What species are considered plains game in Africa?
Plains game in Africa refers to a wide variety of antelope and other non-dangerous big game species found across the savannas, woodlands, and bushveld.
Popular plains game animals include kudu, impala, blue wildebeest, nyala, zebra, and springbok, as well as larger species like eland, waterbuck, and sable antelope.
The term “plains game” is broad, covering more than 30 huntable species in South Africa alone, making it the cornerstone of African hunting safaris.
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Introduction to Plains Game Hunts
We offer a wide range of African plains game hunting and big game trophy hunting packages designed for both first-time hunters to Africa and repeat African hunters.
For many, a first safari is a memorable, life-changing experience that often sparks a lifelong passion for African hunting.
In fact, plains game hunting brings more hunters to Africa than all Big Five hunting combined, making it the cornerstone of African hunting tourism.
Planning your first plains African hunting safari is more affordable than you might think.
Plains game hunting can cost less than a typical elk hunt in the western United States, offering exceptional value with our all-inclusive packages and no hidden costs.
With over 30 South African plains game species available, Africa provides more plains game variety than any other destination, making it the top choice for hunters seeking diversity.
Our safaris are conducted primarily on free-range hunting areas, covering landscapes from wooded savanna to open grasslands and high plateaus.
Whether you’re after kudu, impala, or other iconic species, we deliver unforgettable trophy hunts and authentic African hunting experiences.
Most international hunters arrive via O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, South Africa—the main gateway for hunting safaris.
Even for those heading into Botswana for plains game hunting, trips typically begin with a flight into Johannesburg.
What Does the Term African Plains Game Mean?
Plains game refers broadly to antelope species in sub-Saharan Africa.
While the name comes from the many antelope that inhabit Africa’s open plains and savannas, some species—like the nyala—are more at home in dense brush.
Among the most iconic plains game are the spiral-horned antelope, including kudu and eland, easily recognized by their distinctive spiral-shaped horns and commonly found in regions such as South Africa.
Plains game excludes the ‘Big Five’ and ‘Dangerous Game‘ animals. The Big Five describes the most spectacular African animals.
The big five include Cape or African buffalo, lion, leopard, elephant, and rhino.
Plains Game includes larger species such as Eland, Kudu, Gemsbok, and Wildebeest.
The term ‘Big Game‘ describes the larger species of plains game. Plains game species are found across a variety of geographical areas in Africa, including savannas, grasslands, bushveld, and plateaus.
Certain species, like wildebeest and gemsbok, are typically found in open plains and grasslands, while others prefer denser habitats.
African Plains Animals
30 different Plains Game Hunt species are available in the Bedford region
The Bedford region offers hunting for over 30 different plains game species, making it one of South Africa’s most diverse safari destinations.
Among the most popular are kudu, famous for their striking spiral horns, along with impala, wildebeest, and zebra.
Other notable plains game include the springbok, South Africa’s national animal, and the oryx (gemsbok), Namibia’s national animal and a symbol of its wildlife heritage.
These species, along with many others, make Bedford a premier destination for an unforgettable plains game hunting safari.
All our Plains Game Hunts
Cape Buffalo Plains Game Hunting
Cape Buffalo is one of the most sort after African trophies. A 375- rifle caliber is the minimum legal requirement for hunting a Cape buffalo. Buffalo kill more hunters than any other species while on safari any where in Africa.
Kudu Plains Game Hunting
A truly magnificent trophy for any safari. Kudu is one of the first on any African hunter’s trophy list. They have fantastic eyesight, and the apt nickname “gray ghost” is for a good reason. Kudu will simply vanish into thin air at any moment.
Nyala Plains Game Hunting
A very sort after and cherished trophy and one of the most beautiful African antelope. A nyala bull stepping out from the thick bush and giving you a shot will not be forgotten. This is a must have trophy on any hunting African safari.
Sable Antelope Trophy Hunting
A jet black mature sable bull is, without a doubt, the most impressive trophy. Sable is not indigenous to the Eastern Cape but introduced. Sable is a must-have trophy for any hunter. Trophy fees have reduced substanstially.
Gemsbok Plains Game Hunt
Gemsbok males and females make for large and impressive trophies. Very aggressive when they are threatened or cornered and both sexes carry long sharp impressive spear-like horns. Avoid shooting above the Gemsbok’s midline.
