Cape Buffalo Hunting

The term "Big Five" was coined in the early days ofsafari, photographic tours are also available.
African hunting by its early pioneers, who describedAfrican hunting is a highly emotive subject to some
the five biggest game animals that were the mostpeople, especially in the West. But, on the contrary
dangerous and posed the most potentially lethal drawto common predispositions about it, the impact on
to those hunting them. In many cases hunters werethe environment for hunting safaris is far less than it
severely maimed and killed during the hunt.counterpart photo safaris, and they also form part of
Owing to its unpredictability the Cape Buffalo,southern African governments' game management
sometimes known as the "black death" makes itprogrammes.
highly dangerous and killed many of the early-dayIn addition, all hunts must first been issued with
hunters. Besides human prey, the African buffalonecessary licenses and permits by the Parks Board
have few predators and have on occasions whenand CITES (Confederation of International Trade in
defending themselves, killed lions.Endangered Species) and customers must be
It is no surprise then that most professional huntersaccompanied by fully-qualified and licensed guides.
regard the Cape Buffalo with respect as it is one ofTo paraphrase Steve Robinson, each Parks Board
the most dangerous and ill-tempered animals to hunt;meets regularly to discuss with the locals and the
there have been numerous stories about this animallicensed hunting operator to decide on how many of
actually ambushing its pursuers.a particular species can be supported by the
For the hunter, this means is that a hunting safari ineco-system, and how many of these can be hunted
South Africa or Botswana is a thrilling experience notto maintain a healthy balance.
to be missed, hunting safaris being offered in theHe notes: "By involving the local populations, the
Northern KwaZulu Natal, Eastern Free State, KalahariParks Boards ensure that the local populations will find
and the eastern Cape. Most packages can beit more profitable to conserve the wildlife rather than
tailor-made to suit the visitors' requirements, but allfind them in the position where they have to turn to
the legally licensed and accredited safaris arepoaching the game to feed their families. In African
conducted by highly qualified hunting guides, andcountries where hunting does not happen due to
accredited by THETA.political upheaval or is banned, the game has no value
Buffalo hunting is in the natural eco-environmentto the local populations. Consequently the locals only
surroundings of Southern Africa and most reputablesee the game as something that competes with their
companies operate policies that support conservationown survival by eating their crops and further
through sustainable means. Accommodation is usuallypolluting their own water supplies. When this happens,
in a camp or bush lodge with en-suite rooms, ranginghistory shows that the game is quickly wiped out by
from the comfortable to the luxurious. When onillegal poaching.