South Africa's Kalahari region is a semi-arid savanna where ASH Adventures conducts lion and plains game hunting safaris.
The Kalahari region in South Africa's Northern Cape province is a semi-arid region that sustains a surprisingly wide variety of wildlife. Plains game like gemsbok and springbok are very popular for hunting in this area. ASH Adventures personally favors hunting lion in the Kalahari. It is also the only member of the Big Five that can be hunted in this area.
For traditional plains game hunters, popular species such as blue wildebeest, Burchell's zebra, kudu and red hartebeest are readily available. However, it should be noted that the additional costs when chartering a flight to the Kalahari can only be truly deemed 'worth it' when also hunting a dangerous game species such as the lion.
All of the safaris we offer to the Kalahari involve a light charter plane flight from Johannesburg to an airstrip not far from the hunting camp. The duration of the flight is approximately two hours, the cost involved between $2 800 and $4 000 depending on the size of your hunting party. The charter flight should depart no later than 2pm. If your international flight arrives at a time that makes this impossible, a connecting night will have to be spent in Pretoria.
The Kalahari is best hunted during the autumn, winter and spring months from May to the end of September. The summer months are excruciatingly hot. Winter mornings and nights can be cold, as is the case in most semi-desert areas, so remember to pack warm clothes if you will be hunting in the Kalahari during the months of June, July and August.
The Kalahari is a vast region where different attractions are often very far apart. Relaxing in camp or accompanying the day's hunt are amongst the only activities available to the non-hunting members of the party.
Unbroken red sands, dotted with flat-topped acacia trees and hardy grasses fill a landscape that seems to stretch on forever.
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This lodge is located in the most northern region of the North West province of South Africa. It is situated in the southern portion of the vast Kalahari Desert just a stone's throw from the Botswana border. The lodge has been established on a large game concession of some 13 000 acres and features its own airstrip. As such, it is most easily accessible by charter airplane. The surrounding area is typical Kalahari bush country - extremely remote, and teeming with all manner of African game species. The nearby town of Pomfret features a small airport.
The nicely appointed and comfortable lodge is centrally located on a ranch surrounded and protected by high fences, as lion and other dangerous game species freely roam this vast concession. Accommodations consist of chalets under thatch and feature en suite bathrooms. The main lodge features a well-appointed sitting area, bar, and dining area. A beautiful patio and fire pit lie just outside the bar area and the swimming pool is perfect for cooling off after a hard day's hunt trekking through the Kalahari sand. The lodge is professionally staffed with food, drink, and services of the highest quality. It is a virtual oasis for the hunter in the Kalahari.
The hunting camp that we use near Zeerust in the North West province of South Africa is one of the most luxurious properties that we include in our hunting safaris. The camp's four en suite rooms are exceedingly sumptuous, even fitted with private plunge pools for hot summer days. The rooms are impeccably furnished, with modern fittings, opulent bedding and amenities like heaters, coffee stations.
Additional facilities include a main swimming pool for a social swim or unwinding poolside with a cocktail or refreshing beverage. All the rooms are enhanced by sprawling views across the bushveld, including the glass-walled lounge and dining room. Here you can relax on the plush furniture with a book or cozy up to the fireplace at night.
The most panoramic vistas may be enjoyed from the patio, which is also the ideal location to enjoy mealtimes from breakfast to dinner. There is also a basic boma area with a fire pit and barbecue facilities for a festive post-hunt 'braai'. This camp is perfect for hunters with a taste for the finer things in life.
The hunting packages listed below are the most popular amongst foreign hunters visiting South Africa. These fully inclusive packages offer both an exceptional African hunting experience as well as great value for money.
The Dutch word 'wildebeest' translates to 'wild cattle'. Black wildebeest are endemic to southern Africa and occur in much smaller populations than their 'blue' counterparts.
Closely resembling his cousin the bontebok, blesbok are a popular plains game species among hunters. The white blazes on their faces give them a truly unique appearance.
The blue wildebeest is popular among plains game species hunters. Well-equipped with forward-facing horns and muscle, the blue wildebeest can be very aggressive when threatened.
Southern Africa's largest antelope species can also be hunted on a safari in South Africa. The common eland is second in size only to the rare giant or Lord Derby eland of northern Africa.
The sheer size and length of the giraffe makes for an exciting hunting opportunity. Though their horns may seem insignificant, male giraffe can wreak grievous injuries on competitors and predators.
Gemsbok are well-equipped to survive in harsh environments like the Namib and Kalahari deserts. These large antelope are typically hunted for their strikingly tall horns and unique features.
Impala are used for a variety of hunting functions - a beginner hunter's initiation, camp meat, baiting for leopard, etc. This bushveld staple occurs on game concessions throughout South Africa.
The black-backed jackal is typically hunted by chance while pursuing another game species. These coyote-like creatures are quite common throughout Southern Africa and hunted quite frequently.
The majestic kudu bull is sought-after by hunters for its remarkable spiral horns. These horns can exceed 60 inches in length and are prized by all hunters. The greater kudu is the sub-species hunted in South Africa.
This peculiar-looking swift antelope makes for a great conversation piece. As the 'beest' enjoys frequenting the open plains, your shot may often be taken at a longer distance.
This little antelope can be quite elusive and may even adapt its feeding habits to avoid detection by possible threats. Steenbok typically frequent areas that provide dense cover to ensure their safety.
South Africa's national animal poses an exciting hunting opportunity in South Africa. These accomplished jumpers enjoy the open plains of the eastern Free State and the Northern Cape's Kalahari region.
The waterbuck is among the larger plains game antelope species that can be hunted in Southern Africa. As its name implies, look for it near water sources such as dams and rivers.
Burchell's zebra (or plains zebra) are favored for their dazzling skins, which make fine rugs. Common throughout Southern Africa, Burchell's are distinguished from other zebra sub-species by their shadow stripes.
