By the end of the 19th century, Africa was a continent shrouded in mystery and legend. For bourgeois and colonial Europe, it represented the “land of beginnings,” an untouched space where nature still spoke with a primordial voice. The Dark Continent drew explorers, botanists, soldiers, missionaries, and, of course, hunters. Men in search of glory, trophies, knowledge-or, often, mere adventure. Africa was the ideal canvas upon which to project epic dreams, romantic fantasies, and personal obsessions. The wild allure of late 19th-century Africa was inextricably tied to the figure of the white hunter: hero, anti-hero, storyteller, and explorer. Some of these men became legends-protagonists of books, tales, and chronicles.
Frederick Selous at the age of 24
The Rise of Safari Hunting
Safari hunting has a rich history, filled with remarkable figures whose adventures shaped the practice as we know it today. These legendary safari hunters not only left behind incredible tales but also contributed to wildlife conservation and the art of hunting itself. The late 19th and early 20th centuries marked the golden era of safari hunting. During this time, explorers and hunters ventured into Africa to document its wildlife, test their skills, and collect specimens.
White hunter is a literary term used for professional big game hunters of European descent, from all over the world, who plied their trade in Africa, especially during the first half of the 20th century. The activity continues in the dozen African countries which still permit big-game hunting. The term "great white hunter" emphasizes the racial and colonial aspects of the profession, as well as its colorful aspects.
White men from Western countries had been hunting big game in Africa throughout the 19th century, particularly in the more settled southern portion of the continent. But the region most associated with the term "white hunters" is East Africa. Although the origins of the phrase cannot be confirmed, the first European to go by the title of "white hunter" is generally considered to have been Alan Black. Black was hired in the 1890s by Lord Delamere. Delamere employed both Alan Black and a native Somali hunter to lead safaris in Somaliland. R. J. Around the start of the 20th century, East African hunting safaris became a fashionable pursuit among members of the privileged classes, particularly in Britain and the United States.
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Typically, the hunter was hired or booked by an outfitting company (the first and most famous of these was Newland, Tarlton & Co. in Nairobi); the outfitter would make the local arrangements, gathering and packing supplies and hiring the many African workers without whom a safari was impossible. The British colonial government also turned big-game hunting into a source of revenue, charging the tourists and hunters licensing fees for permission to kill the game animals. White hunters were colorful and romantic figures, often from privileged English backgrounds, who embraced a life of danger and adventure.
The first acclaimed white hunters in East Africa were Alan Black, Bill Judd, Frederick Selous (remembered as the namesake of the Selous Scouts and whose real-life adventures inspired Sir H. Rider Haggard to create the fictional Allan Quatermain),[7][8] and R.J. Cunninghame (sometimes spelled Cuningham), all of whom began their exploits at the end of the 19th century.[9] In 1909 Cunninghame was selected to lead what was probably the best-publicized African safari, Theodore Roosevelt's excursion into British East Africa.
Frederick Selous on an African safari sometime in the 1890’s with 2 kori bustards he hunted, the rifle at his side is a Holland and Woodward patent rifle.
Key Figures in African Hunting History
Several individuals have become synonymous with African hunting, leaving behind legacies that continue to inspire and influence the practice.
1. Frederick Courteney Selous
Frederick Courteney Selous (31 December 1851 - 4 January 1917) was a British explorer, officer, hunter, and conservationist, famous for his exploits in south and east of Africa. His real-life adventures inspired Sir H. Rider Haggard to create the fictional Allan Quatermain character. Selous was also a good friend of Theodore Roosevelt, Cecil Rhodes and Frederick Russell Burnham.
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From a young age, Selous was drawn by stories of explorers and their adventures. Furthermore, while in school, he started establishing personal collections of various bird eggs and butterflies and studied natural history. His imagination was strongly fuelled by the literature of African exploration and hunting, Dr. David Livingstone and William Charles Baldwin in particular. When Selous arrived at the southern tip of Africa on September 4th, 1871, with his sights set on becoming a professional hunter, he was not yet 20 years old.
After traveling northeast some 1200 miles into what is now Zimbabwe, he met with Lobengula, King of the Matabele, and asked for permission to hunt elephant in his territory. Thus began the career of the man who would become Africa’s greatest hunter - and much much more. He would learn his craft from the greatest teacher of all, experience, spending much of the next four decades in the mostly uncharted regions of Southern Africa; his travels taking him through what are now Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Botswana, and South Africa.
Once there, he explored and hunted, learning everything he could about Africa and the people, plants and animals that inhabited it. In 1890, Cecil Rhodes commissioned him to guide the first column of settlers north into Mashonaland, and later, when former US President Teddy Roosevelt embarked upon his famous Safari in 1909, Selous served as one of his guides.
