Plains Game Hunting

About Plains Game Hunting

All  of our hunting follows the practices and codes of conduct of ethical hunting as laid down by the governing bodies of PHASA ( Professional Hunters Association of South Africa ) and South African Game Hunters and Conservation Association. We are proud to be full members of both associations.

Given the distances that need to be covered the most popular method is to use the game vehicle and spot and stalk. This means slowly cruising around the reserve and when the Professional Hunter spots a likely prey he will advise the client and they stop the vehicle and proceed on foot to close in on the animal.

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Click to enlarge

Following the successful completion of the hunt we always want the clients to come with us to the skinning shed and watch ( or even help ) the skinning of the animal. At this time the client can choose the type of mount or skin that is desired. At the end of the safari a taxidermist will visit the Lodge and take the client’s order for work to be done. He arranges packing and shipment to your door.

Rifles and Ammunition

Clients are welcome to bring their own rifles and ammunition and we can help with the necessary importation documentation. However if you bring your own rifle please ensure that it is of an adequate caliber. We have found that the following rifles and ammunition most suitable : -

At the Lodge we can provide .30/06 and .375 rifles. Of course, irrespective of caliber bullet placement is key which is why we initially spend so much time on our purpose built range.

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Click to enlarge

Animal profiles

Greater Kudu, (Tragelaphus strepsiceros).

Called the Ghost of the Bush and have not gained this reputation lightly. They are magnificent creatures with the males having long spiraling horns that can reach 60 inches in length. Roland Ward minimum requirement is 54 inches. See the photo of one of our clients with his 591/2inch Kudu.  The male is grey with hairy fringe along his underside and neck. And has vertical white stripes on the sides. Males weight up to 300 kgs. And mostly found in thickets along water courses and acacia savannah. Can be found in groups of three to ten and are browsers.

Red Hartebeest, (Alcelaphus buselaphus).

Surprisingly one of the fastest animals in Africa. Deep reddish brown colour with black on the shoulders and legs having a long narrow face gives it a dumb, comical appearance. Rowland ward minimum requirement is 23 ins and the males weigh up to 180 kgs. They are found mostly in open savannah and are grazers usually in herds of up to 20.

Water Buck, (Kobus ellipsiprymnus).

A large stoutly built animal with wooly brown grey coat having magnificent horns that have a minimum Roland Ward measurement of 28 ins. Males weigh up to 270 kgs and is mostly found in tall grass near trees or shrub close to water. In the rutting season Water Bucks are known to fight each other to the death.

Gemsbok or Oryx (Oryx gazella).

The Oryx is easy to recognize by its beautiful straight horns which stretch along its back in a V shape. This straight-backed animal has a short neck and deep chest and is grey bodied with a black line on its spine and legs. Males weigh up to 240 kgs and they are found in open grass with low shrub. Rowland ward minimum requirement is 40 inches. A worthy opponent and a challenge to hunt on foot.

Burchells Zebra (Equus burchelli).

Sometimes known as the Plains Zebra this animal probably needs the least introduction of all. With its unmistakable black and white stripes, the African horse is ubiquitous to this landscape. Whether it is a black animal with white stripes or white animal with black stripes is a discussion avidly adopted by younger visitors to our Lodge. In reality, it is a white animal with black stripes which is evident as we head towards Southern Africa where the striping becomes non-existent on the lower legs and belly.Travelling in herds, the Zebra is usually more active during the day than at night. In fact it will often sleep soundly for long periods with just one or two members of the herd on night watch.Weight: Males weigh around 250 kg and females around 220 kg.

Cape Eland (Tragelaphus oryx).

The biggest antelope in Africa, massive with an oxx like appearance. Bulls can be identified by their blue/grey colour and loose dewlap of skin on the throat. The minimum Roland Ward is 35inches and males weigh up to 850 kgs ( twice the weight of a horse ) . Be sure to carry lots of water as you may end up walking a long way on the trail of these wanderers.

Blue Wildebeest (Connochaetes taurinus).

Known as the poor man’s buffalo. Siver grey with bold dark stripes. Buffalo like horns with the minimum Roland Ward measurement being 28 ½ inches. Males weigh up to 250 kgs and found mostly in open savannah comprising a great sight when on the move. Often found in the company of Zebra which adds to the difficulty in successfully stalking these animals.

Impala (Aepyceros melampus).

Swala is named after these beautiful antelope. Swala in Swahili means Impala. We have them in abundance and are very popular with hunters and observers. They are reddish brown with paler lower sides and white underbelly. They are very graceful but can be elusive when hunted. Roland ward measurement is 23 5/8ths inch and they are grazers and browsers. Males weigh up to 70 kgs.

