Product Description

HUNTING OPTIONS AND INFORMATION
Hunting is available the entire year, but the most popular time is mid-March to end-September due to the moderate temperatures. At Royal Karoo Safaris, we offer you a variety of hunting options:

Clients can hunt off the Trophy Price List on a Daily Rate or choose a package. Alternatively, we can tailor-make a package for your needs.  Note that 15% VAT is added to all packages. Most of our hunting is undertaken using the ‘walk-and-stalk’, ‘spot-and-stalk’, ‘stand’ or ‘still’ method and our hunts are Fair Chase. Shots vary between 100-300 yards and we urge you to practice shooting from the long bipod shooting sticks that are commonly used here.

The large quantities of various game species on our hunting preserve limit the amount of travelling while on safari.

Premium Bow Blinds
Six blinds have been built in strategic positions – taking the terrain, natural animal pathways and the sun into account. Water points have been
purpose-built to have the target animals stand side-on when drinking water – all to facilitate the hunt for the dedicated bow hunter. The blinds
themselves have been sunk 1 meter below ground level, are 3×3,5 metres big and sound-proofed. A long bench with extra padding and carpets
add some comfort while waiting for prey. These comfortable, purpose-built bow blinds have resulted in a very high success rate, creating an opportunity for hunters
of all skill levels.

This facility gives Royal Karoo a world-class edge amongst the bow hunting fraternity.

Compound, traditional, re-curve and crossbows can all be used and although no regulation regarding draw weight exists it is recommended that for small game a bow of 40# with an arrow weight of at least 400 grains, for large plains game, a bow of 70# with an arrow weight of 500 grains and at least 80# for dangerous game such as buffalo.

Spot and Stalk
Our positioning within the Eastern Cape of South Africa allows for a variety of exciting hunting, with different vegetation requiring different tactics and each presenting its own challenges.

While the thick valley bush veld may provide ample cover, the slopes are often rocky and dry bush makes for a “loud floor”. To get within shooting distance of our elusive Grey Ghost (Kudu) will require skill, patience and persistence. Stalking Springbuck through our open savannah, on the other hand, will require the tactical prowess of Hannibal and perhaps a little luck. If one were to walk the thorn tree thickets in pursuit of the hard-bossed buffalo bull, that is often referred to as the “Black death”, steadiness of hand and sharp senses would be of top priority.

Our hunters leave the lodge on Land Cruisers and drive to the area that was selected the night before as the most likely to bring success for the specie being pursued. Once arriving at the valley or mountain range that will be hunted, or upon spotting the target animal in a position that makes a hunt viable, the hunters will disembark the vehicle and pursue on foot. While we do our utmost to accommodate our hunters with regards to their ability and fitness levels, to have the best opportunities at the trophy of your choice we recommend that our hunters arrive fit and prepared to put in the work.

When hunting with a rifle, camouflage is less important as shots are taken from distances of around 80-200 meters and the animal relies more on movement than colours to spot potential predators. When stalking on bow however, every advantage needs to be harnessed and so camouflage and scent blockers wouldn’t go to waste.

Spot and stalk on African game can be tough, but it’s the challenge that makes the experience worthwhile.

Corporate Hunting
Royal Karoo is a very popular corporate hunting destination.

We pride ourselves on being experienced, excellent hosts who are prepared to go the extra mile to accommodate your group. You can have complete peace of mind that the facilities, hunting areas, game availability, professional staff and value for money are assured. Any hunt with us is an experience that will leave a lasting impression.

Black Powder Hunting
Royal Karoo Safaris is committed to meet every challenge posed by their discerning clients – and as such offers to meet the need of the traditionalist wanting the challenge to stalk their trophy of choice to within striking distance of an original, or a copy of an original black powder gun.

The handcrafted lead projectile needs to be launched from close quarters – and together with the skill of the local guides and the unique terrain and vegetation, the Royal Karoo hunting grounds allow for exciting opportunities, whether it is an ancient #8 bore double built originally for the elephants of India, or a modern day .470 from loaded with black powder and a projectile rammed home – Royal Karoo Hunting Safaris will provide exciting moments.

Wing Shooting
Experience some of South Africa’s incredible wing shooting options and join us on an air charter tour of the country – from the open landscapes of the Kalahari where we will wait for the sand grouse at the watering holes during the morning, the discipline of the pointers showing Grey Wing Partridge on the grassy Karoo Highlands, Ducks and Geese alongside the waterways of the coastal pasture farms. The Savannah/ Thornveld areas for Guinea Fowl or the High energy shoulder numbing volumes of Rocky Pigeons as they descend into the sunflower fields – the varied options make for an exciting wing shooting tour of South Africa.

The pigeons are a great “add-on” trip to a trophy hunt at Royal Karoo – two days away from the Lodge in the sunflower fields will see you pull off between 500 and 1500 shells per day!!

Dangerous Game
The Cape buffalo is considered the ultimate trophy in your Plains game package. Hunting for them in our broken scrub vegetation at close quarters is an adrenalin infused experience. The small groups of aggressive “Dagga boys” can be found anywhere on the preserve but they prefer the thornveld riverine systems. The Buffalo can be hunted with conventional big game calibers, or black powder guns or even by bow.

If the Big Five is your quest, expect to travel beyond our borders where we will find you the best trophy and experience in Africa – whether it is Rhino, Lion, Leopard or Elephant.