South Africa Private Concession Hunting Ranch

Plains Game, Big Game, Dangerous Game and Upland Wingshooting Trips in South Africa

Emerald Sky Safaris is a privately owned and operated concession by the Stewart family. We are accredited outfitters and members of WRSA, (Wildlife Ranchers Association of South Africa), DSC (Dallas Safari Club), SCI (Safari Club International), NSC (Nordisk Safari Club) and HSC (Houston Safari Club).

Whilst hunting with Emerald Sky Safaris throughout South Africa, whether you are hunting selected members of the Big 5, local plains game or selected bird species, our specialized and experienced team will cater for your every need and make your Dream hunting experience a reality. Whether you are hunting with a rifle or bow, our Professional hunters will cater to your every need to ensure your dream hunting safari become a reality. Our focus is on spot and stalk hunting but we do have a number of permanent blinds as well as some temporary blinds set up on the concession.

Rifle Hunting Safaris in South Africa

A more traditional method of hunting is with the use of rifles, and is used for both plains game and dangerous game in South Africa. Rifle hunting allows for fantastic spot and stalk hunting opportunities on our concessions.

Our main method of rifle hunting is through spot and stalk, and all of our concessions offer the ideal terrain for this method. Whether it be hunting through the plains with scattered bush, through our undulating hills, deep valleys and water streams with thick vegetation, our vegetation type makes it possible to get within range of the animals. Camouflage clothing is legal in South Africa and is highly recommended especially for spot and stalk. Camouflage clothing should have a predominantly green and dark brown pattern.

Best Rifles for Africa Safari Plains Game

There are many forms of rifles that can be used on Plains game. Although no regulation regarding Calibres for plains game, we recommend a .30 calibre on all plains game. On Dangerous game however the is a minimum of a .375 required.  A word about bullets – as a general rule, premium quality, heavy calibre specific bullets are your best choice. We recommend that you practice shooting at a distance of 100 yards or more ahead of your trip with us as shots can range between 50 yards and 250 yards on our concessions.

The most commonly used method for locating animals is by glassing areas whilst cruising in a 4×4 vehicle. A large area can be covered using the method without losing valuable time walking through dead terrain. Once game has been sighted the stalk is planned, the vehicle drives off leaving the hunter and his guide in a suitable position.

Bowhunting Safaris

Classic Bow Hunting Safaris into Africa have become increasingly popular amongst discerning archers with a variety of species on offer. The Eastern Cape Province is ideal for Bow Hunting because of the type of vegetation, also called Valley Thicket, as the dense bush provides excellent cover.

Our Professional Hunters are highly qualified, experienced and technically competent with the advice they offer for tough African game, hunting methods, equipment limitations that have been tested and proven in the field, as well as legislation introduced by the Government ensures the ethics of the sport is upheld.

Archery Safaris in South Africa

The majority of successful Bow hunts are made from permanently constructed blinds. These are situated approximately 30 yards from waterholes and feeding sites. Some blinds are elevated from the ground, and others are ground blinds, depending on the terrain, sun and wind direction.

Our blinds are spacious and have roofs overhead. Animals harvested through this method are Kudu, Impala, Blue Wildebeest, Zebra, Eland, Gemsbok, Red Hartebeest, Warthog and Baboon.

Spot and Stalk / Walk and Stalk Bow Hunts

This method is used for the “more difficult” species or those that do not frequently visit the waterholes. Some of our concessions offer the ideal terrain for this method.

The undulating hills, deep gullies and water streams with thick vegetation all make it possible to get within bow range. Species hunted by this method are Bushbuck, Nyala and Duiker. Camouflage clothing is legal in South Africa and is highly recommended specially for spot and stalk. Camo clothing should have a predominantly green and dark brown pattern depending on the season.

Fair Chase Hunting Outfitters in South Africa

This includes a variety of hunting methods. The most commonly used is locating animals whilst cruising in a 4×4 vehicle. A large area can be covered using the method without losing valuable time walking through dead terrain. Once game has been sighted the stalk is planned and the vehicle drives off leaving the hunter and his guide in a suitable position.

