African hunt 2026

[NathanOrszaczki]

Aussie looking for a hunt!!

Hi all,


I’m planning a hunt next year in Africa. Parts I’m interested in are South Africa, Zimbabwe ect. I am currently researching outfitters, guides and species however I seam to find either fenced animals or outfitters who only supply some free range and not all.

I’m after a wild adventure with no fenced or wired in animals and no animals put in an area to hunt, I’m also not after 5 star camping. A basic camp where wild animals can be heard are a must.
I’m also not interested in blasting animals from a hide, or back of ute, a good days hunt walking hills or flats ect are also a must.
I understand different parts of Africa provide different species and I may need to travel to shoot them all however it’s a starting point and something to work with.

Kudu

Gemsbok

Springbok

Warthog

Zebra

Impala

Blesbuck

Duiker

Sable

Jackal

Bush pig

As mentioned all animals must be free range and wild. I thought I might try my luck on here if anyone can suggest any outfitter in Africa that has some of the species listed, a wild camp, and a hunting day full of walking and hunting hard please get in contact with me.

Kind regards

Nathan

 

[375Fox]

I think you have some unrealistic expectations. I’d tell you decide if you want a free range hunt or a long list of species. Pick a region you want to hunt, find an outfitter, and hunt what’s native to that region. Ignoring your species list, I think you’d find what you are looking for in central/north central Namibia. You can hunt kudu, gemsbok, zebra, springbok, warthog, steenbok, duiker, maybe few others free range on large ranches. Kudu and zebra can be hunted on foot in mountains but typically most species you’ll use vehicle to spot and stalk. The accommodations may be more than you are looking for, but I’m sure there are some more simple ranch house accommodations available. You could also hunt free range in eastern cape South Africa for kudu, bushbuck, and others, but again you are going to stay at nice accommodations and likely drive on paved roads to get to different farms. Zimbabwe meets the experience you want but hunts are generally built around dangerous game hunting not plains game and comes at a cost. Most of South Africa and Namibia is developed farmland of some type. It’s not wilderness. Leopards are common many areas but it’s unlikely you’ll see or hear elephants or lions. A good compromise for you might be an end of season plains game hunt in Caprivi for remaining quota, but you have to be flexible with your species list. I’d tell you to think more on what you want.

 

[NathanOrszaczki]

Thanks for the reply and information mate cheers

 

[Tim Blackwell]

As a fellow Aussie who's hunted in several parts of Africa, I think 375Fox has summed it up well.

In free range areas you're not going to find all those species, in fact I'd think they'd take a couple of Safaris or more to achieve.

I'd look to a free range hunt in Namibia where you may be able to tick off half your list to start with. Then some of those species are going to be more specialised - ie, Bushpig (blind/bait) and free range Sable which will likely be quite expensive.

I too was concerned about fences when I first hunted Africa. Instead, the main consideration for me now is self-sustaining populations of endemic game species, and an outfitter who wants to hunt properly for truly mature trophies.

 

[grand veneur]

Such requests are not very realistic, especially not for Zimbabwe or RSA. Namibia offers PG hunts in completely open areas, but it seems that one has to be content with much less game species during hunts between 8 and 12 days.

Free range hunting Namibia | Sesembo

Exclusive hunting camp in the Northen free range areas of Namibia. Sesembo Hunting Safaris have the perfect adventures for the whole family

www.sesembo.com

 

[NathanOrszaczki]

Th

As a fellow Aussie who's hunted in several parts of Africa, I think 375Fox has summed it up well.

In free range areas you're not going to find all those species, in fact I'd think they'd take a couple of Safaris or more to achieve.

I'd look to a free range hunt in Namibia where you may be able to tick off half your list to start with. Then some of those species are going to be more specialised - ie, Bushpig (blind/bait) and free range Sable which will likely be quite expensive.

I too was concerned about fences when I first hunted Africa. Instead, the main consideration for me now is self-sustaining populations of endemic game species, and an outfitter who wants to hunt properly for truly mature trophies.

Thanks for your reply some really good information to help me decide on my hunt

 

[NathanOrszaczki]

As a fellow Aussie who's hunted in several parts of Africa, I think 375Fox has summed it up well.

