LIMPOPO SPECIES
PLAINS GAME
HUNTING PLAINS GAME IN LIMPOPO
Hunting plains game in Limpopo offers an exhilarating experience in South Africa’s diverse bushveld. The region is home to a wide variety of sought-after species, including kudu, impala, blue wildebeest, and warthog, each presenting unique challenges for hunters. With its mix of open savannah, thick bush, and riverine forests, Limpopo provides the perfect environment for spot-and-stalk hunting, ensuring an authentic and rewarding safari. Whether pursuing the elusive “Grey Ghost” kudu or tracking a herd of zebra, hunters can expect an unforgettable adventure in one of Africa’s premier hunting destinations
Known as the “Grey Ghost of Africa,” the kudu is one of the most sought-after plains game species. It is famous for its majestic spiral horns, excellent camouflage, and elusive nature. With a graceful build and a grayish-brown coat marked by white stripes, the kudu thrives in Limpopo’s bushveld. It is a challenging hunt due to its keen senses and ability to disappear silently into dense cover.
KUDU
TRAGELAPHUS STREPSICEROS
Often called the “poor man’s buffalo,” the blue wildebeest is a strong and resilient antelope known for its muscular build, shaggy mane, and curved horns. It has a dark grayish-blue coat with faint stripes and thrives in open savannah and bushveld. Wildebeest are tough animals, capable of absorbing well-placed shots, making them a challenging and rewarding hunt.
BLUE WILDEBEEST
CONNOCHAETES TAURINUS
One of the most abundant and popular plains game species in Limpopo, the impala is a graceful, medium-sized antelope with a reddish-brown coat, white underbelly, and distinctive black markings on its tail and legs. The males have lyre-shaped horns, making them a prized trophy. Known for their agility and speed, impalas are a challenging hunt, often found in herds across savannahs and woodlands.
IMPALA
AEPYCEROS MELAMPUS
A distinctive and iconic plains game species, the zebra is known for its black-and-white striped coat, which provides excellent camouflage in the bush. Strong and resilient, zebras are highly alert and difficult to stalk, often found in herds on open plains and grasslands. Their tough hide and durable build make them a challenging and rewarding hunt, with their unique pelts being highly prized as trophies.
ZEBRA
EQUUS QUAGGA
A large and robust antelope known for its shaggy coat and distinctive white ring around its rump. Typically found near water sources, waterbucks rely on these areas for survival. Males have impressive, forward-curving horns, making them a sought-after trophy. Their thick, oily hide produces a strong scent, which acts as a natural predator deterrent. Waterbuck are alert and challenging to hunt due to their wariness and preference for dense cover.
WATERBUCK
KOBUS ELLIPSIPRYMNUS
The largest antelope species, eland are known for their impressive size, thick necks, and spiral horns. Despite their bulk, they are surprisingly agile and can jump great heights. Their tan-colored coat often darkens with age, and mature bulls develop a prominent dewlap and tuft of hair on their foreheads. Eland are highly elusive and cautious, making them a challenging but rewarding hunt. Their meat is considered among the best of all game species.
ELAND
TAUROTRAGUS ORYX
A medium-sized antelope native to South Africa’s open grasslands, the blesbuck is easily recognized by its distinctive white blaze on its face and reddish-brown coat. Both males and females have strong, ridged horns. Blesbuck are social animals, often found in large herds, and they rely on their keen eyesight and speed to evade predators. Their tendency to run in circles when startled makes for a unique and exciting hunt.
BLESBUCK
DAMALISCUS PYGARUS PHILLIPSI
A strikingly beautiful antelope with a unique blend of dark brown and white markings, the nyala is known for its elegant appearance. Males have spiral horns and a pronounced mane, while females are hornless and more slender. Preferring dense bush and woodlands, nyalas are elusive and often remain in thick cover, making them a challenging and rewarding hunt. Their distinctive markings and graceful nature make them a prized trophy for hunters.
NYALA
TRAGELAPHUS ANGASII
A distinctive and hardy wild pig, the warthog is easily recognized by its large, curved tusks and prominent facial “warts”, which are actually thickened skin. Found in open savannahs and grasslands, warthogs are known for their speed and agility, often running in a straight line when startled. Their combative nature and ability to dig for food make them a tough and exciting hunt, especially due to their keen senses and tendency to seek refuge in burrows when threatened.
WARTHOG
PHACOCHOERUS
A large and robust antelope known for its shaggy coat and distinctive white ring around its rump. Typically found near water sources, waterbucks rely on these areas for survival. Males have impressive, forward-curving horns, making them a sought-after trophy. Their thick, oily hide produces a strong scent, which acts as a natural predator deterrent. Waterbuck are alert and challenging to hunt due to their wariness and preference for dense cover.
