First Timer What to Hunt Limpopo

[CloudySkies]

Long time lurker, first time poster. I've long been interested in going to Africa for a safari but a number of things got in my way and I'm finally in the position to do so. Growing up as a kid I was always enamored by the stories from Africa, Wilbur Smith in the fiction route, but also African Game Trails and similar stories. A large part of it for me will be the atmosphere, terrain and experience, as that's how I like to approach a hunt rather than needing to take an animal.

I started planning in earnest last winter for 2026, and after reading much here (an amazing resource that I'll be using heavily), was leaning toward Namibia. Had a good discussion with a couple of others I knew who had been before, and was settling on a plan but hadn't locked anything in. We had a local SCI event that I decided to attend to meet a PH or two in person, and one company really resonated with a perspective that really looked like it would work well with my wife (who I wanted to have with me, but was reluctant). The auction rolled around and well, an opportunity with that outfit was going at a rate that I felt wasn't a fair reflection of what they were offering, and a bid later I had the winning bid on a hunt that included a couple of things I wouldn't have chosen, but I knew from a quick couple of messages would interest the wife. So a detailed conversation with one of the PHs later the plan was set, and in August 2026 I'll be off to Limpopo with Matwetwe Safaris. Kind of glad it happened this way as it ripped off the bandaid and avoided me overthinking things which tends to be my fault.

So, now I'm less than a year out, and thinking about species, logistics and everything else and wanting to start thinking about the priorities on the list (not hard, with one exception). I've added a little time as we are planning on doing a game drive etc. to make a trip out of it as neither of us have been to Africa, and might do some bird hunting depending on how things go. For context, my thought is that I will probably make more than one trip to Africa, and intend to sample different environments and the species that were native to them - potential future adventures in mind include Namibia and maybe the East Cape for a start.

Our included is mostly night focused:
Common Duiker
Steenbuck
Black-Backed Jackal
Genet Cat
Porcupine

My wife has decided that the above sounds great to her, so I'm on the see what the veldt provides. Some potential contenders for things I'd be interested in given species range etc.:
Greater Kudu
Bushbuck
Impala

Of the species there, the one I definitely want an opportunity at is a Kudu - they've always been the animal I've dreamed of in Africa since I first read of them. I'm not overly fussed on the size, but would rather like to have a nice representative of the species.

My question to others, was curious to hear thoughts on animals that they felt were 'should be considered' for Limpopo, keeping in mind potential future plans and that I'd rather focus on species that natively roamed in Limpopo. Other than the Kudu, I intend to have a few species I'd consider as potential targets and see what opportunities arise and how things are going (and if the wife decides that she'd like to expand her interests).

 

[wesheltonj]

Well, IMO at least these three should be on your list. Common Springbok, Southern Impala, and Greater Kudu.

 

[Charlie64]

Some great warthog up in the Limpopo!

.

 

[Nyati]

Your choice is good, Kudu can grow very big there, Bushbuck, Impala, I would add warthog and a Caracal, since you are doing some night hunting.

 

[Flipper Dude]

Bird hunter’s paradise. At least the part of Limpopo I have hunted in. Took my BSS 20 along on my 1st safari. Francolin, Guinea fowl, dove. Nothing like a walk down the Limpopo River jumping francolin and guinea. Don’t get stuck out there till dark, though. The hippo start leaving the river and here you are with your 20 gauge and a wife, hippo in front and behind you on land. PH back at camp a couple of miles away working on his gemsbok stew

 

[StickFlicker AZ]

Limpopo is a great place for your first safari. As has been said above, it is arguably the best province for large Kudu and Warthog, among a few other species. Since you have in your mind that you will return to Africa again (and YOU WILL regardless of what your thoughts are before your first trip!), maybe planning to take species that will be less common in your desired future hunt locations might be a good start. Impala are very common in Limpopo, but not nearly as common and therefore typically more expensive in Namibia. Southern Greater Kudu are common in Limpopo, and fairly common in Namibia, but they are far less common on the Eastern Cape, where the smaller-horned Cape Kudu is the native subspecies of Kudu. Your outfitter calls them "Northern Greater Kudu" on his price list, but I have never heard of that subspecies before. I looked it up, and it said they were located in Kenya and that area. I think your outfitter is mistaken about the subspecies he has. I've never seen anything but Southern Greater Kudus in Limpopo, and typically they just list them as "Kudu".

