Africa Safaris

Dangerous Game Hunting in Africa

Usually plains game Africa safaris are what a hunter thinks of first, but it usually isn’t long before the dangerous game hunting enters the conversation.

It’s almost inevitable. The notorious Big Five of Africa are the undisputed Kings of dangerous game. The members of the Big Five were chosen for the difficulty in hunting them, and the degree of danger involved, rather than their size. They include lion; elephant; cape buffalo; leopard; and rhinoceros.

*Many hunters also choose to put the hippo and the crocodile in the dangerous game hunting list as well.

Some consider lions the ultimate dangerous game hunting experience.

There is a saying in Africa that you are frightened three times during a lion hunt. First, when you find his tracks in the sand; second, when you hear his deafening roar; and third, when you first lay your eyes on him. Some consider lion hunting the ultimate dangerous game hunt. It is probably the most challenging and rewarding hunting safari available in Africa today. Trophy lions are scarce. Choose a hunting concession and PH that has a proven track record. We can help.

Most African countries do still allow lion hunting. In fact, South Africa boasts the fastest growing wild lion population in Africa, estimated at approximately 2,800 and counting. Wild lion hunting quotas are extremely conservative and sound management principles dictate these quotas.

• Lion Hunting in Mozambique

Elephant hunting is one of the most misunderstood activities in the world.

Contrary to popular belief, elephant hunting is NOT easy. You might walk great distances behind expert trackers, for days on end, to secure a good tusker. Locals show up from miles around to battle over every scrap of meat once an elephant is killed. Protein is scarce in Africa.

• Elephant Hunting in Mozambique
• Elephant Hunting in South Africa

Are Cape Buffalo the Most Dangerous Game?

Referred as the “Black Death,” cape buffalo have the ability… and the personality to stomp you into the ground and tear you apart with their horns. Truly, a cape buffalo hunt is dangerous.  Buff don’t die easy, and can charge you at 35 mph. Sound fun?!

Cape Buffalo are responsible for more deaths than any of the other Big 5 dangerous game animals in Africa; the hippo however still holds the title for killing most humans in Africa. Trying to stop an 1,800 pound animal at point blank range requires a well placed shot into the brain, with a big caliber.

It is at this point, you are glad you have a trusted PH at your side, plugging the freight train with his .500 Nitro, and helping you stop this nightmare from turning into a real disaster. These animals have no sympathy, they play for keeps, and will stop at nothing to take you out if they are threatened. This is why it is so important to make you first shot count.

• Cape Buffalo Hunting in Mozambique
• Cape Buffalo Hunting in South Africa

The leopard is known as Africa’s Prince of Darkness.

Leopard hunting is a specialized hunt. Be ready for some long nights in the blind, but you will be rewarded with the rush of adrenaline like you’ve never felt before…PLUS, they make a magnificent trophy that will remind you of those dark African nights. Hunting lore says that you hunt lion with your heart, and leopard with your brain!

Leopard hunting is not for the faint-of-heart. It is a specialized hunt and you will have to stay very focused. Leopard hunts take place out of a blind over bait at night. If you are very lucky, they will come in during light at dawn or at dusk, but don’t count on it. Be prepared for long, motionless hours in the blind. You will hear every sound and movement from outside the blind as you sit and wait for the distinctive, “throaty coughing” calling sound or, better yet, the sound of him eating at the bait.

They make the blinds as comfortable as possible because of the long hours being spent there. Once you hear the sound of of something on the bait, and every sense goes to High Alert! At that point, you wait anxiously for the PH to slowly switch on the dim red light. You will have one shot, and one shot only. Make it count. During the days, you check baits, move blinds and maybe even hunt for more bait.

If a professional hunter does five leopard hunts in a year and shoots four, that is only 80%. That by the way is an outstanding year. So your chance when hunting is only 80% at the very best. When you see at the conventions people advertising that they are 100% on cats, what they are really saying is 100% on quota, i.e. five cats, seven clients.

• Leopard Hunting in Mozambique
• Leopard Hunting in Namibia

Most PH’s consider rhinos to be the most placid of the Big Five species to hunt.

Rhinos are often more aggressive, and belligerent than ferocious. Expect to dish out some big dollars for a rhino hunt, as they are very expensive to keep alive for 15 years, which is how long it takes for a bull to develop trophy horns. Armed guards are employed to keep would be poachers at bay.

• White Rhino – Thanks to conservation efforts and hunter dollars, had increased in numbers sufficiently to once again be hunted in South Africa. However, poaching has ramped up recently and they are on the decline again. We feel that the legalization of the the sale of rhino horn is the only way to save them.
• Black Rhino – Black rhinos are in trouble, and are still highly protected. However, old non-breeding bull hunts are available to hunt. This is a great rhino conservation tool. Be sure to join our newsletter so we can let you know when these come available.

Hippo hunting is not particularly difficult, but can be a fun add-on to South Africa safari hunts, or as bait for a crocodile hunt.

• Hippo Hunting in Mozambique
• Hippo Hunting in South Africa

A giant crocodile is the only dangerous game animal that actually sees you as food.

• Crocodile Hunting in Mozambique
• Crocodile Hunting in South Africa