Info on African Species



aardwolf





Hunting the Aardwolf


The Aardwolf is a small insectivorous animal, native to East and Southern Africa. It;s name means "Earth Wolf" in Afrikaans and Dutch and it is also called the "Maanhaar Jackal" or "Civet Hyena" based on secreting substances from its anal gland.


Permit required (30 days)



Reccomended Calibers:


.223 upwards



african wild cat





Trophy Hunting the African Wildcat


The African Wildcat is a wildcat species native to various parts of Africa including Southern Africa.


African Wildcats were first domesticated 10,000 years ago and are the ancestors of the current domestic cat.


They're mostly hunted as animals of opportunity and a permit is required (30 days' notice).


Recommended Calibers:


.22 and larger



baboon (chacma)





Hunting the Chacma Baboon


The Chacma Baboon (or "Cape Baboon") is found throughout Southern Africa and is one of the largest of all monkeys.


Baboons are more clever than what most would give them credit for and seem to have a natural instinct for danger - disappearing into the thick bush when you hunt them and sitting idly next to the road when not hunted.


Hunting license required.


Reccomended Calibers:


Whatever you have available at the time



Blesbok





Trophy Hunting the Blesbok


Primarily a grazer, the Common Blesbok favors the open plains but is adaptable and also does very well in more bushy terrain. Both sexes carry horns.


Hunting Blesbok on the open plains can be challenging as they have excellent eyesight and shots can be long.


Best time to hunt Blesbok is early morning and late afternoon. Blesbok tends to lay-up in the heat of the day.


Recommended Calibers:


.243 / 6mm and any flat shooting cartridge with flat trajectories out to 300 yards.



cape buffalo





Trophy Hunting Cape Buffalo


Considered by some to be the most dangerous of all of the Big Five, a Cape Buffalo Hunt with CT Safaris promises to be one of the most exciting and rewarding hunts a hunter can ask for.


When agitated or wounded, Cape Buffalo can be extremely aggressive and with an adult bull weighing in at a ton or more you don't want to end up on his sharp" side if you can avoid it. First shot placement is critical.


Reccomended Calibers:


As minimum we recommend a caliber of .375H&H or similar with controlled expansion (premium) bullets of 300gr for Cape Buffalo. You cannot be "over-gunned" for Cape Buffalo but choose a caliber that you can comfortably shoot as shot placement is critical.



Bushbuck





Trophy Hunting Bushbuck


Weighing in at 80 - 140 lbs Bushbuck is the smallest member of spiral - horned animals found in Southern Africa. Only the male carries horns. This beautiful antelope is mostly found in riverine thicket - near a permanent water source and hunting them can be challenging due to their elusiveness and ability to camouflage.


Recommended Calibers:


Due to their preferred habitat, a rifle that can shoot heavier projectiles (160 - 180gr) such as a 7X57 or .30 caliber is adviseable for use on Bushbuck as you might have to shoot in thick cover. Bushbuck, when wounded can be aggressive and dangerous so best to make sure of that first shot.



bushpig





Trophy Hunting Bushpig


An adult Bushpig boar can reach a weight of 140 lbs and even more. Similar to it's North American and European counterparts (Feral Hog and Wild Boar), Bushpig can be aggressive and dangerous - especially if wounded so make sure of your shot placement.


Buspigs are nocturnal by nature and are mostly hunted at night over bait although they are occasionally encountered during the day.


Recommended Calibers:


.270 or larger



caracal





Trophy Hunting Caracal


Caracal is characterized by its short tail and prominent, distinct tufts on the ends of his ears. Males and females are relatively the same size. Primarily a nocturnal creature, he can sometimes be spotted during daylight hours on cool days. Caracal preys mainly on birds, small mammals and reptiles, but has also been known to take medium-sized antelope such as the duiker or steenbok. Caracal can be a sheep farmer's worst nightmare - especially during lambing season.


Success can be had hunting Caracal with a spotlight at night and/or by calling them in with a predator call. One of the most effective ways of hunting this cat though is doing so over hounds.


