Whether you’re after eland or elephant, these five species make nice additions to an already unforgettable African safari.

Even those who travel to Africa multiple times in a hunting career never get to partake of all the continent has to offer. Safaris were once months-long affairs in which the visiting hunters could do lots of hunting for lots of species. Modern safaris are comparatively short in duration, and though many enjoy their trips regardless of the outcome, every hunter would ideally like to return home with a kill.

To make the most of whatever time you’re blessed with on the Dark Continent, consider adding on a few species to your main hunt. The benefits are numerous: If hunting is slow for your target animal, you can pursue a secondary one; for a (comparatively) low fee, a hunter can come home from a safari with multiple trophies instead of one — or none; and it forces you to see Africa as a wide, wild ecosystem, instead of having tunnel vision for only one animal.

Whether you’re after eland or elephant, these five species make nice additions to an already unforgettable trip. While nothing in Africa is cheap, these animals are often at a price point that begs you to add them to your main safari bill. If the difference between hunting an animal and wishing you had later is merely financial, pay the money.

Warthog

They’re not as ubiquitous as North American hogs or as legendary as Russian boars, but a warthog is a peculiar game animal that makes for a surprisingly handsome addition to a trophy room. They offer hunters a reasonably high chance at a bowkill and can be regularly taken over water while waiting for other game species. Plus, who wouldn’t want to hear the story when you say you’ve shot one?

Impala

Arguably as beautiful as any whitetail deer, a male impala is far cheaper than the typical trophy whitetail hunt. These animals make for amazing hunts whether taken with a rifle or a bow. They are one of the most overlooked species in African hunting, and savvy hunters should take advantage.

Duiker

Duikers are so small you could probably kill one with bad breath, but their delicate features and pointed horns make for a unique trophy. They also make wonderful targets for small-statured shooters who may be along for the safari but can’t handle the bone-jarring recoil of heavy doubles or bolt guns.

Common Springbok

Like the impala, the springbok is a horned animal that is inexplicably low-priced. A male common can be lower in price, though the white, black and copper subspecies are priced significantly higher.

Red Hartebeest

Their long faces disqualify them for many beauty pageants, but a hartebeest can be a challenging hunt. Their heavy horns and legendary tenacity make for a memorable hunt.

Images: Canva

 

africa book coverOver the past three decades Sporting Classics has published more than 100 articles and columns on sport and wildlife conservation in Africa. This anthology, which commemorates the magazine’s 30th anniversary, features the best of those stories. Many talented, dedicated people made this book possible, particularly the authors who eagerly shared their stories.

Driven by the hunter’s passion to look into the eyes of a cape buffalo, follow the tracks of a bull elephant, or match wits with one of the great cats, some of our greatest writers have chronicled what Africa was to them. Shop Now