Big game hunting in Africa offers a unique and thrilling experience for hunters worldwide. The continent is home to diverse ecosystems and majestic species, including the Sable Antelope and Cape Kudu. South Africa has become the premier hunting destination in Africa, offering first-world hospitality and infrastructure. Getting to South Africa is easy, and visitors from the United States or the European Union do not require a visa. Are you a hunter researching or planning your first African Hunting Safari? Nick Bowker is an Outfitter in South Africa offering a tailored, personalized safari hunting experience. We offer cost-beneficial All-Inclusive Packages.
What is Plains Game Hunting?
Looking for information an African plains game hunting safari? Read on to learn all about our African 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.
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 include Cape or African buffalo, lion, leopard, elephant, and rhino. 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.
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Why Choose Africa for Big Game Hunting?
For the hunter seeking a wide variety of game animals, beautiful country, century-old hunting traditions, and the spice of danger, hunting in Africa is an experience unmatched anywhere on Earth. From the vast savannahs of Kenya and Tanzania to the dense jungles of Zambia and Zimbabwe, every region offers unique opportunities for big game hunting. The allure lies in the challenge of tracking and pursuing majestic species such as lions, elephants, leopards, buffalo, and rhinos, among others.
For centuries, Big Game hunters have travelled to Africa to hunt the iconic, and dangerous African lion, leopard, Cape buffalo, elephant and rhinoceros. Hunting for The Big Four can be done with a completely clear conscience, as a legal hunt will help to save far more animals from poaching than will be actually taken during hunting.
From the beautiful spiral horned antelope to the Tiny 10, plains game hunting typically occurs on expansive hunting estates, where one can bask in leisure and savor the delights of life during tranquil afternoons, after you’re finished with your hunt for the day. You can choose to opt for opulent accommodations or embrace simpler lodging depending on your preference. Nonetheless, the hunting estates present an ideal hunting vacation for a group of hunters and non-hunters alike. In South Africa alone, a staggering 18,500 avid hunters per year visit these hunting concessions in pursuit of plains game, a testament to the remarkable popularity these estates command. Together with Namibia, South Africa dominantly claims over 90% of big game hunting in Africa.
In the Shadow of Deadliest Big Game in Africa: US 25
Ethical and Sustainable Hunting
Embarking on a big game hunting expedition in Africa requires the expertise of seasoned guides who possess an intimate knowledge of the land, wildlife behavior, and conservation practices. These professional hunters (PH’s) are dedicated to ensuring ethical hunting practices, sustainable wildlife management, and the preservation of fragile ecosystems.
In recent years, the significance of responsible and sustainable tourism has come to the forefront. Many African countries have implemented stringent regulations and conservation programs to protect their wildlife and natural habitats. By choosing ethical operators who adhere to these guidelines, hunters can actively contribute to the preservation of biodiversity while enjoying their passion for big game hunting.
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We are conservation-oriented, owning vast numbers of established herds of wild game in their natural habitat on large land areas. This was achieved over many years of reintroducing game and conservation. Our hunts are only large free-range conservancies. Nick Bowker and his family own a significant portion of the land you will be hunting on.
Hunting Methods
Hunting in Southern Africa is conducted Safari Style, where hunters drive around searching for plains game. When sighted, hunters stalk on foot. Alternatively, hunting is from an elevated vantage point, and a trophy is spotted in the thick brush and then stalked. Bow Hunting is from a hide overlooking a waterhole or feeding point.
Fair Chase African Hunts - Nick Bowker Hunting
Our hunting is on low-fenced ranches with four-foot barb-wired fences to keep sheep and cattle. Plains game primarily moves at will over and through these low fences.We do not shoot in traditional high-fenced game farms where we drive on the same roads daily and shoot games from the truck.
Plains Game Hunting Packages
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.
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.
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As you can see, 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.
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.
Popular Plains Game Hunting Packages
Our two most popular plains game hunting packages are:
- First Timer’s Adventure
- 8 Days (7 Nights) Accommodation
- Blue Wildebeest, Blesbok, Impala, & Warthog
- $5,695 Per Hunter (1×1)
- $5,420 Per Hunter (2×1)
- $1,700 per Non-Hunter
- Bushveld Adventure
- 11 Days (10 Nights) Accommodation
- Kudu, Blue Wildebeest, Impala, & Warthog
- $9,170 Per Hunter (1×1)
- $8,700 Per Hunter (2×1)
- $2,215 Per Non-Hunter
Species Available for Hunting
Below are the different species that we offer on African plains game hunting safaris.