Recommended Calibers:


Any small caliber rifle such as the .22 Hornet, .222 or .223 is adequate for Caracal.



civet





Trophy Hunting Civet


Mostly nocturnal, this secretive cat-like creature has extended (often pointed) muzzle - similar to that of the Otter or Mongoose. Both males and females produce a strong smelling secretion from their perineal glands which is highly valued for use as fragrance or stabilizing agent in perfumes.


Civet is hunted over bait at night.


Please note that a permit needs to be obtained to hunt Civet (30 days' notice)


Recommended Calibers:


Similar to Caracal - any of the .22 center fire calibers or larger will suffice.



crocodile





Trophy Hunting Nile Crocodile


Inexperienced crocodile hunters might be fooled into thinking that these giant lizards are lazy and lethargic as they basks on the riverbanks This is absolutely NOT the case as Crocodiles are shy, wary, and extremely cautious creatures which are very difficult to approach on foot.


They are hard to kill quickly and cleanly and if your first shot doesn't anchor it, you aren't likely to get another chance at shooting it as it retreats to the safety of the water.


Only two shots are effective in anchoring a crocodile; a brain shot or a shot into the spinal column just behind the head.


Please note that a permit needs to be obtained to hunt Crocodile (30 days notice).


Recommended Calibers:


An accurate .30 caliber rifle fitted with a quality telescope with which you can consistently hit a golf ball sized target at 80 - 150 yards is the right medicine for a croc.



duiker (blue)





Trophy Hunting Blue Duiker


The Blue Duiker is the smallest of the Duiker species and one of Africa’s smallest antelope species weighing in at only 10 to 12 pounds. His hair is a blue-gray with a white belly and a short tail with a white underside and horns of 2" on the male is considered trophy quality.


Recommended Calibers:


Blue Duiker is difficult to hunt due to the dense forest that they favor as habitat whilst any .22 caliber will do the trick you will likely be more successful hunting your Blue Duiker with a shotgun.



duiker (common)





Trophy Hunting Common Duiker


The name "Duiker" is derived from the Dutch word "duik", which means "to dive", descriptive of the Duiker's low, scooting style of running. Mostly a browser, and most active during the late afternoon and early evening the Duiker is a solitary antelope that can be encountered alone or in pairs. Only the male Common Duiker carries horns which - when they reach a length - roughly equal to its ears - are about 4" long. Anything longer than the ears and you have a worthy trophy Common Duiker.


Recommended Calibers:


.223 upwards



duiker (red)





Trophy Hunting Red Duiker


The Red Duiker is characterized by the crest of red and black hair on the top of the head, sometimes almost appearing to be a third horn. Both males and females carry horns with those on a female being slightly shorter.


Recommended Calibers:


Just about any caliber from .22 and larger will do although you'd probably be better off using a shotgun.





eland (cape)





Trophy Hunting Cape Eland


Weighing in at more than a ton, the Eland is the largest antelope in Southern Africa and also the largest of the spiral horn family.


Bulls and cows carry horns with the bull’s horns being shorter but heavier. Eland have incredible eyesight and hunting them can be very challenging. When they start trotting away from you, you may have to spend many more miles on foot to catch up with them in the open woodlands and scrubby flat veld they favor as habitat.


Recommended Calibers:


While many Eland are hunted with smaller calibers such as the .30-06, a larger caliber such as the .375 would be preferable.



gemsbok (oryx)





Trophy Hunting Gemsbok


Both male and female Gemsbok carry horns. The males typically have thicker, shorter horns while those on females are more slender and longer. Regardless of sex, Gemsbok can be dangerous when wounded are are best to approach carefully - even when you're convinced it has already expired.


Recommended Calibers:


A flat shooting rifle such as a .270, .300 is the right medicine for Gemsbok.



genet





Trophy Hunting Genet


Two species of Genet occurs in our hunting areas - the Large-spotted genet and the Small-spotted Genet. The two are easy to confuse with each other - the primary difference being that the Small-spotted Genet has a white tipped tail while the Large-spotted variety has a black tipped tail.


