Encyclopedia of African Huntable Animals

Hunting Safaris in Africa

Africa is the world’s greatest hunting destination. Since modern man first set foot in Africa, man has been fascinated and challenged by the great diversity and adventure that hunting in Africa provides. Even today, hunting safaris in Africa still carriy the mystique of adventure. Gone are the days of months-long and sometimes a full year plus hunting expeditions to the Dark Continent.  Hunting safaris in Africa have evolved into more of a specialized expedition of two to three weeks targeting a limited number of species.

Early hunters and Professional Hunters in Africa were comprised of British Military officers that were stationed in both India and Africa. These ranks were added to by wealthy individuals and writers from abroad. One of the first white African hunters was R J Cunningham, who guided Teddy Roosevelt on his African Safari.  Philip Percival guided the famous American author, Earnest Hemmingway.  Harry Selby guided Robert Ruark, author of the African classic “Horn of the Hunter”.

Other famous Africa Hunters include Frederick Courtney Selous, who killed 78 elephants between 1874 – 1876, W.P.M. Bell, who killed over 1,000 elephants in his career, and John Henry Patterson, famous for killing two man-eating lions in Kenya.

 The diversity of huntable species on the African continent is amazing. There are over 170 huntable species in Africa. Many hunters have spent a lifetime seeking to add one of each to their collections. Others have fallen in love with the excitement of hunting one particular species and return year after year to experience the thrill of pursuing their favorite quarry.The stories put to print by these prolific authors of African hunting lore began a migration of hunters to Africa seeking to experience her savage beauty that continues today . The speed and affordability of modern airfare has made Africa hunting safaris affordable to thousands of middle-class hunters that in past times could only dream about  hunting safaris to Africa.

Many hunters seek out the spiral horned slam. The taking of all nine spiral-horned antelopes of Africa is a major undertaking. The nine species making up the spiral horned slam include the Giant Eland, Eland. Bongo, Kudu, Mountain Nyala, Sitatunga, Nyala, Lesser Kudu and the Bushbuck. Achieving this slam requires you to hunt in at least four different countries.

Other hunters prefer the thrill of hunting the big five or an expanded lineup referred to as the dangerous seven. The big five are comprised of the Lion, Leopard, Cape Buffalo, Elephant and the Rhinoceros. Add in the Crocodile and the Hippo, and you have the dangerous seven. Hunting dangerous game has always appealed to a certain subset of hunters, as the adrenalin rush of hunting an animal that may be hunting you adds an excitement factor that is hard to equal! Most hunters concentrate on plains game first and then move on to dangerous game hunting once they have become accustomed to hunting safaris in Africa

Plains game hunting in Africa offers an incredible variety of animals to hunt, and it collecting most of the plains game species can occupy several safaris. From the smallest duiker to the Giant Eland, the breadth and diversity of this lineup is incredible.  Many hunters will be satisfied with taking a selection of plains game and never move on to the pursuit of dangerous game.

 African hunting safaris offer pig hunters a nice selection of unusual specimens.  Many will take a Warthog and a Bushpig.  Fanatical pig hunters will want to add both the Red River Hog and the largest member of the pig family, the Giant Forest Hog to their collections also.

A modern quest when taking African hunting safaris has evolved into a search for ten of the smallest antelope species. They are commonly referred to as the Tiny Ten antelopes of Africa.  The Tiny Ten consist of the Blue Duiker, Red Duiker, Common Duiker, Cape Grysbok, Sharps Grysbok, Steenbok, Klipspringer, Mountain Reedbuck, Damara Dik- Dik and the Suni.

Some hunters specialize in collecting the African cat species. In addition to the Big Five’s Lion and Leopard, the huntable African cat species include the Cheetah, Genet, Civet, Wild African Cat, Caracal and Serval. Non-huntable cats include the Black-Footed and Golden Cats

.When taking a hunting safari in Africa, several nocturnal species will also be encountered.  These species include the Spotted and Brown Hyenas, Honey Badger, Black-Backed and Striped Jackals, Ardwolf, Bat Eared Fox, Cape Fox, Mongoose and others  Some fortunate hunters even manage to get one of the rare permits issued for Aaedvark.

Hunting methods used when taking African hunting safaris are as varied as the species are diverse.  When hunting in Africa, sitting in a blind, spot and stalk, driving and spotting, calling, baiting and waiting are just a few of the methods employed to harvest these animals. Each PH has his favorite method of hunting, but the best PHs will tailor the hunting methods for the hunting safaris in Africa to match their client’s physical abilities and preferences.

Choice of weapons for hunting safaris in Africa vary from handguns and rifles to primitive weapons such as Black-powder rifles, long, cross and compound bows.  Hunting with bows and pistols are prohibited in some countries and may require special permits in others.

African hunting safaris offer something for everybody! The variety of species, habitat, terrain and hunting methods are unparalleled on the planet.  Hunting safaris in Africa are still one of the world’s last great remaining adventures!  Don’t miss out!  Start planning your African hunting safari to today! Call Discount African Hunts today and let us help you plan your adventure of a lifetime!