Black Wildebeest Plains Game Hunt
These strange-looking animals occur only in South Africa. The black wildebeest was saved from extinction, with only 17 remaining animals. Black Wildebeest are now widespread and common. One extremely tough animal.
Waterbuck Plains Game Hunt
A waterbuck bull is a must for any aspiring African hunter. Its sheer size and large curved horns which sweep back and hook forward make it a very sort after trophy. Hunting free range waterbuck is challenging in South Africa.
Blesbok Plains Game Hunt
Seen by many as the perfect trophy for a hunter’s first plains game hunt. Blesbok is a true plains game. Can be difficult to approach. Longer shots may be required for your blesbok plains game hunting in South Africa.
Impala Plains Game Hunt
Another trophy most hunters want to take on their first African hunting safari. The smooth skin and two-tone color make for a beautiful striking trophy. Impala is also included in most plains game hunting packages in Africa.
Eland Plains Game Hunt
The largest of the spiral-horned family in Africa. The larger mature males often weigh up to one ton and can be challenging to bring down. Another inspiring trophy. Eland makes for a fantastic big game hunting.
Warthog Plains Game Hunt
Warthogs are great trophies for hunting, always with a very exciting stalk. They are now one of the most widely spread game animals across the Eastern Cape. Any plains game safari hunt should include a trophy warthog.
Springbok Plains Game Hunt
The name of this antelope comes from the Afrikaans word “spring,” which means to jump. This antelope is a magnificent plains game antelope. Springbok is shot in the open plains, and stalks can be very tricky.
Red Lechwe Plains Game Hunt
Red Lechwe is a wonderful trophy with sweeping lyre horns and not abundant in South Africa. The Bedford area is fortunate to have free-ranging lechwe herds. Horns will tend to wear down with age or the tips break.
Zebra Plains Game Hunt
Plains zebra can prove very difficult in certain areas as judging stallions from mares can be very tough. Zebra are very resilient and likely will require a follow-up shot. Zebra trophy makes for beautiful flat skin.
Reedbuck Plains Game Hunt
Mountain Reedbuck will usually be found lying in the grass or under a tree. The male will likely be lying a little way off from the females. This is a great hunt and a worthwhile endeavour for any African plains game hunter.
Blue Wildebeest Trophy Hunting
Blue Wildebeest are also called the poor man’s buffalo. Wildebeest can travel a few hundred yards with a heart shot. Caution when hunting Wildebeest. They can be very aggressive when wounded or cornered.
Bushbuck Trophy Hunting
In the Bedford area, bushbuck are hunted in the mountain area or along river beds in thick brush. They will live amongst human settlements and will adapt and begin feeding at night when significant hunting place.
Red Hartebeest Plains Game Hunt
One of the fastest plains game species in Southern Africa. They have an excellent sense of hearing and smell but very poor sight. Be cautious of the ‘humped withers, ‘ which can result in your shot being a little high.
Giraffe Trophy Hunting
The giraffe is the largest ruminant and the tallest mammal on the planet. The giraffes can reach 18 feet and makes for very interesting big game hunting. Hunting will be done by walk and stalk.
Steenbok Trophy Hunting
These beautiful little antelope occur widely on the plains in Africa. Only the males carry horns. A hugely underrated trophy, due to its size and few people notice them while hunting other lager game.
Fallow Deer Trophy Hunting
Fallow Deer from were introduced by the British into South Africa in the late 1800s. They are now widespread in the Eastern Cape, particularly in the Bedford region. Fallow deer can jump 6 feet.
Copper Springbok Trophy Hunting
Copper Springbok is a color phase and not a separate subspecies and form part of the four springbok color variations. Shooting all four springbok color variations is referred to as the “Springbok slam.”
Black Springbok Trophy Hunting
Black Springbok is a color phase and is not a separate subspecies. They form part of the four springbok variations. Shooting all the four springbok color variations makes a great combination pedestal mount.
White Springbok Trophy Hunting
White Springbok is a color phase and not a separate subspecies. They form part of the four springbok color phases. Consider the springbok slam on a plains game hunt. Springbok prices have reduced.
Black Impala Trophy Hunting
Black Impala is a color variant of the common impala. The black impala is not a sub-species. The color is all black but with the same two-tone color as the southern impala. An impressive trophy addition for a plains game hunt.
White Blesbok Trophy Hunting
The White Blesbok displays a color mutation of the blesbok and is not a recognized subspecies. Many hunters now opt to shoot both blesboks on a plains game hunt. White blesbok are now common and affordable.