Genets are hunted at night bait or by spotlighting.


Recommended Calibers:


Genets are easy to kill with a well placed shot from a .22 caliber rifle




Giraffe





Trophy Hunting Giraffe


Giraffe is the largest ruminant and tallest mammal on the planet. Contrary to reports on social media and in the press, Giraffe are not endangered in South Africa and these stately beasts thrive on game ranches throughout South Africa.


Hunting them can be challenging as they have keen eyesight and acute hearing. Hunting is mostly done by spot and stalk. Shot placement can be tricky as the heart lies in the center of the chest, far forward and above the shoulder joints.


Recommended Calibers:


.375 / 9.3 and larger are recommended for heart / lung shots.



red hartebeest





Trophy Hunting Red Hartebeest


Both sexes of Red Hartebeest carry horns with the males' being thicker and the females more slender. Bulls are territorial and will defend their territory at all cost.


Red Hartebeest prefer open savannah but are adaptable and can also be found in sparse brush country.


Recommended Calibers:


.270 upwards




honey badger





Trophy Hunting Honey Badger


The Honey Badger is widely distributed throughout Africa. Despite popular belief there is no evidence to suggest that they are guided to honey by Honeyguides (a type of bird).


Whilst they do occasionally enjoy honey, Honey Badgers are mostly carnivorous and eats insects and meat.


They readily come into bait and as such are mostly hunted at night over bait.


Please note that a permit is required to hunt Honey Badger (30 days' notice).


Recommended Calibers:


.223 upwards



hippo





Trophy Hunting Hippo


Extremely aggressive when disturbed, the Hippo accounts for more deaths in Africa than any other animal. They can be found in many of the rivers and pans throughout the country and spends most of their time during the day inside the water to protect their sensitive skins - usually coming out at night time to graze the river banks.


Hippos are mostly hunted early morning or late afternoon in the water. In spite of their size, you'll have a relatively small target when hunting Hippo in the water as you'll be shooting for the brain of an animal that could be as far as 150 yards away from you. Opportunities to hunt crop raiding Hippos on land also become available from time-to-time.


Recommended Calibers:


.375 or similar and larger.




Hyena (brown)





Trophy Hunting Brown Hyena


The Brown Hyena (also called the strandwolf) is a species of hyena found in Namibia, Southern Zimbabwe, Botswana, Southern Mozambique and South Africa. It can survive close to urban areas by scavenging.


Brown Hyena are distinguished from other hyena species by their shaggy coat, pointed ears and short tail.


Limited permits are available for the hunting of Brown Hyenas (waiting time 30 days).


Brown Hyena is hunted over bait at night.


Recommended Calibers:


.243 upwards



spotted hyena





Trophy Hunting Spotted Hyena


Also known as the laughing hyena, the Spotted Hyena is currently classed as the sole member of the genus Crocuta - native to Sub-Saharan Africa.


The Spotted Hyena is the largest member of the hyena family and mostly active at night.


They're hunted over bait at night.


Please note that a permit is required to hunt Brown Hyena (30 days notice).

​

Recommended Calibers:


.243 and larger.




impala (southern)





Trophy Hunting the Southern Impala


One of the most common antelope species in Southern Africa, the Impala is also a favorite to hunt. The saying goes - "you can never shoot too many Impala". But don't let this fool you into thinking hunting Impala is easy.


Impala often congregate in large herds and are by nature very alert to their surroundings so they can be difficult to approach. There's no such think an an "easy" Impala hunt.


Recommended Calibers:


.243 upwards



Jackal (black-backed)





Hunting Black-Backed Jackal


The Black-Backed Jackal has occupied Eastern and Southern Africa for the last 2 - 3 million years and thrives in a variety of habitats including deserts.


Success is had hunting Jackal by calling them in with a predator call or hunting them as animals of opportunity.

