Get ready to engage all your senses and actively participate while tracking the animals on your safari bucket list. Animal tracks usually refer to clues left on the ground. Sightings of Africa’s Big Five safari animals are a thrilling highlight on any game drive. Of course, there is much more to African wildlife than just the Big 5!
Plains game in Africa refers to a wide variety of antelope and other non-dangerous big game species found across the savannas, woodlands, and bushveld. Popular plains game animals include kudu, impala, blue wildebeest, nyala, zebra, and springbok, as well as larger species like eland, waterbuck, and sable antelope.
Plains Game refers to antelope in sub-Saharan Africa. The term has context because many antelope inhabit Africa’s plains and savanna areas. Plains game excludes the ‘Big Five’ and ‘Dangerous Game‘ animals. The Big Five describes the most spectacular African animals. The big five and a few other animals, such as crocodiles, hyenas, and hippopotamuses, are described or classified as Dangerous Game. Plains Game includes larger species such as Eland, Kudu, Gemsbok, and Wildebeest. The term ‘Big Game‘ describes the larger species of plains game.
When considering your first African hunt, the challenge is which species to target on this game hunting safari! Which species to choose and why? Which are the most popular species to hunt, and why? Which species will challenge your skills, and test your courage and perseverance, while providing exceptional rewards?
Unlock the secrets of African wildlife with the click of your mouse! Experience the thrill of deciphering animal tracks in Africa for yourself by booking an unforgettable safari adventure. Grab a copy of ‘Signs of the Wild’ field guide by Clive Walker and learn even more about animal tracks on your flight over.
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Identifying the Big Five
Here's how to identify the tracks and signs of the Big Five:
- Lion and Leopard: Lion and leopard tracks are similar in many respects, except in size. There are three lobes on the back pad of the foot. Most cats, except for cheetahs, have fully retractable claws. Leopards are the undisputed masters of camouflage, making sightings memorable and brag-worthy achievements. Droppings that often include large amounts of hair, hooves, and bone fragments. You may even be able to recognize bits of tooth or quills from prey animals.
- Elephant: Soccer ball-like tracks from their large front feet leave. Front feet tracks that have five hoofed toes, and hind feet that have four.
- Rhino: To ensure that everyone gets the messages about who is around, black and white rhinos use communal toilet areas known as middens. Distinctive three-toed tracks. It is a unique feature. Some wildlife reserves have fitted tracking devices on individual rhinos.
- Buffalo: Tracks measuring 13-14 cm (5.1-5″). Dung piles that look like large cow plops. A lot of tracks and plenty of dung. Buffalo often move in large herds.
Other Notable Wildlife
Beyond the Big Five, here's how to identify other animals:
- Hyena: Although there are three distinct hyena species, the best known and largest is also the most stereotypical. Paw prints of around 11 cm (4.3″) in length. The main foot pads only have two lobes. White droppings.
- Hippopotamus: Don’t be fooled by their rotund pig-like appearance. Hippos have a reputation for having no sense of humor and can easily outrun a human. While it can be thrilling to see wild hippos, adhering to strict safety guidelines while in hippo territory is essential. Tracks that are 230-280 mm (9-11″). They are unique in appearance and easy to identify. Very short vegetation around a water source.
- Cheetah: Few things could be more thrilling than catching a glimpse of the fastest land animal. The lean-bodied cheetah is often camouflaged by tall grass and springs into action suddenly, with an incredible acceleration speed of 0 to 100 kph in 3 seconds! Claw impressions may be visible on clear cheetah tracks.
Who Let the Dogs Out?
- Jackal: The high-pitched haunting calls that can be described as something between wailing, yelping, and howling, will leave you in no doubt that you are in wild Africa. Once you have heard jackals, the next step is finding them. Carrion attracts jackals. Be on high alert at kills made by other predators.
- Wild Dogs: Paw prints that resemble domestic dog tracks.