Compound, longbows and re-curve bows can be used on Plains game. Although no regulation regarding draw weight exists it is recommended to use bows of 60lb and higher. Traditional archers should advise the length of their longbows to enable any adjustments to existing blinds to be made prior to the safari. Three or four bladed broad heads of the rage variety are recommended. We recommend that you practice shooting at a distance of 40 yards, as this the average target distance on our concessions.

South Africa Safari Hunting Packages

We offer both trophy and management packages and can accommodate individuals or groups of up to 8 hunters and their partners on our concession. We are experienced in guiding first time hunters, the experienced hunters as well as hunting with family groups. We can tailor make your safari to your specific requirements, including non-hunting activities such as golf, fishing, sight-seeing or historical tours.

Being specialists in plains game, most of the species can be hunted on our own concession. We also have access to a number of other hunting concessions in our area for any plains game species not habiting our concession.

Africa Huntable Game Animals  (US Dollars)

• Baboon            $100
• Black Wildebeest        $1 000
• Blesbuck          $400
• Blue Wildebeest         $1 000
• Bontebok         $1 800
• Buffalo $9 500
• Bushbuck         $600
• Bushpig           $900
• Caracal/Lynx   $800
• Commom Duiker         $400
• Common Reedbuck     $1 600
• Eastern Cape Kudu      $1 000
• Eland   $2 800
• Fallow Deer     $800
• Gemsbuck / Oryx        $1 000
• Giraffe $2 800
• Grysbuck         $1 800
• Hartebeest (Red)        $1 000
• Hippo $9 500
• Impala $400
• Jackal  $100
• Mountain Reedbuck   $600
• Nyala   $2 800
• Oribi    $2 400
• Ostrich            $300
• Sable   $6 000
• Springbuck Common $400
• Springbuck White       $1 000
• Springbuck Black         $600
• Steenbuck       $600
• Vaal Rhebuck  $1 600
• Warthog          $400
• Waterbuck      $2 800
• Zebra   $1 000

Dangerous 5 Hunts and Wingshooting Trips in South Africa

In addition to the numerous plains game species, the concession is also home to larger game such as Buffalo, Hippo, Giraffe, numerous plains game species, various reptiles and over 250 bird species, which provides for excellent viewing and photographic opportunities while hunting.

Luxury Safari Tented Camps and Historical Hunting Lodge

We believe that hunting does not mean roughing it and provide the option of two luxury establishments, each with their own unique character. This variety provides flexibility in meeting the different needs and desires of each guest.

Historical Luxury Hunting Lodge

Built in 1865, this 4-star equivalent lodge consists of four luxury double rooms, all with bathrooms en-suite. The wide veranda provided spectacular views over the concession, with the waterhole in front of the lodge often visited by plains game and Giraffes. There is a swimming pool for the hot days and a cosy pub for the reminiscing in front of the fire on those cold winter evenings. Our excellent staff will make you feel part of the family while tempting you with South African country cuisine.

Luxury Tented Safari Camp

This 4-Star equivalent camp consists of four luxury 2 person tents on elevated wooden decks overlooking a pristine valley. Each tent has its own bathroom en-suite. The camp includes a boma and a dining tent where our staff will tempt you with excellent South African cuisine. Our sundowner lounge and deck along with our swimming pool are also favourites during our balmy evenings. This camp is ideal for those yearning for the pampering and service of the African Safaris of old, or for those who wish to bring along their partners or families for a special treat.

Meals and Drinks Included

All your meals and local beverages are included in your day rate. Our style of cuisine is most aptly described as country cooking with a touch of flair. We make extensive use of venison hunted on our concessions and fresh local produce. You can expect a typical day to start with coffee and homemade muffins with a sumptuous brunch just before midday. A three course dinner is served in the evening accompanied by South African wines from our extensive wine cellar.