​

Recommended Calibers:


.223 and larger.




klipspringer





Trophy Hunting Klipspringer


Klipspringer (rock jumper) is a dainty antelope that favors rocky ridges and outcrops as preferred habitat. Klipspringer grazes early mornings and late afternoons and is fairly water independent but will readily drink water if available.


When hunting Klipspringer, hunt from the bottom of the mountain upwards as they're used to predation from above. Their furs are quill-like and prone to hair slip if not cooled down and skinned soon after the hunt.


Recommended Calibers:


.223 upwards



kudu (greater)





Trophy Hunting Greater Kudu


Probably at the top of the list for every African hunter is the majestic Kudu.


The Kudu is strickingly beautiful with it's long spiral horns that sets him apart from all other African game species.


The Cape Kudu is the same species of Kudu but as the name suggests occurs in the Cape Provinces of South Africa and typically grows shorter horns (46" is considered big)


The Greater Kudu grows longer horns than the Cape variety and occurs in good numbers around our home base in Limpopo Province. Whilst a Kudu bull with 50" horns is a worthy trophy, we've consistently averaged Kudu trophies in the mid fifties.


At CT Safaris we don't charge by the inch. When we hunt for Kudu we hunt for the biggest we can find but if you have specific minimum trophy requirements for Kudu, there will be revised pricing from 2020 onwards.

​

Recommended Calibers:


7mm and larger.




lechwe (red)





Trophy Hunting Red Lechwe


Originally an animal from the flood plains of the Okavango Delta, the Caprivi Strip and Zambia, Red Lechwe was introduced onto private game ranches in the Eastern Cape, Northern Cape and Mpumalanga with great success.


Only the Ram carries horns and females are slightly smaller in body. Due to the Lechwe's habit of standing watching you from just beyond reasonable shooting range, shots can be long so use a rifle with "longer legs".


Recommended Calibers:


.270 upwards



nyala





Trophy Hunting Nyala


This elegant and slender member of the spiral horned antelope marks the dividing line between smaller and larger antelope. Males are referred to as bulls and the much smaller females are referred to as ewes instead of cows.


Originally native to Zululand / Kwa Zulu Natal, Nyala have adapted well to a variety of habitat and can now be found throughout South Africa.

​

Recommended Calibers:


.270 and larger.




ostrich





Hunting Ostrich


The Ostrich is the planet's largest non-flying bird, characterized by soft, drooping feathers. They're widespread through Southern Africa and has excellent eyesight which can make them challenging to get close enough to for a shot.


With a teaspoon full of brains, they sometimes seem to stupid to die so beware, killing an ostrich might be more difficult than what you think. Just ask Chris...


Recommended Calibers:


Whatever you have in your hand at the time



Porcupine





Hunting Porcupine


Also known as the Cape Purcupine, Southern Africa's largest rodent is known for its stout, sturdy structure. They can be distinguished from other porcupines by the white and black spines along their back and general black and white coloring.


Mostly hunted as animals of opportunity at night with spotlight.​


Recommended Calibers:


.22 Rimfire and larger.




reedbuck (common)





Trophy Hunting Common Reedbuck


The Common (Southern) Reedbuck is a diurnal antelope found in a number of areas in Southern Africa with some monsters in the Midlands of Kwa Zulu Natal.


Reedbuck typically lay up during the warmer parts of the day and are active in the late afternoon and early morning when they come out to graze.


Shots at Reedbuck can be challenging and long so be sure to have a flat shooting rifle at hand.


Recommended Calibers:


.270 and larger



mountain reedbuck





Trophy Hunting Mountain Reedbuck


As the name suggests, this smaller member of the "redunca" family favors the mountains as habitat. The Mountain Reedbuck will typically avoid open areas and stay close to rocks, trees and shrubs.


Although significantly shorter than it's cousin - the Common Reedbuck - the Mountain Reedbuck's horns also curve towards the tips.


