Perfect First-Time African Safari in South Africa
The Ultimate Introduction to African Hunting
Embark on the adventure of a lifetime with our premier 7-day, 8-night Eastern Cape hunting package. Specifically tailored for a first-time African safari, this all-inclusive plains game excursion balances world-class hunting with top-tier lodging and hospitality. Take the guesswork out of planning your first international hunt, and let someone who has been there do the planning.
Four Iconic Trophies, One Unforgettable Landscape
Test your skills against the region’s most iconic and sought-after species. This diverse package secures your opportunity to harvest four incredible plains game animals:
- Cape Kudu: The majestic, spiral-horned “Grey Ghost” of the African bush.
- Wildebeest: Your choice of a Black Wildebeest or Blue Wildebeest.
- Impala: The agile, classic addition to any premium plains game collection.
- Common Duiker: A clever, fast-moving challenge that tests your quick-shooting accuracy.
The Thrill of the Spot and Stalk
Leave the vehicles behind and immerse yourself in a thrilling spot-and-stalk hunt through the rugged, mountainous terrain of the Eastern Cape. Guided by expert Professional Hunters (PH), you will glass vast valley basins, track movement across steep ridgelines, and execute stealthy stalks through native cover. The dynamic elevation and stunning vistas provide an authentic, fair-chase hunting environment that rewards patience, strategy, and sharp shooting.
Included
- Trophy fees for:
- 1 Cape Kudu
- 1 Black or Blue Wildebeest
- 1 Impala
- 1 Common Duiker
- 7 full hunting days
- 8 nights lodging
- 1 x 1 PH
- Daily fees for 1 hunter
- All meals, drinks, snacks
- Laundry service
- Tracker and Skinner
- Field preparation of trophies and forwarding them to a taxidermist or shipping agent
- Transport to and from East London airport in South Africa.
Excluded
- Trophy fees for additional animals taken
- Airfare
- Gratuities
- Dip & Pack
- Taxidermy
- Shipping of trophies
- Rifle rental
- Ammo
- Before and after hunt accommodations
- Observer is $150 per night
Additional Animals to Hunt
- Baboon – $150
- Aoudad (Barbary Sheep) – $2,800
- Bontebok – $1,200
- Blesbok – $400
- Blesbok, White – $600
- Bushbuck, Eastern Cape – $1,150
- Bushpig – $850
- Cape Buffalo – $10,400
- Caracal – $800
- Common Reedbuck – $1,500
- Duiker, Blue – $2,000
- Duiker, Grey – $350
- Eland, Cape – $3,000
- Fallow Deer – $950
- Grysbok, Cape – $2,000
- Genet, Large Spotted – $350
- Genet, Small Spotted – $350
- Gemsbok – $1,750
- Giraffe – $3,000
- Impala – $400
- Impala, Black – $2,400
- Jackal, Black Backed (by calling) – $100
- Jackal, Black Backed (by chance encounter) – Free
- Klipspringer – $1,800
- Kudu – $2,000
- Mountain Reedbuck – $700
- Nyala – $1,800
- Ostrich – $600
- Porcupine – $350
- Red Hartebeest (Cape) – $1,100
- Red Lechwe – $2,500
- Springbok, Black – $650
- Springbok, Common – $450
- Springbok, Copper – $700
- Springbok, White – $1,200
- Steenbuck – $450
- Vaal Rhebok – $2,000
- Warthog – $450
- Waterbuck – $1,800
- Wildebeest, Black – $1,100
- Wildebeest, Blue – $1,100
- Wildebeest, Golden – $2,500
- Zebra, Burchell’s – $900
Accommodations
After a challenging day on the mountain, return to our beautiful, world-class hunting lodge. Unwind in your own private room featuring an ensuite bathroom, offering premium comfort and complete privacy. Guests enjoy delicious South African style meals and relaxing evenings under the African night sky.
Weapons for this Hunt
The best choice for an African plains game rifle is the gun you shoot the best from a .270 on up to the .375 H&H. If you do use a .375 we recommend having some solid core ammunition when hunting the small antelope species such as a duiker so you do not destroy the animals cape / hide.
Hunting Season
The primary hunting season in the Eastern Cape of South Africa runs from March to October.
Early Season (March – April)
These months offer mild temperatures (around 75°F) with lush vegetation left over from summer. This is the prime mating season (the rut) so dominant bulls / rams / bucks are highly active, making them easier to spot and stalk.
Peak Season (May – August)
The South African winter brings crisp, clear days averaging 65°F to 70°F and cold nights. The native bush thins out significantly, making it much easier to glass and locate the African plains game on the mountainous hillsides. Animals move more frequently during daylight hours to feed, increasing your chances of a successful spot-and-stalk.
Late Season (September – October)
As spring sets in, the temperatures start creeping up with highs of 70°F to 75°F in September and 80°F to 85°F in October. Because it is the end of the long dry season, the bush is at its thinnest and grasses are low which makes it much easier to spot and glass game from a distance. Natural water sources have dried up so animals frequent the permanent waterholes and dams, making behavior highly predictable.
Travel Details
You will will fly into O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, South Africa (JNB). If you arrive in the evening, which is the case for most of the direct flights from the United States, you will need to spend the night at a hotel near the airport. We recommend City Lodge right next to the airport. In the morning, you will take a domestic flight to East London Airport, officially renamed King Phalo Airport, (ELS). The outfitter will pick you up at the East London Airport and transport you to the hunting lodge.
Deposit
A deposit of $1,000 is required to book this hunt. The deposit can be paid by sending a personal check, wire transfer, or credit card (with 3.75% credit card fee). The remaining balance will be due at the hunting lodge when the hunt is complete.
Cancellation Policy
All initial booking deposits are non-refundable. However, we understand that unexpected events can happen. If you need to cancel your hunt, we will work with you to reschedule it.
