African hunting safaris have long been considered the pinnacle of adventure for avid hunters.
The chance to pursue iconic species in their natural habitat is a dream come true for many.
However, African hunting safaris can often come with a hefty price tag, leaving some hunters wondering if they’ll ever have the opportunity to experience this life-changing adventure.
Fortunately, an African plains game hunting safari is incredibly reasonably priced. A hunter can go to Africa to hunt 5-6 (or more) species of plains game while staying in very comfortable accommodations at a price comparable to (or less than) a guided elk hunt in the United States.
In this article, we will explore everything you need to know about African discount hunts, including where to find them, what to expect, and how to plan an unforgettable safari on a budget.
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What are African Discount Hunts?
African Discounted hunts are discounted packages for hunting safaris in Africa, allowing hunters to experience the thrill of pursuing big game while staying within their budget.
If you’ve always wanted to go on an African safari hunt but have been deterred by the cost, opting for a African Discounted hunt can be the perfect solution.
Benefits of Choosing a Discounted Safari
- The most obvious benefit is the price. Discounted African hunting safari packages offer a more affordable option for those who want to hunt in Africa but can’t afford to pay the premium prices associated with top-tier safaris.
- Many African Discounted hunts still provide access to a wide variety of game, including numerous other species.
- Choosing an African Discount hunt can still offer a high-quality safari experience.
- Many African hunting outfitters are involved in wildlife conservation efforts.
- Africa is a land of untamed beauty and wildlife.
Popular Destinations for Affordable Hunting Safaris
Several African countries offer excellent hunting opportunities for budget-conscious hunters.
- South Africa: South Africa is one of the most popular destinations for African hunts, and it offers a wide range of African hunts.
- Namibia: Namibia is known for its stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife, and it’s a great place for budget hunters.
- Mozambique: Mozambique is another destination where you can find African Discounted hunts.
- Zimbabwe: Zimbabwe has long been a popular destination for hunters and continues to offer African safari hunts at more affordable rates than other countries.
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What to Expect on a Discounted Hunt
- Even though your hunt may be discounted, you should still expect the highest level of professionalism from your guide and outfitter. Look for those with good reviews, positive African hunts reviews, and a proven track record.
- Discounted packages may be shorter than more expensive safaris, but this doesn’t mean you won’t have a fulfilling experience.
- On African Discounted hunts, accommodations may be more basic or in more remote areas. Don’t expect the luxury lodges that come with high-end safaris.
- While African Discounted hunts may not always offer hunts for the Big Five, you can still expect an abundance of game. Many outfitters offer hunts for a variety of species, including plains game like impala, kudu, zebra, and wildebeest.
Plains Game Hunting Safaris
The vast majority of all hunts in Africa are plains game hunting safaris. Southern Africa has an incredible variety and density of wild game that is unmatched by any other place in the world. This incredibly abundance of game, particularly antelope, makes that part of the world a paradise for hunters.
The term “plains game” is an all-encompassing phrase that generally refers to the many species of antelope that inhabit the plains and savannas of sub-Saharan Africa. However, basically any species of game that is not considered a member of the Big 5 or another species of dangerous game is generally considered plains game.
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Our plains game hunting safaris are conducted in a wide variety of areas. Depending on the animal being hunted and the exact location of the hunt, the hunting areas can range from densely wooded bushveld to wide open grasslands on the highveld.
Species Commonly Included in Plains Game Hunting Safaris
- Impala
- Kudu
- Zebra
- Wildebeest
Below are the different species that we offer on African plains game hunting safaris.
Black Wildebeest
Hunting Areas: Free State Province
Black Wildebeest are very plentiful in grasslands of the highveld on our hunting area in Free State Province and we routinely take some excellent Black Wildebeest trophies each year. Though they are slightly smaller than their cousin, the Blue Wildebeest, they are still very tough and can be quite difficult to bring down.
Blesbok
Hunting Areas: Limpopo & Free State Provinces
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Blesbok typically inhabit the grasslands of the highveld and we have a very large population of Blesbok on our hunting area in Free State Province. Because they live in open areas with little cover, shots of 200+ yards are often required when hunting Blesbok.
Blue Wildebeest
Hunting Areas: Limpopo & Free State Provinces
Also known as “the poor man’s buffalo”, Blue Wildebeest are one of the toughest species of plains game. They are also extremely popular among hunters and are a cornerstone of any African plains game hunting safari.
