African Safari Hunt
One of the best places on earth to hunt!South Africa Paradise
Awake to the sounds of the African bushveld as the sun makes its appearance on the horizon bringing with it the prospect of another perfect day. Our eco-friendly lodge is a proud member of the Green Leaf Conservation Initiative and is set in the malaria-free Eastern Cape and provides an intimate African safari experience never to be forgotten.
The reserve is home to Africa’s Big Five (the lion, leopard, rhino, elephant and cape buffalo) as well as rare white lion, hippo, hyena, cheetah, giraffes, various antelope and more than 300 bird species. Feel the heartbeat of nature as you explore the reserve in custom land rovers or on guided walking safaris.
We offer hunting throughout Southern Africa, including Botswana, Namibia and Zambia as well as superb plains game in South Africa.
Gourmet Dining
Enjoy African fusion cuisine with an Eastern Cape flair complemented by a superb selection of local wines from our Director’s Cellar. When dining, you’ll be treated to an array of gourmet safari cuisine, all prepared by our passionate Five Star chefs, who will cater to all your individual needs. Whether dining indoors or under the starlit sky, meals are simply sublime.
HUNTING PACKAGES
- 7 days and 6 trophies
- Common Springbuck
- Black Springbuck
- White Springbuck
- Copper Springbuck
- Common Blesbuck
- White Blesbuck
This hunt will take place in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa, the most diverse hunting area in the country. It will be conducted on open hunting areas and is a free-range hunt. Total hunting area exceeds 300,000 acres with vast numbers of wildlife. There are many other trophy species available (35+ species) should the hunter wish to try for something else.
*Dates available from March 1st through September 30t
- 7 days and 6 trophies in two different areas
- Wildebeest (Black or Blue)
- Blesbuck
- Kudu or Gemsbuck
- Zebra or Hartebeest
- Springbuck
- Impala
This is a free-range hunt conducted in the thick valley bushveld and the open thornveld of the Eastern Cape. There are over 30 species available to hunt here. Over 300,000 acres.
*Dates available from March 1st through September 30th
- 7 days and 4 trophies plus 8 management animals
- The price is inclusive for TWO hunters sharing the following animals:
- 4 Trophies:
- Wildebeest
- Blesbuck
- Springbuck
- Impala
- 8 Management:
- Wildebeest (2)
- Blesbuck (2)
- Springbuck (2)
- Impala (2)
- 7 days and 4 trophies
- Eland
- Kudu
- Nyala
- Bushbuck
*Dates are from March 1st through September 30th
- 10 days and 10 trophies
- Kudu
- Gemsbuck
- Red Hartebeest
- Wildebeest
- Springbuck
- Blesbuck
- Zebra
- Warthog
- Impala
- Waterbuck or Eland
This hunt offers a few very lucky hunters the chance to hunt in some of the premier government National parks. There are only 8 packages available per year and they are highly sought after.
*Dates are from May 1st through September 30th
HIGHLIGHTS
- 4000-hectare game reserve
- High quality of trophy with multiple well establish populations
- Abundance of big game animals
- World-class guides
SAMPLE ITINERARY
Day 2 Arrive in South Africa, transfer to the lodge (PM arrival)
Day 3 – 7 Relax and enjoy hunting in South Africa
Day 7 Evening international flight departure for USA arrival
Day 8 Arrive back home
I'm Interested
Let our team know that you are interested and want more information. We'll be in touch within 24 hours.
DATES
Year round – inquire for best dates for your preferred species.
PRICES
Packages start around $4200, custom packages available. Inquiry today
HUNTING PACKAGES
Hunting packages and offers.
CHECK OFFERS
LODGE’S INFORMATION
Luxury accommodation
CHECK THE LODGE
WHAT’S INCLUDED
Services and equipment are included.
SEE HOW WE INCLUDE MORE
WHY GAGE OUTDOORS
Why Travel with Gage Outdoors
FIND OUT WHAT SETS US APART
REVIEWS
LODGE INFORMATION
Water Lodge offers waterfront chalets overlooking Lake Cariega while Bush Lodge is set on a floodplain with scenic mountain views offering luxury thatch and glass chalets. All chalets open onto private game viewing decks boasting plunge pools and outdoor showers. The indulgent bathrooms offer free-standing tubs and double basins and each room is fitted with an earthenware fireplace.