Ungulates of the African Plains
Ungulates are common on African plains and frequently found in large groups:
- General Signs: Dung and tracks from multiple animals.
- Small Antelope: Tiny tracks that are only around 5 cm (1.9″). Hoof tracks that may be obscured in some spots.
- Impala: It is unlikely that visitors on safari would miss seeing impala while out on game drives. Impala are popular prey for many predators in Africa. Huge gaps of up to 9 meters (29.5 ft) between hoof prints in some places.
- Wildebeest: The great wildebeest migration of around 1.5 million animals in the Serengeti National Park is a famous natural phenomenon of blue wildebeest. Front hooves are larger than the back hooves. Listen for loud vocalizations.
- Giraffe: Tracks that are up to 30 cm (11.8″) in length. Droppings are larger than most other ungulates. Look out for giraffe food sources.
Popular Plains Game Species
Numerous Plains Game Species are available to hunt, and availability varies from one hunting area to the next, so please feel free to ask! We have attempted to give you a spectrum of prices to give you a feel of what to expect when setting up your wish list of the animals you would like to harvest.Please also note that we offer exceptional Kudu, Oryx, Waterbuck and Exotic Species on request! You should keep in mind that some species are better to hunt in certain areas due to their natural habitat. Trophy fees also vary from camp to camp.
- Impala: Often included in African plains game hunting safaris throughout Africa, the impala is a medium-sized brown antelope easily identified by the dark-colored “M” on its backside.
- Kudu: No African hunt is complete without targeting the kudu, a large antelope that is found in southern and eastern Africa. Known as “King of the Spiral-horned antelopes” the Greater kudu is a large antelope, reaching up to 600 pounds, while the Lesser kudu tips the scales at around 230 pounds. These African plains game species are targeted for their beautiful coats and exquisite horns (only the males have horns) and are one of the most challenging African antelopes to hunt.
- Springbok: Apart from being the name of South Africa’s current World Cup Rugby Team, the springbok is also the country’s national animal. Yes, springbok hunting in Namibia is a popular hunting safari. The country’s arid areas provide a harsh and unpredictable environment in which this medium-sized antelope thrives.
- Gemsbok (Oryx): When one thinks of an exceptional antelope hunt in Africa, it would have to be the majestic gemsbok or oryx. This is not only due to their looks, but also the hunting challenge that they set hunters looking for a new antelope trophy. These striking antelopes must surely be one of the most beautiful antelopes in Africa, or even worldwide, sporting long horns that can reach more than 40 inches in length. The gemsbok is targeted as game hunting trophies, for their beautiful horns, striking coats, as well as meat. Yes, both male and female gemsbok have horns.
- Nyala: Another beautiful medium to large-sized antelope is the striking spiral-horned nyala. Nyala hunts can be a great test of a hunter’s skills and ability, as this antelope makes the hunter work for his trophy! This antelope is extremely elusive and tends to hide in thick vegetation, where it seamlessly blends in with its surroundings.
- Wildebeest: Wildebeest hunting is a thrilling game hunting adventure that is sure to challenge even the most experienced hunter! Wildebeest hunting in Africa is an exciting and enthralling hunting adventure, where the hunter faces off against a stubborn, alert, curious, and tough antelope. Wildebeest are renowned for their never-say-die attitude and are often compared to buffalo in terms of how tough they are. Wildebeest hunting in Africa is indeed very challenging, do not underestimate this strange-looking antelope! The fact that they are often referred to as the “poor man’s buffalo” will give you an idea of how tough this antelope is!
- Giraffe: There are not many African plans game species that are more iconic than a giraffe. Giraffe hunting in Africa is a popular African plains game safari, with giraffes being available to hunt in South Africa, Namibia, and Zimbabwe. Although this long-necked herbivore may seem quite docile, they can and will defend themselves and their offspring. A giraffe hunt is quite challenging, as it pushes the hunter to carefully plan and consider all aspects of the hunt while engaging in long-range shooting (with shot placement being spot on) as the mammal is targeted from a distance due to its size as well as the problem of approaching it undetected. Giraffe hunting may sound straightforward…I mean you can spot them from miles away, right…they are the world’s tallest living terrestrial animal!