WATERBUCK
KOBUS ELLIPSIPRYMNUS
A highly intelligent and adaptable primate, the baboon is known for its powerful build and dog-like muzzle. Typically found in savannas and rocky areas, they thrive in diverse environments. Males have large, formidable canines, making them dangerous when threatened. Their thick fur and social structure provide protection against predators and rivals. Baboons are cunning and challenging to hunt due to their sharp eyesight, vigilance, and ability to flee into rugged terrain.
BABOON
PAPIO
A small and elusive antelope, the grey duiker is known for its compact build and subtle grey-brown coat. Typically found in woodlands and scrublands, they rely on dense vegetation for cover. Males have short, sharp horns, making them a modest but valued trophy. Their solitary nature and keen instincts help them evade predators with ease. Grey duikers are swift and challenging to hunt due to their alertness and preference for thick brush.
GREY DUIKER
Sylvicapra grimmia
A medium-sized and secretive antelope, the bushbuck is known for its reddish-brown coat and distinctive white markings. Typically found in forests and dense thickets, they rely on cover for protection. Males have sharp, spiraled horns, making them a sought-after trophy. Their solitary nature and cautious behavior help them avoid predators and threats. Bushbuck are elusive and challenging to hunt due to their wariness and preference for thick vegetation.
BUSHBUCK
Tragelaphus sylvaticus
A powerful and resilient antelope, the gemsbok is known for its striking horns, bold markings, and ability to thrive in harsh environments. Found in arid deserts and open plains, they are built for endurance and can go long periods without water. With keen awareness and formidable speed, they are challenging to pursue and will aggressively defend themselves when threatened. Highly sought after for their impressive horns and striking hides, they are one of Africa’s most prized plains game species.
GEMSBUCK
ORYX GAZELLA
A towering and graceful mammal, the giraffe is known for its long neck and distinctive patchy coat. Typically found in savannas and open woodlands, they rely on acacia trees for food. Males have robust ossicones, which they use in dominance battles. Their height and keen eyesight help them detect predators from a distance. Giraffes are cautious and challenging to hunt due to their vigilance and ability to flee across vast terrain.
GIRAFFE
Giraffa
A small and elusive antelope, Sharpe’s grysbuck is known for its reddish-brown coat and compact build. Typically found in dense bush and rocky terrain, they rely on thick vegetation for cover. Males have short, straight horns, making them a modest yet prized trophy. Their nocturnal habits and secretive nature help them evade predators with ease. Sharpe’s grysbuck are alert and challenging to hunt due to their wariness and preference for secluded habitats.
SHARPE'S GRYSBUCK
Raphicerus sharpei
A rare and striking antelope, the black impala is known for its dark, glossy coat and elegant build. Typically found in savannas and open woodlands, they rely on speed and agility for survival. Males have impressive, lyre-shaped horns, making them a highly sought-after trophy. Their unique coloration offers little camouflage, increasing their vulnerability to predators. Black impalas are alert and challenging to hunt due to their wariness and swift evasive abilities.
BLACK IMPALA
Aepyceros melampus
A rare and distinctive antelope, the saddleback impala is known for its unique dark saddle marking and sleek build. Typically found in savannas and open woodlands, they rely on speed and agility for survival. Males have impressive, lyre-shaped horns, making them a prized trophy. Their striking coloration sets them apart, yet makes them more visible to predators. Saddleback impalas are alert and challenging to hunt due to their wariness and swift evasive abilities.
SADDLEBACK IMPALA
Aepyceros melampus
A rare and eye-catching antelope, the dapple impala is known for its unique mottled coat and sleek, agile build. Typically found in savannas and open woodlands, they rely on speed and alertness for survival. Males have impressive, lyre-shaped horns, making them a prized trophy. Their unusual coloration provides limited camouflage, increasing their visibility to predators. Dapple impalas are wary and challenging to hunt due to their sharp senses and rapid evasive maneuvers.
DAPPLE IMPALA
Aepyceros melampus
A small and agile antelope, the klipspringer is known for its dense, coarse coat and remarkable climbing ability. Typically found in rocky outcrops and mountainous terrain, they rely on steep cliffs for safety. Males have short, sharp horns, making them a valued trophy among hunters. Their unique, springy hooves provide exceptional grip, allowing them to navigate sheer surfaces with ease. Klipspringers are elusive and challenging to hunt due to their keen eyesight and preference for high, rugged landscapes.