Blesbok (Danaliscus pygargus phillipsi).

Known as the “good morning” antelope as they always seem to be nodding their heads. This is not down to good manners but because they have a perpetual worm in their noses. Dark reddish brown body with white under belly and legs. Prolific grazers and move in large herds. Males weigh up to 70 kgs and Roland ward measurement is 16 inches.

Plains Game Equipment List

The following items are considered essential for a successful hunt:

Hunting boots (lightweight)
Long trousers
Long sleeve shirts
T shirts
Hunting Jacket
Hat
Sunglasses
Sunscreen Lotion
Swimming costume
Camera
Travellers cheques or Bank transfer details
Cash for tips and presents

The following items are considered optional:

Own rifle (at least .300 calibre up to .416)
Ammunition (soft points)
Range finder
Binoculars

FAQs

How safe is it to visit South Africa?

With all the stories you hear in the news this is a good question. Like all countries, there are good areas and not so good areas. I suspect the country you live in is the same and it is just a case of taking sensible precautions. First of all, all guests are met at the arrivals gate at Johannesburg airport by one of our own full-time staff and brought to Swala in one of our luxury vehicles. While certain suburbs of the larger cities have a reputation for high crime rates, the countryside, or the bush, is home to friendly locals who are only too pleased to welcome visitors and tourists. Throughout your stay our own experienced staff and guides will always escort you.

Is it far to the Swala Lodge reserve?

It is only a 2-hour road journey from Johannesburg airport.

What about healthcare? Are there local doctors and hospitals?

Healthcare in this area is exceptionally good. We are a 25-minute trip to our local market town, which has an excellent hospital. The town of Bela-Bela also has excellent General Practitioners and a wide range of chemists.

What are the general rules that apply to tipping? Is this something I should budget for?

Tipping is always at the client’s discretion but we are often asked for guidance. The staff at Swala are well trained, well paid and motivated, and the usual practice for tips is 7.5% of the bill.

Will I be able to shoot my bag?

We are proud to say that every guest to Swala so far has always shot their bag. Our goal is to get you into an appropriate shooting position with the quarry. You will see plenty of game during your stay and have ample opportunities to make the numbers.

Who does the taxidermy?

On the last day of your hunt we arrange for a taxidermist to visit the Lodge and go through your options for taxidermy. He is very experienced and highly recommended by previous clients. Taxidermy and shipping normally takes 6 months and is at the client’s expense.

Can I shoot extra animals?

If time allows during your normal stay and you want to shoot more we will just charge the trophy fee of the animal.

Is there any chance of catching Malaria?

We are very lucky in this area of South Africa as we are in a malaria free zone.

What is the weather like?

We are in the Bushveld and 1000 metres above sea level. This means that winters (April to October) are dry with warm days and cool nights. Summers are warm and can be humid but only for a few weeks of the year. Rain falls in summertime and usually comprises of thundershowers. If you would like exact temperatures for the weeks you are coming please click on www.weathersa.co.za

Can I hunt at any time of the year?

Yes, you can hunt at any time although most hunting in South Africa takes place between April and November when temperatures are lower and the bush less dense.

What about weapons, do I have to bring my own guns?

We have an excellent stock of top quality rifles and shotguns and you don’t have to bring your own firearm unless you want to. Some of our guests prefer to bring their own in which case you need a Temporary Firearms Licence from South African Police Service. This is quite common and we will send you all the necessary application forms and talk you through the procedures, which are quite straightforward.

I like the idea of hunting in South Africa but I haven’t shot for a while and may be rusty.

Don’t worry, many people come here to learn more or simply to brush up on their shooting skills. We have an excellent rifle range for practising and we do not let people out into the bush until they are comfortable and can demonstrate that they are a competent shot. We will provide all the coaching you need and pride ourselves on our firearms and ballistic knowledge.

What other things are there to do when not hunting?

There is no chance you will be bored here. If you want to relax and take it easy that’s fine, but for the energetic we have a tremendous range of activities to occupy our guests.

We breed horses on the actual reserve and guests are welcome to go on escorted bush rides or take riding lessons. We also use horse drawn carriages quite a lot for game viewing and it is great fun to learn how to drive a carriage. We also have dune buggies combined with 60 kms of our own roads for the exclusive use of our guests. There are extensive bush walks and jogging trails, which are very picturesque. That is just the start. Details of all the activities both for hunting and non-hunting guests can be found on this web site.

Can I come hunting at Swala and then visit other parts of Africa while I am there?

Many of our guests like to combine the two. We work closely with an excellent tour operator based in Cape Town and she can plan any additional itinerary you may require.