Shooting distances at Mountain Reedbuck can be as long as 300 yards so bring a flat shooting rifle for the hunt.


Recommended Calibers:


.243 and larger.




vaal (grey) rhebuck





Trophy Hunting Vaal Rhebuck


Described by Craig Boddington as one of the most challenging plains game antelope species to hunt, the Vaal Rhebuck is another sought-after animal by hunters worldwide.


Only the males carry horns which are upright and pointed. A 7" Vaalie is considered a worthy trophy. A 9"+ specimen is considered a monster. They have extreme eyesight and will manage to stay just outside shooting range for what seems like forever.


Shots at Vaalie's is bound to be long (400 yards+) so bring a flat shooting rifle for the hunt and know how to shoot it.


Recommended Calibers:


6.5 Creedmoor and the like



roan antelope





Trophy Hunting Roan Antelope


This large antelope species is nowadays found on many game ranches throughout South Africa. Because of the similarity in coloration, the Afrikaans name for this beautiful antelope is "Bastergemsbok" (bastard gemsbok). The only larger antelope found in Southern Africa other than the Roan is the Eland.


The Roan is another feisty animal with (sometimes) a bad temper so beware. They have been known to charge unprovoked.


Recommended Calibers:


Absolute minimum .270 (preferably larger).




sable antelope





Trophy Hunting Sable Antelope


The name "sable" is indicative of the Sable Antelope's coloring and, save for Kudu, the Sable carries the longest horns of all African Antelope species.


The beautiful and regal animal surely stands out as a sought-after trophy species and with good reason. Only those who have seen them in the wild will understand why.


Similar to its cousin - the Roan - they can also be aggressive - especially when cornered or wounded - so care must be taken when approaching them.


Recommended Calibers:


.270 and the like with larger calibers being preferred.



serval





Trophy Hunting Sable


The Serval is a wild cat, native to Sub-Saharan countries including certain parts of South Africa. They are found in abundance in the Midlands of Kwa-Zulu Natal and the Free State and also in certain parts of Limpopo and Mpumalanga. It's a sole member of the genus Leptailurus and unlike polular belief of least concern on the IUCN Red List.


Recommended Calibers:


.223 and larger.




common springbok





Trophy Hunting Springbok


It is believed that the Springbok is the only true gazelle in the sub-region of Southern Africa. The Springbok is also South Africa's national animal and directly translated, the name means "jump buck" - indicative of their "pogo-style" way of jumping when alarmed or on the run.


In South Africa, Springbok prefers open habitat such as that found in the Free State and Cape Provinces and also some parts of Kwa Zulu Natal.


Recommended Calibers:


.243 is considered by locals to be "Springbok medicine". Any rifle that shoots flat and straight over longer distances will work.



black springbok





Trophy Hunting Black Springbok


The Black Springbok is a color variation of the Common Springbok with the same characteristics.


Recommended Calibers:


.243 and larger.




copper springbok





Trophy Hunting Copper Springbok


It is believed that the Springbok is the only true gazelle in the sub-region of Southern Africa. The Springbok is also South Africa's national animal and directly translated, the name means "jump buck" - indicative of their "pogo-style" way of jumping when alarmed or on the run.


In South Africa, Springbok prefers open habitat such as that found in the Free State and Cape Provinces and also some parts of Kwa Zulu Natal.


Recommended Calibers:


.243 is considered by locals to be "Springbok medicine". Any rifle that shoots flat and straight over longer distances will work.



white springbok





Trophy Hunting White Springbok


The White Springbok is a color variation of the Common Springbok with the same characteristics.


Recommended Calibers:


.243 and larger.




kalahari springbok





Trophy Hunting Kalahari Springbok


The Kalahari version of the Springbok is the same species of Springbok as the SA Springbok although their horns tend to be thicker and longer.


In South Africa, Springbok prefers open habitat such as that found in the Free State and Cape Provinces and also some parts of Kwa Zulu Natal.