After living for a time back home in Great Britain, he would return to Africa at age 63, to fight for the British against the Germans in the First World War, ostensibly as a Captain in the Royal Fusiliers. In truth, he assembled his own unit of guerrilla fighters, made up in part of professional hunters, French legionnaires, American cowboys, and an assortment of other characters, including an acrobat and a Honduran General. But a snipers bullet would end his career and his life in Beho Beho, Tanzania, on January 4th, 1917. By then, at age 67, he was already a legend.
In 1922, his memory was honored when Tanzania’s Selous Game Reserve, Africa’s largest, was named after him. In 1982 it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to the diversity of its wildlife and undisturbed nature. And later, Rhodesia’s Special Forces, the Selous Scouts, bore his name.
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Teddy Roosevelt said of him “There was never a more welcome guest at the White House than Selous. He told us stories of his hunting adventures. He not only spoke simply and naturally, but he acted the part, first as himself, and then of the game, until the whole scene was vivid before our eyes. Selous journeyed in pursuit of big game to Europe (Bavaria, Germany in 1870, Transylvania, then Hungary but now Romania in 1899, Mull Island, Scotland in 1894, Sardinia in 1902, Norway in 1907), Asia (Turkey, Persia, Caucasus in 1894 - 95, 1897, 1907), North America (Wyoming, Rocky Mountains in 1897 and 1898, Eastern Canada in 1900 - 1901, 1905, Alaska and Yukon in 1904, 1905) and the “dark continent” in a territory that extends from today’s South Africa and Namibia all the way up into central Sudan where he collected virtually every specimen of all medium and large African mammal species.
In 1909 - 1910, Selous accompanied American ex-president Teddy Roosevelt on his famous African safari. Contrary to popular belief, Selous did not lead Theodore Roosevelt’s 1909 expedition to British East Africa, the Congo and Egypt. While Selous was a member of this expedition from time to time and helped organize the logistics of the safari, it was in fact led by R. J. Cunninghame.
In 1907, Selous founded The Shikar Club, a big-game hunters association, together with two other British Army Captains, Charles Edward Radclyffe and P. B. Vanderbyl, and regularly met at the Savoy Hotel in London. President was the Earl of Lonsdale. He was a rifleman icon and a valued expert in firearms. Early in his hunting career, in the mid 1870s, Selous favoured a four bore black powder muzzleloader for killing elephant, a 13 lbs short barreled musket firing a quarter pound bullet at with as much as 20 drams (540 grains) of black powder, one of the largest hunting caliber fabricated, literally a small hand cannon. He could wield it even from horseback. Between 1874 and 1876 he slew exactly seventy-eight elephants with that gun, but eventually there was a double loading incident together with other recoil problems from it, and he finally gave it up as too “upsetting my nerve”. He used a ten bore muzzleloader to hunt lions.
After black powder muzzleloader behemoths became obsolete and metal cased cartridges and smokeless gun powder came into use, despite the fact that he was bombarded with gifts from the finest London gunmakers in hopes of advertisement (indeed he tried many), he was to be found accompanied in his hunt by two rifles, single shot, falling block Farquharson action, Metford barelled rifles in the two calibers he loved best: a Romanian .256 Mannlicher for smaller game and a .450 Nitro Express for larger game. His favorite gun makers were Gibbs of Bristol and Holland & Holland of London.
There are quotes as to how Selous was in fact not a crack shot, but a rather ordinary marksman, yet most agree that was just another personal statement of modesty from Selous himself. Many of the Selous trophies entered into museums and international taxidermy and natural-history collections, notably that of the Natural History Museum in London. In their Selous Collection they have 524 mammals from three continents, all shot by him, including nineteen African lions.
In the last year of his life, while in combat in 1916, he was known to carry his butterfly net in the evening and collect specimens, for the same institution. Overall, more than five thousand plants and animal specimens were donated by him to the Natural History section of the British Museum. This collection was held from 1881 in the new Natural History Museum in South Kensington (which became an independent institution in 1963). Here, posthumously in 1920, they unveiled a bronze bust of him in the Main Hall, where it stands to this day.
He is mentioned wide in foremost taxidermist Rowland Wards catalogues for world’s largest animal specimens hunted, where Selous is ranked in many trophy categories, including rhinoceros, elephant and many ungulates.
2. Theodore Roosevelt
Theodore Roosevelt with his elephant he hunting on an African Safari.
The 26th President of the United States, Theodore Roosevelt, embarked on an African safari after his presidency. Landing in Mombasa in 1909, Roosevelt spent months in the wilds of East Africa, hunting big game in parts of what are now Kenya and Uganda. One of the biggest headline-grabbing stories of 1910 was former president Theodore Roosevelt’s safari into Africa. The total animals hunted is 512, of which 43 are birds.