But, kudos to your outfitter for listing his pricing on his website. I usually just move along when an African outfitter hides his prices and makes you contact them to receive them, because usually you learn that the reason they do that is because their prices are very high. While it is a fairly common practice that outfitters that donate hunts overcharge for other species you want to take on your hunt to make up for their donation, your outfitter has taken this to an art form. They have among the highest prices I've ever seen in South Africa. Taking a few animals at the higher prices, in exchange for the great price you likely got on the auction hunt, isn't unreasonable, but you might save the more premium species for another trip where the prices are not 50% or more above the average. I'm preparing for my eighth (bowhunting) safari, and I am constantly researching reasonably priced hunt locations so that I can experience new species as well as see new areas, so I spend a lot of time comparing price lists. Species pricing should certainly not be everything when choosing an outfitter, but I don't like feeling that I'm drastically overpaying when there are a lot of great outfitters in southern Africa offering very fairly priced high-quality hunts. Enjoy your first trip, and make sure to report back to the site with a story of your hunt and experiences when you return!

 

[Mekaniks]

Welcome to AH

 

[CloudySkies]

Limpopo is a great place for your first safari. As has been said above, it is arguably the best province for large Kudu and Warthog, among a few other species. Since you have in your mind that you will return to Africa again (and YOU WILL regardless of what your thoughts are before your first trip!), maybe planning to take species that will be less common in your desired future hunt locations might be a good start. Impala are very common in Limpopo, but not nearly as common and therefore typically more expensive in Namibia. Southern Greater Kudu are common in Limpopo, and fairly common in Namibia, but they are far less common on the Eastern Cape, where the smaller-horned Cape Kudu is the native subspecies of Kudu. Your outfitter calls them "Northern Greater Kudu" on his price list, but I have never heard of that subspecies before. I looked it up, and it said they were located in Kenya and that area. I think your outfitter is mistaken about the subspecies he has. I've never seen anything but Southern Greater Kudus in Limpopo, and typically they just list them as "Kudu".

But, kudos to your outfitter for listing his pricing on his website. I usually just move along when an African outfitter hides his prices and makes you contact them to receive them, because usually you learn that the reason they do that is because their prices are very high. While it is a fairly common practice that outfitters that donate hunts overcharge for other species you want to take on your hunt to make up for their donation, your outfitter has taken this to an art form. They have among the highest prices I've ever seen in South Africa. Taking a few animals at the higher prices, in exchange for the great price you likely got on the auction hunt, isn't unreasonable, but you might save the more premium species for another trip where the prices are not 50% or more above the average. I'm preparing for my eighth (bowhunting) safari, and I am constantly researching reasonably priced hunt locations so that I can experience new species as well as see new areas, so I spend a lot of time comparing price lists. Species pricing should certainly not be everything when choosing an outfitter, but I don't like feeling that I'm drastically overpaying when there are a lot of great outfitters in southern Africa offering very fairly priced high-quality hunts. Enjoy your first trip, and make sure to report back to the site with a story of your hunt and experiences when you return!

I did think that was a little odd - the only 'northern kudu' I've heard of is the lesser, and you certainly don't see those down in this area. I'd assume its just the Southern Greater given the photos I've seen. I also did wonder a little about the prices of additions doing that (it doesn't surprise me too much) and read with interest your perspective. I had taken a look at relative references and for most species I'm interested in besides the Kudu it didn't seem too far out of whack (maybe a hundred or so high for most of the plains game that are reasonably common, but I was only focusing on the species I was interested in), but then I might be looking in the wrong places. Fortunately, the price I paid was very reasonable (~1k) so that will help, and I'll probably just go for the odd addition. Thank you, I'll definitely be reporting back.

 

[Rare Breed]

Long time lurker, first time poster. I've long been interested in going to Africa for a safari but a number of things got in my way and I'm finally in the position to do so. Growing up as a kid I was always enamored by the stories from Africa, Wilbur Smith in the fiction route, but also African Game Trails and similar stories. A large part of it for me will be the atmosphere, terrain and experience, as that's how I like to approach a hunt rather than needing to take an animal.

