Matola Adventures
Premium Hunting Adventures in the Eastern Cape
Hunting
The Matola Experience
LOCATION Based in the Malaria-free Eastern Cape, South Africa, known for its diverse landscapes and wildlife. DIVERSE TERRAIN Hunting areas include semi-arid desert, dense coastal forests, mountains, and open savannah. Access to thousands of acres of privately owned land, game reserves, and free-range areas. GAME SPECIES Over 40 species available: including Kudu, Springbok, Cape Buffalo, and more. Plains game, dangerous game and bird hunts available. HUNTING SEASON Flexible hunting seasons, with a preferred period from March to October, with best hunting from April to July (rutting season). The climate is moderate during these months, ideal for comfortable hunting conditions. Species found in a variety of habitats, from coastal forests to mountains and savannahs. HUNTING METHOD • Spot, Walk and stalk: Drive, Locate, Observe, Meticulous tracking and positioning for the perfect shot on mature, trophy animals on foot. CUSTOMIZATION Multi-area hunts possible with camps in southern and northern Eastern Cape. Rifle and bow hunting options. Tailored for individuals, families, and friends of all experience levels. Specialised hunts offered across South Africa and neighbouring countries. CLIMATE The weather will vary from Region to Region Fall Hunting Weather – March to April- Highs of 90-80 °F and Lows of 60-50 °F Winter Hunting Weather – June to August – Highs of 65 °F and Lows of 40 °F Spring Hunting Weather – September to November – Highs of 90 °F and Lows of 60 °F ACCOMMODATION & EXPERIENCE • First -class lodging and a world-class destination for both hunters and non-hunters for a memorable safari experience. CONSERVATION & ETHICS Passionate about ethical hunting practices and wildlife conservation. Focus on hunting in animals’ natural habitats for high-quality mature trophies.
Hunting Gear & Firearms
GUN CASES Ensure a sturdy protective rifle case for international travel, with a separate case for ammunition. Strong locks are essential. Bring an extra soft case per gun for dust protection and secure transportation on vehicle rifle racks, available through Huntshoek Safaris with prior arrangement. RIFLE SCOPES Zero all rifles with scopes before departure. Check scopes upon arrival, choosing variable power and high-quality glass. Scope covers are advisable to protect against dust and moisture. BINOCULARS Enhance your hunting experience with high-quality binoculars. The more you see, the more enjoyable your adventure. CAMERA Capture the essence of your safari with a high-resolution digital camera. Don’t forget a flash-drive, charger, or extra batteries. Your photos will be the cherished memories you take home from your Huntshoek Safaris experience. SHOOTING STICKS Feel free to bring shooting sticks if you desire, however your guide will provide them for you. On your hunting safari this technique of shooting with sticks will be a common occurrence so to familiarize yourself with this technique is a great idea, it stabilizes the shooter and give him the best chance to make a great shot. FLASHLIGHT OR HEADLAMP Flashlight just in case you find yourself in dark spot.
Hunting Gear & Firearms
FIREARMS & AMMUNITION For your safari adventure in South Africa, bringing your own rifle is recommended. However, firearms and ammunition can be hired with prior arrangement. PLEASE NOTE: Ensure compliance with South African regulations by obtaining a temporary import/export permit for firearms. Utilizing a clearing agent is advised for a smoother process. Connect with our team for assistance regarding this matter and see under plan your safari more details on the topic. RECOMMENDED CALIBERS Larger Plains Game: 270, 30-06, 7 mm, 300 Win Mag, 300 Weatherby, & 338. Smaller Plains Game: 222, 223, and 243. Dangerous Game: A minimum of 375 is legally required, but considering a larger caliber is prudent. Bird Hunting: 12 Gauge shot-gun is most commonly used. AMMUNITION SELECTION (RECOMMENDED) Option for a versatile expanding bullet, with soft nose tough expanding bullets for larger plains game and solids for smaller species. For dangerous game calibers, a 50/50 split in soft noses and solids is recommended. Wing shooting: #6 to #7 1/2 shot for Pigeons, Doves #5 shot for Partridges and Guinefowls #1 to #3 shot for Duck or Geese We can arrange shotgun ammo for you RIFLE SLING Recommended for those walk and stalk adventures and tiring shoulders. KNIFE Standard hunting knife, packed in your luggage, gun case or ammo box is suggested always useful. Ensure a sturdy protective rifle case for international travel, with a separate case for ammunition. Strong locks are essential. Bring an extra soft case per gun for dust protection and secure transportation on vehicle rifle racks, available through Huntshoek Safaris with prior arrangement. Zero all rifles with scopes before departure. Check scopes upon arrival, choosing variable power and high-quality glass. Scope covers are advisable to protect against dust and moisture. Enhance your hunting experience with high-quality binoculars. The more you see, the more enjoyable your adventure. Capture the essence of your safari with a high-resolution digital camera. Don’t forget a flash-drive, charger, or extra batteries. Your photos will be the cherished memories you take home from your Huntshoek Safaris experience. Feel free to bring shooting sticks if you desire, however your guide will provide them for you. On your hunting safari this technique of shooting with sticks will be a common occurrence so to familiarize yourself with this technique is a great idea, it stabilizes the shooter and give him the best chance to make a great shot.
African Elephant
Official Name: African Elephant (Loxodonta Africana) Hunting African Elephant Guidelines: Challenges and Considerations: Highly regulated and subject to strict conservation laws, requires permits and adherence to international and local regulations, ethical hunting contributes to conservation efforts by supporting wildlife management and local communities Legal and Ethical Compliance: South African regulations ensure sustainable and responsible hunting practices & hunters must be fully aware of legal, ethical and conservation concerns before undertaking an expedition Appearance: Largest land mammal, males weigh 4500 – 6800 kg and stand up to 4 meters tall Recognizable by their long tusks, large ears and tusks that grow throughout life Social and Habitat Characteristics: Behaviour: Live in complex matriarchal herds Ecological Role: Known as ecosystem engineers, significantly altering habitats through their feeding and movements
Baboon
Official Name: Chacma Baboon (Papio ursinus) Hunting Baboons Guidelines: Purpose: Population control, pest management Challenges: Intelligence, agility, keen senses Professional Guidance: Essential for ethical & successful hunting; Expertise in tracking and understanding baboon behaviour Adherence to legal and conservation guidelines Appearance: Dog-like faces, powerful jaws, large canine teeth. Brown to grey coats. Males significantly larger than females. Social and Habitat Characteristics: Social Structure: Highly social, living in very large troops Diet: Omnivorous (fruits, seeds, insects, small mammals, birds) Habitats: Savannahs, woodlands, hills, mountains
Barbary Sheep
Official Name: Barbary Sheep (Ammotragus lervia) Hunting Barbary Sheep Guidelines: Hunting Techniques: Requires careful stalking and strategic positioning to get within shooting range Challenges: Hunting Barbary Sheep is physically demanding, requiring endurance and the ability to navigate steep and rocky landscapes Professional Guidance: the assistance of an experienced team is vital. Knowledge of the terrain, behaviour & tracking techniques required Appearance: Light brown to reddish-tan coat with a distinctive name of long hair along the throat, chest, and front legs Both males and females have thick, curved horns that can reach up to 85 cm (33 inches) in length with males generally having larger horns Social and Habitat Characteristics: Social Structure: Typically found in small groups or pairs, with males often being solitary or in bachelor groups Diet: Grazers and browsers, feeding on grasses, shrubs, & other veg Habitats: Native to rocky, arid mountain regions
Black Impala