3. Ernest Hemingway
Ernest Hemingway, a renowned writer, also had an undeniable love for hunting. In his book "Green Hills of Africa," Hemingway masterfully captured his African hunting experiences, showcasing his deep appreciation for the thrill of the hunt and the untamed beauty of the African wilderness. Hemingway’s safari story "The Short Happy Life of Francis Macomber" (1936) richly addresses the questions of courage, cowardice, racism, and power on safari. The story was made into a film titled The Macomber Affair (1947), but it was reissued in the United States under the title, The Great White Hunter. The title character is an American tourist looking to find his own courage by facing danger on safari. In the story, Hemingway accurately refers to the professional hunter leading the safari, a character named Wilson, as a "white hunter".
In the summer of 1933, Hemingway, Pauline, and a Key West friend traveled to Africa for a three-month safari. The three months spent on safari offered Hemingway ample time to hunt and enjoy the outdoors. Despite succumbing to a severe illness on the trip that necessitated a hospital recovery, Hemingway’s trophies included a lion and other large game that roamed the African grasslands. Traveling through Kenya and Tanzania, Hemingway hunted the plains of the Serengeti, tracked animals through the bush, and recorded his experiences for later use in his work. Hemingway returned to the Dark Continent twenty years later with his fourth wife. They traveled through the Belgian Congo, Rwanda, and Kenya. Once again, Hemingway exercised his skill as a hunter, and brought home many big game trophies.
Ernest with a male lion he hunted in Africa.
Other Notable Figures
- Karen Blixen (Isak Dinesen): A Danish author and safari enthusiast.
- Harry Selby: A renowned professional hunter whose career spanned decades. In 1951, Selby took Robert Ruark and his wife on safari in Tanganyika (now Tanzania), which resulted in Ruark's book “Horn of the Hunter”, one of the most widely read books ever written about African hunting and safari life. This book put Harry on the map, creating a demand to hunt with Selby so great that bookings had to be made three to four years in advance.
- Denys Finch Hatton: A British aristocrat and one of Kenya’s most celebrated safari hunters.
- Peter Hathaway Capstick: A modern-day hunter and writer who became a prominent figure in the African hunting community.
- Karamojo Bell (Walter D.M. Bell): An icon of elephant hunting.
- John Henry Patterson: Gained fame for hunting and killing a pair of man-eating lions in Tsavo, Kenya.
- Stewart Edward White: An American author who shared his hunting experiences and connection with the African landscape in his books.
- Robert Ruark: An American writer and columnist celebrated for his tales of African hunting.
The Ivory Trade and Its Impact
A brief history of the ivory trade
The impact was devastating-ecologically, socially, and politically. Thousands of elephants were slaughtered every year, pushing entire local populations to the brink of collapse. African beaters were often reduced to semi-slavery, paid a pittance and exploited to exhaustion. Politically, the ivory trade became one of the driving forces of colonial expansion. Large European companies, in collaboration with governments and military authorities, used hunting as a pretext to seize land and resources.
While a few, such as Selous or Baker, showed some awareness of the issue, most acted without restraint, driven by profit and glory. It was only in the early decades of the 20th century, with the first conservation policies, that people began to grasp the scale of the disaster. While some hunters acted out of passion or for science, many others were tools or key players in the ivory trade. By the end of the 19th century, elephant tusks were highly sought after in Europe and America-for piano keys, knife handles, and ornaments. Thousands of elephants were exterminated. Entire herds disappeared within just a few seasons. Even legendary figures like Selous took part in this activity, albeit with different limits and sensibilities.
The Hunter's World
In addition to the well-known names, many other protagonists - often forgotten - contributed to the pages of African hunting: indigenous guides, beaters, and porters. Their knowledge of the land was extraordinary: they could read a track in the sand, recognize the alarm calls of a monkey, and sense the arrival of a predator. The interaction between European hunters and local tribes was complex: it moved between mutual respect and colonial imposition. Some hunters, like Selous and Oswell, sought dialogue, learned the languages, and adopted customs. Others used force, exploiting and sometimes harshly suppressing the indigenous populations.
The places of great African hunting were often remote areas, on the border between savanna and forest, between desert and river. The 19th-century hunter was also an aesthetic symbol. He wore colonial canvas outfits, tall boots, and belts with brass cartridges. Weapons were true works of art: Holland & Holland double express rifles, two-pound Express rifles, finely engraved percussion rifles. Trophies were displayed in European drawing rooms but also used as currency to obtain favors or contracts.
From Trophy Hunting to Conservation
Many legendary safari hunters transitioned from hunting to advocating for conservation. Their experiences highlighted the need to protect Africa’s unique ecosystems. While early safaris were often focused on trophies, the industry has evolved to emphasise ethics and sustainability. These pioneers remind us of the importance of respecting wildlife and balancing human interests with conservation.
