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What animals can you hunt in South Africa?

South Africa is home to one of the largest varieties of huntable game in the world. At Phumba Safaris, we offer both plains and dangerous game hunting, with species suited to rifle and bow hunters alike. Browse the animals below to learn more about the species available, best hunting times, and key considerations.

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Blesbuck

The Blesbok has adapted well to the bushveld but is best hunted in the Free State, where open plains suit its natural behaviour. Often moving in herds, it's a great first African species and ideal for combination hunts.

Ideal for first-time hunters 
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Cape Buffalo

Cape Buffalo are one of Africa’s most challenging and respected dangerous game species. Best hunted on foot, they require calm tracking and close encounters in the bushveld.

Dangerous game | Walk-and-stalk 
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Bushbuck

Bushbuck are elusive, solitary antelopes found near riverbeds and thick bush. Water-dependent and alert, they offer a challenging hunt, often requiring quiet, close tracking.

Elusive bush species | Best near water
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Common Duiker

Small, fast, and secretive, Duikers are often spotted darting through the bush. A challenging addition to any plains game hunt, especially in the dry season.

Small & elusive | Often hunted opportunistically
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Eland

Africa’s largest antelope, the Eland, is strong, tough, and known for their endurance. Often found in herds, they’re a challenging but rewarding target for experienced hunters.

Large & tough | Herd animal | Bushveld
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Impala

Common across the bushveld, Impala are fast, alert, and social. Their abundance and agility make them ideal for first-time hunters or as part of a multi-species hunt.

Good for first-timers | Abundant
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Gemsbuck (Oryx)

Striking and resilient, Gemsbuck were introduced to the bushveld from the Kalahari and have adapted well. Known for their long horns and desert toughness.

Impressive horns | Kalahari origins
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Giraffe

Giraffe are hunted for their size, hide, and unique presence. Requires patience and good shot placement — best suited to experienced hunters.

Specialist hunt | Unique trophy
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Hippo

Best hunted near rivers or waterholes, Hippo are powerful and territorial. Often taken in or near water, this is a specialist hunt requiring caution and accuracy.

Dangerous game | Water-based hunt | Specialist species
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Wildebeest

Wildebeest come in a variety of colors. From blue-gray, a bushveld classic, to the rare golden and black variations, these creatures are a sight to behold.

Tough & resilient | Herd species | Ideal for walk-and-stalk
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Klipspringer

Small, elusive, and sure-footed, Klipspringer are found in rocky terrain. Their size and agility make them a true challenge. Often seen before sunrise or near cliffs.

Mountain species |  Specialist plains game
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Kudu

Often called the “grey ghost,” Kudu are the most iconic bushveld species. Elusive, majestic, and highly sought-after — no safari is complete without a Kudu.

Signature plains game | Spiral-horned
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Red Letchwe

​Often found near water, Red Lechwe are semi-aquatic antelope with a distinctive build and reddish coat. They’re most often hunted in wetter, open areas.

Wetland species | Unique build | Semi-aquatic antelope
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Lion

The pinnacle of dangerous game. Lion hunting requires experience, nerve, and a professional guide. A high-stakes hunt not taken lightly.

Dangerous game | High-adrenaline | Specialist hunt
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Nyala

Elegant and elusive, Nyala thrive in thick bush and riverine areas. Known for their striking markings, they’re a highly prized plains game species.

Bush-loving | Elusive | Excellent for walk-and-stalk
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Red Hartebeest

Fast, alert, and often in open country, Red Hartebeest offer an athletic challenge. Known for their unusual head shape and endurance.

Open plains | Speed & stamina | Unique profile
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Reedbuck

Skittish and solitary, Reedbuck favour grasslands and thicker edges. A rewarding hunt for those who like subtle tracking and stillness.

​Edge species | Good in late afternoon | Often solitary
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Rhino

Rhino hunting in South Africa is strictly regulated, with only a limited number of legal permits issued each year. At Phumba Safaris, we offer this hunt only in full compliance with all laws and conservation standards, and only when permits are available.

Permit-only | Highly regulated | Offered under strict conditions
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Roan

Roan are rare and highly prized. With strong features and a watchful nature, they require a patient and careful approach.

Scarce species | Skittish & alert | High-value trophy
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Sable

Sable are one of Africa’s most admired antelope, known for their majestic horns and dark coat. Shy and selective, they prefer quiet woodland

Premium plains game | Striking trophy
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Springbuck

A classic southern plains species, Springbuck are fast, agile, and usually found in herds. Best hunted in open terrain with longer shots.

Speed & accuracy | Free State specialist | Often hunted in groups
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Steenbuck

Small, shy, and often seen alone, Steenbuck blend into their surroundings and vanish quickly. A rewarding small-game challenge

Solitary | Elusive
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Warthog

Tough, alert, and often underestimated — Warthog are challenging due to their low profile and quick movement. Often hunted near waterholes.

Bushveld regular | Good for first-timers
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Waterbuck

Large, thick-coated antelope that prefer areas near water. Their size and strength make them a popular but challenging species.

Water-dependent | Dense cover | Distinctive ringed coat
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Zebra

Boldly marked and highly alert, Zebra are more cautious than they appear. Hunted on foot in open bushveld or savannahs.

Striking plains game | Often in herds
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