How Much Does It Cost to Hunt in Africa? Packages, Trophy Fees and Prices Explained
If you are planning an African hunting safari, the question of cost comes up early. “How much does it cost to hunt in Africa?” is a valid question. You want to know what you are paying for. You want to know what is included. You want to know whether the animals on your wish list fit your budget. And, if you are travelling from the US, UK or Europe, you want to understand the full trip before you book flights, pack rifles, arrange leave and bring family or friends along.
At Huntershill Safaris, our hunting packages currently range from $2,950 for a 5-day cull hunting package to $12,900 for a 7-day Buffalo & Sable package. Individual trophy hunting prices for 2026 range from animals such as Springbuck (Common) at $350, Impala at $600 and Warthog at $600, through to Kudu at $2,100, Sable from $4,200, and Cape Buffalo at $8,900.
Those numbers give you a starting point. But the real answer depends on the safari you want.
Some hunters come to Africa for their first plains game hunt. Some want a classic Eastern Cape safari with kudu, wildebeest, springbuck and warthog. Some are ready for Cape Buffalo. Some bring a spouse, children or friends who want to enjoy the lodge, the landscape and the experience without hunting every day.
A hunting safari is personal. The cost should be clear enough for you to plan properly.
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Key takeaways
- Huntershill hunting packages currently range from $2,950 to $12,900.
- The most affordable option is usually the Cull Package at $2,950.
- Plains game species range from animals such as Springbuck at $350 to Eland (Cape) at $2,500.
- Cape Buffalo packages currently start from $8,500.
- Daily rates apply to custom hunts and package extensions.
- Observers and non-hunters are welcome at $150 per day.
- Packages include accommodation, meals, transportation to and from the airport, Professional Hunter, trackers, licences and field trophy preparation.
- Flights, ammunition, taxidermy, trophy shipping and gratuities should be budgeted separately.
- Packages are ideal for first-time African hunters.
- Custom hunts work well for hunters with a specific species list.
What does an African hunting safari cost?
A hunting safari in South Africa can start from around $2,950 for a value-focused cull hunting package and move up to $12,900 or more for premium and dangerous game packages.
At Huntershill Safaris, current package prices include
| Huntershill Safaris package | Current price |
| Cull Package | $2,950 |
| Buffalo Cow | $3,250 |
| Karoo Package | $6,150 |
| Buffalo Special | $8,500 |
| Bow Package | $10,550 |
| Executive Bow | $10,750 |
| Executive Package | $11,600 |
| Buffalo & Sable | $12,900 |
These hunting packages for 2026 are built to give you a clear structure before you arrive. You know how many days you are hunting, which animals are included, and what the core safari experience covers.
That is important when you are planning from overseas. You are not just booking a day in the field. You are planning a journey across continents, into wild country, with memories that will stay with you long after the dust has settled.
Related: The Best Big Game Trophy Hunting Destination in Africa
What is included in a Huntershill hunting package?
Our packages include the main parts of your safari experience:
- Accommodation during the safari
- Meals
- Beer, wine and soft drinks
- Laundry
- Airport transfers
- Professional Hunter
- Skinner and trackers
- Field preparation of trophies
- Hunting licence
- 4×4 hunting vehicle
You will be met, hosted, guided and looked after by a team that understands African hunting and international travel. Your Professional Hunter will guide you through the terrain, the animals, the conditions and the shot. Your trackers and skinners support the hunt in the background, often with the kind of quiet skill that visiting hunters remember for years.
There is a rhythm to safari life.
Early mornings. Coffee before first light. The cold air before the sun warms the hills. Tracks in the dust. Long glassing sessions. A sudden movement in the bush. The slow, careful stalk. Then evenings back at camp, where the day’s hunt is retold properly, usually more than once. That experience is part of what you are paying for.
Related: What Animals Can You Hunt in Africa?
What is not included in the package price?
Your hunting package covers the core safari, but it does not cover every possible cost linked to your trip.
