Hunt Sable in South Africa

 

2026 / 2027

 

Sable Bull Hunting Package in South Africa

 

Only $5,100!

 

TROPHY FEES INCLUDED:

• 1 Sable Bull Trophy Fee – Up to 42"

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THIS SAFARI INCLUDES:

• 5 Full Hunting Days
• 2 Travel Days
• 1×1 Professional Hunter
• Tracker and Hunting Staff
• 3-Star Lodge Accommodations
• Arrival Day and Final Night Lodging
• All Meals
• Beer, Wine, and Spirits
• All Hunting Licenses and Permits
• Field Preparation of Trophy
• Transportation of Trophy to Local Taxidermist / Dip & Pack Agent
• Transportation During the Hunt
• Round Trip Airport Transfers from O.R. Tambo International Airport

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EXTRAS:

• Sable Over 42" – $300 / Inch
• Additional Hunting Days – $350 / Day
• Observer – $180 / Day
• Rifle Rental – $30 / Day
• Ammunition
• Dip & Pack
• Taxidermy
• Trophy Shipping
• International Airfare
• Before and After Hunt Accommodations
• Gratuities
• Personal Expenses

 

This 5-day Sable bull hunt takes place in South Africa's Limpopo Province near Mookgophong and includes the trophy fee for one mature bull measuring up to 42 inches. The safari is conducted on an exclusive high-fenced concession of over 3000 acres with dense bushveld, open savanna, and rolling hills providing excellent habitat for Sable and a wide range of other African game.

The hunt is conducted primarily on foot using fresh tracks and traditional stalking methods. Each morning, the PH and hunter search for recent sign before following the bull through the bush and working into position for a clear shot. Hunters looking for an exceptional trophy larger than 42 inches may upgrade at $300 for each additional inch.

 

About the Sable Antelope

The Sable Antelope is one of Africa's most recognizable and highly regarded plains game species. Mature bulls are immediately distinguished by their dark coloration, muscular build, contrasting facial markings, and long sweeping horns that curve dramatically backward over the shoulders. Young Sable and females are generally reddish-brown or chestnut in color, while mature bulls progressively darken with age. Fully mature males can become deep chocolate brown to nearly black, creating a striking contrast with the white markings along the face, belly, and inner legs. A heavy black mane runs along the neck and shoulders and further contributes to the mature bull's impressive appearance.

Sable are substantial antelope, with mature bulls capable of weighing several hundred pounds. Their heavy shoulders and powerful build make them considerably more robust than many other plains game species. Bulls can also be aggressive toward rivals and are capable of using their long horns effectively when fighting or defending themselves. They favor woodland, bushveld, and savanna environments where there is a combination of suitable grazing and protective cover. Sable often remain relatively close to water and move between thicker vegetation and more open feeding areas depending on temperature, disturbance, and time of day.

Both males and females carry horns, but mature bulls develop considerably heavier and longer horns. The horns rise vertically before sweeping backward in a long curve, with pronounced ridges along much of their length. Trophy quality is primarily judged by horn length, mass, symmetry, and the depth and shape of the curve. This package includes a bull measuring up to 42 inches, with larger trophies available at an additional $300 per inch when suitable animals are available.

 

Sable Trophy Size and Upgrade Pricing

The base package includes one mature Sable bull measuring up to 42 inches.

Larger trophy bulls may be available according to current conditions and are priced as follows:

• Up to 42" – Included in Package – $5,100 Total
• Over 42" – $300 for Each Additional Inch

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The Sable Hunting Area in Limpopo

The hunting concession is located near Mookgophong in South Africa's Limpopo Province. The exclusive hunting property covers over 3,000 acres and has been hunted by the outfitter for approximately 25 years.

Approximately 80% of the hunting area consists of bush and native vegetation, broken by open savanna and rolling hills. This combination provides excellent cover for Sable while still offering openings where animals can be observed and evaluated.

The thicker bush creates a natural tracking and stalking environment. Animals can disappear quickly into cover, requiring the hunter and PH to use tracks, wind, terrain, and knowledge of the property to determine where a mature bull is moving.

The concession supports a wide variety of African game, ranging from common plains game to Sable, Buffalo, Eland, Nyala, Giraffe, and other species, creating a diverse Limpopo hunting environment.

 

 

Sable Hunting Methods

A typical hunting morning begins around 7:00 a.m. at the lodge with coffee, rusks, cereal, and preparation for the day. The hunter and PH generally enter the hunting area around 8:00 a.m. and begin searching roads, trails, and feeding areas for fresh Sable tracks.