I started planning in earnest last winter for 2026, and after reading much here (an amazing resource that I'll be using heavily), was leaning toward Namibia. Had a good discussion with a couple of others I knew who had been before, and was settling on a plan but hadn't locked anything in. We had a local SCI event that I decided to attend to meet a PH or two in person, and one company really resonated with a perspective that really looked like it would work well with my wife (who I wanted to have with me, but was reluctant). The auction rolled around and well, an opportunity with that outfit was going at a rate that I felt wasn't a fair reflection of what they were offering, and a bid later I had the winning bid on a hunt that included a couple of things I wouldn't have chosen, but I knew from a quick couple of messages would interest the wife. So a detailed conversation with one of the PHs later the plan was set, and in August 2026 I'll be off to Limpopo with Matwetwe Safaris. Kind of glad it happened this way as it ripped off the bandaid and avoided me overthinking things which tends to be my fault.

So, now I'm less than a year out, and thinking about species, logistics and everything else and wanting to start thinking about the priorities on the list (not hard, with one exception). I've added a little time as we are planning on doing a game drive etc. to make a trip out of it as neither of us have been to Africa, and might do some bird hunting depending on how things go. For context, my thought is that I will probably make more than one trip to Africa, and intend to sample different environments and the species that were native to them - potential future adventures in mind include Namibia and maybe the East Cape for a start.

Our included is mostly night focused:
Common Duiker
Steenbuck
Black-Backed Jackal
Genet Cat
Porcupine

My wife has decided that the above sounds great to her, so I'm on the see what the veldt provides. Some potential contenders for things I'd be interested in given species range etc.:
Greater Kudu
Bushbuck
Impala

Of the species there, the one I definitely want an opportunity at is a Kudu - they've always been the animal I've dreamed of in Africa since I first read of them. I'm not overly fussed on the size, but would rather like to have a nice representative of the species.

My question to others, was curious to hear thoughts on animals that they felt were 'should be considered' for Limpopo, keeping in mind potential future plans and that I'd rather focus on species that natively roamed in Limpopo. Other than the Kudu, I intend to have a few species I'd consider as potential targets and see what opportunities arise and how things are going (and if the wife decides that she'd like to expand her interests).

@TSALA HUNTING SAFARIS in Limpopo is my #1 choice. I got pretty much your list plus a 43 inch buff. Fabulous family and two awesome pHs in Rouan and Brandon

 

[kpoynter]

So here’s the deal…
As noted above this outfitter has pricing essentially 30-50% above market on Trophy Fees
However the Limpopo area is a good bit higher than most areas in general too
1) There is no such thing as a Northern Greater Kudu…but the right price in that are is around $2,500 (lower in many areas than that)
2) Every Trophy Fee listed is a minimum of 30% to 50% ABOVE Fair Market Value

That is part of their marketing strategy doing a bunch of auction hunts (which is…whatever…fine I guess)
The DO WANT YOU to shoot other animals and as many as you could possibly want to take.
So have a fair bit simple and direct conversation with them ahead of time here…
Say…”I’d like to shoot some other animals but the trophy fees are well above market…”
They will say (most likely)..” what are you interested in”
Tell them not just what (Kudu, Bushbuck, Impala) but tell them… Impala…but an impala is $300-$500 MAX in most places
Say Kudu but Kudu are normally $1,500-$2000/$2,500 or so with no size limit on that
Bushbuck are like $900-$1,000
Remember there is TONS of competition for plains game hunts
Also make sure you set expectations on size a bit… simply so they don’t F you as a beginner and get you to basically shoot management or non trophy animals as trophy animals
Kudu…in that area…50+” and really 52-53 probably
Bushbuck…14”
Impala…22-23+

 

[CloudySkies]

So here’s the deal…
As noted above this outfitter has pricing essentially 30-50% above market on Trophy Fees
However the Limpopo area is a good bit higher than most areas in general too
1) There is no such thing as a Northern Greater Kudu…but the right price in that are is around $2,500 (lower in many areas than that)
2) Every Trophy Fee listed is a minimum of 30% to 50% ABOVE Fair Market Value