You should budget separately for:
- International flights
- Hotel accommodation before or after the safari
- Taxidermy
- Extra animals taken outside your package
- Firearm rental, if required
- Ammunition
- Wounded animals
- Sightseeing or excursions during safari dates
- Gratuities for your Professional Hunter and staff
- Dipping and packing of skins, horns and capes
- Trophy export, insurance and freight
These are common additional costs on African hunting safaris. They also vary from hunter to hunter. A good safari budget leaves room for those choices.
Explore: Huntershill Safaris Reviews – Real Feedback From Real Hunters
What are daily rates?
If you want to know how much it costs to hunt in Africa on a daily rates basis, good news is: you can build a custom safari or extend your package with daily rates.
Huntershill’s current custom package rates are:
| Custom hunting option | Daily rate |
| 1-on-1 hunting | $350 per day |
| 2-on-1 hunting | $250 per hunter per day |
| Observer / non-hunter | $150 per day |
A daily rate covers the hunting structure around your day. That includes the professional hunting support, the vehicle, trackers, skinners, and the operational side of making the hunt happen properly. If you want to add a few days to your package, hunt specific species, or create a safari around your own list, daily rates help us build that custom experience.
For many first-time hunters, a package is the easiest choice. For returning hunters, custom hunts can be the better route.
Explore: Hunting in South Africa FAQs: What Hunters Need to Know
What are trophy fees?
A trophy fee is the price attached to a specific animal. In a package, selected animals are already included. If you add animals outside the package, the individual trophy price applies.
Current 2026 individual prices include:
| Species | 2026 price |
| Springbuck Common | $350 |
| Blesbuck Common | $350 |
| Impala | $600 |
| Warthog | $600 |
| Blue Wildebeest | $950 |
| Black Wildebeest | $950 |
| Red Hartebeest | $1,200 |
| Gemsbuck | $1,350 |
| Waterbuck | $1,800 |
| Nyala | $1,850 |
| Kudu | $2,100 |
| Eland Cape | $2,500 |
| Sable under 44” | $4,200 |
| Sable over 44” | $6,200 |
| Buffalo Cow | $1,500 |
| Buffalo | $8,900 |
This is where your final budget can change. A hunter focused on impala, springbuck, blesbuck and warthog will have a very different budget from a hunter building a safari around kudu, sable, eland and buffalo.
That is why we always recommend speaking to us about your species list before booking. The more we understand what you want from the safari, the better we can guide you.
Interesting: Dangerous Game Hunts in Africa
What is the most affordable way to hunt in Africa?
The most affordable way to hunt with us is with a cull hunting safari. The Cull Package is $2,950.This is a 5-day, 6-night safari that includes selected cull animals such as Blue Wildebeest, Black Wildebeest, Blesbuck, Impala, Springbuck and Warthog.
Cull hunting is management-focused. It plays a role in herd health, population balance and the long-term condition of the land. For hunters who want time in the field, real hunting and strong value, it can be an excellent way to experience Africa.
We also offer cull specials, including:
| Cull animal | Price |
| Impala | $150 |
| Springbuck | $150 |
| Blesbuck | $200 |
| Black Wildebeest | $200 |
| Blue Wildebeest | $200 |
| Warthog | $200 |
| Red Hartebeest | $400 |
| Eland female | $500 |
How much does plains game hunting cost?
Plains game hunting is usually the best starting point for a first African safari. It gives you variety, challenge and the chance to hunt iconic African species without stepping straight into dangerous game.
Common plains game prices include:
- Springbuck Common: $350
- Blesbuck Common: $350
- Impala: $600
- Warthog: $600
- Blue Wildebeest: $950
- Black Wildebeest: $950
- Red Hartebeest: $1,200
- Gemsbuck: $1,350
- Waterbuck: $1,800
- Nyala: $1,850
- Kudu: $2,100
- Eland Cape: $2,500
For many hunters, hunting kudu is high on the list. It is not hard to understand why. A mature kudu bull in the Eastern Cape bush is a sight that makes even experienced hunters stop talking for a moment.
