Hunting Conditions in South Africa
As things stand, 2023 is going to be a great year for trophy hunting in South Africa! Rainfall plays a huge role in habitat and hunting conditions. So, we’ll unpack this year’s rain, terrain, and game, so that you can plan your hunting safari in South Africa.
All of the primary hunting areas on Huntershill Safari lie in a summer rainfall region. This summer we have seen fantastic rains, which means that game is thriving, and all trophy hunting species are in outstanding condition.
About hunting in South Africa
South Africa is one of the crown jewels of African hunting. It is perhaps the most economically developed country on the African continent, and offers hunting opportunities unique to the other countries.
Nearly twice the size of Texas, South Africa’s terrain is as diverse as the beautiful people who call it home. With 11 official languages, English is the chosen language for commerce, so your professional hunter speaks English fluently.
There are no hunting restrictions in South Africa, however a hunting permit is required. There are different terms and conditions for each province. Huntershill Safaris will take care of the permits you need to hunt the game you have in mind.
Check out our hunting packages here.
Travel To South Africa
South Africa has a very well-developed infrastructure, and as such, many airlines provide regular service from the US and Europe to South Africa. The airports to select when hunting at Huntershill Safaris are the East London or Port Elizabeth airports. We will collect you from the airport and take you to the lodge.
South Africa is a popular hunting destination, so airport officials are familiar with people entering the country with their own firearms. In peak hunting season, getting a firearms permit approved can be a lengthy process due to the sheer number of people seeking to enter the country with firearms.
If you bring your own firearm into the country – whether as a long range hunter or close range – you must present a South Africa Firearms Permit Application Form (SAPS 520 Form) for approval upon arrival. Additionally, you will need to present a “Letter of Invitation” from your outfitter as proof that you will use the firearm for hunting.
There are no regulations on bringing your own bow for bow hunting in South Africa, but you’ll have to check your airline to see what their rules are about that.
South Africa Climate
South Africa is in the southern hemisphere with winter months in June, July and August. Winter is usually the most popular season for hunting in Africa due to the cool, dry weather.
The “wet season” in South Africa coincides with the warmer summer months in the Eastern Cape (a province of South Africa, where Huntershill Safaris is located). Winters can see temperatures span between 60-70°F and 30-40°F. In summer, temperatures can range from 55°F to 90°F.
November – February: Summer
Short scattered thunder showers. Days reach around 90°F in the afternoons. Not much wind, long daylight from 05:00 to 19:30.
The bushveld is green and lush, and quiet to walk.
March – April: Fall / Autumn
Very little rain, days mostly around 75°F. Hardly any wind, daylight from 06:00 to 18:00. Veld is green, lush and turning yellow.
Quiet to walk.
May – July: Winter
No rain, days mostly around 60°F. Shorter days 06:30 to 17:00. Some frosty mornings.
Veld is mostly dry and brown, and crunches underfoot.
August – October: Spring
Less wind, some cold fronts with a bit of rain. Days mostly around 75°F with mild to strong winds at times. Daylight 06:00 to 19:00.
The veld is variable and may still be dry brown and a bit noisy to walk, or lush green and quiet to walk, depending on when the rains come.
South African Terrain
There are medium-sized mountains in the Eastern Cape, and plains with short, knee-high grass and bushes (occasionally grass and bushes will reach waist high). Dry rivers lined with trees cut the plains, and low hills known as “koppies” dot the landscape.
Species Available for Hunting in South Africa
It is well known that South Africa produces excellent trophies of different species. At Huntershill Safaris, you can hunt some of the Big 5 (buffalo, rhino, and lion).
Plus we have dozens of species of plains game available for hunting.
Not only do we have native species available on our popular hunting packages, but many different species of plains game from the rest of Africa and the world.
The native species available for hunting in South Africa include, but are not limited to the Cape Buffalo, Giraffe, Eland (Cape, Livingstone), Greater Kudu, Hippo, Sable, Roan, Nyala, Hartebeest, Wildebeest (Kings, Golden, Blue and Black), Blesbok, Impala (common, black, white flanked, and saddleback), Warthog, Bushpig, Waterbuck, Reedbuck, Springbok (common, kalahari, white, black, copper), Zebra, Bushbuck, Duiker, Klipspringer, and Oribi, to name a few!
Some of the introduced species include Barbary Sheep, Fallow Deer, Mouflon (Red Deer), Indian Black Buck, and Water Buffalo, and more.
Enquire about your trophy hunting safari here.
Other Attractions in South Africa
Another great thing that South Africa has to offer for the whole family and visitors is the wide variety of tourist activities and experiences outside of hunting.
At the lodge itself we offer many non-hunter activities, such as our own private nature reserve, bushmen paintings and caves, and breeding programs, as well as the Huntershill Spa where you can relax and unwind.
South Africa has a large number of national parks in the area, like the Addo Elephant Park, where visitors can observe many different animal species.
Final Thoughts About Hunting Conditions in South Africa
There are some truly outstanding hunting opportunities in South Africa, making it a wonderful African country to visit.
For inexperienced hunters as well as those looking to bring non-hunting companions, such as spouses, a trip to South Africa is highly recommended due to the relatively easy hunt in the country, the comfortable accommodations available to hunters, and the wide variety of other tourist activities.
Moreover, South Africa is an ideal destination for someone who wants to hunt all five Big 5 trophies on one trip. The Cape Buffalo hunting in South Africa is especially well-known as being some of the best on the African continent.
This year’s hunting season is going to be one for the books!
Don’t miss out. Book now.