What is African Plains Game
African Plains game is a classic African safari term for any huntable game species that is not classified as dangerous game or part of the “Big Five” (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo). The category primarily includes a vast diversity of antelopes and gazelles, but also extends to other remarkable species like giraffes, warthogs, bushpigs, baboons, and ostriches. Found across sub-Saharan Africa, these animals range in size from the tiny, 11-pound Blue Duiker to the massive, 2,000-pound Eland.
Where African Plains Game Live
While the name suggests open, grassy spaces, plains game actually inhabit nearly every environment in Africa. You can find them in everything from the dense brushveld and wooded savannas to arid deserts and rugged mountain ranges. Because of this incredible diversity and wide geographical distribution, hunters and wildlife enthusiasts can encounter a multitude of different species in a single region. Iconic animals include the springbok, blue wildebeest, and the highly prized greater kudu, which is affectionately known as the “grey ghost” for its exceptional camouflage and elusiveness.
African Plains Game Hunting
These animals are typically pursued using a classic “spot-and-stalk” method. Guides and hunters scan the terrain from a safari vehicle or on foot, and once a suitable animal is located, a strategic, on-foot stalk is initiated. Because of their incredible abundance and the wide variety of species available to observe or harvest, plains game safaris remain a highly popular and accessible choice for both first-time visitors and experienced outdoorsmen.