Recommended Calibers:


.243 is considered by locals to be "Springbok medicine". Any rifle that shoots flat and straight over longer distances will work.



steenbok





Trophy Hunting Steenbok


It is believed by some locals that Steenbok mates for life and as such many landowners are not fond of having them hunted. Whilst this might be true, it is also true that - when a female loses her male - another male will take her partner's place.


They occur widely on the open plains and are not fond of thick forests or mountain regions. Member of the so-called "little five" Steenbok hunting is popular among collectors of African game species.


Recommended Calibers:


.223 or whatever you have in your hands at the time




Tsessebe





Trophy Hunting Tsessebe


The Tsessebe is larger than the Blesbok and Bontebok (two other animals of the same genus) and also known as the fastest antelope in Africa.


Both sexes carry horns and they're found widely on game ranches in the Northern part of South Africa.


Recommended Calibers:


.270 and larger



vervet monkey





Hunting Vervet Monkey


The Vervet Monkey is an Old World monkey of the family Cercopithecidae that is found widely through South Africa. The term "vervet" is also used to refer to all the members of the genus Clorocebus.


Vervet MOnkey's are mostly hunted as animals of chance.


Recommended Calibers:


.22 or whatever you have in your hands at the time




warthog





Trophy Hunting Warthog


The Warthog is a common member of the wild pig family and found throughout South Africa. Its name comes from the wart-like protrusions on its face. Both males and females have tusks with those of the males being thicker and those of females more slender and curved. Males have four warts and females only two.


Many Warthogs are hunted in the heat of the day at waterholes but stalking them is challenging and more fun.


Recommended Calibers:


7mm / .30 calibers work well.



waterbuck





Trophy Hunting Waterbuck


As the name implies, Waterbuck are fond of water and usually found in close proximity of a permanent water source.


Sweat glands, concentrated on the flanks produce a pungent-smelling secretion that is often observed long before the animal itself is seen.


A big Waterbuck bull is a beautiful addition to any trophy room.


Recommended Calibers:


7mm, .30 caliber and larger.



blue wildebeest





Trophy Hunting Blue Wildebeest


Blue Wildebeest, Brindled Gnu, Poor Man's Buffalo... whatever your preferred name for this species is, they can make for an exciting hunt. They're tough as nails and shot placement can be tricky due to the hump on its shoulders. (Don't shoot a Blue Wildebeest too high as you'll be in for a long day's walk.)


Both sexes carry horns and older bulls usually have darker coats and wider stripes. Their hides make beautiful and durable rugs so why not hunt more than one?


Recommended Calibers:


Flat shooting .300 calibers are the ideal choice.



black wildebeest





Trophy Hunting Black Wildebeest


Those who haven't hunted Black Wildebeest (White-tailed Gnu) before may think that this will be an easy hunt but don't be fooled!


Only hunters who have tried their hand at these "beasts" can relate to the frustration of carefully stalking to within shooting distance of Black Wildebeest, just to have them start milling around before the first starts running in circles, followed by the rest of the herd en then seeing them bounding away over the horizon.


Recommended Calibers:


.270 or any similar flat shooting caliber




burchell's zebra





Trophy Hunting Burchell's Zebra


The Burchell's Zebra is distinguished from other zebra species by the shadow stripes that is visible within the broad white stripes on the hindquarters and has no dewlap - as found on e.g. the Mountain Zebra.


Do NOT think that hunting Zebra is similar to shooting a horse. Zebra are every bit as alert as any other wild game species.


Recommended Calibers:


.30 calibers and larger is a better choice for Zebra.



mountain zebra





Trophy Hunting Mountain Zebra


The Cape Mountain Zebra and Hartmann's Zebra are essentially the same species. As the name implies; these animals favor the mountains as opposed to the open plains.


The major physical difference between the Burchell's Zebra and Mountain Zebra is the lack of shadow stripes and the white belly of the Mountain Zebra. The Mountain Zebra also has a dewlap - which is absent in the Burchell's Zebra.


Recommended Calibers:


.30 Caliber and larger




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