Official Name: Black Impala (Aepyceros melampus) Hunting Black Impala Guidelines: Hunting Techniques: Requires patience, precision, and a deep understanding of Impala behaviour Challenges: Unique and challenging due to the rarity of this colour variation Professional Guidance: Essential for ethical & successful hunting; Provides insights into locating and ethically hunting Black Impalas Appearance: Distinctive dark or black pigmentation on coat Males possess lyre-shaped horns up to 90 cm (35 inches) in length Retains the athletic, sleek build characteristics of impalas Social and Habitat Characteristics: Behaviour: Social animals typically found in herds, known for agility, speed and vigilance Diet: Graze on grasses and browse on leaves Habitats: Savannah and light woodland environments
Black Springbuck
Official Name: Black Springbuck (Antidorcas marsupialis) Hunting Black Springbuck Guidelines: Hunting Techniques: Conducted in open plains, requiring precise stalking due to Springbuck’s alertness and speed Challenges: Hunts can range from a few hours to several days, depending on conditions and strategy Professional Guidance: Essential for ethical & successful hunting; Expertise in behaviour and habitat with best strategies for tracking Appearance: A melanistic variation of the common Springbuck, characterized by its unique dark coat Medium size antelope with a dark coat, slender legs, and lyre-shaped horns Social and Habitat Characteristics: Behaviour: Known for “pronking” a distinctive leaping display that highlights their agility and vitality, typically found in herds Habitats: Arid regions with open plains and dry grasslands
Black Wildebeest
Official Name: Black Wildebeest, also known as White-tailed Gnu (Connochaetes gnou) Hunting Black Wildebeest Guidelines: Hunting Techniques: Careful stalking, precise shooting Challenges: Requires endurance and strategic stalking Ecosystem Impact: Maintain grasslands & serve as key prey for predators Professional Guidance: Essential for ethical & successful hunting; Expertise in Wildebeest behaviour and habitat Adherence to conservation principles Appearance: Dark brown to black body with a distinctive white, horse-like tail, both sexes have curved horns, with males being more robust Social and Habitat Characteristics: Behaviour: Highly social, forming herds of varying sizes, active primarily during the day on open plains Diet: Primarily grazers Habitats: Open grassland and plains
Black-Backed Jackal
Official Name: Black-Backed Jackal (Canis mesomelas) Hunting Black-Backed Jackals Guidelines: Hunting Techniques: Calls to attract jackals, patience & quick reaction Challenges: Intelligence, elusiveness, agility Professional Guidance: Essential for ethical & successful hunting; Expertise in tracking and understanding jackal behaviour Emphasis on ethical hunting practices Importance of managing jackal populations for ecological balance Appearance: Distinctive black and silver saddle-like marking on back Predominantly reddish-brown body Bushy tail and pointed ears Small size (6 to 13 kg) Social and Habitat Characteristics: Behaviour: Opportunistic, often scavenging near human settlements Diet: Omnivorous (small mammals, birds, insects, fruits, veg) Habitats: Deserts, savannahs, urban areas
Blue Duiker
Official Name: Blue Duiker (Philantomba monticola) Hunting Blue Duiker Guidelines: Hunting Techniques: Involves careful tracking and quiet movement through thick underbrush Challenges: Dense, forested areas requiring stealth and patience Professional Guidance: Essential for ethical & successful hunting; Expertise in Blue Duiker behaviour and habitat Skills in tracking and hunting techniques Appearance: Weighs 4 – 6 kg and stands around 35cm at the shoulder Compact build with a blue-grey coat and small, sharp horns present in both males and females Social and Habitat Characteristics: Behaviour: Highly secretive, sticking close to cover, avoiding open areas Diet: Omnivorous (plant material, insects, small animals) Habitats: Dense forest where they feed on leaves, fruits & flowers
Blue Wildebeest
Official Name: Blue Wildebeest (Connochaetes taurinus) also known as the brindled Gnu Hunting Blue Wildebeest Guidelines: Rarity and Conservation: Habitat loss & illegal hunting pose threats. Conservation efforts are vital for sustaining their populations Challenges: Takes place in open plains or lightly wooded areas, requires patience and skill due to the wildebeest’s wariness and herd instincts Professional Guidance: Essential for ethical & successful hunting; Provides expert advice on tracking, approach and shot placement Emphasizes ethical and sustainable hunting practices Appearance: Silvery-blue coat with dark vertical stripes Shoulder height of 135 – 150 cm (53 – 59 inches) and can weigh between 150 – 250 kg Both sexes have horns, males are thicker and broader Social and Habitat Characteristics: Behaviour: Highly social, often in large herds, matriarchal social structure with females leading the herds Diet: Grazers primarily feeding on short grasses Habitats: Grasslands and open Savannahs, adapted to diverse environments from arid zones to lusher grasslands near water
Bontebok
Official Name: Bontebok (Damaliscus pygargus) Hunting Bontebok Guidelines: Hunting Techniques: Careful stalking, precise shooting Challenges: Keen senses, tendency to inhabit open spaces Regulation: Hunting is regulated to ensure sustainable population levels Professional Guidance: Essential for ethical & successful hunting; Expertise in Bontebok behaviour and habitat Adherence to conservation principles Appearance: Rich, dark brown coat Striking white markings (rump, belly, face blaze, lower legs) Males have heavier, prominently ringed horns Social and Habitat Characteristics: Behaviour: Historically hunted to near extinction, now thriving in protected areas and private reserves due to conservation efforts Diet: Primarily grazers Habitats: Open grasslands and plains
Burchell's Zebra
Official Name: Burchell’s Zebra (Equus quagga burchellii) Hunting Burchell's Zebra Guidelines: Challenges: Open grasslands with wooded areas, requiring skilful tracking on foot, and involves patience & physical endurance to follow migrating herds Professional Guidance: Essential for ethical & successful hunting; Expertise in tracking and understanding zebra behaviour Emphasis on sustainable practices Appearance: Black & white stripes, unique to each individual like fingerprints Strong legs, robust build, and powerful kick for defence Social and Habitat Characteristics: Social Structure: Lives in harems, typically consisting of one stallion, several mares and their young Diet: Primarily tufted grass, also shrubs and herbs Habitats: Found in the savannah of South Africa, crucial for grassland health through grazing
Bushpig
Official Name: Bushpig (Potamochoerus larvatus) Hunting Bushpig Guidelines: Hunting Techniques: Setting up near feeding or watering areas at night & use of dogs for tracking and baying Challenges: Nocturnal habits, dense cover preference Regulation: Hunting is regulated to ensure sustainable population levels Professional Guidance: Essential for ethical & successful hunting; Expertise in Bushpig behaviour and habitat Skills in tracking and hunting techniques Appearance: Sturdy build Reddish-brown to dark brown coat Distinctive white facial markings, ear tufts Prominent, sharp tucks in males Social and Habitat Characteristics: Behaviour: Nocturnal, secretive and elusive Diet: Omnivorous (plant material, insects, small animals) Habitats: Dense brush or forested areas, near water sources
Cape / Red Hartebeest
Official Name: Cape Hartebeest (Alcelaphus buselaphus caama) Hunting Cape / Red Hartebeest Guidelines: Hunting techniques: Their wariness and herd behavior make hunting Cape Hartebeest a skillful pursuit, requiring patience, careful stalking, and strategic use of terrain. Professional Guidance: The team’s expertise in the hartebeest’s behavior and habitat significantly enhances the hunting experience, ensuring it is conducted ethically and responsibly. Appearance: The Cape Hartebeest is a large, reddish-brown antelope with a long, narrow face and sharply pointed, complexly curved horns found on both males and females. Adults weigh between 150-200 kg. Social and Habitat Characteristics: Social Structure:They form herds and can be challenging to approach due to their keen senses. Diet: Social grazers known for their endurance and vigilance. Habitats: Found in South Africa’s open grasslands & semi-desert areas
Cape Buffalo Bull