IMPALA CHALET
All 8 standard Impala Chalets are very spacious with large comfortable king size beds that convert to twin and invite guests to relax and enjoy the fantastic views overlooking Lake Cariega. The rooms are luxurious yet understated with every attention to detail and quality which is the key to the décor. Each room has stunning framed pictures of wildlife giving each chalet a touch of individuality. The dreamy bathrooms boast free standing deep baths, separate showers and heated towel rails. Each room has a game viewing deck, plunge pool and outdoor shower where guests can relax in ultimate privacy. All rooms are equipped with a mini bar fridge as well as tea and coffee facilities. Earthenware fireplaces add warmth to the rooms on chilly nights
GEMSBOK CHALET
These superior chalets are spacious and individually decorated and include a lounge area recessed from the bedroom with a generous built-in daybed ideal for curling up with a good book while listening to the calls of Africa.
KUDU SUITE
This stylish 2-bedroom chalet has a lounge area separating the bedrooms. Generous proportions with every attention to detail, crisp white embroidered linen and a comfortable king-sized bed make the main room a heavenly retreat. The second bedroom has its own private bathroom and shower area. A wraparound deck with private plunge pool and steam room below complete this picture of ultimate luxury.
In-room amenities include:
- Mini-bar and hospitality trays
- Air-conditioning and heating
- Fireplace
- Ceiling fan
- Mosquito net
- Electronic Safe
- Direct-dial telephone
- Feel one with nature in your own private glass enclosed chalet, as you watch the South African sun bid you goodnight over the distant hills.
- Complete relaxation is yours as you gaze out from your wooden deck, cool down in your private plunge pool or take a refreshing evening shower surrounded by the African bushveld. A relaxed meal under the starlit sky will provide a sumptuous close to each day.
GLASS CHALET
The Bush Lodge offers 11 luxurious, glass enclosed thatched chalets, each in its own private bush setting, which flow naturally into the African Bushveld, allowing you to become one with nature. Private timber game-viewing decks overlooking a watering hole on a floodplain and stunning mountain views complete this tranquil setting. Dreamy bathrooms with magnificent views, luxury bedrooms opening onto private timber decks complete with plunge pools and outdoor showers.
Private game viewing deck with plunge pool and outdoor shower
Bathroom with separate shower and bath, separate W/C, twin vanities and heated towel rails
Private dressing room, with bathrobes, slippers and hairdryer
Bedrooms offer twin or king-size beds, with percale cotton linen, seating area and roman blinds for additional privacy
11 glass and bush enclosed chalets which flow naturally into the African bushveld allowing you to become one with nature. Four poster beds complete with dreamy white mosquito nets and bathrooms allowing you to feel in the lap of luxury. Gauze and sliding glass doors open up onto a private plunge pool, game viewing deck and outdoor shower overlooking breath taking views of the Zuurberg Mountain.
2-BEDROOM CHALET
This luxurious chalet has two private bedrooms with a shared entrance and offers families the opportunity to experience the wonders of Africa under one roof.
In-room amenities include:
- Mini-bar and hospitality trays
- Air-conditioning and heating
- Fireplace
- Ceiling fan
- Mosquito net
- Electronic Safe
- Direct-dial telephone
* This is our South Cape Lodge, but depending on what species you hunt, the lodging location will vary. Photos will come with our final itinerary.
* This is our South Cape Lodge, but depending on what species you hunt, the lodging location will vary. Photos will come with our final itinerary.
- All ground transportation in the field from hunt start location (typically Port Elizabeth)
- Accommodations
- All meals and beverages
- Services of a Fully Licensed Professional Hunter
- Daily Laundry Service
- Accommodations and transportation before or after the hunt
- Trophy fees unless specified in the package
- All taxidermy costs after delivery
- Gratuities
- Guns – $1800 per gun (minimum 2 guns)
- Import Permits for personal firearms
- Ammo – $10 per box
- 1 on 1 hunter/guide ratio
- VAT of $367.50 on 7 day hunts & $525.00 on 10 day hunts
- $10 conservation levy per animal taken
Gage Outdoor Expeditions owns and operates some of the finest hunting and fishing lodges throughout the Americas. From Alaska to the tip of Argentina, Gage Outdoor Expeditions seeks out the world’s premier hunting and fishing adventures so you don’t have to. Every hunting and fishing expedition we offer has been explored by a Gage Outdoor consultant and only the finest venues are represented. We understand your time is valuable & you can’t afford to plan for weeks or months just to have some minor detail ruin your hunting or fishing experience. We travel the distance to bring you “The Best of The Best”.
Frank T.
