Hunting

Authentic Safari Co. is based in the eastern reaches of South Africa’s Eastern Cape – one of the country’s most diverse and rewarding hunting regions.

From this foundation, our safaris extend across a selection of carefully chosen areas, each offering its own distinct character and experience.

Eastern Cape

Here, the land unfolds in striking variety — dense coastal thicket, deep rolling valleys, and dramatic mountain peaks. It is country that feels unmistakably African, where every ridge and distant skyline holds possibility.

The eastern region of the Eastern Cape is widely regarded as the homeland of the finest Cape Kudu. Deep valleys, bush-covered ridges, and rolling hills create classic kudu country, where hunting is defined by patience, careful glassing, and deliberate stalks through varied and beautiful terrain.

Beyond the bushveld, the landscape opens into the renowned Karoo — a place of vast skies, clean air, and quiet, open spaces. The Karoo offers a uniquely atmospheric style of hunting, rewarding observation, patience, and an appreciation for Africa’s subtler details.

For those drawn to a more demanding pursuit, we hunt the high mountain peaks in search of the ever-challenging Vaal Rhebuck and Mountain Reedbuck. These hunts are defined by steep ascents, long glassing sessions, and careful shot placement — experiences as rewarding as they are memorable.

For something truly distinctive, Vaal Rhebuck and Mountain Reedbuck may also be hunted from horseback. Moving silently across vast mountain slopes, the rhythm of the horse becomes part of the hunt itself — traditional, immersive, unforgettable.

Beyond the hunt, the Eastern Cape remains deeply rewarding. World-class golf courses, deep-sea fishing along the Indian Ocean, and wide open landscapes ensure that observers experience Africa in equal measure.

Free State & Northern Cape

Across the plains of the Free State and westward into the Northern Cape, the landscape shifts into a style of hunting defined by space, visibility, and quiet intensity.

Wide horizons and gently rolling grasslands create classic plains game country, where steady shooting, thoughtful movement, and careful observation come to the fore. A combined safari between regions flows seamlessly, offering striking contrast without disruption.

Further west, the Northern Cape reveals a landscape of quiet drama. The iconic Karoo — red earth, scattered acacia, kameeldoring trees, and rugged rocky koppies — offers authentic spot-and-stalk hunting in vast, open country.

This is terrain that rewards patience and awareness. The overwhelming sense of openness and remoteness preserves the feeling of solitude and authenticity that defines a true African hunt.

Across all regions, our hunting areas are malaria-free, allowing guests to focus entirely on the experience.

Across all of our areas, certain qualities remain constant:
Vast landscapes.
Ethical, fair-chase hunting.
And safaris guided by patience rather than pace.

Hunt Planning

Planning your African safari should be exciting, not overwhelming. This section is designed to guide you through every step of the process—from booking your hunt to returning home with unforgettable memories.

How Your Safari Works (Step-by-Step)

1. Initial Inquiry & Planning

Contact us to discuss your preferred species, hunting style, dates, and group size. We’ll recommend the best province, terrain, and itinerary to match your goals.

2. Booking Confirmation

Your safari is confirmed once the deposit is received. We will then assist with travel planning, firearm permits, and pre-arrival preparation.

3. Arrival in South Africa

You’ll be met at the airport and transferred to camp. After settling in, we’ll conduct rifle checks, safety briefings, and finalize your hunt plan.

4. Hunting Days

Each day is tailored to your objectives and ability, whether spot-and-stalk plains game, mountain hunting, or horseback hunts in the Eastern Cape.

5. Trophy Care & Departure

Trophies are properly prepared and sent to our recommended taxidermists.

What to Pack

Essential Items

• Valid passport and travel documents

• Rifle, ammunition, or bow (if applicable)

• Hunting clothing in neutral colors (olive, khaki, brown, camo)

• Comfortable boots and lightweight rain gear

Recommended

• Binoculars

• Rangefinder

• Camera or phone

• Personal medications

Firearms & Bow Hunting Information

• We assist with an invitation letter for South African firearm import permits

• Rifle hire is available upon request

• Bow hunting is permitted in designated areas

• All hunting complies with South African law

We recommend beginning firearm permit applications well in advance.

Weather

• March–April: Warmer conditions

• May–Mid August: Colder months

• Mid-September–October: Cooler, fair weather

Best Time to Hunt

• Plains Game: March–October

• Mountain Species: May–August

• Horseback Hunts: Weather-dependent, best in cooler months

• Kudu (Rut Hunts): Mid-April – early June (ideal if your hunt is planned around rut activity)

We will advise on the best dates for your target species and preferred terrain.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need hunting experience?

Yes. Hunts are tailored to your skill level and physical ability.

Is success guaranteed?

Hunting is never guaranteed, but we pride ourselves on high ethical standards and realistic opportunities.

Is South Africa safe for hunters?

Yes. We operate in well-managed areas with professional staff and strict safety protocols.

Ready to Start Planning?

→ Plan Your Hunt

→ Request Availability

→ Speak Directly with the Outfitter

Need a travel agent to help with firearm permits?

Gracy Travel can assist hunters from all over the world with flights and firearm permits.

Shawn Kennedy (USA) – shawn@gracytravel.com

Rates, Bookings & Payments

Daily Rates (USD)

• 1 on 1: US$425 – US$475

• 2 on 1: US$325 – US$375

• Observer: $275

• Dangerous Game: $650

• Night Hunting: $150 per night

Northern Cape & Free State – Signature Safaris

Please enquire about Free State and Northern Cape rates if you wish to pursue Cape Buffalo, Barbary Sheep, and hunt Gemsbuck in the Kalahari on our exclusive concessions. Most of our northern areas are supported by five-star lodges, ensuring a refined and exceptionally comfortable safari experience.

Deposit & Balance

• 50% deposit of the daily rate is required to secure your booking.

• Remaining 50% balance is due 3 months prior to the start of your safari.

VAT

• Daily rates are exclusive of 15% VAT, which will be added to your invoice.

Trophy Fees

• Guests may pay 50% of trophy fees before arrival.

• Any outstanding balance can be settled on the final day of the safari, cash or credit card accepted.

• A non-refundable upfront fee, credited toward the final trophy fee, is required for the following hunts:

• Buffalo: USD $5,000 payable upfront

• Roan: USD $2,000 payable upfront

• Sable: USD $2,000 payable upfront

Minimum Hunt Durations

• Plains Game Hunts: 7 days minimum

• Dangerous Game and Plains Game Combination Hunts: 10 days minimum

Credit Card Payments

• A 3.5% surcharge applies when using a credit card.

Cancellations & Postponements

• Deposits are non-refundable, but may be carried over for one calendar year if you need to reschedule.

• Hunts postponed within 3 months of the scheduled start date will incur a 25% loss of the deposit.

What’s Included & Excluded in Daily Rate

INCLUDED

• Comfortable lodge accommodation

• All meals and snacks, plus sodas, mineral water, and alcohol in moderation

• Daily laundry service

• Pick-up and drop-off from local airports

• Services of a licensed professional guide and tracker

• Field preparation of trophies and delivery to your taxidermist

• Authentic Safari Co. merchandise (season-dependent)

EXCLUDED

• Airfares

• Accommodation before or after the safari

• Any extra activities or outings

• Gratuities

• Rifle hire: US$30 per day

• Ammunition:

▪ Plains game: US$5 per round

▪ Dangerous game: US$10 per round

• Final taxidermy work, crating, shipping, and export costs

• Community Program Fee: US$100 per hunter

• 15% VAT (Value Added Tax) on daily rates and any trophies wounded or not exported

Price list

Species

Price

Species

Price