Official Name: South African Cape Buffalo (Syncerus caffer caffer) Hunting Cape Buffalo Bull Guidelines: Conservation: Not currently endangered but face threats from habitat loss and diseases like bovine tuberculosis. Conservation efforts are supported by their role in tourism and game reserves Challenges: Known for their unpredictable and dangerous temperament Professional Guidance: Essential for ethical & successful hunting; Matola Adventures team is skilled at understanding their behaviours and navigating the terrains safely for ethical and respectful hunts Appearance: Heavy, robust body with distinctive horns forming a continuous bone shield called a “boss” Prominent and curved horns, with a thick boss over the forehead Social and Habitat Characteristics: Behaviour: Live in large, matriarchal herds led by older females. Herd size can reach hundreds Diet: Predominantly grazers, feeding on grass, contributing to the balance of grassland ecosystem Habitats: Found in the grasslands and savannahs of South Africa
Cape Buffalo Cow
Official Name: Female Cape Buffalo (Syncerus caffer) Hunting Cape Buffalo Cow Guidelines: Hunting Techniques: Involves tracking the herd, selecting a target, and careful stalking Challenges: Known for their fierce defence of their young and unpredictability. Requires skill, experience, and respect due to the Buffalo’s aggressive nature when threatened Professional Guidance: Essential for ethical & successful hunting; Our team ensures safe, ethical and respectful hunting practices Appearance: Slightly smaller and lighter than males weighing 500 – 700 kg Distinctive curved horns, slimmer and less robust than males Social and Habitat Characteristics: Behaviour: Found in large, protective herds, especially when calves are present Diet: Predominantly grazers, feeding on grass, contributing to the balance of grassland ecosystems Habitats: Found in the grasslands and savannahs of South Africa
Cape Bushbuck
Official Name: Cape Bushbuck (Tragelaphus sylvaticus) Hunting Cape Bushbuck Guidelines: Hunting Techniques: Requires patience, stealth, and understanding of the Bushbuck’s behaviour, often involving long waits or careful stalking Professional Guidance: Essential for ethical & successful hunting; Matola Adventures team offers valuable insights into locating and approaching Cape Bushbucks, ensuring an ethical and successful hunt Appearance: Males are dark brown to nearly black with spiral horns up to 50 cm (20 inches), females are lighter, reddish-brown, and hornless, both with white spots and stripes Social and Habitat Characteristics: Behaviour: Solitary or in small family groups, making them elusive and challenging to spot Diet: Leaves, herbs & shrubs in dense bush or forested areas Habitats: Dense brush and forested environments
Cape Eland
Official Name: Cape Eland (Taurotragus oryx) Hunting Cape Eland Guidelines: Hunting Techniques: Requires endurance, careful stalking, and precise shooting due to their size and strength Professional Guidance: Essential for ethical & successful hunting; Matola Adbentures team offers valuable insights into locating and approaching Cape Eland, ensuring an ethical and successful hunt Appearance: Males can weigh up to 900 kg and stand 1.8 meters (71 inches) at the shoulder Fawn to tawny coat, darkening with age, both sexes have spiral horns, with males having thicker, slightly shorter horns Social and Habitat Characteristics: Behaviour: Diurnal (active during the day) social, often in herds, agile, known for “pronking” (leaping up to 4 meters high) Diet: Primarily grazers but also browse on grasses and leaves, adaptable to arid and semi-arid environments Habitats: Diverse environments, including bushveld and open plains
Cape Grysbuck
Official Name: Cape Grysbuck (Raphicerus melanotis) Hunting Cape Grysbuck Guidelines: Hunting Techniques: Due to their small size, nocturnal habits, and dense cover preference, hunting Cape Grysbuck requires skill and patience. Professional Guidance: The team’s expertise in the Cape Grysbuck’s behaviour and terrain navigation is essential for a successful and ethical hunt. Appearance: The Cape Grysbuck is a small antelope with a reddish-brown coat, speckled with white spots, and stands about 54 cm at the shoulder. Males have short, sharp horns. Social and Habitat Characteristics: Behaviour: They are predominantly nocturnal and solitary. Diet: Grazers known for their stamina and speed, foraging on leaves, flowers, and fruits at night. Habitats: Native to South Africa's Eastern and Southern regions, Cape Grysbucks inhabit dense brush and thickets.
Cape Mountain Zebra
Official Name: Cape Mountain Zebra (Equus zebra zebra) Hunting Cape Mountain Zebra Guidelines: Conservation: Protected through dedicated wildlife management Challenges: Rugged, mountainous terrain requiring physical fitness and determination, traversing steep slopes and rocky outcrops Professional Guidance: Essential for ethical & successful hunting; Expertise in tracking and understanding zebra behaviour Empasis on sustainable practices Appearance: Bold, narrow stripes Smaller size compared to plains zebra Social and Habitat Characteristics: Social Structure: Small groups led by a dominant stallion, territorial Diet: Primarily tufted grass, also shrubs and herbs Habitats: Rugged, mountainous regions of Western & Eastern Cape
Caracal
Official Name: Caracal (Caracal caracal) Hunting Caracal Guidelines: Hunting Techniques: Tracking at night or twilight hours, use of calls or dogs to locate the caracal, requires quick reflexes and precision Challenges: Elusive nature, nocturnal habits Professional Guidance: Essential for ethical & successful hunting; Expertise in caracal behaviour and habitat Best strategies for tracking and hunting Appearance: Robust build, long legs, short face Large, tufted ears Uniform reddish-brown or sandy coat Social and Habitat Characteristics: Behaviour: Solitary and nocturnal, renowned for agility and stealth Diet: Opportunistic hunter (small mammals, birds) Habitats: Drier savanna and woodland regions
Common Blesbuck
Official Name: Common Blesbuck (Damaliscus pygargus phillipsi) Hunting Common Blesbuck Guidelines: Challenges: Known for their keen eyesight and flight response, Blesbucks are highly alert and quick to flee when they sense danger. Ethic compliance: Committed to ethical hunting and conservation, the team ensures that the hunting of Blesbuck is conducted in a sustainable manner, supporting the health of the population and ecosystem Professional Guidance: the assistance of an experienced team is vital. Requires patience, strategic positioning, and skilful approach techniques to get within shooting range. Appearance: Reddish-brown coat with a distinct white blaze on the face, which gives the species its name. Also features lighter markings on the rump and legs Size: Medium-sized antelope, weighing between 55 – 80 kg and standing around 85 – 100 cm (33 – 39 inches) at the shoulder Social and Habitat Characteristics: Social Structure: Highly social animals, forming large herds. Habitats: Primarily found in open grasslands and savannahs, where visibility allows for their her-based defence strategies
Common Grey Duiker
Official Name: Common Grey Duiker (Sylvicapra grimmia) Hunting Common Grey Duiker Guidelines: Hunting Techniques: Dense vegetation requiring careful stalking and precise shooting Challenges: Their small size, quick movements, and a wary nature make hunting them a test of patience and skill Professional Guidance: Essential for ethical & successful hunting; Matola Adventures team offers valuable insights into locating and approaching Common Duiker, ensuring an ethical and successful hunt Appearance: Greyish-brown coat with a white belly and a prominent preorbital gland near the eyes. Males have short, straight horns measuring 10 – 15 cm (4 - 6 inches) Social and Habitat Characteristics: Behaviour: Solitary and elusive, known for being skittish and difficult to approach Diet: Leaves, fruits, and occasionally small insects or animals Habitats: Sub-Saharan African, savannahs, woodlands, & forest edges
Common Reedbuck
Official Name: Common Reedbuck (Redunca arundinum) Hunting Common Reedbuck Guidelines: Hunting Techniques: Dense vegetation near water sources, requiring careful stalking and stealth Challenges: Their wariness, combined with a preference for hiding in tall reeds, makes spotting and approaching them difficult Professional Guidance: Essential for ethical & successful hunting; Expertise in Reedbuck behaviour and habitat Adherence to ethical hunting standards and conservation practices Appearance: Light brown to greyish-brown coat with a whitish underbelly, males are larger and feature forward-curving horns up to 45 cm (18 inches) in length Males are known for their distinctive whistling call Social and Habitat Characteristics: Behaviour: Nocturnal and crepuscular, often elusive and found hiding in tall reeds. They live in small family groups, with territorial males becoming more aggressive during mating season Diet: Grazers feeding primarily on grasses near water sources Habitats: Predominantly found in wetlands areas of South Africa