KLIPSPRINGER
Oreotragus oreotragus
The world’s largest bird, the ostrich is known for its long legs, powerful stride, and distinctive feathered body. Typically found in open plains and arid regions, they rely on speed to escape predators. Males have striking black-and-white plumage, making them a unique and sought-after trophy. Despite their flightlessness, ostriches are formidable, delivering strong kicks when threatened. Highly alert and fast-moving, they are challenging to hunt due to their keen eyesight and ability to cover vast distances quickly.
OSTRICH
Struthio
A medium-sized antelope, the common reedbuck is known for its sleek coat and the distinctive white markings on its rump. Typically found in tall grasslands and near water sources, they rely on these areas for both food and shelter. Males have slender, gently curved horns, making them a modest yet prized trophy. Their keen senses and ability to blend into their grassy surroundings help protect them from predators. Reedbucks are wary and challenging to hunt due to their agility and preference for dense, grassy cover.
COMMON REEDBUCK
Redunca arundinum
A hardy and agile antelope, the mountain reedbuck is known for its sleek, reddish-brown coat and white markings on its underbelly. Typically found in rocky hills and mountainous terrain, they rely on the steep, rugged landscape for safety. Males have short, straight horns, making them a modest yet sought-after trophy. Their ability to navigate rocky outcrops and dense vegetation helps them avoid predators. Mountain reedbucks are wary and challenging to hunt due to their keen senses and preference for high, inaccessible areas.
MOUNTAIN REEDBUCK
Redunca fulvorufula
A striking and powerful antelope, the red hartebeest is known for its slender body, long legs, and distinctive backward-curving horns. Typically found in open savannas and grasslands, they rely on speed and stamina to escape predators. Males have impressive, arching horns, making them a prized trophy. Their sharp eyesight and agility help them detect threats from a distance. Red hartebeests are alert and challenging to hunt due to their wariness and ability to cover vast distances quickly.
RED HARTEBEEST
Alcelaphus buselaphus caama
A large and powerful antelope, the roan is known for its reddish-brown coat and striking facial markings. Typically found in open woodlands and savannas, they thrive in areas with tall grass for cover. Males boast impressive, backward-curving horns, making them a prized trophy. Highly territorial and aggressive when threatened, they are known to stand their ground against predators. Roan are elusive and challenging to hunt due to their keen senses and preference for remote habitats.
ROAN
HIPPOTRAGUS EQUINUS
A striking and powerful antelope, the sable is known for its glossy black coat and bold white facial markings. Typically found in woodlands and savannas, they favor areas with tall grass and water sources. Males possess majestic, backward-curving horns, making them a highly prized trophy. Their muscular build and aggressive nature allow them to defend against predators when cornered. Sable are elusive and challenging to hunt due to their keen senses and preference for dense cover.
SABLE
HIPPOTRAGUS NIGER
A small but elusive antelope, the steenbok is known for its sleek build, sharp senses, and agility. Found in open plains and bushveld, they rely on keen eyesight and speed to evade predators. Despite their delicate appearance, they are resilient and require little water to survive. Highly regarded as a prized trophy, they test the skill and patience of hunters pursuing Africa’s smaller, more elusive game.
STEENBUCK
RAPHICERUS CAMPESTRIS
A fast and agile antelope, the tsessebe is known for its slender body, sleek coat, and striking facial markings. Typically found in open savannas and grasslands, they rely on their speed to outrun predators. Males have sharp, lyre-shaped horns, making them a prized trophy. Their keen eyesight and alertness help them detect danger from a distance. Tsessebe are challenging to hunt due to their swift movements and preference for wide, open spaces where they can quickly flee from threats.
TSSESEBE
Damaliscus lunatus lunatus
A small and intelligent primate, the vervet monkey is known for its distinctive greenish-grey coat and striking black face. Typically found in forests, woodlands, and savannas, they rely on trees for shelter and food. Males have sharp canines, which they use in social displays and defense. Their high-pitched calls and keen senses help them detect predators early. Vervet monkeys are challenging to hunt due to their alertness, agility, and ability to swiftly escape into the treetops.
VERVET MONKEY
Chlorocebus pygerythrus
A rare and striking antelope, the golden wildebeest is known for its golden-brown coat and distinct dark markings. Typically found in open grasslands and savannas, they rely on speed and stamina to evade predators. Males have strong, sweeping horns, making them a sought-after trophy. Their keen senses and herd mentality help protect them from threats, as they can quickly detect danger. Golden wildebeests are challenging to hunt due to their swift movements and alertness in the open plains.
