Hunting Free State South Africa
The Free State province is the heart of South Africa’s highveld—a land of endless horizons, golden grasslands, and the dramatic sandstone cliffs of the Maluti mountains. For the hunter, this is the premier destination for plains game Grand Slams, offering high-volume herds and specialized mountain species in a crisp, high-altitude climate.
1. Free State hunting profile
| Feature | Details |
| Primary terrain | Rolling grasslands, open plains, and rugged sandstone mountains. |
| Key species | Black wildebeest, Blesbok, Springbok, and Vaal rhebok. |
| Climate | High-altitude; very cold winters with frosty mornings and clear skies. |
| Hunting style | Long-range spotting and stalking across open territory. |
2. Field journal: hunting the highveld plains
Hunting the Free State is a test of a hunter’s ability to utilize minimal cover. Unlike the thickets of Zululand, the highveld requires a crawl and stalk approach, often using the natural contours of the land or the occasional termite mound to close the distance on alert herds of Blesbok (Damaliscus pygargus phillipsi) or Springbok.
| Highveld tactics | Technical execution |
| Open-ground stalking | Utilizing dead ground and ridges to stay out of the line of sight. |
| Long-range glassing | Identifying trophy bulls from miles away using high-power optics. |
| Wind management | Constant wind on the plains makes scent control and bullet drift critical. |
| The mountain climb | Specialized hunts for Vaal rhebok require physical fitness for steep terrain. |
3. Species biology and conservation (Connochaetes gnou)
The Black wildebeest, also known as the White-tailed gnu, is the iconic species of the Free State. Once on the brink of extinction, this species is a true conservation success story driven by regulated hunting. Known for their eccentric behavior and aggressive nature, a Black wildebeest bull is a formidable trophy on the open plains.
| Black wildebeest profile | The territorial bull |
| Behavior | Famous for their dancing displays, circling, and loud snorting calls. |
| Horn structure | Forward-curving horns that require careful judging for mature bosses. |
| Habitat | They prefer open, short-grass plains with good visibility. |
| Resilience | Extremely tough animals that require accurate shot placement. |
4. The ghost of the mountains: Vaal rhebok
For the adventurous hunter, the eastern Free State offers the challenge of the Vaal rhebok (Pelea capreolus). Often confused with the "Grey Ghost" (which is the Greater kudu), the Vaal rhebok is a true mountain specialist. Hunting them involves ascending the sandstone cliffs and glassing the high plateaus.
| Mountain hunt | Requirements |
| Terrain | High-altitude sandstone ridges and steep slopes. |
| The quarry | Small, shy, and extremely alert with long, straight horns. |
| Distance | Shots are often taken at steep angles and across valleys. |
| Physicality | Requires a moderate to high level of fitness for the climb. |
5. Essential Free State trophy list
The Free State is often the most productive region for hunters looking to add several iconic South African species to their collection in a single safari.
| Species | Trophy expectation |
| Black wildebeest | Deep-curved horns with heavy bosses. |
| Common blesbok | A staple of the highveld; excellent for management and trophy hunts. |
| Springbok | All four color phases (Common, Black, White, Copper) can be found here. |
| Red hartebeest | High-speed plains dwellers with unique, awkward horn shapes. |
6. Free State hunting and historical background
6.1 Free state topography and hunting areas
The topography of the Free State is a study in open-country hunting. From the central plains near Bloemfontein to the rugged sandstone formations of the Maluti Mountains in the east, the landscape dictates the hunt. We utilize vast, private concessions where the high-altitude environment produces exceptionally hardy animals with thick winter coats.
| Landscape feature | Hunting application |
| Open savannah | Ideal for spotting large herds and planning long-range stalks. |
| Sandstone koppies | Essential for glassing and breaking up the hunter's silhouette. |
| Highveld plateaus | Home to the territorial Black wildebeest and Blesbok. |
| Mountain ridges | The specialized domain of the Vaal rhebok and Klipspringer. |
6.2 Historical free state: a land of the Boer republics
The Free State holds a deep historical significance as one of the original Boer republics. This land between the rivers (the Orange and the Vaal) has a heritage of resilience and independence. When you hunt these plains, you are traversing the same ground where the legendary Boer commandos once rode—men who were renowned for their marksmanship and ability to live off the land.
| Historical legacy | Modern connection |
| The Republic | A history of self-reliance that mirrors the ethos of the professional hunter. |
| Rifle culture | A deep-seated tradition of precision shooting born from the highveld. |
| Land management | Generations of family-owned land now dedicated to wildlife conservation. |
6.3 Best time of year to hunt the Free State
Timing is critical in the Free State due to the extreme temperature shifts of the high altitude. The transition of the seasons affects both animal behavior and the physical challenge for the hunter.
| Season | Hunting conditions |
| May to August | The Golden Window. Clear skies, frosty mornings, and thin vegetation. |
| June / July | Ideal for trophies; animals have thick winter coats and are easily spotted. |
| September / October | Spring brings the first rains and green shoots; excellent for active plains game. |
| Temperature tip | Winter mornings can drop well below freezing (0°C); layered clothing is vital. |
7. Hunting scenarios in the Free State
From the flat open terrain, to almost typical bushveld areas to the high mountains of the eastern Free State. We hunt where the game you need can be found.
