SA’s Free-Range Hunting Thrill: Unpacking Species-By-Species

Of the big five, the only animal that we do not hunt at Crusader Safaris is the highly endangered rhino. However, if you join us for free range hunting in South Africa, you’ll get a chance to track and take down a variety of other big game under certain circumstances. These include buffalo, lion, leopard, elephant, crocodile, hippo, and a variety of plains game, such as eland, sable, bushbuck, and roan antelope.

The big game species are not as freely available as plains game, for example. So please get in touch to start planning your hunt early.

Buffalo

Buffalos are notoriously big, tough, and unpredictable, making them a challenging and exciting animal to take down. These giant beasts can move surprisingly quickly for their size and can become aggressive when cornered or wounded. Therefore, it’s crucial when hunting buffalo that you hit your mark. If you miss, be ready for a quick follow-up.

Lion

There is no greater hunting achievement than taking down a lion. These magnificent beasts are considered the kings of the natural world for a reason: they’re fast, ferocious, powerful, and highly intelligent. Stalking a lion is dangerous work requiring nerves of steel, but with the right guide at your side, you’ll come away victorious. 

Leopard

Leopards are extremely stealthy and difficult to spot, not to mention fast and powerful. As such, hunting a predator like this takes immense skill and patience. Moreover, their preference for hiding among rocks and in trees makes them difficult to track and also dangerous, as they could pounce at any moment. Overcoming a leopard is the ultimate test of your hunting prowess.

Elephant

Everybody knows how huge, powerful, fast, and unpredictable elephants can be. They’re also incredibly tough, capable of withstanding multiple shots without going down. If you want to hunt an elephant, you’ve got to have a steely resolve and steady hand, as only a direct hit in two select areas with a high-calibre bullet will take it down.

Crocodile

Crocodiles are easier prey for hunters, as they like to lie dead still out in the sun on rocky embankments. Although their hides are tough, a direct hit to the cranium will undoubtedly put a crocodile down permanently. However, the danger comes when you go to collect your quarry, as other crocs may lurk nearby unseen, ready to nab you when your back is turned.

Hippo

Of all the African animals, the hippo is by far the most dangerous. They’re extremely fast, extraordinarily powerful, highly aggressive, and as tough as a tank. Hippos spend most of their day wallowing in the water to keep their huge bodies cool. When they come out of the water, you’ll have your chance to take a shot. However, these animals are highly territorial and will fiercely protect their young, so be careful when you approach them that you don’t get too close.

If you’re looking for epic free range hunting in South Africa, where you’ll get to take down some of Africa’s most dangerous and challenging animals, then contact us at Crusader Safaris.