GOLDEN WILDEBEEST
Connochaetes taurinus
A rare and majestic antelope, the royal wildebeest is known for its striking dark coat and unique white facial markings. Typically found in open plains and savannas, they rely on their speed and endurance to evade predators. Males have large, swept-back horns, making them a prized trophy. Their strong herd instincts help protect them from danger, as they remain vigilant against threats. Royal wildebeests are challenging to hunt due to their wariness, quick reflexes, and preference for wide, open spaces where they can easily detect danger.
ROYAL WILDEBEEST
Connochaetes taurinus
DANGEROUS GAME
HUNTING DANGEROUS GAME IN LIMPOPO
Hunting dangerous game in Limpopo is the ultimate test of skill, patience, and bravery. The province offers thrilling opportunities to pursue Africa’s most formidable species, including Cape buffalo, leopard, crocodile, and hippopotamus. Stalking a buffalo through the dense bush or waiting for a leopard under the cover of darkness demands precision and respect for the hunt. With experienced professional hunters and well-managed concessions, Limpopo provides an adrenaline-fueled, ethical hunting experience that captures the essence of Africa’s untamed wilderness.
One of Africa’s most formidable and dangerous game species, the Cape buffalo is known for its massive build, thick horns, and aggressive temperament. Often seen in large herds, buffaloes are highly intelligent and unpredictable, making them a challenging and thrilling hunt. Their horns form a continuous “boss” across their foreheads, a key identifying feature. Revered as part of Africa’s Big Five, the Cape buffalo is a prized trophy, known for its strength and resilience in the wild.
CAPE BUFFALO
SYNCERUS CAFFER
A stealthy and elusive predator, the leopard is known for its spotted coat that provides excellent camouflage in its natural habitat. Found in a variety of landscapes, from savannahs to dense forests, leopards are solitary hunters that rely on their agility and strength to ambush prey. Their powerful build and ability to drag large carcasses up trees make them a fascinating and challenging quarry. As one of Africa’s Big Five, the leopard is a highly prized trophy for hunters.
LEOPARD
PANTHERA PARDUS
The largest land mammal, the African elephant is known for its majestic presence, massive size, and long, curved tusks. These intelligent and social animals are often found in savannahs, forests, and near water sources. Despite their size, elephants are surprisingly agile and can be unpredictable, making them a challenging hunt. Their thick skin and tough nature add to the difficulty, while their complex social structures make them a truly remarkable species to encounter. Elephants are part of Africa’s Big Five and are highly sought after by experienced hunters.
ELEPHANT
LOXODONTA
A relic of the ancient past, the white rhinoceros is a massive and powerful herbivore, known for its thick, armor-like skin and iconic, formidable horns. Found in grasslands and savannas, these giants rely on their sheer size and strength to deter predators. Despite their calm demeanor, they can be incredibly fast and aggressive when threatened, making them a formidable challenge to approach. White rhinos are highly sought after for conservation-focused hunting, with strict regulations in place to protect their populations. As one of Africa’s most iconic species, they symbolize both the wild beauty and the ongoing conservation efforts of the continent.
WHITE RHINO
Ceratotherium simum
Known as the “King of the Jungle,” the lion is a powerful and majestic predator, characterized by its muscular build, golden mane (males), and fierce presence. Found primarily in savannahs and grasslands, lions live in social groups called prides, with females doing most of the hunting. They are highly territorial and dominant, making them a challenging and sought-after game species. As part of the Big Five, the lion is a symbol of strength and courage and is considered one of the ultimate trophies in big-game hunting.
LION
PANTHERA LEO
NOCTURNAL GAME
HUNTING NOCTURNAL GAME IN LIMPOPO
Hunting nocturnal game in Limpopo presents a unique challenge, requiring sharp senses and impeccable timing. The province’s diverse ecosystems are home to a variety of elusive species that become active under the cover of darkness, including bushpig, genet, and the rare nocturnal leopard. Tracking these creatures through the night, with only the moonlight to guide you, demands patience, stealth, and adaptability. With the guidance of expert trackers and professional hunters, Limpopo offers an unforgettable hunting experience that combines the thrill of the chase with a deep respect for the natural world. The stillness of the night and the excitement of stalking unseen game make it a true test of skill and strategy.
Known as the “Masked Night Stalker,” the African civet is one of the most fascinating nocturnal predators. It is famous for its striking black-and-white patterned fur, distinctive facial mask, and musky scent. With a stocky build and a low, stealthy gait, the civet thrives in South Africa’s woodlands and savannas. It is a challenging sighting due to its secretive nature, keen senses, and ability to move silently under the cover of darkness.
AFRICAN CIVIT
Civettictis civetta
Known as the “Shadow of the Savannah,” the African wildcat is one of the most elusive small predators. It is famous for its striking resemblance to domestic cats, exceptional camouflage, and solitary nature. With a slender build and a tawny coat marked by faint stripes, the wildcat thrives in South Africa’s grasslands and bushveld. It is a rare sight due to its nocturnal habits, sharp instincts, and ability to vanish silently into the undergrowth.