- Black Wildebeest: Very plentiful in grasslands of the highveld on our hunting area in Free State Province.
- 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.
- Blue Wildebeest: Also known as “the poor man’s buffalo”, Blue Wildebeest are one of the toughest species of plains game.
- Bushbuck: The diminutive Bushbuck is the smallest species of spiral-horned antelope in South Africa.
- Bushpig: One of the most challenging species of plains game that may be hunted in South Africa.
- Duiker: Don’t let the Duiker’s small stature fool you: this animal is a worthy adversary in the bush.
- Eland: The Eland is the largest species of antelope in the world.
- Gemsbok: Gemsbok are desert animals and do not actually need to drink any water to survive.
- Impala: A very common species of antelope that is found all over Africa.
- Klipspringer: Klipspringer translates literally to “cliff jumper”, which is a good description of these small and nimble animals.
- Kudu: Because of their long, beautifully spiraling horns, the Kudu is perhaps the most impressive trophy that can be taken in Africa.
- Mountain Reedbuck: We have some outstanding trophy quality Mountain Reedbuck on our hunting area in Free State Province.
- Ostrich: The Ostrich is both the largest and has the fastest land speed of any bird in the world.
- Nyala: Nyala are another member of the spiral horned antelope family that may be hunted in South Africa.
- Springbok: The Springbok is a very common species of plains game and is also the national animal of South Africa.
- Steenbok: The Steenbok is another common, yet small and underrated antelope that inhabits the bushveld.
- Tsessebe: The Tsessebe is actually the fastest antelope in Africa.
- Warthog: The Warthog is another one of Africa’s best known species of game.
- Waterbuck: The Waterbuck is a very underrated species that is often overlooked by hunters in Africa.
- Zebra: The Zebra is one of the most iconic animals in Africa and no African plains game hunting safari is complete without one.
The Big Five
In Africa, the Big Five game animals are the lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, and African buffalo. The term was coined by big-game hunters to refer to the five most difficult animals in Africa to hunt on foot, but is now more widely used by game viewing tourists and safari tour operators. They are examples of charismatic megafauna, featuring prominently in popular culture, and are among the most famous of Africa's large animals. The 1990 and later releases of South African rand banknotes feature a different big-five animal on each denomination.
Taxidermy for Your Safari
Nick Bowker hunting will ensure that your Taxidermy is of high quality after your safari hunt. We follow up on delivery and ensure that your trophies are delivered safely after your safari. Please take a look at our taxidermy information and prices.
Hunting Gear
Choosing a rifle for your African hunt safari is crucial for a successful hunting experience. At Nick Bowker Hunting, we believe high-quality safari binoculars are the most essential hunting gear for hunting in Africa. We spend hours glassing through varied terrain while game viewing. We use 300 Win Mags with suppressors as our preferred African safari rifle.
Shooting Sticks on Hunting Safaris
Hunting with shooting sticks is a must in Africa. The hunter should practice ahead of time.
Shooting sticks are often new for the first-time hunter in Africa.
A three-legged shooting stick is a tripod to rest your rifle for support while taking a standing shot. Prone, sitting, and kneeling shots with a rifle are not that common. Hunters lying in a prone position or kneeling can be very uncomfortable. Furthermore, shots in Africa often need to be taken relatively quickly. Consequently, shooting sticks and a standing position facilitate this.
Plan Your African Hunting Safari
When embarking on a big game hunting expedition in Africa, careful planning is essential. Research reputable outfitters, consult with experienced hunters, and consider factors such as the location, season, desired species, and available amenities. Ensure compliance with local hunting regulations and obtain the necessary permits and licenses. Engage in physical training to enhance your endurance and marksmanship, preparing yourself for the challenges that lie ahead.
Africa, a continent encompassing over twelve countries, offers diverse opportunities for hunting enthusiasts. Southern Africa, notably South Africa, Namibia, and Zimbabwe, attracts the highest influx of hunters due to its accessibility, affordability, and remarkable experiences, especially for first-time participants. On the other hand, Eastern Africa, including Tanzania, Ethiopia, and Mozambique, boasts expansive wilderness regions teeming with formidable game animals like lions, buffalo, leopards, and elephants. Embarking on a safari in this area evokes the grandeur of the luxurious tented safaris popularized during the mid-twentieth century.
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