That is part of their marketing strategy doing a bunch of auction hunts (which is…whatever…fine I guess)
The DO WANT YOU to shoot other animals and as many as you could possibly want to take.
So have a fair bit simple and direct conversation with them ahead of time here…
Say…”I’d like to shoot some other animals but the trophy fees are well above market…”
They will say (most likely)..” what are you interested in”
Tell them not just what (Kudu, Bushbuck, Impala) but tell them… Impala…but an impala is $300-$500 MAX in most places
Say Kudu but Kudu are normally $1,500-$2000/$2,500 or so with no size limit on that
Bushbuck are like $900-$1,000
Remember there is TONS of competition for plains game hunts
Also make sure you set expectations on size a bit… simply so they don’t F you as a beginner and get you to basically shoot management or non trophy animals as trophy animals
Kudu…in that area…50+” and really 52-53 probably
Bushbuck…14”
Impala…22-23+

Starting to feel the concern/buyers remorse quite heavily. I guess I will say, I am willing to walk away from it if I'm getting screwed over, or just run at a minimum for it. Its not a significant outlay compared to the overall amount I'd spend for what I'd want to hunt (and maybe as much as it pains me, this is not the outfit to do a Kudu with). I see the prices you've listed and I'm curious where those numbers are coming from, as maybe I'm just looking at the wrong places - appreciate your suggestions on talking to them about it.

 

[kpoynter]

Starting to feel the concern/buyers remorse quite heavily. I guess I will say, I am willing to walk away from it if I'm getting screwed over, or just run at a minimum for it. Its not a significant outlay compared to the overall amount I'd spend for what I'd want to hunt (and maybe as much as it pains me, this is not the outfit to do a Kudu with). I see the prices you've listed and I'm curious where those numbers are coming from, as maybe I'm just looking at the wrong places - appreciate your suggestions on talking to them about it.

Sure….
Mostly, I’ve hunted Africa for over 20 years now (and admittedly can sometimes be a tiny bit in the past with pricing from memory)
Pricing until the last few years was pretty stable for a long time.
I just did a quick screenshot for you from a very prominent Eastern Cape outfit as an example for you.
I see Impala now tend to average $500/$550 or $600 even. They were $500 or less basically forever and still are where you hunt them often as bait or more incidental
Kudu in Botswana are still $1,500 or so and the best out there and you can hunt many (I’ve taken over 20+)). Most places are indeed $2,250-$2,500 or $2,750.. for years and years they were like $1,500 almost everywhere
The Eastern Cape and Namibia are very Economical and Botswana for Plainsgame.
I’m sure you got a good deal so best advice is go and have a great time and enjoy
Just know the deal…
If you shoot a few things and you “maybe overpay” a bit …well… you still got a deal I’m sure and you will still have a great time.
The Limpopo has some serious private estates owned by like Arab and other Billionaires
I think they set their own market just a bit in that Provence

 

[Daisy]

Many of us went on auction hunt for first hunt. You’ll have a blast.

I agree you should call and tell them what animals you want and what you’ll pay total.

After you’ve taken them in Africa they will also give you lower prices for any other animals you might see and want to take. Just always negotiate before shooting the animal.

 

[Rare Breed]

Starting to feel the concern/buyers remorse quite heavily. I guess I will say, I am willing to walk away from it if I'm getting screwed over, or just run at a minimum for it. Its not a significant outlay compared to the overall amount I'd spend for what I'd want to hunt (and maybe as much as it pains me, this is not the outfit to do a Kudu with). I see the prices you've listed and I'm curious where those numbers are coming from, as maybe I'm just looking at the wrong places - appreciate your suggestions on talking to them about it.

Do not walk away…know market value and talk to the outfitter. Let them know what animals you want and tell them what you have discovered as market value. If they say no then reavaluate the hunt and maybe walk away… I will bet they will agree with you and reduce your price to market value. Africa is very competitive right now

 

[375Fox]

