For first time hunters in Africa, researching and planning a safari can seem like a very daunting task. Traveling to a new continent, hunting new game, and dealing with foreign laws can both excite and overwhelm you. We sat down with South African resident and professional hunter, Nico Els, to get answers to a few FAQ’s from first time African Hunters. Nico is the owner and founder of East Cape Bushveld Hunting located in the East Cape region of South Africa. He runs hunting safaris for plains game and cape buffalo from his family farm that dates back to the 1880’s.
How safe is it to hunt in South Africa?
South Africa, like any other country, has certain areas that are 100% safe and certain areas that aren't safe at all. However if you're traveling to South Africa on Safari, you're more than likely heading into the countryside where the only risky encounters would be a giraffe or baboon peeking through your chalet’s windows.
Will the camo I use for hunting in the US also work in South Africa?
Absolutely. Some South African guides who travel to the US every year, would buy American camo clothes while they're in the US and then use that on hunting in South Africa. Brands like Sitka and Kuiu are commonly used by South African guides as well as clients.
Do I need a hunting license to hunt in South Africa?
The answer is both yes and no. You'll need a hunting license for certain areas, but this is a license your Outfitter should have available to you at no extra cost. You simply fill in your name and sign at the bottom. Nothing that requires any special skills or long queues.
Do I need to bring my own gun to hunt in South Africa?
No you don't. Bringing your own rifle or simply renting one from your hunting outfitter requires the same effort and cost. Some hunters simply bring their own rifles because they prefer to hunt with a rifle familiar to them and because it adds to the sentiment around taking game with their own rifle. You'll need to fill out a document to help you obtain a temporary import permit, but it is straightforward and simple to do. If you book a safari with East Cape Bushveld Hunting we would happily walk you through this process.
How did you get started as a professional hunter?
Both myself and my business partner Elandré grew up hunting. Like many young boys out there, our parents took us along on hunting trips and we both took our first antelope around 7 years of age. By the time we were 16, we'd go out to our family ranch - which is now our base for East Cape Bushveld Hunting - and stay there for a week during school holidays, hunting warthog and other vermin such as jackal and baboon. By the time we finished school, we both knew we'd pursue a career that's hunting related.
What is a “green hunt”?
A Green hunt is defined as a hunt whereby the targeted animal would simply be tranquilized for veterinarian and research purposes. The hunter gets the opportunity to shoot such an animal with a tranquilizing dart, then gets to take a picture with the sleeping animal. After sampling and research are conducted, the tranquilizer is reversed, the animal is woken up and off it goes back into nature. The so-called "green hunt" usually involves Rhinos. Rhino are unfortunately targeted by poachers throughout Africa and sometimes, the only opportunity for a hunter who wishes to hunt Rhino, is to go for a Green Hunt. In many cases, a taxidermist would take pictures and measurements of the darted animal and then make a casted mount which would be shipped out to the hunter.
What is the most popular animal to hunt in South Africa?
There are a few, depending on the amount of times a hunter visits our beautiful country. Most first time hunters would add the “Grey Ghost", or more commonly known as Kudu to their wish list. After that, Gemsbuck, in my opinion, is one of the most popular plains game species. As far as big game goes, Africa's black death, or rather Cape Buffalo is the most sought after huntable specie.
What is the best advice you have for someone going on their first South African hunting safari?
That's a good question. I'd say my best advice for anyone booking an African Safari, is to book through a reputable Outfitter or Booking agent. Unfortunately there are many unreliable people out there. We've heard many stories of clients who book with someone because it's cheap. Half of the time the hunter goes home disappointed because the picture the 'outfitter' painted to him beforehand, was not the same as what he experienced. Or worse, we've heard of clients paying their hunt in full long before the safari commences, just to arrive at the airport and there's no one to pick them up. The so-called 'outfitter/PH' was a scammer who took the money and ran. Moral of the story, do your homework. Decide beforehand what is important to you - a cheap hunt or a memorable hunt. Then start to look for a reputable outfitter and book your hunt through them. There are many good outfitting companies out there, you just have to find one who can help you make the memories you want.
When is hunting season in South Africa?
We don't have a fixed season, we rather have particular times of the year when it's better to hunt. Our seasons are exactly the opposite from that of the USA, so the middle of winter is the middle of summer in South Africa. Around 15 October to 15 March is quite hot and uncomfortable. We have to get up very early in the mornings, break for long periods during the day, and start hunting again in the late afternoon until dark. Anything we hunt we have to rush off to the slaughtering facilities to prevent hair-slip or meat spoilage. We prefer hunting between 16 March and 14 October when the weather is more favorable. However, I recall many times that we've conducted hunting during the summer months - it definitely can be done.
Do I need to worry about getting attacked if I am hunting Cape buffalo?
Hunting in itself is a dangerous sport, hunting Cape Buffalo is no different. There is always the chance that your buffalo would turn on you, but in most instances that would be because it's wounded. Statistically one out of every ten buffalo would charge you. Chances of being attacked by an unprovoked buffalo are slim, but never zero. When hunting buffalo, it's important that you follow instructions from your guide, listen to him/her at all times and, when you finally get your shot at the buffalo, we tell our clients to keep shooting at it until either your ammo runs out, you cannot see the buffalo anymore or the buffalo expires. When approaching it, be vigilant and wide awake, for as the saying goes, it's the dead ones that kill you.
Do you ever worry about lions attacking you while you’re hunting?
No. In South Africa, most hunting takes place on privately owned hunting ranches and very few of these ranches have lions roaming around the hunting areas. Even if you're hunting on a ranch where lion is present, or hunting for lion, the chances of being attacked out of nowhere is very slim. The basic principles however, just like my answer on Cape Buffalo hunting, applies to lion hunting.
What happens to the meat from my hunt in South Africa?
Unfortunately you won't be able to take your meat back to the US, so we would definitely cook some of it in camp. The hunter must taste the meat from the animals he/she hunts during Safari in South Africa.
Some of it would be processed on the ranch and used in the kitchen, some of it would be sold to the local butchers where it would then be processed and distributed into the market. Some of it would be donated to a school or children's home where it would feed some of the poorer communities. Whatever the case, nothing goes to waste in Africa. Africa is a poor continent and meat is a very important part of its people's diet.
With over 20 years of combined African hunting experience, Nico Els and Elandre Human of East Cape Bushveld Hunting have the skills and desire to make sure your hunting safari is unforgettable. Whether it’s your first safari and you’re looking for your first kudu or it’s your tenth safari and you want to harvest a blue duiker, the team at ECB hunting will give you personalized attention. From the time they pick you up at the airport to the time they drop you off, all of your needs will be very well taken care of. For more information on planning your South African hunting safari visit www.ecbushveldhunting.com/ or email Nico directly at ecbhunting@gmail.com.
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