Free Range Elephant Hunt in South Africa

2023 / 2024

Elephant export permits from South Africa are currently blocked.

A lawsuit from conservation organizations has stopped permit issuing.

Contact us once this has been resolved - Hopefully in mid-late 2023.

Free Range Elephant Hunt in South Africa

HUNT INCLUDES:

• 5 Full Hunting Days in South Africa
• Elephant Trophy Fee
• All Necessary Permits
• R/T Road Transfer from Hoedspruit
• Arrival Day Lodging / Last Hunting Day Overnight Lodging
• Field Preparation of Trophies
• Alcoholic Beverages
• Cell and Internet Service in Camp

EXTRAS:

• Dip and Pack
• Crating and Shipping of Trophies
• Taxidermy 
• Rifle Rental and Ammo ($60/day, $5/bullet)
• Airfare to and from Eastgate Airport in Hoedspruit
• Gratuities

Observer rate is $200 per day

This hunt takes place across 125,000 acres of free-range land that features an open border with a world-renown wildlife park. There are thousands of elephants in this area. You will see dozens of elephants each day, giving you ample opportunity to find your perfect shooter! Come on one of Africa’s truly dangerous game hunts and see what makes these hunts just so unique and special! 

About the Elephant:

When you mention Africa, the elephant often is the first animal to lumber into someone's thoughts. These are the largest land animals on the planet today, weighing in at up to 13,000 pounds. With lifespans up to 70 years and some of the highest intelligence shown in any species of animal, they have historically proved to be one of the most prized animals any hunter can take in their lifetime. You can expect to take a trophy with tusks between 25-30 pounds.

The Elephant Hunting Area and Terrain:

This concession is located in the Limpopo Province of South Africa and borders a well-known large national park with a large excess of elephants. This outfitter’s concession totals 125,000 acres of free-range land, and offers savannah areas, hill country, and winding rivers throughout the property. With the property being so rich in wildlife, it's possible to see all of the big five species during your hunt, and many groups have experienced this wonder before! Since this outfitter's land also borders famous national parks, they are more than happy to give the non-hunters of your group sightseeing excursions of their choice while you are out hunting, giving you and your observers the best of both worlds!

Elephant Hunting Seasons:

This hunt can be taken anytime between April 1st through October 31st. Do be aware that the closer your trip is to each of these extreme dates, the warmer it will be.

About the Outfitter:

This outfitter is one of only a handful in Africa that can offer all the big five as well as all native plains game in their area. They pride themselves on being a convenient, one-stop-shop for big five hunters. Their concession holds only top-quality trophies and was picked because of its incredibly varied landscape features and its location alongside a famous national park. This outfitter has been hunting this land exclusively for 32 years and is confident in his abilities to provide you with both a successful hunt and memories to last a lifetime!

Elephant Hunting Lodge and Accommodations:

This outfitter has a luxury 4-star lodge on his property, complete with a pool, fire pit, and indoor and outdoor dining options. The lodge is located on the edge of a mountain with a 50-mile view overlooking the breathtaking Drakensberg mountain range. Enjoy evening drinks on the deck or in the pool and enjoy one of the most stunning views in all of Africa! The beds here are comfortable and luxurious, and the food is top-notch. All drinks are included as well.

This lodge’s staff is attentive to your every need and will work to make sure your stay is exactly how you want it. Daily laundry service is provided, and cell and internet service is available while in camp. 

A Typical Day Hunting Elephant:

Get ready for one of the most exciting hunts you will ever take in your lifetime. The day will start around 6:30am with breakfast in camp. After the meal, you’ll gather up your equipment and head out to the hunting fields in search of any fresh elephant tracks or other signs of elephant activity. Once elephant tracks are located, you’ll drive around the roads and pinpoint them within a block. Then you’ll sneak into the block following the tracks and assess the quality of the bull. If they're the right size and age, it’s finally time to take your shot! If not, you and your PH will retreat to the vehicle and repeat the same process until the perfect shooter is found. Lunch is usually packed for these hunts, so you can expect to stop around midday to eat and grill out in the field. You will be able to see many, if not all of the big five while driving around as well, a very rare opportunity for a hunter to see in a single trip! You can expect to head back to camp around dark, where a three-course meal, drinks, and a fire will be prepared for you!

Rental Rifle:

The outfitter offers two rental rifles for this hunt: a .375 H&H with a scope and a .470 Nitro Express with open sights. It is your choice as to what caliber and sight system you feel most comfortable shooting with.

If bringing your own rifle, it must be .375 or larger. Solid ammunition MUST be brought if bringing your own rifle.

Trophy Care and Shipping:

All the skinning and ivory pulling will be done in the field. Skinners will pull the parts you will want to keep from your elephant. Then they will be brought back to the skinning shed, washed, tagged, and salted for a few days. After they are taken out of the salt, they will be hung to dry for three to five days, then shipped to taxidermy. Your ivory will take about 30 days to be delivered to the taxidermist, as there are special processes for it, and it must be stamped by an official before being brought in. 

Getting There:

Most clients will first fly into Johannesburg to catch a connecting flight to Hoedspruit. Depending on your time of arrival, you will either connect and fly out that same day, or spend the night at a guest house and fly out in the morning. Once you arrive in Hoedspruit, the outfitter will meet you at the arrivals hall and you will drive to camp. Upon departure, you will be taken to Hoedspruit to fly out. 

Deposit and Payment Policy:

A deposit of 30% ($8,250) is due to book this elephant hunt. Full balance must be paid in camp on the last day of the safari. Wire transfer is the only acceptable form of payment this outfitter accepts. 

Cancellation Policy:

Deposits are non-refundable. Hunt dates can be moved once if canceled 30 days before arrival.

If the reason for cancellation is due to a positive test of COVID-19, dates can be moved until a negative COVID-19 test can be obtained and dates are available. Upon any rescheduling, a $150 fee is to be paid directly to the booking agent.

EXCLUSIONS: International and domestic airfare, taxidermy, international shipping of trophies, insurance, gratuities, rifle rental and ammo.

HUNT # 2022 SA-OS-FR ELE