AFRICAN WILDCAT
Felis lybica
Known as the “Phantom of the Thickets,” the bushpig is one of the most formidable and elusive wild pigs of Africa. It is famous for its aggressive nature, coarse bristled coat, and sharp tusks. With a robust build and a reddish-brown to dark gray hide, the bushpig thrives in South Africa’s dense forests and riverine bush. It is a challenging hunt due to its nocturnal habits, keen sense of smell, and ability to vanish into thick cover with surprising speed.
BUSHPIG
Potamochoerus larvatus
Known as the “Fearless Warrior of the Bush,” the honey badger is one of Africa’s most tenacious and formidable predators. It is famous for its thick, tough skin, relentless aggression, and remarkable resistance to venom. With a stocky build and a distinctive black-and-white coat, the honey badger thrives in South Africa’s savannas, woodlands, and arid regions. It is a challenging encounter due to its fearless nature, incredible endurance, and ability to take on predators many times its size.
HONEY BADGER
Mellivora capensis
Known as the “Spotted Phantom of the Grasslands,” the serval is one of Africa’s most elusive and agile felines. It is famous for its long legs, oversized ears, and extraordinary leaping ability. With a slender build and a golden coat marked by bold black spots, the serval thrives in South Africa’s wetlands, savannas, and dense grasslands. It is a challenging sight due to its nocturnal habits, sharp senses, and ability to vanish effortlessly into the tall grass.
SERVAL
Leptailurus serval
Known as the “Striped Shadow of the Night,” the genet cat is one of Africa’s most secretive and agile nocturnal hunters. It is famous for its elongated body, striking spotted coat, and long, banded tail. With a slender build and exceptional climbing abilities, the genet thrives in South Africa’s woodlands, savannas, and rocky outcrops. It is a challenging sight due to its nocturnal nature, sharp senses, and ability to move silently through the darkness, vanishing into the treetops with ease.
GENET CAT
Genetta genetta
A cunning and adaptable predator, the jackal is known for its sleek, tawny coat and sharp, pointed features. Typically found in open savannas, grasslands, and scrublands, they rely on both scavenging and hunting small game for survival. Jackals are highly intelligent, using stealth and teamwork to catch their prey, making them challenging to track. Their keen senses and ability to thrive in varied habitats make them elusive targets for hunters. Known for their resilience and nocturnal habits, jackals require patience and strategy to successfully hunt.
JACKAL
Canis aureus
A nocturnal and armored mammal, the porcupine is known for its dense coat of sharp quills, which serve as its primary defense mechanism. Typically found in forests, savannas, and rocky terrain, they rely on burrows for shelter and safety. Their long, stiff quills make them difficult to approach, and they can defend themselves effectively if threatened. Porcupines are herbivores, feeding on bark, roots, and fruits, and they are most active at night. Their elusive nature and unique defense make them a challenging quarry for hunters, requiring patience and caution.
PORCUPINE
Hystricidae
Known as the “Red Ghost of the Bush,” the caracal is one of Africa’s most elusive and skilled predators. It is famous for its striking tufted ears, incredible agility, and powerful leaps. With a sleek, muscular build and a reddish-tan coat, the caracal thrives in South Africa’s savannas, mountains, and arid regions. It is a challenging hunt due to its keen senses, secretive nature, and ability to vanish silently into the rugged terrain.
CARACAL
Caracal caracal
A powerful and cunning predator, the spotted hyena is known for its strong build and distinctive coat pattern, with dark spots covering its tan fur. Typically found in savannas, grasslands, and open woodlands, they rely on their intelligence and social structure for survival. Known for their incredible endurance, hyenas often hunt in packs, using teamwork to bring down larger prey. Their powerful jaws can crush bone, making them formidable scavengers as well. Spotted hyenas are challenging to hunt due to their nocturnal habits, keen senses, and ability to remain hidden in the thick bush.
SPOTTED HYENA
Crocuta crocuta
A solitary and elusive predator, the brown hyena is known for its shaggy, dark brown coat and distinctive long mane running down its back. Typically found in arid and semi-arid regions, they rely on scavenging for survival, often feeding on carcasses left by larger predators. Their keen sense of smell helps them locate food from miles away. Unlike their spotted relatives, brown hyenas are more nocturnal and secretive, making them challenging to track. With a distinctive, high-pitched call, they are difficult to approach and require stealth and patience when hunting.
BROWN HYENA
Hyaena brunnea