Free-Range Plains Game Hunting Package in South Africa

2026 / 2027

Rifle 1x1 ONLY $8,700!

Free-Range Plains Game Hunting Package in South Africa

TROPHY FEES INCLUDED:

• 1 Southern Greater Kudu Trophy Fee
• 1 Nyala Trophy Fee
• 1 Waterbuck Trophy Fee
• 1 Common Reedbuck or Mountain Reedbuck Trophy Fee – Hunter's Choice

 

THIS SAFARI INCLUDES:

• 10 Full Hunting Days
• 2 Travel Days
• 1×1 PH and Tracker
• All Meals
• Beer and Wine
• 3-Star Lodge Accommodations
• All Licenses and Permits
• All VAT
• Field Preparation of Trophies
• Trophy Transportation to Local Taxidermist / Dip & Pack Agent
• Round Trip Airport Transfers from O.R. Tambo International Airport

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EXTRAS:

• Additional Hunting Days: $385 / Day
• Observer: $150 / Day
• Rifle Rental: $100 Total
• Taxidermy
• Dip & Pack
• Trophy Shipping
• International Airfare
• Spirits
• Gratuities

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This is a true free-range plains game safari taking place in northern KwaZulu-Natal near Ladysmith, South Africa. The hunt is conducted on an extensive 28,000-acre low-fenced property where animals move naturally through a diverse landscape of open grasslands, rolling hills, rocky ridges, valleys, and bushveld. The package combines several of KwaZulu-Natal's most desirable plains game species, including Southern Greater Kudu, Nyala, Waterbuck, and the hunter's choice of Common Reedbuck or Mountain Reedbuck.

With 10 full hunting days, there is plenty of time to hunt each species according to its preferred habitat and daily movement patterns. Hunting is conducted on a traditional spot-and-stalk basis, with the Professional Hunter using local knowledge, careful glassing, and knowledge of animal behavior to locate mature, high-quality trophies. This is not a high-fence environment as the animals are free to move naturally across the property, making each opportunity dependent on patience, conditions, and skill.

 

About the Animals

Southern Greater Kudu are one of Africa's most iconic plains game species and are known for their impressive spiral horns and elusive behavior. Mature bulls are commonly found in broken hills, rocky ridges, and thicker bush where they can use the terrain and vegetation to remain concealed.

Nyala are among southern Africa's most striking antelope. They prefer dense bush, riverine habitat, and areas with plenty of natural cover. Mature bulls are particularly impressive, with dark coats, prominent vertical striping, shaggy body hair, and distinctive spiral horns. Their preference for thick cover can make locating and stalking a mature bull particularly challenging.

Waterbuck are large, powerful antelope commonly associated with water, valleys, drainage lines, and areas of thicker vegetation. They are recognizable by their substantial size, shaggy coats, and distinctive white ring around the rump. Their tendency to remain near water and cover provides a very different hunting experience from the more open-country species on the package.

Common Reedbuck or Mountain Reedbuck are the fourth included species. Common Reedbuck are generally associated with wetlands, tall grass, drainage areas, and low-lying cover, while Mountain Reedbuck favor rocky hillsides, grassy slopes, and more elevated terrain. Both species are alert and can be challenging to approach, making careful glassing and patience important.

The Hunting Area in KwaZulu-Natal

The hunt takes place in northern KwaZulu-Natal near Ladysmith, South Africa, on an exclusive 28,000-acre free-range hunting property. The area has been hunted by the outfitter for approximately seven years and is not high-fenced, allowing game to move naturally throughout the area.

The concession features a diverse combination of open grasslands, rolling hills, rocky ridges, valleys, and bushveld. This varied terrain creates excellent conditions for traditional spot-and-stalk hunting, with the PH using elevated positions, natural folds in the ground, thicker cover, and open areas to glass for animals. The different habitats also allow hunters to pursue the various species according to their preferred terrain. Southern greater kudu are commonly searched for around broken hills, ridges, and thicker bush, while nyala favor denser bush and riverine areas. Waterbuck are often found around valleys, drainage lines, and areas close to water, while Common Reedbuck and Mountain Reedbuck are more likely to be encountered in open grasslands, wetlands, and grassy slopes.

Because this is a genuine free-range hunting area, animals move naturally, and their locations can change from day to day. The PH will use their knowledge of the property and careful glassing to locate mature, high-quality animals rather than simply taking the first opportunity encountered. Weather, terrain, and natural animal movement all help determine how each day's hunt unfolds.

