DANGEROUS GAME
“Hunting Africa’s Dangerous Game: An Unmatched Thrill”
When it comes to the pursuit of dangerous game, nothing quite compares to the heart-pounding thrill of Africa. The Dark Continent boasts an extraordinary array of game, with none more iconic than the Big Five: Elephant, Lion, Cape Buffalo, Leopard, and Rhino.
For experienced hunters, the dream of taking on Africa’s dangerous game represents the ultimate challenge. Picture yourself tracking the formidable Cape buffalo through thick brush, stalking a majestic Lion in the soft sands of the Kalahari, observing a cunning Leopard materialize like a phantom over bait, and standing your ground before the mighty Elephant—where bravery is a testament to one’s character.
The magnetic allure of these awe-inspiring creatures has drawn avid hunters to Africa for decades. The hunt for Africa’s dangerous game is an unparalleled test of a hunter’s skill and courage.
At Africa Expectation Safaris, we exclusively engage the most seasoned professional hunters with Dangerous Game licenses, paired with specialized trackers to ensure your hunting success.
Green Hunting: A Novel Approach
Green hunting is a thrilling experience that offers all the excitement of big-game hunting without taking the life of an animal. It has gained international recognition, and rightly so. Imagine the exhilaration of tracking, spotting, stalking, and hunting Africa’s most iconic game animals—Lion, Buffalo, Leopard, Elephant, and Rhinoceros—without the need for lethal force.
With the conversion of a high-powered rifle into a tranquilizer dart gun, catch-and-release hunting is now possible. This approach allows hunters to actively participate in the hunting experience without causing harm to the animals. It’s a conservation-minded method that opens up new horizons in ethical hunting.
Buffalo: A Specialized Pursuit
Africa Expectation Safaris specializes in Cape buffalo hunting in the Limpopo province. We have access to prime hunting land that spans over 100,000 acres of surrounding concession land teeming with Cape buffalo. These magnificent creatures are an essential part of the Big Five. Typically found in densely wooded savannas, shots can range from thirty to eighty meters. Winter, with its fallen leaves and improved visibility, is the ideal time for buffalo hunting, making the period between June and September the recommended time to book your buffalo hunt.
Elephant: A Test of Endurance
Elephant hunting demands physical stamina and endurance. Close encounters are the norm, with shots taken from a range of twenty to forty meters. Comfort and familiarity with your rifle are paramount, especially given the close proximity to the animals when making the first shot. Elephant hunting is possible in both South Africa and Zimbabwe, with South Africa’s Limpopo province offering extensive areas densely populated with elephant. Additionally, we can arrange dangerous game hunts in Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and Zambia.
Leopard: An Elusive Challenge
The Limpopo province of South Africa is renowned for its high density of leopard. Our success rate in hunting these majestic cats stands at an impressive 90%. Leopard hunting requires patience and perseverance. Typically hunted over bait, it involves spending numerous nights in a blind, waiting for that brief moment when the leopard offers a shot. While success is never guaranteed, dedicating at least ten days, preferably fourteen, will significantly increase your chances of a successful hunt.
Lion: A Majestic Pursuit
Our lion hunting areas encompass the Kalahari, with 10,000 acres of unfenced territory. The soft sands of the Kalahari provide the perfect environment for our experienced trackers to track lions on foot. Lion hunting is said to be a test of heart, as these magnificent creatures evoke a unique blend of excitement and challenge. There’s a legend that a hunter faces fear three times: first when encountering its spoor, second when hearing its mighty roar, and third when seeing it for the first time. Lion hunting is a thrilling, demanding adventure and one of the quintessential African Big Five hunts.
Rhino: A Vita-Dart Opportunity
Vita-dart hunting allows clients to shoot rhinos with tranquilizer darts filled with vitamins or necessary medication, administered by a veterinarian only when medically necessary or for conservation purposes. This is a legal activity, requiring a Threatened Or Protected Species (TOPS) permit. As recognized by SCI Record Book & World Hunting Award Committee Chairman, Herb Atkinson, hunting vita-darted rhinos is a viable option, provided all legal permits are in place. This pursuit requires the same effort and danger as a “green” hunt, making it an authentic and challenging experience.
The Thrill of Dangerous Game Hunting: A Hunter’s Journey
John Taylor, author of “Big Game and Big Game Rifles,” rightly emphasizes that when we speak of big game hunting on the African continent, we are speaking of hunting dangerous game. While Africa hosts an array of substantial antelope species, none can turn the tables on a hunter as swiftly and completely as the Big Five. The surge of adrenaline experienced in these encounters is the essence of what draws countless hunters to Africa.
For the most part, Africa’s Big Five are hunted in semi-open scrub country. With the guidance of a skilled Professional Hunter and careful stalking, most shots are taken within 100 to 200 yards. The thick-skinned members of the Big Five often require even closer-range shots.
Most Southern African countries mandate the use of a rifle of at least .375 caliber or greater for hunting the Big Five. High-quality, controlled expansion bullets or solids are essential, and the choice depends on the specific animal being pursued. Trust the guidance of your Professional Hunter when deciding on the appropriate firearm for your safari. Remember that shot placement is of paramount importance, often outweighing the choice of firearm. Thus, it is critical to be comfortable and proficient with your chosen weapon.
