Mpumalanga Lowveld Free-range Hunting
This segment of South Africa’s bushveld region is truly untamed wilderness, deserving recognition as authentic wild terrain, distinct from the “restored” and “restocked” lands prevalent elsewhere in the country.
Hunting in Mpumalanga:
South Africa is often misperceived as solely a Plains Game hunting destination. However, we boast some of the most exceptional Dangerous Game safari opportunities in Africa, offering hunters from around the world a challenging and rewarding experience comparable to any destination north of our borders.
Zingela Game Trackers Safaris has established a reputation for granting access to one of South Africa’s largest free-range wilderness concessions, bordering the renowned Kruger National Park. The Lowveld of the Eastern Mpumalanga Province stands out as a world-class destination for Dangerous Game hunting, drawing hunters from across the globe during the early Big Game Hunting era.
The Timbavati Nature Reserve, comprising privately owned reserves bordering the Greater Kruger National Park, collectively span about 450,000 acres of pristine land dedicated to conservation and hunting. This vast expanse forms part of a 6-million-acre open free-range wildlife system teeming with immense herds of Buffalo and Elephant, prides of Lions, Leopards, Hippos, Rhino, and a variety of plains game species. Witnessing daily gatherings of up to 3000 Buffalo and hundreds of Elephant is not uncommon in these wilderness hunting areas.
In these regions, ZGTS, along with relevant management teams or landowners, ensures sustainable hunting quotas and upholds the principle of fair chase ethical hunting. Limited hunting of Dangerous and Plains Game species plays a crucial role in generating vital funds for conservation and anti-poaching efforts in the area.
Accommodation:
We offer traditional East African-style tented safari camps that provide the ultimate hunting accommodation and amenities. Each tent is private and equipped with en-suite bathrooms featuring hot and cold running water and flush toilets, ensuring maximum comfort for our clients. Our dedicated camp staff ensure daily cleaning and laundry services.
Lunch is typically served in the bush, either along the banks of a dry riverbed or beneath a sprawling shady tree, providing hunters with a relaxing respite during the heat of the day before resuming their hunt in the afternoon. Dinner is a culinary delight, served around the campfire with a delectable spread of traditional South African cuisine prepared by our personal chef, accompanied by the finest South African wines.
Due to the vastness of the areas, game tracking is conducted from fully equipped Land Cruiser hunting vehicles, with all hunting undertaken on foot to ensure an authentic and immersive experience amidst the untamed wilderness
Species Available:
Dangerous Game species available for hunting include Elephant, Buffalo, Hippo, Hyena, and occasionally Leopard, Lion, and White Rhino. Plains Game species include Giraffe, Waterbuck, Blue Wildebeest, Kudu, Warthog, Zebra, and Impala.
It’s important to note that permits are allocated 8-12 months in advance, and only species with approved permits can be hunted.
Timbavati Camp
Timbavati Camp
Timbavati Camp
Timbavati Camp
Buffalo
Buffalo
Buffalo
Buffalo
TROPHY SPECIES AVAILABLE ON QUOTA:
Trophy Buffalo Bulls
Bulls are categorized for conservation and management purposes.
Buffalo Cows
Only old cows older than 10 years of age and with no dependent calf may be hunted.
Trophy Elephant Bulls
Bulls are categorized for conservation and management purposes.
Available in 30lb, 40lb, and 55lb categories (tusk weight per side).
Trophy Hippo Bulls
It is recommended that only adult or past-prime Hippo Bulls be considered for hunting.
Trophy Hyena
It is recommended that only adult or past-prime Males or Females be considered for hunting.
Plains Game Package
Includes Giraffe, Waterbuck, Blue Wildebeest, Kudu, Warthog, Zebra, and Impala.
*Please note: A strict quota system is followed, and additional trophies need to be applied for in advance.
Hunting Season & Safari Duration:
With its year-round sunshine and favourable climate, Mpumalanga offers excellent hunting conditions at any time of the year. Hunting safaris are available from March to October. We recommend a safari duration of 7-10 days for exploring one area (province) or a minimum of 10-14 days for two areas (provinces), allowing for optimal selection of trophy-quality animals. The duration of your safari can also be tailored based on the species you wish to hunt.
Travel Details & Location:
Travelling in South Africa is straightforward. Most hunters arrive at OR Tambo International Airport and take a domestic commercial flight to Hoedspruit Airport, which is the closest airport to the hunting location, with a 1-hour drive to the safari tented camps. Alternatively, we recommend a short charter flight directly from Lanseria Airport to the Timbavati for your convenience. Upon arrival at the airport or airstrip, you will be met by myself or a ZGTS representative, or your Professional Hunter, who will assist you with your rifles and luggage and accompany you to camp.
The camp is situated in the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve in the Mpumalanga Province, bordering the Greater National Park, approximately 550km north of OR Tambo International Airport. Where you will be accommodated for the duration of your safari.
Who We Are – hunters are like-minded conservationist who subscribe to a code of ethics, a code of conduct and the promotion of sustainable use of wildlife and wildlife habitat.
“Safari hunting protects African wildlife – it’s the forefront of wildlife conservation”.