Common Springbuck
Official Name: Common Springbuck (Antidorcas marsupialis) Hunting Common Springbuck Guidelines: Hunting Techniques: Typically, in open harsh plains Challenges: Hunt can vary in length depending on conditions & skill Professional Guidance: Essential for ethical & successful hunting; Expertise in Common Springbuck behaviour and habitat Not endangered but requires a responsible management and ethical hunting practices to maintain population levels Appearance: Slender, gazelle-like build with a distinctive brown and white coat. Features a dark stripe along the side and long, curved horns Known for their “pronking” behaviour – a series of high leaps thought to demonstrate fitness and alertness Social and Habitat Characteristics: Social Structure: Diet: Herbivorous diet mainly constating of grasses and leaves Habitats: Mostly found in dry, open plains & semi-desert areas
Copper Blesbuck
Official Name: Copper Blesbuck (Damaliscus pygargus phillipsi, colour variation) Hunting Copper Blesbuck Guidelines: Hunting Techniques: Careful stalking, precise shooting Experience: Unique coloration & alert nature add to the hunt challenge Challenges: Keen senses, preference for open spaces Professional Guidance: Essential for ethical & successful hunting; Expertise in tracking Understanding Blesbuck behaviour Appearance: Rich, coppery-brown coat White underbelly and face Males have strong, ringed horns Social and Habitat Characteristics: Behaviour: Social, often found in herds, known for agility & endurance Diet: Primarily grazers (various grasses) Habitats: Open grasslands
Copper Springbuck
Official Name: Copper Springbuck (Antidorcas marsupialis cuprea) Hunting Copper Springbuck Guidelines: Hunting Techniques: Requires patience, stealth & precision, long-range Challenges: Agility and speed Professional Guidance: Essential for ethical & successful hunting; Ethical hunting prioritizing safety and respect for the animal High success rate due to profound knowledge of behaviour and habitat Adherence to conservation principles Appearance: Striking copper-red coat, white underbelly Dark brown stripes along flanks Pronounced lyre-shaped horns (up to 35 cm in males) Social and Habitat Characteristics: Behaviour: Diurnal (active during the day), social, often in herds, agile, known for “pronking” (Leaping up to 2 meters) Diet: Primarily grasses, leaves, and shrubs Habitats: Vast, open plains of South Africa
Eastern Cape Kudu
Official Name: Eastern Cape Kudu (Tragelaphus strepsiceros) Hunting Eastern Cape Kudu Guidelines: Hunting Techniques: Hunting the Eastern Cape Kudu involves diverse landscapes, from dense bushveld to rugged mountains, making for a challenging and exciting experience. Challenges: Typically spans serval days, offering ample time to appreciate the region’s natural beauty and wildlife Professional Guidance: Essential for ethical & successful hunting; Expertise in tracking and understanding Kudu behaviour Appearance: Notable for its long, spiral horns in males, which can reach up to 120 cm (47 inches) Males are larger, weighing between 190 kg – 270 kg with darker coats. Females are lighter and hornless Brownish grey with white vertical stripes, aiding in camouflage Social and Habitat Characteristics: Behaviour: Travel long distances in search of food Diet: Mostly browse, feeding on leaves, shoots, & other vegetation Habitats: Found in the dense bushveld & mountainous terrain
Fallow Deer
Official Name: Fallow Deer (Dama Dama) Hunting Fallow Deer Guidelines: Hunting Techniques: Fallow deer’s heightened sense demand careful stalking techniques and strategic use of cover to get within range Challenges: Known for their keen eyesight and acute hearing, Fallow Deer are highly vigilant and quick to flee when sensing danger Conservation: Dedicated to sustainable and ethical hunting, the team ensures a respectful approach that prioritizes conservation and fair chase Appearance: Medium-sized deer with varied coat colours, ranging from red to brown, black and white. They have a white rump patch and distinctive white spots along their back Only males (bucks) have antlers, which are palmate (broad and flat) Social and Habitat Characteristics: Behaviour: Generally social animals, Fallow Deer often form groups. Males tent to be more solitary outside the breeding season Habitats: Although originally native to Europe, Fallow Deer have adapted well to south Africa. They prefer mixed woodlands and open grasslands, making them versatile in various environments
Giraffe
Official Name: Giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis) Hunting Giraffe Guidelines: Hunting Techniques: Requires careful planning and understanding of giraffe behaviour, as well as skilled in long-range shooting Challenges: Size & stature make them challenging to approach undetected Regulation: Hunting is regulated to ensure sustainable population levels Professional Guidance: Essential for ethical & successful hunting; Expertise in giraffe behaviour and habitat Adherence to ethical hunting standards and conservation practices Appearance: Extraordinary height (up to 5.5 meters / 18 feet) & long neck Distinctive coat pattern with brown, irregular patches separated by lighter lines Variations in pattern and colouration across subspecies Social and Habitat Characteristics: Behaviour: Social animals in loose herds, with cautious & curious nature Diet: Browses on a variety of plants, prefers acacia leaves. Habitats: Savannah and woodland areas
Golden Oryx / Gemsbuck
Official Name: Golden Oryx (Oryx gazella) Hunting Golden Oryx / Gemsbuck Guidelines: Hunting Techniques: : Hunting requires skilful stalking and long-range shooting due to the animal’s wariness and speed, combined with strategic planning to approach within range Professional Guidance: Essential for ethical & successful hunting; Our team emphasizes conservation-focused, ethical hunting practices, respecting both the rarity of the Golden Oryx and the surrounding ecosystem Appearance: Known for its unique golden-brown coat, the Golden Oryx retains the distinctive black and white facial markings characteristics of the species, along with long, straight horns that can reach up to 120 cm (47 inches) in both males and females Social and Habitat Characteristics: Behaviour: Known for its endurance, the Golden Oryx is well-equipped to defend itself from predators, embodying resilience and strength Typically found in herds, where individuals benefit from the collective vigilance of the group Habitats: The Golden Oryx thrives in semi-desert & Savannah habitats
Golden Wildebeest
Official Name: Golden Wildebeest (variant of the Blue Wildebeest, Connochaetes taurinus) Hunting Golden Wildebeest Guidelines: Rarity and Conservation: The Golden Wildebeest’s unique colour variation makes it significant in conservation efforts, with a focus on sustainable hunting practices to ensure the population remains stable Challenges: Hunts often span serval days, adding to the anticipation and excitement Professional Guidance: Essential for ethical & successful hunting; Expertise in tracking and understanding Wildebeest behaviour Appearance: Like the Blue Wildebeest, the Golden Wildebeest is highly social, moving in herds and demonstrating migratory behaviour as they seek fresh grazing lands Robust and strong, with the same distinctive curved horns as the Blue Wildebeest Social and Habitat Characteristics: Diet: Herbivorous, feeding mainly on grasses Habitats: Grasslands and open Savannahs, adapted to diverse environments from arid zones to lusher grasslands near water
Greater Southern Kudu
Official Name: Greater Southern Kudu (Tragelaphus strepsiceros) Hunting Greater Southern Kudu Guidelines: Hunting Techniques: Hunting Kudu is a rewarding challenge due to their elusive nature and skill at blending into surroundings. Challenges: The hunt requires patience, precision, and keen stalking. Professional Guidance: The team’s deep understanding of kudu behaviour and habitat enhances the experience, ensuring ethical hunting practices that respect this magnificent animal. Appearance: The Greater Southern Kudu is a striking antelope with long, spiral horns reaching over 120 cm in males, and a grey-brown coat marked with white stripes for natural camouflage. Social and Habitat Characteristics: Behaviour: Known for their agility, they can jump high fences with ease. Kudus typically gather in small groups, while mature males may be solitary or form bachelor groups. Diet & Habitats: These antelopes are primarily browsers, found in wooded and bushy areas.