The great African hunters of the 19th century appear to us today as complex figures. They were adventurers, explorers, naturalists, and writers. Some were pioneers of conservation, while others were protagonists of a destructive economy. But reading their exploits today also means reflecting. Because the true hunter, today as then, is not the one who kills the most.
The African Perspective on Trophy Hunting
While previous research on trophy hunting largely focuses on Westerners, this study offers the perspective of the Africans who are most affected by it.
When Cecil, a lion in Zimbabwe, was hunted and killed by an American tourist in 2015, the outcry was heard from conservationists and activists across the world. The idea of this remarkable, sentient being killed within his natural environment by a tourist paying $50,000 was viewed as a tragedy by many Westerners. Most people in opposition to Cecil’s death (and trophy hunting in general) are very much removed from the issue itself- not living in Africa or familiar with African culture. Nevertheless, the opinions of Africans were largely ignored by scholars and Western conservationists, despite their perspective being essential for discussing environmental policy changes in their own region.
In light of this, a recent study aimed to uncover the African perspective regarding the killing of Cecil and trophy hunting in general. Prior to colonization, the author asserts that many Africans held a moral philosophy of “Ubuntu,” which emphasizes community and the interconnectedness of humans, animals, and the environment. The cultural norm was to practice care and compassion, where animals were only killed if they were seen as a life threat or for food. Hunting animals for sport would be considered taboo according to Ubuntu belief.
Western influence is what gave rise to trophy hunting. According to the author, Africans were made reliant on the economic benefits that Western trophy hunting brought. Now, in the neo-colonial landscape, trophy hunting is exclusive to elite tourists and largely excludes the African people themselves.
Analysis of the social media posts revealed three key themes among African commentators.
- First, 70% of posts expressed that neo-colonialism is at the heart of the ethical debate over trophy hunting. Some people complained about privileged Westerners exploiting African resources while the African public is largely excluded from such an expensive activity.
- On a similar note, 80% of posts expressed resentment that Westerners appear more concerned for animal welfare than the people of Africa, who often suffer from poverty and starvation. They also see Westerners as ignorant of the realities of living among lions, who have been known to kill people.
- Meanwhile, 60% of commentators felt that the African government is to blame for the controversy surrounding trophy hunting. These people argued that African politicians care more about bribery from trophy hunters than allowing funds to trickle down to local communities.
Only a small minority of posts criticized trophy hunting for the sake of the animals themselves. The author concludes that trophy hunting has only served to escalate tensions between Africa and the West. However, any decision-making on conservation and animal protection in Africa needs to include the Africans themselves. After all, their lives will be the most affected once trophy hunting is banned. Western animal advocates can make a difference by providing support to African stakeholders who want to shift their tourism industry away from trophy hunting. When working with these stakeholders, it’s important not to impose Western views of conservation on the African community.
Conclusion
The stories of legendary safari hunters are more than tales of adventure; they are a testament to human curiosity, resilience, and our evolving relationship with nature. As we learn from their experiences, we can ensure that the spirit of safari hunting continues to align with conservation and ethical practices. Whether you’re an enthusiast or a participant, the legacy of these figures provides valuable lessons for preserving Africa’s wilderness for future generations.
With a final thought, join us on an unforgettable expedition where we pay tribute to the exceptional hunters of the past while creating your own remarkable moments in the African wilderness. Hunting Safaris in South Africa, we offer tailor-made plains game and dangerous game Hunting Packages. Experience the excitement of fair chase hunting in South Africa with Shenandoah.
Table of Famous Big-Game Hunters
| Name | Nationality | Notable Achievements |
|---|---|---|
| Frederick Courteney Selous | British | Explorer, officer, hunter, and conservationist; inspired the fictional Allan Quatermain |
| Theodore Roosevelt | American | 26th President of the United States; embarked on a famous African safari |
| Ernest Hemingway | American | Renowned writer; captured African hunting experiences in "Green Hills of Africa" |
| Harry Selby | South African | Renowned professional hunter; guided Robert Ruark's safari, leading to "Horn of the Hunter" |
| Denys Finch Hatton | British | British aristocrat and celebrated safari hunter in Kenya |
| Peter Hathaway Capstick | American | Modern-day hunter and author prominent in the African hunting community |
| Karamojo Bell (Walter D.M. Bell) | Scottish | Iconic elephant hunter |
| John Henry Patterson | Irish-British | Famous for hunting and killing man-eating lions in Tsavo, Kenya |
| Stewart Edward White | American | Author who shared hunting experiences and connection with the African landscape |
| Robert Ruark | American | Writer and columnist celebrated for tales of African hunting |
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