Free Range Hunting in
south africa
South Africa, often misconceived as solely a plains game hunting destination, harbors some of Africa’s most exceptional destinations for dangerous game safaris. Hunters worldwide can anticipate an exhilarating and challenging experience on par with destinations north of us. The untamed wilderness of South Africa’s bushveld region distinguishes itself as genuine and untouched, distinct from the commonly “restored” and “restocked” lands.
About – Hunting the great continent of Africa
Zingela Game Trackers Safaris has established its reputation by providing access to one of South Africa’s largest free range wilderness concessions, bordering the renowned Greater National Park. The Lowveld in the Eastern Mpumalanga Province stands as a renowned destination for world-class dangerous game hunting. During the early era of big game hunting, this region attracted hunters worldwide pursuing the Dangerous Big 5 species.
In the early 1990’s, a committed group of conservation-oriented landowners recognized the significance of this wilderness area. Fences between the Kruger National Park and the APNR were removed, encouraging natural wildlife migration. Human presence in this part of the Lowveld has historically been temporary, from the early Stone Age to the 20th century.
Large portions of the northern Lowveld remained scarcely settled. Today, these lands constitute the APNR, including the Timbavati and the Klaserie Nature Reserves – private reserves dedicated to conservation and hunting, encompassing approximately 450,000 acres of pristine land.
These reserves are part of a 6-million-acre free range wildlife system brimming with herds of Buffalo and Elephant, prides of Lions and Leopards, Rhino, and various plains game species.
In these wilderness hunting areas, ZGTS, alongside relevant management teams and landowners, ensure sustainable hunting quotas and prioritize fair chase ethical hunting. Limited hunting of dangerous and plains game species crucially contributes to funding conservation and anti-poaching projects in this region.
Dangerous game species available for hunting include Elephant, Buffalo, Hippo, Hyena, and occasionally Leopard, Lion, and White Rhino. Plains game species such as Giraffe, Waterbuck, Blue Wildebeest, Kudu, Warthog, Zebra, and Impala are also available.
South Africa’s exceptional wildlife boom and conservation success are rooted in the sustainable use of wildlife, notably hunting. Surprisingly, 50 million acres of private land in South Africa are allocated to wildlife – three times the size of all state-owned protected areas combined!
Tented Safari Camp
Our traditional East African style tented safari camp ensures the ultimate in hunting accommodation and amenities. Each tent is private, featuring en-suite bathrooms with hot and cold running water and flush toilets, ensuring maximum comfort. Our diligent camp staff ensures daily tent cleaning and laundry services.
Untouched Wilderness at its Finest
The undulating terrain of the APNR, varying between 980 ft to 1640 ft above sea level, features untouched natural wilderness – ‘savanna bushveld.’ It boasts diverse landscapes, including Acacia and open woodland with Mopane scrubs and trees in the northern parts. Abundant natural water sources and riverbeds attract a diverse array of game, including Elephant, White & Black Rhino, Buffalo, Zebra, Blue Wildebeest, Kudu, Impala, Giraffe, Waterbuck, Warthog, and smaller species. These species, in turn, draw significant predators such as Lion, Leopard, Cheetah, Wild Dogs, and Spotted Hyena, offering an authentic East African wildlife experience.
Experience Africa
Lunch is typically served amidst the bush, either along dry riverbeds or beneath large shady trees, allowing hunters a few hours of relaxation during the midday heat before resuming their afternoon hunt.
Due to the vastness of these areas, game spotting is facilitated via fully equipped Land Cruiser hunting vehicles, from which all hunting is conducted on foot.
Explore Extraordinary
Trophy Hunting in South Africa
Logistics
Travelling in South Africa is straightforward. Most hunters arrive at OR Tambo International Airport and continue with a domestic commercial flight to Hoedspruit Airport, the closest to the hunting location. Alternatively, we arrange charter flights from Johannesburg to a Private Airstrip in the Timbavati. Upon arrival at Hoedspruit Airport or the private airstrip, our Zingela Game Tracker Safaris staff will assist with rifles, luggage, and transportation to camp (approximately 45 minutes).
“Experience the vast unfenced wilderness and free-range hunting in South Africa. Hunt animals in their native habitat for exceptional trophy quality and a genuine East African adventure, ensuring the finest African Hunting Safaris.”
Trophy Specie Quota
- Trophy Buffalo Bulls: Categorized for conservation and management purposes.
- Buffalo Cows: Limited to older cows above 10 years with no dependent calves.
- Trophy Elephant Bulls: Classified based on tusk weight per side – 25lbs, 30lbs, 40lbs, and 55lbs.
- Trophy Hippo Bull: Recommended for adult or past-prime Hippo Bulls.
- Trophy Hyena: Advised for adult or past-prime Males or Females.
- Plains game package: Giraffe, Waterbuck, Blue Wildebeest, Kudu, Warthog, Zebra, Impala.
Buffalo hunted in Timbavati
Hippo hunted in Timbavati
Hyena hunted in Timbavati
Leopard hunted in Mozambique
“Consistantly delivering top class trophies and exceeding expectations”.
For detailed quotations on hunting any of these species, reach out to ZGTS at info@zingelagamesafaris.co.za. Please note, permits are allocated 12–18 months in advance, essential for safari planning.