Hippopotamus
Official Name: Hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibius) Hunting Hippopotamus Guidelines: Hunting Techniques: Hunting hippos is particularly dangerous due to their size aggressive nature, especially in water. The hunt often involves tracking them to a water source and demands precision and respect for safety protocols Ethical Hunting Approach: The team emphasizes a sustainable and respectful hunting experience, prioritizing the well-being of the hippo population and their habitats Appearance: Hippos are among the largest animals in Africa, with adults weighing up to 3200kg. They have a distinctive barrel-shaped torso, massive mouths with large teeth, nearly hairless skin, and short, sturdy legs Social and Habitat Characteristics: Behaviour: Semi-Aquatic Lifestyle: Hippos spend most of their day in water to stay cool, coming out primarily at night to graze on grasses Territorial Nature: Highly territorial in water, male hippos often engage in aggressive displays and battles to establish dominance
Impala
Official Name: Impala (Aepyceros melampus) Hunting Impala Guidelines: Hunting Techniques: Hunting Impalas is challenging due to their alertness and quick reactions. A successful hunt often involves both stalking and waiting, demanding patience and precision Challenges: Impalas have acute senses and swift movement, making them an exciting challenge for hunters of all experience levels. Ethical Guidance: The team emphasizes ethical and sustainable hunting practices, ensuring a respectful approach to the pursuits of Impala Appearance: The Impala is medium-sized standing about 90 cm (35 inches) at the shoulder. It is recognized for its sleek, reddish-tan coats with distinctive black markings, particularly on its tail and hindquarters. Social and Habitat Characteristics: Behaviour: These antelopes are social, often found in herds, especially during the mating season Diet: Grazes on grasses and browse on leaves habitats: Impalas are highly adaptable, thriving in Savannah and light woodlands areas where they graze on grasses and browse on leaves
King Wildebeest
Official Name: King Wildebeest (Connochaetes taurinus) Hunting King Wildebeest Guidelines: Hunting techniques: Taking place on open savannah, hunts require patience, skill and stamina over several days Challenges: Stalking and tracking a King Wildebeest demands skill and strategic planning, particularly in the wide, open spaces Population Concerns: Though not endangered, King Wildebeest are vulnerable to habitat loss and hunting pressures, making conservation essential for their population stability Appearance: Known for its blue-grey coat, muscular build and impressive forward-curving horns, the King Wildebeest weighs around 250-300 kg and exudes a regular presence Social and Habitat Characteristics: Social Structure: Known for forming large, social herds, & exhibit annual migratory patterns in search of fresh grazing lands Diet: Predominantly grazers, feeding on grass and leaves Habitats: Found in South African grasslands and open woodlands, where large herds migrate in search of grazing
Klipspringer
Official Name: Klipspringer (Oreotragus oreotragus) Hunting Klipspringer Guidelines: Hunting Techniques: Hunting Klipspringer requires navigating steep uneven ground. Spot-and-stalk hunting techniques are essential in these challenging environments Challenges: Demands patience, precision & experience Professional Guidance: Essential for ethical & successful hunting; Matola Adventures team is skilled at navigating the rugged landscapes where Klipspringers are found Appearance: Small antelope, standing around 60 cm (6 inches) at the shoulder Stocky with a speckled grey or yellowish-brown coat, providing effective camouflage in rocky terrain Uniquely adapted hooves for a strong grip on steep, rocky surfaces Social and Habitat Characteristics: Behaviour: Often seen in pairs of small family groups, they are known for their monogamous mating habits Diet: Plants and succulents Habitats: Rocky, mountainous areas
Leopard
Official Name: Leopard (Panthera pardus) Hunting Leopard Guidelines: Hunting Techniques: Nocturnal by nature, leopards are master hunters, relying on stealth and adaptability to capture prey in diverse habitat Challenges: Their ability to move quietly and remain unseen makes them one of the most elusive big cats, admired for their elegance Conservation & Symbolism: Representing both power and grace, the leopard remains one of the most iconic yet elusive members of the big cat family in the wild. Appearance: Known for their striking rosette-patterned coat that offers excellent camouflage in various environments Strong, compact body with powerful limbs and a large skull, designed for agility and strength Social and Habitat Characteristics: Behaviour: Solitary creatures, each maintaining its own territory Diet: Nocturnal by nature, leopards are master hunters, replying on stealth and adaptability to capture prey in diverse habitats
Lion
Official Name: Lion (Panthera leo) Hunting Lion Guidelines: Challenges: Lions are dangerous game, requiring precision and calm under pressure, especially during a charge Professional Guidance: Requires extensive knowledge of the lion’s behaviour, tracking skills and physical readiness Ethic compliance: Emphasis is placed on sustainable practices Conservation: Hunting can contribute to conservation efforts through regulated quotas and community involvement Appearance: Male lions are distinguished by their impressive manes, symbolizing power. They have a muscular build, deep chest and short, rounded head. Fur colour ranges from light buff to yellowish, reddish or dark ochre Social and Habitat Characteristics: Social Structure: Live in matriarchal groups called prides. Prides typically consist of females, their cubs, and a few male lions Habitats: Grasslands, savannahs, dense scrub, and open woodlands
Lioness
Official Name: Lioness (Panthera leo) Hunting Lioness Guidelines: Hunting Techniques: Requires stamina, strength and agility. Long chases and endurance tests Challenges: The lioness’s keen senses and teamwork make her a formidable hunter. The hunt requires careful planning and quick reactions Conservation: Hunting can contribute to conservation efforts through regulated quotas and community involvement Appearance: Lacks a mane, has a muscular build & more agile than male lions Tawny coat blends into the grasslands aiding in stealthy hunting Social and Habitat Characteristics: Behaviour: Cooperative and matriarchal, with strong bonds among pride members Habitats: Found in sub-Saharan Africa, preferring grasslands, savannahs and woodlands
Mountain Reedbuck
Official Name: Mountain Reedbuck (Redunca fulvorufula) Hunting Mountain Reedbuck Guidelines: Hunting Techniques: Demands physical endurance and strategic planning on challenging terrain. Requires navigating steep, rocky highlands & being attentive to the antelope’s keen senses & elusive nature Professional Guidance: Essential for ethical & successful hunting; Our team provides expert insights into the Mountain Reedbuck’s behaviour and habitat, ensuring a respectful, sustainable, and ethical hunting experience Appearance: Medium-sized antelope with a greyish-brown coat and white underbelly Males have lyre-shaped horns up to 35 cm (13 inches) long Social and Habitat Characteristics: Behaviour: Grazers that feed on grasses. Typically found in small groups with a dominant male, females and juveniles. Known for agility and navigating rocky landscapes Habitats: Inhabits mountainous terrain in South Africa, preferring areas with good cover and access to water
Nile Crocodile
Official Name: Nile Crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus) Hunting Nile Crocodile Guidelines: Hunting Techniques: Requires careful planning, patience, and precision, tracking and shooting skills are essential Challenges: Aquatic nature, motionless behaviour Professional Guidance: Essential for ethical & successful hunting; Insights into crocodile behaviour and best times for hunting Safety measures required Appearance: Large size (males up to 6 meters / 20 feet) Long, muscular tail and robust body Formidable jaw lined with sharp teeth Social and Habitat Characteristics: Behaviour: Apex predators, known for stealth and patience Diet: Opportunistic hunters (fish, birds, large mammals) Habitats: Rivers. Lakes, marshlands