- Warthog: While you may think that a warthog hunt is a bit boring, ask any game hunting enthusiast who has ever targeted one - Warthog hunting is fun! Warthogs are usually targeted on an African hunt for their tusks, and are often an opportunistic hunt, with the warthog simply being in the wrong place at the wrong time as the hunter passes through.
- Zebra: The zebra is a sought-after African plains game trophy, and an excellent option for any trophy room. Zebras can be hunted throughout southern Africa, including countries such as South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Tanzania. Speak to your local African outfitter to confirm local requirements and required permits.
Planning Your African Plains Game Hunt
A successful plains game hunt starts with careful planning. Most hunters choose the dry season from March to October, when game concentrates near water and visibility is best, though timing can vary by country and species. Selecting the right hunting location with healthy populations and proven trophy quality is essential, as is researching trophy fees, hunting regulations, and permit requirements. Partnering with a reputable outfitter ensures expert guidance and access to prime concessions.
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The choice of guide or outfitter can determine the success of your plains game hunt. Look for outfitters with strong reputations, positive client reviews, proper licensing, and compliance with local hunting laws. A skilled outfitter provides more than access to game-they offer expert advice on hunting techniques, help identify trophy-quality animals, and share knowledge of terrain, wildlife behavior, and conservation practices.
Proper preparation is key to a successful plains game hunt. Good physical fitness is essential for long walks, rough terrain, and varying weather, while hunting techniques may include walk and stalk, glassing, or using a bow and arrow from a blind. Equipping yourself with a reliable rifle, quality optics, suitable ammunition, and essentials like boots, sun protection, and a first aid kit ensures readiness. Hunters should also follow local safety protocols, know emergency procedures, and take necessary health precautions such as vaccinations.
Trophy Care and Export
After a plains game hunt, proper trophy care is vital to protect the quality of your achievement. Work with your outfitter to ensure correct skinning, cleaning, and salting from the moment of harvest. Accurate documentation-including species, sex, and date-is required, and using a professional taxidermist experienced with African game ensures the best results. Hunters must also comply with all trophy export and import regulations, securing the necessary permits and paperwork.
Affordable African Hunting Safaris
A plains game hunt in Africa is significantly more affordable than a dangerous game hunt. Plains game safaris, which may include species such as kudu, impala, wildebeest, and zebra, often cost about the same as a guided elk hunt in the United States-sometimes less-while offering the chance to hunt multiple species.
For the cost of a guided elk hunt, you can take a lot of great plains game in Africa. As you learn more about the unique antelope species in Africa, even the prized Big Five, hunting them becomes addicting. Some are more elusive and more challenging to hunt than others, and some are so majestic you’ll plan future safaris to hunt those particular species.
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Plains Game Hunting Packages
Our plains game hunting safaris are not limited to just wealthy hunters and you can have a high quality hunt for a very reasonable price.
For example, our two most popular plains game hunting packages are listed below. Both packages include all costs associated with the hunt, to include the trophy fees for the listed animals, all food, beverages, and accommodations for the duration of the hunt, and airport pickup and drop-off at O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg. For more information on these packages, and to see the other plains game hunting packages we offer, check out our Africa hunting packages page.
| Package Name | Duration | Animals Included | Price Per Hunter (1x1) | Price Per Hunter (2x1) | Price Per Non-Hunter |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First Timer’s Adventure | 8 Days (7 Nights) | Blue Wildebeest, Blesbok, Impala, & Warthog | $5,695 | $5,420 | $1,700 |
| Bushveld Adventure | 11 Days (10 Nights) | Kudu, Blue Wildebeest, Impala, & Warthog | $9,170 | $8,700 | $2,215 |
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.