Duiker Trophy Hunting
Duikers are shy, elusive creatures with a fondness for dense cover and will dive into thickets for protection. These are solitary animals and often shot opportunistically while glassing for other larger big game trophies.
Roan Antelope Trophy Hunting
After eland and kudu, the roan is Africas largest antelope. Roan is a large, tough, and tenacious animal. Roan, as with sable, is not indigenous to the Eastern Cape but has been introduced. Prices for roan have fallen significantly.
Common Reedbuck Trophy Hunting
Common Reedbuck forms part of the reedbuck family and is the largest of the family in South Africa. The reedbuck is quick and alert out of hiding. He will tend to stop and look back at his pursuer. Take the shot. His mistake.
Bushpig Trophy Hunting
Bushpig is nocturnal. Bad-tempered and hostile, the bushpig is mostly hunted after dark when he is most active. Be wary of his razor-sharp tusks. He is sometimes shot in broad daylight. A unique and interesting trophy to hunt.
Where are the best destinations for plains game hunting?
South Africa is the most popular destination for plains game hunting, with the Eastern Cape and Limpopo provinces offering more than 30 huntable species including kudu, impala, wildebeest, and sable antelope.
Namibia is another top choice, known for its open plains and iconic oryx (gemsbok) and springbok.
Botswana provides classic savanna hunts for blue wildebeest and zebra, while Zimbabwe and Tanzania deliver a more traditional safari atmosphere with opportunities for eland, sable, and other plains game species.
Which plains game species make the best trophies?
Some of the most sought-after plains game trophies in Africa include kudu with their impressive spiral horns, sable antelope with their striking black coats and curved horns, and eland, the largest antelope species.
Other highly prized trophies are impala, nyala, and zebra, all of which offer unique markings and trophy quality.
With over 30 huntable plains game species in South Africa alone, hunters can pursue a wide variety of exceptional trophies to suit their safari goals.
What does a plains game hunt cost compared to dangerous game?
A plains game hunt in Africa is significantly more affordable than a dangerous game hunt.
Plains game safaris, which may include species such as kudu, impala, wildebeest, and zebra, often cost about the same as a guided elk hunt in the United States—sometimes less—while offering the chance to hunt multiple species.
Dangerous game hunts for animals like Cape buffalo, hippo, or crocodile require higher fees due to limited quotas, greater risk, and specialized professional hunter expertise.
Best Destinations for Plains Game Hunting
Africa offers a wealth of destinations for plains game hunting, each with unique landscapes, wildlife, and traditions. South Africa is the world’s most popular hunting destination, with the Eastern Cape and Limpopo provinces renowned for abundant impala, kudu, nyala, and sable antelope. Well-managed hunting areas and diverse habitats make these regions ideal for an unforgettable plains game hunting safari.
Namibia is another top choice, known for its vast open plains and iconic species like oryx (gemsbok) and springbok—a safe and affordable plains game hunting destination. Botswana’s sweeping savannas host large herds of blue wildebeestand zebra, while Zimbabwe and Tanzania offer a traditional safari atmosphere with opportunities for eland, sable antelope, and even Cape buffalo.
Most plains game safaris are conducted across diverse environments, from Namibia’s open plains to South Africa’s rolling hills. By choosing a reputable outfitter who understands the terrain and wildlife, hunters are guaranteed an authentic African hunting adventure and the pursuit of some of the continent’s most sought-after game species.
Our core African plains game animal hunting list and hunting safaris include the following species:
Planning a Successful Hunt
A successful plains game hunt starts with careful planning. Most hunters choose the dry season from March to October, when game concentrates near water and visibility is best, though timing can vary by country and species.
Selecting the right hunting location with healthy populations and proven trophy quality is essential, as is researching trophy fees, hunting regulations, and permit requirements.
Partnering with a reputable outfitter ensures expert guidance and access to prime concessions. With proper preparation, hunters can maximize success, safety, and return home with exceptional plains game trophies and unforgettable African hunting memories.
Choosing the Right Guide or Outfitter
The choice of guide or outfitter can determine the success of your plains game hunt. Look for outfitters with strong reputations, positive client reviews, proper licensing, and compliance with local hunting laws.
A skilled outfitter provides more than access to game—they offer expert advice on hunting techniques, help identify trophy-quality animals, and share knowledge of terrain, wildlife behavior, and conservation practices.