TRAVEL INFORMATION
All the hunts are fully inclusive of all meals, drinks, accommodation, services of a fully licensed professional hunter and vehicle, all camp staff, daily laundry service, airport collection and drop-off and delivery of trophies to the taxidermist. On arrival in South Africa you will need to obtain a temporary import permit for your firearm/s. You may bring in up to three firearms but not more than one per caliber, no semi-automatics. You are advised to get all forms and permits done before your arrival. This is extremely helpful and time saving as the procedure can take time if there are a number of hunters on your flight. The Professional Hunters Association of South Africa (PHASA) does all your paperwork up-front for a nominal fee and you will then be met on arrival with a completed import permit that only needs your signature. They can be contacted at www.phasa.co.za.
They do not include VAT of $367.50 on 7 day hunts and $525 on 10 day hunts.
There is also a $10 conservation levy per animal taken.
*Hunters can add on some very high-volume pigeon and dove shooting (1500 to 3000 rounds per day) as an add-on to any hunt.
Includes 3 afternoon shoots and 2 morning shoots plus three night accommodations.
Price $1800 per gun (Minimum 2 guns).
Ammo not included but available to purchase at cost of $10 per box.
Must decide pre-trip so we can plan accordingly.
ACTIVITIES
Wilderness Walking Trails
Under the guidance of well-trained trail guides, guests will be able to experience the wonders of the reserve’s wilderness areas, where the finer aspects of the bush will be the main focus of the experience. The trail guides will focus on the interpretation of signs and tracks left behind by the animal species occurring on the reserve, as well as the plant and bird species which are so well represented in a unique environment in the Eastern Cape. Opportunity will allow for some of the high-profile species to be observed on foot: Elephant, Rhinoceros, Lion and majestic large Eagles.
Birding Safaris
For guests who are avid birding enthusiasts, and who wish to go on a birding safari, they may choose to embark on a pre-arranged birding outing with the latest in birding technology. This area boasts a bird hide on Cariega Lakes water’s edge, from where a bounty of water birds can be observed as well as a breeding pair of African Fish-Eagles.
Nocturnal Game Drives
Guests can be afforded the opportunity of going on a post dinner nocturnal drive to look for animals of the night. Game viewing vehicles are equipped with spotlights to conduct night drives.
Stargazing
Sit under clear crisp skies and have the universe transcend upon you, as a field Guide interprets the South Celestial Skies, where mythology of constellations are shared. Learn the art of navigation by night, with the interpretation of the Southern Cross or Orion’s Belt. With the aid of wireless technology, the night sky can be unfolded in front of you with the aid of Google astronomy, which shows the universe as it is being seen through cloud cover.
Pangolin Accredited Photographic Safaris
Under the guidance of a qualified Ranger and accredited photo guide, guests will be offered an hour lecture on the do’s and don’ts of wildlife photography (composition, lighting, camera setting, stance, animal behavior and image reviews) fielded by a 3-hour safari experience with a photo guide and use of a DSLR camera + telephoto lens. This includes a free 8GB SD card containing the images captured, presented in a branded card holder.
Bass Fishing
Our Water Lodge is equipped with Bass fishing rods for both Fly Fishing and Bay Casting. Guests can enjoy Bass Fishing on Lake Cariega and will be accompanied by their ranger at all times.
Archery
Under the guidance of a trained Field Guide, guests will be briefed and given a demonstration on the sport of archery after which they may test their abilities at the sport. Buttresses are placed at varying distances to make it a challenging activity to partake in.
Soul Spa & Gym
Our exclusive bush spa caters for your needs with a full range of treatments. Our spa environment invites you to break all connections with time and become one with nature. Our facility has been designed to encourage the flow of air so there is a constant feeling of everything light and airy.
Enjoy the solace of our steam room and outdoor splash pool before your indulgent treatment by one of our highly qualified spa therapists, either in our secluded rooms or outside under the shade of a wild olive tree. For the more active, we have a fully equipped gym which has a 180-degree view of the wild African bush.
*Additional fees for certain activities may occur.
KIDS ON SAFARI
Guest safety is an important factor we take into account. On game drives we are in animal territory, therefore strict rules must apply. The vehicles are open along the sides and at times be quite bumpy. As a result, we’ve put rules in place regarding children under the age of 6.
For their own safety, children under the age of 6 years are not permitted to go on normal big 5 game drives. Instead their “wild” time includes:
- Kids one-hour game drive after breakfast, with species book.
- Identification of plants and insects around the lodge within the perimeter of the fence.
- Make a plaster cast of findings, each child will be given an insect box to collect findings.
- How to make a fire in the boma including roasting some marshmallows and storytelling.
