Hunting with us
Walk-and-stalk plains game and dangerous game hunting across the diverse terrain of South Africa’s Eastern Cape, with an experienced Professional Hunter by your side.
The terrain
The Eastern Cape highlands are a landscape of contrasts. Open grasslands climb onto rocky ridges, drop into thick, bush-filled valleys and open out again across the plateaus. In winter, the grass turns golden, making game stand out against the landscape from a distance. Much of the morning is spent glassing the hillsides and valleys for movement.
This varied terrain is home to an impressive range of game. Springbok, blesbuck and black wildebeest favour the more open ground, while kudu, nyala and bushbuck move through the thicker valleys. Mountain reedbuck and vaal rhebok inhabit the cold, high ridges, where every step of the stalk is earned.
How we hunt
Our approach is built around spot-and-stalk hunting on foot. Your vehicle takes you into the hunting area; from there, the hunt is about walking, glassing, reading the terrain and closing the distance. Shots are taken off shooting sticks, with patience, fieldcraft and a proper stalk at the heart of the experience.
We do not shoot from vehicles. Depending on the species and hunting package, safaris take place in free-range areas and selected high-fence properties.
Bushpig hunting offers a different experience, with night hunts conducted over bait. It’s an opportunity to experience another side of African hunting after the sun goes down.
A day in the field
No two days are the same, but here’s a taste of what a day at Thompson Safaris looks like.
- Breakfast at the lodge
Start the day with a continental breakfast and coffee before heading out.
- Into the field
Head into the hunting area as the sun rises. Glass the ridges, open grasslands and valleys for game and plan your approach.
- The stalk
Once game is spotted, the real work begins. Plan your approach, close the distance on foot and take your shot off shooting sticks when the opportunity presents itself.
- Recovery and lunch
After a successful hunt, recover the animal with the team, take photographs and leave the trackers and skinners to prepare the trophy. Then return to the lodge for lunch.
- Time to recharge
Take a break during the heat of the day. Enjoy a swim, relax on your veranda or simply put your feet up before the afternoon hunt.
- Afternoon hunt
Head back into the bush to pursue game through the afternoon. From kudu and bushbuck in the thicker valleys to springbuck and blesbuck on the open grasslands, every hunt brings a different challenge.
- Back at the lodge
Return to the lodge for sundowners, a home-cooked dinner and stories around the boma fire. It’s the perfect end to a day in the bush.
Please note: this itinerary is a general guide to a typical hunting day. All times are approximate and may vary depending on hunting conditions, the number of animals taken, recovery and tracking time, and opportunities that arise throughout the day. A successful morning hunt may extend into the afternoon, and every day unfolds differently. It is simply an example of what to expect, rather than a fixed schedule.
Species we hunt
37 species are on our price list, from the classic Eastern Cape plains game to the mountain specialists and dangerous game. Every name below links to its trophy fee.
Spiral horns
Plains and grassland
Premium and dangerous game
Trophy care
Our skinners field-prepare, salt and dry every trophy at the lodge, and that is included in your daily rate. From there we hand over to the taxidermist or dip-and-pack agent of your choice, who deals with the export paperwork and shipping. Taxidermy and shipping are for your own account, and we are happy to recommend people we trust.
If you are hunting giraffe or buffalo, talk to us about taxidermy before you arrive. The skins are big and the crating is worth planning early.
See what it costs
Daily rates, rifle hire and every trophy fee, plus a live estimate as you pick your animals.