By asking questions, reviewing references, and aligning goals, hunters ensure a safer, more ethical, and rewarding safari with the impressive plains game trophies they seek.
Pre-Hunt Preparation and Safety
Proper preparation is key to a successful plains game hunt. Good physical fitness is essential for long walks, rough terrain, and varying weather, while hunting techniques may include walk and stalk, glassing, or using a bow and arrow from a blind.
Equipping yourself with a reliable rifle, quality optics, suitable ammunition, and essentials like boots, sun protection, and a first aid kit ensures readiness.
Hunters should also follow local safety protocols, know emergency procedures, and take necessary health precautions such as vaccinations. By preparing thoroughly and practicing conservation-oriented trophy hunting, you’ll maximize safety, success, and the adventure of an African plains game hunting safari.
Conservation & Plains Game Safaris
By the 1950s, much of South Africa’s wildlife had disappeared outside national parks due to overhunting, overgrazing, and diseases introduced by domestic animals. However, the fall of apartheid, growth in tourism, and private ownership of wildlife led to large-scale reintroduction of species and the rapid rise of the safari and game ranching industries, which now rival and even surpass East Africa.
South Africa’s game ranching is unique, with private landowners holding rights to wildlife and managing vast free-range herds. Today, nearly 20 million head of game thrive on 20 million hectares of private land, compared to just 14 million cattle in the country. By contrast, state-managed national and provincial parks cover only 6 million hectares and hold about 5–6 million game animals.
This model has fueled tremendous growth in plains game hunting and conservation, with infrastructure and habitat expansion supporting rising populations of African plains animals. South Africa is now home to exceptional species diversity, including endangered species such as the African wild dog, and continues to dedicate more land to plains game safaris and sustainable hunting.
Conservation and Free-Range Hunting with the Bowker Conservancy
We are deeply conservation-oriented, managing vast free-range areas with established herds of wild game thriving in their natural habitat. Over many years, the Bowker family has reintroduced and conserved game species, building sustainable populations across large land holdings.
Our hunts take place only on large free-range conservancies, offering hunters exclusive access to some of the best hunting areas in South Africa for African plains game and trophy huntingof superior quality.
Central to this is the Bowker Conservancy, a dedicated conservation initiative owned and operated by the Bowker family. In South Africa, establishing a conservancy requires meeting strict legal and ecological standards: landowners must collectively dedicate land for wildlife management, remove internal fencing to create larger free-range habitats, and commit to sustainable hunting quotas under provincial conservation laws.
Conservancies must also implement ongoing game monitoring, habitat management, and anti-poaching measures to ensure long-term wildlife protection.
Through the Bowker Conservancy, hunters not only enjoy authentic free-range hunting experiences but also contribute directly to the preservation of Africa’s wildlife and habitats.
After the Hunt: Trophy Care and Preservation
After a plains game hunt, proper trophy care is vital to protect the quality of your achievement. Work with your outfitter to ensure correct skinning, cleaning, and salting from the moment of harvest. Accurate documentation—including species, sex, and date—is required, and using a professional taxidermist experienced with African game ensures the best results.
Hunters must also comply with all trophy export and import regulations, securing the necessary permits and paperwork. By following best practices, your African hunting trophy becomes a lasting symbol of your safari while supporting ethical and sustainable hunting traditions.
What Does the term African Plains Game Mean?
Plains Game refers to antelope in sub-Saharan Africa. The term has context because many antelope inhabit Africa’s plains and savanna areas. However, many African plains game animals like the Nyala live in dense brush.
Plains game excludes the ‘Big Five’ and ‘Dangerous Game‘ animals. The Big Five describes the most spectacular African animals. The big five include Cape or African buffalo, lion, leopard, elephant, and rhino.
What does the Term African Dangerous Game mean?
The big five and a few other animals, such as crocodiles, hyenas, and hippopotamuses, are described or classified as Dangerous Game.
What Does the Term African Big Game Mean?
Plains Game includes larger species such as Eland, Kudu, Gemsbok, and Wildebeest. The term ‘Big Game‘ describes the larger species of plains game. Various species of plains game exhibit unique features, such as the Kudu’s spiraling horns and the Tsessebe’s rapid speed.
What are the 10 best plains game trophies to hunt on a budget in Africa?
Kudu, Nyala, Waterbuck, Springbok, Blesbok, Impala, Warthog, Gemsbok, Wildebeest, Sable