Southern Africa has become one of the most popular big-game hunting regions in the world. It offers a great variety of trophy hunters, including the Big Five, namely elephant, white rhino, lion, leopard and buffalo, as well as 26 species of antelope.
Hunting proclamations of the various provinces differ and are promulgated annually. The hunting season normally runs during the winter months, from May 1 to the end of July.
Most species may be hunted legally by nonlandowners during the hunting season, provided that they have the written consent of the landowner and a valid hunting permit issued by the appropriate conservation authority.
Trophy hunting by overseas clients is subject to uniform legislation throughout South Africa, and all hunters are required to be accompanied by registered professional hunters and have their hunts arranged by approved hunting outfitters.
All the provinces provide schedules of ordinary, protected and specially protected game. Ordinary game may be hunted under licence during an open season. Protected game may only be hunted under permit and licence, the fee depending on the species. Specially protected game, which include grysbok, klipspringer, red hartebeest, giraffe, black rhinoceros, pangolin and antbear, may not be hunted at all.
(Source: GCIS: South Africa Yearbook)