Sure….
Mostly, I’ve hunted Africa for over 20 years now (and admittedly can sometimes be a tiny bit in the past with pricing from memory)
Pricing until the last few years was pretty stable for a long time.
I just did a quick screenshot for you from a very prominent Eastern Cape outfit as an example for you.
I see Impala now tend to average $500/$550 or $600 even. They were $500 or less basically forever and still are where you hunt them often as bait or more incidental
Kudu in Botswana are still $1,500 or so and the best out there and you can hunt many (I’ve taken over 20+)). Most places are indeed $2,250-$2,500 or $2,750.. for years and years they were like $1,500 almost everywhere
The Eastern Cape and Namibia are very Economical and Botswana for Plainsgame.
I’m sure you got a good deal so best advice is go and have a great time and enjoy
Just know the deal…
If you shoot a few things and you “maybe overpay” a bit …well… you still got a deal I’m sure and you will still have a great time.
The Limpopo has some serious private estates owned by like Arab and other Billionaires
I think they set their own market just a bit in that Provence

You really need to compare Limpopo to Limpopo to be fair. However anytime I see a baboon listed above $150 I’m highly suspicious. I don’t think Limpopo pricing has anything to do with Billionaires. It’s simple proximity to a local market in Johannesburg combined with knowledge that it’s easiest hunting location in Africa to reach for most. I think eastern cape and Namibia provide a much better value but requires an extra flight and an extra day.

 

[375Fox]

Starting to feel the concern/buyers remorse quite heavily. I guess I will say, I am willing to walk away from it if I'm getting screwed over, or just run at a minimum for it. Its not a significant outlay compared to the overall amount I'd spend for what I'd want to hunt (and maybe as much as it pains me, this is not the outfit to do a Kudu with). I see the prices you've listed and I'm curious where those numbers are coming from, as maybe I'm just looking at the wrong places - appreciate your suggestions on talking to them about it.

Reach out to the Limpopo sponsors here for their price lists to compare. No reason to feel buyer’s remorse yet but just make sure your auction hunt wouldn’t exceed the value if you had booked direct. I have a lot of problems with the way Limpopo outfitters market their hunts and do business. I wish they’d just write 7 day minimum booking and make an honest trophy fee list instead of pricing a 7 day buffalo package cheaper than the trophy fee alone on a price list.

 

[Christopher Kennedy]

You’ll love Limpopo - you may not want to ever leave! Agreed with just about all of these comments. Kudu needs to at the top of your list! Gemsbok, probably number two, wildebeest, impala, warthog, blesbok and duiker.

 

[Hunt anything]

I would look at bushbuck and kudu definitely and most likely impala as you stated, seen great quality in Limpopo for each.
To ME the Limpopo is not the place to go to see great quantities of game but the places I’ve been were extremely thick. The game is there but just not as visible as in the Free State, Northwest Eastern Cape.
The last 3 outfitters I’ve hunted the Limpopo with had impala around $600, bushbuck at $1900 and kudu from $3500 to $5000 depending on size.
A lot of people have poor opinions on auction hunts, I don’t personally. I’ve taken 2 and both were great. I try to spend around $5000 to $7000 on extra animals so the outfitter makes a little money , the organization (SCI) or whoever makes some money plus you will probably have a great hunt.
Just make surer you’re on the same page with the outfitter and many seem to be more flexible once you are in camp.
If the wife goes along try and squeeze in a couple of days at Kruger, your outfit can probably set it up for you. Personally I like the North end of the park, a lot less people.

 

[1dirthawker]

think about a bush pig as well. relatively inexpensive, the poor mans leopard and a night time hunt generally. it might take a couple hunts to get one

 

[Frederik]

Limpopo is large where in Limpopo will you be hunting the location could determine what to put on top of your list.
For example you can hunt a great kudu but if you have pplans to return and next time go to Namibia you could hunt great kudu there as well and it might be cheaper.
So where exactly will you be hunting in limpopo and do you have plans already to return?

There is a specific area in Limpopo where Gemsbuck/Oryx occure naturally where rest of Limpopo they were introduced.
Blesbuck in the far north north of Limpopo is also not a natural occuring species.
Other specie that have been intoduced in Limpopo are springbuck
So my take if this is not going to be your one and only trip and most time its not, concentrate on the naturraly occuring species.

If targeting kudu with the recent jump in prices let that PH hold on untill you see him getting exited.
If you don't bag a monster kudu then you have a reason to come back.

Lastly in Limpopo you need to have permits for certain critters in advance make sure they have been taken out. Otherwise getting the permits after and the PH register don't match up on dates your screwed with shipping that trophy.