7.1 Mountain hunting in the eastern free state
Hunting in the mountainous regions of the eastern Free State presents a unique and exhilarating challenge that demands a higher level of physical preparedness and strategic skill. This is a specialized hunt for those who seek to push their limits and experience the raw beauty of the high-altitude highveld.
7.2 The challenge of high-altitude hunting
The eastern Free State’s terrain, with its majestic sandstone mountains, rises to elevations of over 5 900 ft (1,800 meters) above sea level. For hunters unaccustomed to these altitudes, the thinner air is a significant factor. Every step requires more effort, and stamina is tested with each ascent. We strongly advise clients to prepare for this hunt with a focus on cardiovascular fitness. Your ability to navigate the steep and rocky sandstone slopes will directly impact your hunting success and your ability to close the distance on a trophy bull.
7.3 A strategic approach to mountain game
The species that inhabit this rugged landscape are masterfully adapted to the terrain. Success in these mountains often hinges on patience, stealth, and a deep understanding of animal behavior. One of the most effective methods for hunting species like the agile Mountain reedbuck (Redunca fulvorufula) and the elusive Vaal rhebok (Pelea capreolus) is strategic calling.
Our experienced Professional Hunters (PHs) are experts in mimicking the calls of these animals to lure them into range. This method requires the hunter to remain still and concealed in a well-chosen glassing spot, often for extended periods. The ability to endure these conditions, maintain focus in the cold mountain wind, and react quickly when a trophy bull presents itself is paramount to a successful highveld safari.
8. Hunting near Golden gate highlands national park
Our plains game hunts are primarily focused on the eastern Free State, a region renowned for its stunning landscapes and abundant wildlife. This high-altitude area provides an ideal habitat for a wide range of species, making it a top destination for hunters seeking a variety of trophies. We specialize in providing a professional and rewarding experience for hunting species such as Blesbok (including White blesbok and Saddle back blesbok), Eland, Springbok, Mountain reedbuck, Vaal rhebok (Pelea capreolus), Steenbok, and Duiker (Common or Gray).
8.1 The golden gate advantage
Much of our hunting is conducted in the vicinity of the magnificent Golden Gate highlands national park. This park is a natural wonder, famous for its dramatic sandstone cliffs that glow with an ethereal golden light at sunset. The main road to KwaZulu-Natal biserts the park, making it easily accessible and adding to the convenience of your hunting safari.
The region’s unique topography, a blend of open grasslands and rugged mountains, provides a diverse hunting environment. While hunting on our private concessions, you will be immersed in the same breathtaking scenery that defines the park itself, offering a backdrop of sandstone towers and expansive plateaus.
8.2 Beyond the hunt: a scenic excursion
We believe a truly memorable safari combines the thrill of the hunt with the beauty of the surrounding environment. Time permitting, we offer the opportunity to visit the Golden Gate highlands national park for a non-hunting, photographic safari.
This excursion allows you to experience the park’s majestic beauty up close and witness free-roaming herds of Blesbok, Black wildebeest (Connochaetes gnou), Eland, and Red hartebeest in a protected setting. This unique offering enriches your overall experience, allowing you to appreciate the conservation efforts and the raw natural beauty of this remarkable part of South Africa.
9. Hunting areas and hunting camps in the Free State
The vast landscapes of the highveld demand hunting camps that blend authentic African hospitality with the rugged comfort required after a long day on the tracks. Our selected concessions in the Free State feature classic, well-appointed hunting lodges nestled among the iconic sandstone hills and expansive plains. These camps serve as your base of operations, offering pristine accommodations, hot showers, exceptional local cuisine, and a traditional campfire setting under the dark starlit skies to share the day's stories.
Below are images of some of the hunting areas and hunting camps we frequent in the Free State, giving you a firsthand look at the terrains and facilities you will experience on your safari.
10. Choose your next Safari Destination
Before you lock in your dates, it helps to see how the diverse terrains across South Africa change the pursuit. Use the links below to explore our other primary hunting provinces, or return to the main territories overview to compare all of our available concession areas side by side.
Services
Contact
hunt@huntinginafricasafaris.com
+27 82 824 7681
on Whatsapp and Telegram
Hours
Mondays from: 06:00 - 20:00 (6 am - 8 pm)
Tuesday - Saturday from: 06:00 - 20:00 (6 am - 8 pm)
Sunday: Closed unless we are hunting.