In free range areas you're not going to find all those species, in fact I'd think they'd take a couple of Safaris or more to achieve.

I'd look to a free range hunt in Namibia where you may be able to tick off half your list to start with. Then some of those species are going to be more specialised - ie, Bushpig (blind/bait) and free range Sable which will likely be quite expensive.

I too was concerned about fences when I first hunted Africa. Instead, the main consideration for me now is self-sustaining populations of endemic game species, and an outfitter who wants to hunt properly for truly mature trophies.

Do you have any recommendations on South African outfitters ?

 

[Tim Blackwell]

Do you have any recommendations on South African outfitters ?

I've had several fantastic hunts with KMG Hunting Safaris on the Eastern Cape. They hunt the right way in my opinion, and hunt a lot of low fence cattle country. But certain species are in large high-fenced areas, it's just the nature of RSA.

You could also look at Crusader Safaris in KZN who are well known for hunting a lot of low fenced country.

You should understand that if you want wild country/wilderness in RSA, then you're actually more likely to find it in high fenced hunting estates. That might sound counter-intuitive, but the hunting-only areas are generally natural bushland with game species only, whereas cleared commercial 'low-fence' farming land is just that.

Even in Zimbabwe where I've hunted in free range areas, there are people everywhere! Villagers and cattle herders etc.... I haven't yet seen truly remote wilderness areas like we have in several areas of Australia. I'm not saying they don't exist, but they're a specialised, expensive proposition to hunt.

 

[375Fox]

I've had several fantastic hunts with KMG Hunting Safaris on the Eastern Cape. They hunt the right way in my opinion, and hunt a lot of low fence cattle country. But certain species are in large high-fenced areas, it's just the nature of RSA.

You could also look at Crusader Safaris in KZN who are well known for hunting a lot of low fenced country.

You should understand that if you want wild country/wilderness in RSA, then you're actually more likely to find it in high fenced hunting estates. That might sound counter-intuitive, but the hunting-only areas are generally natural bushland with game species only, whereas cleared commercial 'low-fence' farming land is just that.

Even in Zimbabwe where I've hunted in free range areas, there are people everywhere! Villagers and cattle herders etc.... I haven't yet seen truly remote wilderness areas like we have in several areas of Australia. I'm not saying they don't exist, but they're a specialised, expensive proposition to hunt.

I don’t think anything in Africa compares to the amount of wilderness you have in Northern Territory. I’d like to do another water buffalo hunt there just to see that amount of space. When you discuss Zimbabwe, free range is usually just a given. You need to break it down into safari areas, communal land, forestry, private land, and probably a few more categories. The safari areas typically cost more than the communal areas, but the safari areas don’t have people or villages in them. Some community areas are much more wild than others too. Surprisingly, the most remote place I’ve hunted has been NW Namibia even though it does have people and livestock. Just vast areas with very little water and game spread relatively thin. I think certain concessions there are as close to hunting 100 years ago as you’ll find.

 

[mark-hunter]

I’m planning a hunt next year in Africa. Parts I’m interested in are South Africa, Zimbabwe ect. I am currently researching outfitters, guides and species however I seam to find either fenced animals or outfitters who only supply some free range and not all.

Welcome to the forum!
Have you ever been to Africa?
As per initial post, my estimate is probably not.

Member @375Fox had given perfect answer above.
My suggestion is: Go to Namibia, and complete your list. You will have fantastic experience. Many of these animals can be hunted free range out of fence.
After that go to Zimbabwe, next year, and hunt buffalo, you will have experience of wilderness.

In order to get maximum of your project, contact reputable Namibian outfitters - sponsors on this forum, and ask exactly what can they offer, specifically free range.

 

[MarkB]

Welcome to the forum. As already stated you will need an open mind and a willingness to listen and learn to achieve your listed safari goal. Your request would be something like going to the Northern Territory and wanting to hunt animals that do not reside wild there.