Nyala
Official Name: Nyala (Tragelaphus angasii) Hunting Nyala Guidelines: Hunting Techniques: Nyala hunting requires patience and stealth due to their preference for dense cover Professional Guidance: The team’s tracking expertise is essential, helping hunters find and ethically pursue a Nyala while respecting the animal and its environment Appearance: Males: Dark brown or slate-grey coat with faint white stripes, a bushy tail with a white underside, & spiral horns up to 83 cm (32 inches) long Females: Reddish-brown coat with prominent white stripes, no horns Social and Habitat Characteristics: Behaviour: These antelopes are known for their elusive nature, often remaining hidden in thick vegetation Diet: Primarily browsers, they feed on leaves, flowers, and fruits but can graze on grasses as well Habitats: Nyala’s inhabit dense bushland and forested areas near water
Oribi
Official Name: Oribi (Ourebia ourebi) Hunting Oribi Guidelines: Hunting Techniques: Strategic approach to stalking in open grasslands, and accurate long-range shooting Challenges: Alert and quick to flee, requiring stealth and patience Professional Guidance: Essential for ethical & successful hunting; Expertise in Oribi behaviour and habitat Focus on ethical hunting practices for a respectful pursuit Appearance: Small, slender antelope with a smooth, glossy fawn to rufous coat Distinctive white underside and black-tipped tail Males have sharp, straight horns (up to 20 cm) Social and Habitat Characteristics: Social Structure: Known for agility and remarkable leaping ability, typically seen alone or in pairs with a shy and elusive nature. Diet: Primarily grasses Habitats: Open grasslands
Oryx / Gemsbuck
Official Name: Oryx /Gemsbuck (Oryx gazella) Hunting Oryx / Gemsbuck Guidelines: Hunting Techniques: Hunting Gemsbuck is challenging due to their resilience and the open, arid terrain they inhabit Challenges: Successful hunts require skill in long-range shooting and patient stalking. Professional Guidance: Essential for ethical & successful hunting; The team’s expertise in Gembuck behaviour & knowledge of the terrain ensures an ethical & sustainable hunt, enhancing the experience & respecting both the animal & environment Appearance: The Gemsbuck, Or Oryx, is a large antelope with a tan or sandy coat and bold black and white facial, leg, and flank markings. Both males and females have long, straight horns, often reaching up to 120 cm (7 inches) a defining feature of this species Social and Habitat Characteristics: Behaviour: These antelope are known for their endurance & defend themselves effectively against predators with their formidable horns Diet: They are predominantly grazers Habitats: Semi-Desert and Savannah regions. Can survive in arid areas of South Africa, relying on hardy grasses and leaves for sustenance
Ostrich
Official Name: Ostrich (Struthio camelus) Hunting Ostrich Guidelines: Hunting Techniques: Long-Range shooting, tracking with vehicles, final approach on foot Experience: Unique coloration & alert nature add to the hunt challenge Challenges: Open plains or semi-desert terrain Professional Guidance: Essential for ethical & successful hunting; Long-range shooting Tracking with vehicles, final approach on foot Key Features: Remarkable speed Largest eyes of any land vertebrate, enhancing vision Largest eggs of any bid species Social and Habitat Characteristics: Behaviour: Travel long distances in search of food Diet: Omnivores, primarily plant matter, also insects Habitats: Open plains or semi-desert terrain
Red Lechwe
Official Name: Red Lechwe (Kobus Leche) Hunting Red Lechwe Guidelines: Hunting Techniques: Presents a unique challenge due to the wetland habitat Challenges: Requires adapted techniques for tracking and approaching in marshy conditions Professional Guidance: Essential for ethical & successful hunting; Expertise in Red Lechwe behaviour and habitat Respectful approach with a focus on conservation & sustainability Appearance: Medium-sized antelope with a reddish-brown coat, darker in males during breeding season Males have lyre-shaped, forward-curving horns up to 90 cm (35 inches) long. Features long, splayed hooves and water-repellent legs Social and Habitat Characteristics: Behaviour: Grazers known for their swimming ability. Form large herds near water bodies Habitats: Wetland area / marshy environments
Rhino
Official Name: White Rhino (Ceratotherium simum) and Black Rhino (Diceros bicornis) Conservation Activity: Vita Darting Purpose: Non-lethal tracking and darting for conservation, medical examinations, DNA sampling, and medication administration Impact: Contributes to rhino health and survival Participant Involvement: Hands-on conservation efforts, and training on darting techniques and safety procedures provided Experience: Educational insight into rhino behaviour, habitat, and conservation challenges Key Features: Massive bodies, large heads, and prominent horns Solitary animals Social and Habitat Characteristics: Diet: Mainly leafy plants and branches Habitats: Varies from open savannahs to dense bush
Roan Antelope
Official Name: Roan Antelope (Hippotragus equinus) Hunting Roan Antelope Guidelines: Challenges: Roan’s natural wariness and preference for open areas, requires strategic stalking and precise shooting Professional Guidance: Essential for ethical & successful hunting; In-depth knowledge of Roan behaviour and habitat Focus on ethical hunting practices and respectful approach to wildlife and environment Appearance: Light Brown to reddish-brown coat with a black & white facial mask Long, tasselled ears and ringed horns (up to 1 meter) Robust build, large African antelope Social and Habitat Characteristics: Behaviour: live sin small herds with one dominant male and strong territorial behaviour, especially during breeding season Diet: Grazes mainly on grasses Habitats: Open woodland and grassland
Sable Antelope
Official Name: Sable Antelope (Hippotragus niger) Hunting Sable Antelope Guidelines: Hunting Techniques: Setting up near feeding or watering areas at night & use of dogs for tracking and baying Challenges: Dense brush and woodland terrain, requires patience & skill in stalking, and hunts can span several days, demanding endurance Professional Guidance: Essential for ethical & successful hunting; Expert knowledge of Sable Antelope behaviour and habitat Focus on safety, ethical hunting practices, and a high success rate Appearance: Males have deep black coats, females and juveniles are brownish Striking white face markings and underbelly Robust build, up to 140 cm (55 inches) at the shoulder, weighing up to 235 kg Imposing horns, curving backward, up to 165 cm long (65 inches) Social and Habitat Characteristics: Behaviour: Herds led by a dominant bull, known for aggressive behaviour, especially when threatened Diet: Grazes on grass and leaves, favouring fresh growth after rains Habitats: Wooded savannah regions
Saddleback Blesbuck
Official Name: Saddleback Blesbuck (Damaliscus pygargus phillipsi) Hunting Saddleback Blesbuck Guidelines: Hunting Techniques: Hunting this unique trophy requires strategic stalking and careful positioning due to the Blesbuck’s alert nature and open-terrain habitat. Professional Guidance: The team’s knowledge of Blesbuck behaviour and effective hunting tactics ensures an ethical and successful hunting experience. Appearance: The Saddleback Blesbuck is a colour variant of the common Blesbuck, featuring a unique saddle-like marking on its back that contrasts with its reddish-brown coat. Males typically have thicker, more robust horns, but both sexes share similar appearances. Social and Habitat Characteristics: Behaviour: Form herds and are vigilant, quickly reacting to threats. Diet: Grazers known for their stamina and speed. Habitats: Found in open grasslands and plains.
