around 11:00, at which time we return to camp for brunch (a full meal which is a combination of breakfast and lunch). After brunch, relax in the camp - take a dip in the pool or just relish your surroundings. The hunt is resumed at about 14:30 and will typically continue until sunset.
The method of hunting employed depends on the preference of the client and can consist of either walking and stalking or hunting from blinds or special vantage points from which we glass and ambush animals. The option of hunting from one of our well-equipped vehicles is also available should you have any medical problems, or are limited by not being able to walk long distances. Your Professional Hunter will discuss these options with you after arrival. All of these options are always available. It is not necessary to let us know which method you prefer prior to your arrival.
Observers are welcome to accompany the hunters on safari or relax in the camp. Should the observers in your group be interested in visiting some of the highlights in the area while the hunters are in the field, this can be arranged at an additional charge of $280 per day. The additional cost is incurred as we need to send a dedicated guide and vehicle to attend to the observers. Available excursions near the bushveld hunting region include the Cullinan Diamond Mine, a Pretoria city tour, a round of golf on one of Pretoria's fine championship courses, a visit to the Lion Park, the Cradle of Humankind, Sterkfontein Caves, a Soweto township tour or even shopping trips in Pretoria or Johannesburg's world-class malls. On a typical safari, observers normally prefer to accompany hunters, which does not incur any additional charges.
The blue wildebeest is one of the most common plains game animals found in the northern part of South Africa. It occurs in relatively large herds. Blue wildebeest favor wooded savanna, like in the bushveld and lowveld areas.
Impalas occur in large numbers throughout South Africa's myriad wilderness areas. They are the most common of the antelope species found in the country. Most hunters leave South Africa with at least one impala in the bag.
Blesbok favor areas where there are wide open plains ideal for grazing. They are most common in the central and eastern parts of South Africa, where large herds are commonly found. Blesbok occur only in South Africa.
