When planning a hunting trip anywhere, there are many factors to consider, such as the appropriate seasons for the game you want to hunt, the different hunting weapons and bows you want to use, and what seasons are paired with that. Accommodation in the proper cabins or if you prefer camping trips on the full reward hunting ranches. And finally, the permits that are needed for big game if necessary.

Hunting seasons come when it is wet and when it is dry, this makes a big difference in hunting due to the appearance of the waterhole. Different hunting styles can be used for both. Some hunters prefer to use a bow, but that would eliminate the possibility of hunting large thick-skinned animals such as elephants, black and white rhinos, crocodiles, etc. Although some provinces do not allow bow hunting, the North Cape is one of those that do. Bows are generally used more when animals gather around the trough, as it is easier to shoot at close range where the bow is most effective.

There are no automatic rifles allowed for hunting in South Africa, as well as weapons that use ammunition of 22 caliber or less. Air guns are not allowed for hunting with shotguns, except in the case of birds. The minimum legal caliber to hunt dangerous South African games is 375, you are also allowed in most large (dangerous) game cases to use other calibers that are larger. Always remember in all cases to always use first quality ammunition.

When it comes to permits, farm owners obtain permits to cover hunting on their property. There are spices that are listed as threatened or protected and permits can be obtained accordingly. The rules for hunting these animals apply to the species listed in the 2004 Biodiversity Law and are classified accordingly.

Endangered: Tsessebe, Black Rhino, Mountain Zebra, African Wild Dog, Oribi

Vulnerable: cheetah, Samango monkey, bontebok, roan antelope, suni, leopard, blue duiker

Protected: white rhino, black wildebeest, spotted hyena, black-footed cat, brown hyena, serval, elephant, sharpe’s grysbok, reedbuck, cape fox.

Hunting in the extreme south of Africa has always been very popular, only in the rest of the world, maybe even a little more. The great difference in climates, as well as the great diversity of spices on offer, allow hunting throughout the year. But even more so the beautiful landscapes in which the hunt takes place make it a worthwhile experience, even if that trophy you are looking for escapes you.