The Plains Game Hunting Methods

Each day begins at the lodge with fresh coffee and breakfast as first light breaks. Once ready, you and your Professional Hunter will head into the hunting area and begin the day using traditional spot-and-stalk methods. Much of the morning is spent moving through the concession and stopping at vantage points to glass valleys, hillsides, bush lines, and open grasslands.

Your PH will carefully assess the animals encountered throughout the day, looking at age, horn development, trophy quality, and overall condition rather than rushing to take the first animal seen. Once a suitable trophy is located, the hunt becomes more deliberate as you and your PH assess the wind, terrain, cover, and the animal's movements before planning the stalk. Depending on the species, this may mean working slowly through thick bush for nyala, using ridges and folds in the terrain for kudu, approaching a valley for waterbuck, or carefully crossing open grassland for reedbuck. After a successful harvest, there will be time for photographs before the trophy is recovered and taken to the skinning shed for preparation. If daylight allows, the hunt continues before returning to the lodge in the evening for dinner and time around the fire.

 

About the Outfitter

The outfitter has hunted this particular concession for over seven years and focuses on free-range hunting, mature animals, and a personalized 1×1 experience. Rather than relying on guaranteed concentrations of game, their approach to hunting this concession is rooted in local knowledge, careful glassing, and adapting each day to the natural movement of the animals.

The PH will carefully assess available trophies and work with the hunter to determine which animals are worth pursuing that particular outing. Weather, terrain, animal movement, and current conditions all play a role in determining how each day unfolds, creating an authentic and flexible African hunting experience.

 

The Free-Range Plains Game Hunting Lodge

Hunters are accommodated at a fully catered and fully staffed 3-star lodge. There are eight standalone units, each featuring a private bathroom, kitchenette, double bed, air conditioning, and heating.

The lodge has permanent electrical power with generator backup, as well as cell phone service and internet access. Meals are excellent, and soft drinks, wine, and beer are all included.

 

Additional Hunting Opportunities

Other free-range species are available to be hunted in addition to the animals included in this package. Because the property is free-range, species are not guaranteed to be present in any particular numbers, and opportunities will depend on natural animal movement and current conditions.

Your PH can advise you on available species and current trophy quality during the safari, allowing additional animals to be pursued when time and conditions permit.

 

Trophy Handling

After your trophies are harvested, recovery is handled promptly to ensure the highest possible trophy quality. Photos are taken while the animal is still fresh, after which field preparation begins without delay. Field dressing and skinning are completed carefully, with attention given to protecting the cape and other trophy components.

Trophies are carefully prepared, identified, and protected after recovery before being transferred to Hunters Heart for taxidermy or dip & pack, documentation, and shipping.

 

Taxidermy

We recommend Hunters Heart Taxidermy for dip & pack and taxidermy services. Trophies are transferred from the hunting operation after field preparation and handled through the taxidermy or dip & pack process before being prepared for export.

 

Getting There

Hunters will fly into O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg, South Africa. Your Professional Hunter will meet you at the airport, assist with firearm clearance, and provide the approximately three-hour road transfer to the hunting lodge.

At the completion of the safari, you will make the approximately three-hour road journey back to the airport. No charter flights are required.

Before and after the hunt, accommodations are required in Johannesburg at the African Sky.

 

The Hunting Season

This hunt is available year-round.

 

The Best Time to Hunt

While this safari is available throughout the year, the outfitter recommends March through September as the best time to hunt. These cooler months generally provide comfortable conditions for long days in the field and excellent opportunities to glass and stalk game across the varied terrain.

 

Recommended Firearms

For the plains game included in this hunt, a reliable .30-caliber rifle such as a .308 Winchester, .30-06 Springfield, or .300 Winchester Magnum with quality ammunition is recommended. 

Rental rifle calibers include .308, .30-06, and .300 Winchester Magnum options. Rifles include scopes and suitable hunting ammunition. Please advise the booking agent if you will be using a rental rifle so the appropriate firearm can be reserved.

 

Deposit Policy

A 30% deposit is required to book this hunt. The full balance of the hunt is due in camp on the last day of the safari. Accepted payment methods include cash, credit cards, and wire transfers.

 

Cancellation Policy

Deposits are non-refundable. Hunts may be rescheduled at the outfitter's sole discretion based on new available dates. If the hunter is permitted to reschedule a second time, a 10% fee will apply. A $150 fee is also payable directly to the booking agent for any rescheduled hunt. Hunts moved to a subsequent year will be subject to that year's pricing.

 

EXCLUSIONS: International airfare, before and after hunt accommodations, rifle rental, ammunition, observer fees, additional hunting days, taxidermy, dip & pack, trophy shipping, gratuities, spirits, and personal expenses.

 

HUNT# SA-GS-10 Day