Bushbuck
Hunting Areas: Limpopo Province
The diminutive Bushbuck is the smallest species of spiral-horned antelope in South Africa. They are very shy and elusive animals and can be very difficult to hunt. Even though they are small, they can be very aggressive when wounded and are perhaps the most dangerous species of plains game in Africa.
Bushpig
Hunting Areas: Limpopo & Free State Provinces
The Bushpig is one of the most challenging species of plains game that may be hunted in South Africa. Primarily nocturnal, they must be hunted over a bait from a blind or using hounds to flush them from the areas where they bed down during the day. Either way, they are an incredibly difficult, yet satisfying species to hunt.
Duiker
Hunting Areas: Limpopo Province
Don’t let the Duiker’s small stature fool you: this animal is a worthy adversary in the bush. They are very common, but aren’t easy to hunt because of their skittish nature. Indeed, they got their name from the fact that they appear to “dive” into cover.
Eland
Hunting Areas: Limpopo & Free State Provinces
The Eland is the largest species of antelope in the world. A big bull can weigh as much as 2,200 pounds. That’s even bigger than a Cape Buffalo bull! They are another species of spiral horned antelope that may be hunted in South Africa.
Gemsbok
Hunting Areas: Limpopo & Free State Provinces
Gemsbok are desert animals and do not actually need to drink any water to survive. They get all the water they need from the plants they eat. For this reason, they are also very tolerant of drought conditions.
Impala
Hunting Areas: Limpopo & Free State Provinces
Impala are a very common species of antelope that is found all over Africa. We have outstanding Impala hunting on all of our hunting areas, particularly in Limpopo Province. No African plains game hunting safari is complete without an Impala.
Klipspringer
Hunting Areas: Limpopo Province
Klipspringer translates literally to “cliff jumper”, which is a good description of these small and nimble animals. They inhabit rocky mountainsides, so be prepared to do some climbing if you want to hunt Klipspringer.
Kudu
Hunting Areas: Limpopo & Free State Provinces
Because of their long, beautifully spiraling horns, the Kudu is perhaps the most impressive trophy that can be taken in Africa. For this reason, they are one of the most popular species of plains game. Fortunately, they are relatively common and we have some outstanding Kudu hunting on our hunting areas in Free State and Limpopo Provinces. They are challenging to hunt, have a beautiful hide, and taste delicious.
Mountain Reedbuck
We have some outstanding trophy quality Mountain Reedbuck on our hunting area in Free State Province. Consider adding one to your next plains game hunting safari.
Ostrich
Hunting Areas: Limpopo Province
The Ostrich is both the largest and has the fastest land speed of any bird in the world. The Ostrich has extremely tasty meat and makes a very unique trophy.
Nyala
Hunting Areas: Free State & Limpopo Provinces
Nyala are another member of the spiral horned antelope family that may be hunted in South Africa. We hunt these magnificent animals on our hunting areas in Limpopo & Free State Provinces.
Springbok
Hunting Areas: Free State Province
The Springbok is a very common species of plains game and is also the national animal of South Africa. They are plentiful on our hunting area in Free State Province. However, they are typically found on the open grasslands where they are difficult to approach closely. For this reason, longer range shots are usually required when hunting Springbok.
Steenbok
Hunting Areas: Limpopo Province
The Steenbok is another common, yet small and underrated antelope that inhabits the bushveld. Like the Duiker, the Steenbok is another great addition to many plains game hunting safaris and are typically taken by chance when hunting something else.
Tsessebe
Hunting Areas: Free State Province
The Tsessebe is actually the fastest antelope in Africa. Similar in appearance to Red Hartebeest, they are a strange looking animal because their shoulders are higher than their hips.
Warthog
Hunting Areas: Limpopo & Free State Provinces
The Warthog is another one of Africa’s best known species of game. These animals are also extremely popular among hunters and are a cornerstone of any African plains game hunting safari.
Waterbuck
Hunting Areas: Limpopo & Free State Provinces
The Waterbuck is a very underrated species that is often overlooked by hunters in Africa. This is a shame because they are truly a magnificent animal and we have some of the best Waterbuck hunting in all of Africa on our hunting areas.
Zebra
Hunting Areas: Limpopo & Free State Provinces
The Zebra is one of the most iconic animals in Africa and no African plains game hunting safari is complete without one.