Once fresh tracks from a suitable bull are located, the hunt transitions into a foot stalk. The PH follows the spoor while monitoring wind direction, vegetation, and the bull's likely direction of travel. Because much of the concession is thick bushveld, the animal may be heard or briefly seen before a clear shooting opportunity develops.

Once the bull is located, the PH will evaluate horn size, maturity, and overall trophy quality. If the animal is suitable, the hunter and PH use available vegetation and terrain to work into an effective shooting position.

Patience is important during the final stages of the stalk. A mature Sable can remain partially concealed in thick vegetation, and the hunter may need to wait for the bull to step into an opening before a clean shot can be taken.

 

About the Sable Outfitter

The outfitter brings more than three decades of professional hunting experience in southern Africa and has hunted this particular concession for approximately 25 years. Their experience includes a broad range of South African plains game and dangerous game species.

The operation places considerable emphasis on traditional hunting, ethical shot selection, personal attention, and giving each hunter a realistic opportunity at a mature trophy. Hunts are adapted to the individual client rather than being approached as a high-volume operation.

The outfitter's philosophy is that the quality of the safari extends beyond the final trophy and includes the tracking, stalking, African bushveld, camp atmosphere, and relationships developed throughout the hunt.

 

The 3-Star Limpopo Hunting Lodge

Hunters stay in a comfortable 3-star main lodge with permanent electrical power, cell phone service, and internet access.

Guest rooms are spacious and feature comfortable beds, private en-suite bathrooms, air conditioning, and heating.

 

 

Meals are included throughout the safari and feature traditional South African dishes and braai-style cooking. Local beer, wine, spirits, soft drinks, coffee, and other refreshments are available during the stay.

Evenings provide time to relax at the lodge, enjoy dinner, and spend time around the fire before returning to the field the following morning.

 

Additional Species Hunting Opportunities

The concession supports a wide variety of additional African game. Species may include Buffalo, Crocodile, Giraffe, Eland, Kudu, Gemsbok, Zebra, Blue Wildebeest, Black Wildebeest, Red Hartebeest, Tsessebe, Waterbuck, Nyala, Common Impala, Black Impala, Blesbok, White Blesbok, and Common, Black, White, and Copper Springbok.

Additional species may be hunted according to current availability and the outfitter's trophy fee price list.

 

 

Trophy Handling and Care

After the Sable is harvested, the trophy is recovered and carefully prepared in the field. The cape and trophy components are skinned, salted, identified, and prepared for collection by the taxidermist or dip & pack provider.

Trophies are normally transferred for further processing within approximately 1–2 weeks after the safari.

 

Taxidermy

Taxidermy and dip & pack services are not included. We recommend Hunters Heart Taxidermy to handle dip & pack and taxidermy services for this hunt. Trophies are generally collected from camp within one to two weeks after the safari concludes.

 

Getting to Limpopo, South Africa

Hunters will fly into O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Round-trip airport transportation between O.R. Tambo and the hunting lodge is included in this package. No charter flights are required.

Before and after hunt accommodations are not required as part of the package, although hunters may choose to stay an additional night in Johannesburg depending on their international flight schedule.

 

The Sable Hunting Season

This Sable hunt is available year-round from January through December.

 

The Best Time to Hunt

Although this hunt is available from February through November, the outfitter recommends March through September as the preferred period for this safari.

The cooler and generally drier conditions during these months are well suited to extended periods of tracking and stalking on foot. Reduced vegetation later in the dry season can also improve visibility through the Limpopo bushveld.

 

Recommended Firearms and Rental Rifles

For Sable, the outfitter recommends .30-06 Springfield or .a 300 Win Mag, with similar medium-to-large plains game calibers also being suitable.

Rental firearms are available in several calibers, including .375 H&H, .30-06, .270 Winchester, and .243 Winchester.

Rifle rental is $30 per day. Hunters planning to rent should advise the booking agent before arrival so the appropriate firearm and ammunition can be arranged.

 

Deposit Policy

A $2,000 deposit is required three months before the hunt.

The remaining balance is payable on the last day of the safari. Accepted payment methods include bank transfer and cash.

 

Cancellation Policy

Hunts may be rescheduled one time at the outfitter's sole discretion. For any reschedulings, a $150 non-refundable payment is due to the booking agent.

 

EXCLUSIONS: International airfare, before and after hunt accommodations, Sable trophy upgrades over 42", additional hunting days, observer fees, rifle rental, ammunition, dip & pack, taxidermy, trophy shipping, gratuities, and personal expenses.

HUNT # SA-NS-Sable