Special First Blood Hunting Safari in South Africa North West
Booking Season: 2026
Hunt Difficulty: Moderate
Designed by Hunters, for Hunters
7 x Days and 6 x Nights Game Hunting for Trophy Sable and Roan
The African Plains Game Hunt Includes:
*** Observers welcome at US$ 200/night/person
*** Rifle Rental Available at US$ 30/day (Ammunition at cost)
South Africa covers an area of more than 470 000 square miles, with 1550 miles of coastline and is almost twice the size of Texas. South Africa’s climate is mostly temperate due to the country being surrounded on three sides by the Indian and Atlantic Oceans.
As a game hunting destination, South Africa offers an incredible variety of plains game, with more than 45 species available for hunting. South Africa has decent infrastructure, meaning traveling to different locations is easy and safe.
The country’s infrastructure means that getting around the is easy. A large amount of hunting lodges in South Africa are within three hours by road transfer from the city of Johannesburg. For hunters willing to travel a little further making use of domestics flights, or private charters there remains is the Eastern Cape, Kalahari Region, Free-State Province and more.
The majority of hunting safaris in South Africa are plains game safaris, where the animals are hunted in a high fenced area, which can be tens of thousands of acres in size. Besides when you enter the ranch, you will more than likely never see a fence again.
A discussion of plains game hunting in South Africa is not complete without talking about game-proof high fences. For hunters who are of the opinion that hunting behind fences isn’t hunting, then you will have to make some decisions about the type of safari you will encounter in South Africa. Having game animals “fenced in”, allows for pro-active breeding programs, better animal health and genetics, resulting in bigger trophies.
The Limpopo Province, named after the Limpopo River which forms the border between South Africa, Botswana and Zimbabwe. The Western region offers a wide variety of scenic landscapes with incredible natural biodiversity. Topography includes valleys and plains, with iconic mountain ranges such as the Soutpansberg and Waterberg mountain ranges. The Limpopo province is also home to the worlds largest and oldest Baobab tree.
Limpopo is referred to a “The Hunting Mecca” of South Africa, attracting more sports hunters than any other region of the country. More than 80% of South Africa’s private hunting and game breeding ranches are situated in the Limpopo Province. The famous Mapungubwe Nature Reserve and the northern part of the Kruger National Park are also situated in Limpopo and numerous day trips can be arranged for non-hunting companions on the safari.
This combination Sable and Roan hunt is in typical ” African safari” style using the “walk and stalk” method. You will wake up early after a light breakfast and head out to waterholes and or ridges and glass the terrain. A safari truck may be made use of to move around and cover “more miles”. The hunting grounds in the Limpopo Province are a combination of hilly, mountainous and open grass land area
Hunters can also follow the “ambush method” of plains game hunting by camouflaging themselves along frequently used game trails, strategic vantage points and temporary blinds.
Nothing beats the excitement of and adventure of hunting in the wild. Arriving at Johannesburg’s Oliver Tambo International Airport. You will be met by Patrick, or a member of his team, who will assist with any rifle collections and “meet and greet”. Transport from Oliver Tambo will be by road, takes about three hours through rolling hills and tranquil valleys covering a distance of approximately one hundred miles.
Depending on your departure and arrival times of international flights into South Africa, it may be required to overnight in Johannesburg. Should this be a requirement, we would suggest African Sky Boutique Hotel who are conveniently situated nearby the airport. African Sky, also provides transfers to and from the airport and can assist with any rifle import permits before commencement of the hunting safari.For further information, see “Affiliated Services” below.
The Private Game Reserve and Spa offers air-conditioned thatched en-suite rooms, all of which are footsteps away from a sparkling communal swimming pool, “lapa” and bar facilities.The camp is thoughtfully designed to balance modern comforts like Wi-Fi and daily laundry service with the authentic allure of the wilderness. Accommodations provide a warm and inviting retreat, perfect for unwinding after a day of exhilarating outdoor activities.
This bush lodge also boasts an authentic African communal sitting room, equipped with a well-stocked video,book library and a fireplace.No African bush-veld lodge is complete without a boma for open-aired evening socializing and game viewing
A key highlight of your stay will be the exceptional cuisine. The camp’s skilled chefs are committed to serving a variety of traditional African dishes, offering you a true taste of the region. Imagine indulging in a flavorful meal after a day in the field, with each dish reflecting the rich culinary traditions of Africa.
To apply for a temporary import permit for sport hunting a SAPS 520 form will need to be completed. You will need to provide copy passports, copy airline tickets, letter of invitation from Patrick and proof of ownership (Firearm License or Customs declaration form 4457 for US citizens).
The temporary import permit allows for hunters to bring a maximum of four rifles, with neither two being the same caliber. No more than 200 rounds of ammunition per caliber.
On this plains game hunt, large sized antelope, both Sable and Roan will require a rifle “with some punch”.
A thirty caliber rifle such as 30.06 or .308, Limpopo ” all rounders” will get the job done. A .270 or 300 Win Mag, loaded with quality expanding tips, shooting a flat trajectory will work well. Like with all plains game hunts in South Africa, it is not always about the rifle and caliber, but more importantly shot placement.
Patrick has been guiding professionally and offering plains and dangerous game hunts since 2003. Patrick is a passionate conservationist, believing strongly in sustainable utilization of wildlife resources.
Patrick’s philosophy is simply to deliver tailor made trips with the kind of attention, detail and enthusiasm that are rare in today’s world of instant gratification.
South Africa is not regulated with regards to plains game hunting season, as ranch owners can apply for a P3 Exception permit, allowing hunting safaris to take place throughout the year. The cooler months, which run from April to October, are preferred for hunting. In summer, the temperatures are high and can exceed 104 Fahrenheit. The drier months see the grasses being shorter in the veld, and the bush veld not as dense, both of which allow hunters to more easily spot potential Sable trophies and management animals.
From early December to February, these months are known as the “wet season” in Limpopo. Rain showers and bad weather can continue for days.
If any further information is needed regarding this plains game hunt in South Africa, please contact our team at Game Hunting Safaris, or message Patrick directly using the icons provided.
Should you wish to check availability, insert the preferred dates and “Request to Book”. Patrick and team will shortly revert.
Please note that terms, conditions and price are subject to change without notice and rates at the time of the hunt will apply
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