Listen to @375Fox, his answers are spot on. I also say, I do not think any place exists that meets your requirements and specie list, in any single area hunt. You must pick, choose and do a little educating on your list and requirements. Hard to find a free range born wild sable living in same areas and same born wild as others species on your list.

If you really want a safari, research/find the wild areas, (your minds definition) and pick the species that are born wild and live there. This is realistic. Wild places in Namibia come closest in my eyes, Kaokoala lands, Damara Lands and possibly the Luxendona Conservancy areas need your investigation. Places in Zim are wild with wild born species but there are a few on your list not there, at least wild.

For me I always add the species that only live there to my list, not so rich I can afford many returns after I leave. Damara dik dik and mnt zebra both come to mind as species I hunted in Namibia.

What you do not hunt on the first safari leaves room and desires on your second.

Good luck.

MB

 

[AZDAVE]

Others have covered most of what I would say. Like @Tim Blackwell we have hunted with @KMG Hunting Safaris several times. Hunted with @BLAAUWKRANTZ safaris both in the eastern cape and was worried about the fences but they have very large properties and we saw the fence when we arrived and when we left. There are several outfitters in Limpopo and in Namibia that can provide the same and you should be able to get the most of the animal on your list.

You could also hunt most of the animals in Moz or tanzania. Both are going to be a bit more expensive. We haven't hunted Zimbabwe yet (will in 2028)

There are a number of very good outfitters that are sponsors here that will be able to help you out with your safari and the list you have.

 

[Philip Glass]

Aussie looking for a hunt!!

Hi all,


I’m planning a hunt next year in Africa. Parts I’m interested in are South Africa, Zimbabwe ect. I am currently researching outfitters, guides and species however I seam to find either fenced animals or outfitters who only supply some free range and not all.

I’m after a wild adventure with no fenced or wired in animals and no animals put in an area to hunt, I’m also not after 5 star camping. A basic camp where wild animals can be heard are a must.
I’m also not interested in blasting animals from a hide, or back of ute, a good days hunt walking hills or flats ect are also a must.
I understand different parts of Africa provide different species and I may need to travel to shoot them all however it’s a starting point and something to work with.

Kudu

Gemsbok

Springbok

Warthog

Zebra

Impala

Blesbuck

Duiker

Sable

Jackal

Bush pig

As mentioned all animals must be free range and wild. I thought I might try my luck on here if anyone can suggest any outfitter in Africa that has some of the species listed, a wild camp, and a hunting day full of walking and hunting hard please get in contact with me.

Kind regards

Nathan

What would you say your budget is for this trip? This might help in deciding what would fit you the best.
We hear this same story quite often and it is fine but comes from a place of ignorance. There are plenty of game farms that are massive in size and have self sustaining game. Ask the question about acreage. What size game ranch would satisfy you? 50,000 acres, 80,000 acres, 100,000 contiguous acres? I hope you see my point that there is a big difference between a small out and take operation and a self sustaining natural game ranch.
If you want wild and want to hear DG at night go to Zimbabwe. It will cost more than a game ranch in RSA however.

 

[BSO Dave]

What would you say your budget is for this trip? This might help in deciding what would fit you the best.
We hear this same story quite often and it is fine but comes from a place of ignorance. There are plenty of game farms that are massive in size and have self sustaining game. Ask the question about acreage. What size game ranch would satisfy you? 50,000 acres, 80,000 acres, 100,000 contiguous acres? I hope you see my point that there is a big difference between a small out and take operation and a self sustaining natural game ranch.
If you want wild and want to hear DG at night go to Zimbabwe. It will cost more than a game ranch in RSA however.

You beat me to it... Great post... Great advice!

 

[Philip Glass]

You beat me to it... Great post... Great advice!

Thanks.

 

[DERIAN KOEKEMOER SAFARIS]

Good sir.
We are situated in the Lowveld of SouthAfrica we cant provide that animals in a free range area but our hunting areas is large areas and our animals is walking freely on the areas no internal fencing.
We have a couple of Aussie groups each year so are happy to provide you with their contact information as refrences.
We can promise you that you will have a great safari with us @DERIAN KOEKEMOER SAFARIS
Looking forward to hearing from you.
Kind regards
Derian