- Soccer or rugby on the grass at the lodge
- Fishing
- Wildlife & Disney DVD’s in library
- Kids board games available
- Wildlife chocolate molding
EXOTIC GAME LISTING
- Baboon
- Blesbuck – Common
- Blesbuck – Copper
- Blesbuck – White
- Blesbuck – Yellow
- Bontebok
- Buffalo (Government reserves)
- Buffalo (Private ranches)
- Bushbuck – Cape
- Bushbuck –Limpopo
- Bushpig
- Duiker – Blue
- Duiker – Common
- Duiker – Red
- Caracal (Lynx)
- Eland – Cape
- Eland – Livingstone
- Fallow Deer
- Gemsbuck
- Genet cat
- Giraffe
- Grysbok – Cape
- Hartebeest – Red
- Impala
- Impala – Black
- Impala – White flanked
- Kudu – Eastern Cape
- Kudu – Southern Greater
- Klipspringer
- Nyala
- Oribi
- Ostrich
- Porcupine
- Reedbuck – Common
- Reedbuck – Mountain
- Red Lechwe
- Roan Antelope
- Sable Antelope
- Springbuck – Black
- Springbuck – Common
- Springbuck – Copper
- Springbuck – Kalahari
- Springbuck – White
- Steenbuck
- Suni
- Tsessebe
- Vaal Rhebok
- Vervet Monkey
- Warthog
- Waterbuck
- Wildebeest – Black
- Wildebeest – Blue
- Wildebeest – Golden
- Wildebeest – Kings
- Zebra – Burchells
- Zebra – Cape mountain
- Zebra – Hartmann’s mountain
AFRICAN SAFARI GEAR LIST
WHAT TO PACK FOR YOUR HUNT
Preparing for your first African Plains Game Safari can be intimidating, but there’s no need to worry. The truth of the matter is that packing for a hunt in Africa isn’t all that difficult. We have worked together with our guides on a checklist for your upcoming hunt.
PRE-HUNT CHECKLIST
- Valid Passport (South Africa requires your passport to be valid for an additional 30 days after your return date to the USA. No exceptions.)
- Airline ticket.
- Proper weapon documentation.
- Email the date and time of arrival to your outfitter for pickup at the airport.
- Inoculation (if needed in the area you are hunting).
- Deposit paid and confirmed.
- Traveler’s checks and enough cash for gifts, tip, etc.
- Travel Insurance.
- See Tips for US Hunters Traveling to Africa on our website: gageoutdoor.com/big-game/africa-hunting-safari/
PERSONAL GEAR
- Camera with extra batteries
- Personal toiletry items including any medication you need
- Chapstick
- Anti-malaria medication
- Good sunscreen lotion
- Good moisturizer
- Insect Repellant
- Rangefinders (8 or 10 power)
- Good binocular
- Good books to read
- Flashlight and/or headlamp
- Electric plug converter(s)
- Small folding knife or multitool
ARCHERY
- Bow (talk to your agent about poundage requirements)
- Arrows and good broadheads (2-3 dozen arrows should be adequate for typical hunt)
- Bow case with locks
SAFARI CLOTHING
Keep it simple. Due to the fact that we have a daily laundry service it is unnecessary to pack large volumes of clothing for your Southern African adventure. Riding in the back of a truck to and from hunting areas can get chilly, so bring a good jacket along. During the day, temperatures should be pleasant.
- 2 pairs of light hunting pants
- 2-3 hunting shirts (dark color or camo)
- 2-3 pairs of socks and underwear
- 1 pair of insulated underwear (tops and bottoms) *we recommend Merino wool
- Light jacket for stopping wind
- Wide brim hat or cap
- Good ankle boots/shoes that are very comfortable (you don’t need heavy mountain boots)
- Comfortable shoes for lounging at the lodge
- Light stocking hat and gloves
- Light rain gear
If you are hunting from May to August, be sure to bring some heavier clothing as well as temperatures can occasionally drop below freezing. If you are hunting during this time add the following items:
- 1 pair of insulated hunting pants
- 2 pairs mid-weight socks
- Insulated coat
POST-HUNT CHECKLIST
- Valid Passport
- Airline ticket
- Proper weapon documentation
- Certified copy of your Passport for the taxidermist.
- Tip your Guide and other staff
- Pay trophy fees and final payments for the animals you take from your Safari.
- Make arrangements for your trophies-Taxidermy
Included in your South African Safari are all field preparation of trophies. This includes skinning, caping, salting, tagging of hides, horns, tusks and skins. Also delivery to the local taxidermists. We recommend that the mounting of trophies be done in South Africa as our taxidermists have an intimate knowledge of the animals as well as the skills to do the work best. The turn-around time is far shorter here and the costs are less than to have them mounted in the U.S.A. or Europe.