Saddleback Impala
Official Name: Saddleback Impala (Aepyceros melampus) Hunting Saddleback Impala Guidelines: Hunting Techniques: : Requires patience, skill, and a deep understanding of Impala behaviour due to their alert and agile nature Challenges: The rarity of the colour variation adds to the challenge, as it shares the common Impala’s agility and speed Professional Guidance: Essential for ethical & successful hunting; Our team offers expert knowledge and skilled tracking, ensuring a successful and ethical hunt of the rare variant Appearance: A rare colour variation of the common Impala, with a distinctive dark, saddle-like marking across its back, contrasting with its reddish-tan coat. Males have lyre-shaped horns up to 90 cm (35 inches) long Social and Habitat Characteristics: Behaviour: Social animals often found in herds, known for their alertness and cautious nature Diet: Grazes on grasses and browsing foliage Habitats: Inhabits savannah and light woodland areas
Steenbok
Official Name: Steenbok (Raphicerus campestris) Hunting Steenbok Guidelines: Challenges: Requires patience and stealth due to their alertness and keen senses, involves stalking and careful observation in flat to slightly undulating bushveld and hunts often span several days for a respectful and successful outcome Professional Guidance: Essential for ethical & successful hunting; Expert knowledge of Steenbok behaviour and habitat Challenging yet ethical hunting experience in accessible terrain Appearance: Small, standing 45-60 cm at the shoulder, weighing 7-16 kg Reddish-brown coat, slender build Males have short, straight horns, females are hornless Social and Habitat Characteristics: Social Structure: Solitary or found in pairs, known for their skittish and elusive nature Diet: Leaves, fruits, seeds, roots and occasional grazing Habitats: Bushveld and savannahs with ample cover
Tsessebe
Official Name: Tsessebe (Damaliscus Lunatus) Hunting Tsessebe Guidelines: Hunting Techniques: Takes place in vast, open savannahs, requires strategic planning due to the antelope’s speed and alertness Challenges: Hunters must be physically and mentally prepared for stalking and accurate targeting Professional Guidance: Essential for ethical & successful hunting; Matola Adventures team offers extensive experience in tracking, understanding behaviour, and navigating terrain Appearance: 120 to 140 cm (47 to 55 inches) at the shoulder, horns curved forward, thicker in males. Have a reddish-brown coat Social and Habitat Characteristics: Behaviour: Found in herds of up to 20 individuals. Complex social structure with dominant males and nursery herds. Diet: Primarily grazers, feeding on grass, plays a role in controlling grass growth and seed dispersal Habitats: Savannahs & grasslands with abundant green grass
Vaal Rhebuck
Official Name: Vaal Rhebuck (Pelea capreolus) Hunting Vaal Rhebuck Guidelines: Hunting Techniques: Demands skill and endurance due to the challenging, steep terrain of their habitat Challenges: Requires patience, precision, & the ability to navigate rough landscapes Professional Guidance: Essential for ethical & successful hunting; Expertise in tracking and understanding the Vaal Rhebuck’s nature Appearance: A slender, medium-sized antelope with a woolly, greyish-brown coat that provides camouflage in rocky, mountainous terrain Adult males have straight, sharp horns up to 25 cm (9 inches) long Social and Habitat Characteristics: Social Structure: Known for exceptional stamina & agility in difficult terrain. Usually found in small herds led by a dominant male. Diet: Predominantly grazers, feeding on grass and leaves Habitats: Typically found in rugged, high-altitude areas
Warthog
Official Name: Warthog (Phacochoerus africanus) Hunting Warthog Guidelines: Hunting Techniques: Hunting warthogs is a rewarding experience that can be pursued in various terrains, from open grasslands to dense bushveld. Challenges: Hunts vary in length, depending on preferences and warthog movement. Professional Guidance: The team’s expertise enhances the hunting experience, providing strategies suited to warthog behaviour and habitat. Appearance: Warthogs are distinguished by their facial “warts” (protective bumps) and large tusks. Stand around 30 inches at the shoulder & weigh 125–300 pounds. They have sparse grey hair and a mane along their back. Social and Habitat Characteristics: Behaviour: Warthogs are also good swimmers and highly adaptable to various environments. Diet: Warthogs are primarily grazers Habitats: Found in grasslands, savannas, and woodlands.
Waterbuck
Official Name: Waterbuck (Kobus ellipsiprymnus) Hunting Waterbuck Guidelines: Hunting Techniques: Hunters should be prepared for a physically demanding experience, often requiring several days to track and locate suitable specimens. Challenges: Hunting Waterbuck presents unique challenges due to the rugged, waterlogged terrains they prefer. Professional Guidance: The team’s expertise enhances the hunting experience, providing strategies suited to Waterbuck behaviour. Appearance: Waterbucks are robust animals known for their shaggy, brownish-grey coat, which repels water. Males have impressive, ringed horns that curve backward and a distinctive white ring on their rumps. Social and Habitat Characteristics: Behaviour: They are primarily diurnal, being most active in the early morning and late afternoon. Males are territorial, fiercely defending their domains and often living in small herds. Habitats: Native to South Africa, Waterbucks inhabit areas near water sources like rivers, lakes, and floodplains.