But plains game hunting is not only about one trophy. It is the mix of species, terrain, weather, tracking, glassing and decision-making that makes the safari memorable.
How much does Cape Buffalo hunting cost?
Cape Buffalo hunting is a different level of safari. At Huntershill, the Buffalo Special is currently listed at $8,500, while the Buffalo & Sable package is listed at $12,900. The 2026 individual price for Buffalo is $8,900, while Buffalo Cow is listed at $1,500.
Buffalo costs more because it is dangerous game. This hunt demands experience, discipline and full respect for the animal. Your Professional Hunter’s judgement matters. Shot placement matters. The follow-up matters. Everything is sharper.
For many hunters, Cape Buffalo is the animal they have thought about for hunting in Africa for years. It is often the hunt that brings them back to Africa. If you are not sure whether buffalo is right for your first safari, talk to us. We will give you straight guidance based on your experience, confidence and expectations.
What should you budget for besides the hunt?
If you are travelling from the US, UK or Europe, plan for the full journey.
Your budget should include:
- Flights to South Africa
- Travel insurance
- Overnight stays before or after safari, if needed
- Firearm permits
- Rifle rental, if you are not bringing your own
- Ammunition
- Additional animals
- Taxidermy
- Dip and pack
- Trophy shipping
- Gratuities
- Observer fees for non-hunters
- Sightseeing or family activities
The hunt may be the reason you travel, but the whole trip needs to be planned properly. If your spouse, partner or family is joining, speak to us about observer rates and non-hunting options. Many hunters bring someone along who wants to enjoy the lodge, wildlife, scenery and broader safari experience without hunting every day. Africa has a way of staying with people, hunters and non-hunters alike.
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Ready to plan your African hunting safari?
We know that hunting in Africa is the adventure and experience of a lifetime. Tell us what you want to hunt, when you want to travel, and who will be joining you. We will help you choose the right package or build a custom safari around your goals.
Enquire with Huntershill today!
FAQs
How much does it cost to hunt in Africa?
At Huntershill Safaris, current hunting packages range from $2,950 for a cull package to $12,900 for a Buffalo & Sable package. Your final cost depends on species, days, extra animals, ammunition, taxidermy, shipping and travel costs.
What is the cheapest Huntershill hunting package?
The current lowest listed package is the Cull Package at $2,950 for 5 days and 6 nights.
How much does plains game hunting cost?
Plains game prices vary by species. Current individual prices include Springbuck Common at $350, Impala at $600, Warthog at $600, Blue Wildebeest at $950, Kudu at $2,100 and Eland Cape at $2,500.
How much does Cape Buffalo hunting cost?
Cape Buffalo is currently listed at $8,900 on the individual price list. The Buffalo Special package is listed at $8,500, and the Buffalo & Sable package is listed at $12,900.
What is included in a Huntershill hunting package?
Packages include accommodation, meals, beer, wine, soft drinks, laundry, airport transfers, Professional Hunter, skinner, trackers, field preparation of trophies, hunting licence and 4×4 hunting vehicle.
What is excluded from the package price?
Exclusions include flights, hotel accommodation before and after safari, taxidermy, additional animals, firearm rental, ammunition, wounded animals, sightseeing, gratuities, dipping and packing, export, insurance and trophy freight.
What are trophy fees?
Trophy fees are prices attached to individual animals. Package animals are included in the package price. Animals added outside the package are charged separately.
Are wounded animals charged for?
Yes. Wounded animals are paid for in full. Cull animals wounded and not found are charged at $175 on top of the trophy fee to cover the waste of meat.
Can non-hunters join the safari?
Yes. Non-hunters and observers are welcome. The current observer rate is $150 per day.
Should I book a package or custom hunt?
Book a package if you want clear pricing and a defined species list. Choose a custom hunt if you have specific animals in mind, want extra days, or want to build a safari around your personal hunting goals.