White Blesbuck
Official Name: White Blesbuck (Damaliscus pygargus phillipsi) Hunting White Blesbuck Guidelines: Hunting Techniques: Requires strategic stalking, careful positioning, and precise movement in open terrain Challenges: Offers a unique challenge due to the rarity and distinct appearance of this variant Professional Guidance: Essential for ethical & successful hunting; Emphasizes understanding the animal’s behaviour and terrain Focuses on ethical and respectful hunting practices Appearance: All-white or pale coat, distinct from the common Blesbuck Both males and females have horns with males having stronger and more prominent ones Social and Habitat Characteristics: Behaviour: Social animals found in herds, known for their stamina, speed, and are highly alert / quick to flee from danger Habitats: Open grasslands, where they graze on grass and prefer areas with good visibility
White Springbuck
Official Name: White Springbuck (Antidorcas marsupialis) Hunting White Springbuck Guidelines: Hunting Techniques: Takes place across diverse terrains, from open plains to lightly wooded regions. The hunt typically lasts a few days to a week, offering a complete and immersive experience Professional Guidance: Essential for ethical & successful hunting; Bends the excitement of the hunt with a deep respect for nature, offering a thrilling and environmentally conscious experience Appearance: Unique variant of the common Springbuck with a distinct ivory coat The White Springbuck symbolizes the untamed beauty of South African wildlife. Social and Habitat Characteristics: Behaviour: Known for its agility, grace, and pronking behaviour Diet: Leaves, herbs & shrubs in dense bush or forested areas Habitats: Native to the vast plains and lightly wooded areas
Whiteflank Impala
Official Name: Whiteflank Impala (Aepyceros melampus) Hunting Mountain Reedbuck Guidelines: Hunting Techniques: Offers a unique challenge due to the rarity and beauty of the Whiteflank Impala Challenges: Requires patience, skill, & careful stalking as Impalas are alert and agile Professional Guidance: Essential for ethical & successful hunting; Matola Adventures team offers extensive knowledge of impala behaviour, habitat, and expert tracking skills, focused on ethical hunting Appearance: Rare colour variation of the common Impala with distinctive white flanks Features a contrasting white flank against a reddish-brown body, with elegant, spiralled horns up to 90 cm (35 inches) in males Known for agility and speed Social and Habitat Characteristics: Behaviour: Social animals typically found in herds Diet: Grazes on grasses and browses on leaves Habitats: Prefers Savannah and light woodland areas
Plains Game Hunts
Matola Adventures offers an exceptional plains game hunting experience in the Eastern Cape of South Africa. Our diverse landscapes, spanning thousands of acres, provide the ideal setting for pursuing a wide range of species, from the elusive Blue Duiker to the majestic Kudu. Tailored to suit all levels of experience, each safari promises an unforgettable adventure, combining thrill, respect for nature, and a deep connection to the wild. HUNTING FOCUS Plains game species, ranging from small herbivores like the Blue Duiker to large antelope like Kudu, Gemsbuck, and Cape Eland. HUNTING LOCATION Eastern Cape, South Africa, with diverse landscapes across thousands of acres, predominantly. SPECIES DIVERSITY Over 40 species available for hunting with Matola Adventures. REGIONS: SOUTHERN CONCESSIONS Features Blue Duiker, East Cape Kudu, Bushbuck, Warthog, Waterbuck, Nyala, Blesbuck, Wildebeest, Zebra, Hartebeest, Sable, and more. REGIONS: NORTHERN CONCESSIONS Ideal for species like Klipspringer, Vaal Rhebuck, Gemsbuck, Steenbuck, Lechwe, and Springbuck. SAFARI DURATION Customizable 7-, 10-, or 14-day safaris covering multiple regions. CONSERVATION & ECONOMIC IMPACT Supports animal population management, contributes to local economies, and aids conservation. MATOLA ADVENTURES Offers adventure, respect for wildlife, and a connection to nature through varied landscapes and challenging hunts.
Dangerous Game Hunts
Explore the thrill and significance of dangerous game hunting with Matola Adventures, where we specialize in providing an authentic and respectful hunting experience. Our safaris are meticulously crafted to offer a true test of skill and endurance while upholding principles of conservation and sustainable wildlife management. With hunts spanning diverse African landscapes, we offer an unparalleled adventure that contributes to local communities, supports conservation efforts, and honors Africa’s majestic wildlife. ANIMALS TARGETED Focus on “Big Five” (Lion, Leopard, Elephant, Buffalo, Rhinoceros) plus Hippopotamus, Crocodile, and Hyena. HUNTING QUALITIES Demands skill, precision, respect for nature, physical and mental endurance; involves close encounters and challenging terrain. LOCATIONS Matola Adventures offers hunts across Africa, including South Africa, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Tanzania, Zambia, Mozambique, and Botswana. FLEXIBLE PLANNING Hunts organized based on preferences, requirements, and best pricing options. CONSERVATION IMPACT Funds anti-poaching, supports protected areas, and contributes to sustainable wildlife management. ECONOMIC CONTRIBUTION Hunting fees benefit local communities, promoting a balance between conservation and economic growth. UNIQUE EXPERIENCE Combines excitement, respect for nature, and conservation commitment, providing a rare connection to Africa’s wild animals and landscapes.
Bird Hunts
Experience the excitement and challenge of bird hunting with Matola Adventures. Our wing shooting safaris require precision and quick reflexes, offering hunters a dynamic adventure across Africa’s diverse landscapes. Targeting various bird species, these hunts combine tradition, skill, and a commitment to ethical practices that support conservation and local economies. HUNTING FOCUS Bird hunting or wing shooting, targeting fast-moving birds in flight. SKILL & CHALLENGE Requires sharp reflexes, accuracy, and knowledge of bird behaviour; involves tracking and targeting birds in fast-paced hunts. TARGET SPECIES Ducks, geese, coots, partridges, upland game birds; in Africa, includes Guinea fowl, francolin, and doves. HUNTING STYLES Different hunting methods include driven shoots (flushing birds from cover), walk-up hunts (tracking birds through terrain), and hunts from blinds (waiting for birds in specific areas). CONNECTION TO NATURE Provides hunters with access to Africa’s varied landscapes, from open plains and marshes to forests. CONSERVATION & ECONOMIC IMPACT Helps manage bird populations, supports local economies, and promotes ethical hunting. UNIQUE EXPERIENCE Offers a thrilling, socially engaging adventure combining tradition, skill, and wildlife appreciation.
Accommodation
THE LODGE - THATCH ROOF CHALETS
Stylish thatch Lodge! You will really experience a true African feeling at this camp, overlooking the beautiful Kubusi river canyon. We have 6 en-suite thatch roof chalets, each with one double bed and one bunk bed (hosting up to 2 adults + 2 kids), with a centralised lapa where everyone gets together. This communal dining and living area is where we all share the adventures of the day - whether it is preparing a delicious meal in the renovated kitchen, getting cosy around the fireplace, enjoying a drink at the bar, going for a swim in the rock pool overlooking the Kubusi valley or enjoying a braai on the deck. THE LODGE SPECIAL!!! Please contact us for a special rate if you would like to book exclusive use of the entire venue (all 6 rooms, accommodating up to 12 adults + 12 kids). This rate only applies when the entire venue is booked for 2 nights or more.
THE TENTED CAMP
Experience luxury "glamping" at MATOLA! Our 12 dome tents are a mix of double or twin beds, with shared ablution facilities. Each tent has a small plug point inside with a light that is solar-powered. All 12 tents have roofs over which aids your comfort during all weather conditions. We provide all bedding and shower towels - just pack your own swimming towel and you're sorted for a good time! Enjoy the communal kitchen and indoor braai, or the open-air boma overlooking the Kubusi valley! This venue also boasts with a splash pool next to the open-air boma. TENTED CAMP SPECIAL!!! Please contact us for a special rate if you would like to book exclusive use of the entire venue (all 12 tents, accommodating up to 24 guests). This rate only applies when the entire venue is booked for 2 nights or more.
THE SLEEP SHED
Modern Rustic. These 2 words sum the Sleep Shed up perfectly! There are 10 private en-suite bedrooms with a deck upstairs, a shared kitchen, bar and dining area at ground level and an additional braai room and boma for those cold winter nights. This venue boasts with a beautiful splash pool overlooking the open savannah. These communal living areas are where we all share the adventures of the day - whether it is preparing a delicious meal, getting cosy around the fireplace, enjoying a drink at the bar or watching a fire under the stars. These double rooms sleep up to 2 adults. SLEEP SHED SPECIAL!!! Please contact us for a special rate if you would like to book exclusive use of the entire venue (all 10 rooms, accommodating up to 20 adults + 9 kids). This rate only applies when the entire venue is booked for 2 nights or more.
Hunting Rates
Planning
Contact
- Matola Private Game Reserve, R63, Qumrha
- +27-72 607 2797 - Theon
- info@matola.africa
- Mon-Fri - 08:00-19:00