Tipping is a common and appreciated practice. While tipping is discretionary, it is customary to recognize the hard work and dedication of the professional hunters, trackers, guides, and camp staff who contribute to the success and enjoyment of your guided hunt. The amount can vary, but tips are generally recommended based on the quality of service and your overall satisfaction. Tips for support staff are pooled and distributed, so individual gratuities for your Professional hunter and tracker may be appropriate.

A typical day at Ubuninzi is structured to optimize your hunting experience while providing comfort and relaxation. While specifics can vary based on your preferences, this is what a typical day may look like:

Early morning: The day usually starts before sunrise. Hunters head out when wildlife is most active, and the weather is coolest.

Morning hunt: The morning hunt typically lasts until late morning or midday. This is when animals are often feeding and more visible.

Brunch or lunch: After the morning hunt, there is a break for a hearty brunch or lunch back at the lodge. This is a time to rest, relax, and share stories about the morning’s activities.

Afternoon rest: Many hunters take advantage of the downtime during the day’s heat to rest, nap, or enjoy other leisure activities at the camp.

Afternoon hunt: In the late afternoon, hunters head back into the field for another round of hunting. This session continues until sunset, taking advantage of the cool temperatures and increased wildlife activity.

Dinner: Once back at the camp, hunters and guests gather for a well-prepared dinner. This is often a social time where experiences are shared, and plans are made for the next day.

Rest and preparation: After a full day of hunting and activities, guests retire to their accommodations to rest and prepare for the next day’s adventures.

It’s important to note that wildlife safari itineraries can be flexible, and adjustments may be made based on factors such as weather, animal movements, and the hunters’ preferences. The goal is to provide an authentic and enjoyable safari experience while respecting the natural rhythms of the environment.

After an animal is successfully harvested, we take the following steps:

Field dressing: Depending on the distance from the lodge, the immediate step after a kill is field dressing, where the animal is gutted and prepared for transportation back to the camp. This is a crucial process to ensure the quality of the trophy and the meat.

Transportation to camp: The harvested animal is transported back to the camp using a vehicle specially designed for carrying game.

Skinning and trophy preparation: At the camp, the hide is removed and, if required, prepared for taxidermy. 

Meat utilization: The meat from the harvested animal is processed to benefit the local community – after the hunter has chosen what they want to keep. We ensure minimal waste.

Celebration: We always celebrate a successful hunt around the bar, at meals and around the fire.

Documentation: We’ll assist in completing the necessary paperwork to comply with local regulations regarding bag limits and other guidelines.

Optional extras: Depending on the arrangements and the hunter’s preferences, we’ll assist with taxidermy arrangements and coordination of shipping of trophies.

Our success rate is excellent. While there are no guarantees in nature, we have abundant game and highly qualified and experienced professional hunters who will do everything they can to ensure you harvest the trophies you expect.

The terrain can be quite rugged, and a certain level of physical fitness is required, as walking is necessary during the hunt. However, we understand that each client has their own capabilities and preferences. While the terrain may present challenges, we strive to accommodate our clients to the best of our ability, meeting them at their comfort level while ensuring a fulfilling hunting experience. Our experienced guides are adept at navigating the terrain. They will tailor the hunt to suit the needs and abilities of each individual or group, ensuring your safety and enjoyment.

You can read about Ubuninzi’s location and access here.

At Ubuninzi, hunting is available all year round. Ultimately, the best time to come and hunt at Ubuninzi depends on your preferences, objectives, and availability. Our team is here to assist you in planning your hunting adventure and ensuring a memorable experience, regardless of the season.

While every time of year has its charms and benefits, the most popular months for hunting tend to be from March to October. During these months, the weather is generally cooler, which can be more comfortable for both hunters and game alike. Each season brings its own advantages. For instance, the summer months (November to February) can offer lush vegetation and increased animal activity, while the winter months (June to August) may provide clearer visibility and easier tracking due to sparse foliage.

We provide complimentary transfers from this airport. Depending on your flight times, if you need to sleep over in Johannesburg, we recommend where to stay and a transfer to get you there. We are also happy to advise you on which flight works best for travel to the lodge. When we take you to the airport at the end of the stay, we can add a few hours for shopping if you’d like to pick up some souvenirs for your trip home. See our location and access information.

While every time of year has its charms and benefits, the most popular months for hunting tend to be from March to October. During these months, the weather is generally cooler, which can be more comfortable for both hunters and game alike. Each season brings its own advantages. For instance, the summer months (November to February) can offer lush vegetation and increased animal activity, while the winter months (June to August) may provide clearer visibility and easier tracking due to sparse foliage.

Absolutely! At Ubuninzi, we understand that preferences and circumstances may change, and we strive to accommodate our clients to the best of our ability. While we encourage clients to finalize their hunting package before arrival to ensure a smooth experience, we are more than willing to consider changes once you’re on-site. Whether it’s modifying the duration of your hunt, adding additional activities, or adjusting the species you wish to target, our team is here to work with you to tailor your experience to your preferences.

The terrain can be quite rugged, and a certain level of physical fitness is required, as walking is necessary during the hunt. However, we understand that each client has their own capabilities and preferences. While the terrain may present challenges, we strive to accommodate our clients to the best of our ability, meeting them at their comfort level while ensuring a fulfilling hunting experience. Our experienced guides are adept at navigating the terrain. They will tailor the hunt to suit the needs and abilities of each individual or group, ensuring your safety and enjoyment.

Our lodge is proudly family-run. Whether it’s your children, partner, parents, or siblings joining you, we ensure an unforgettable experience for everyone. For older children, we offer the opportunity for a transformative first hunt in a safe and ethical setting.

Even if your family members aren’t hunters themselves, they’ll still cherish the time spent together in our welcoming environment. For families with younger children, rest assured with our trusted babysitting service, allowing you to relax and enjoy a leisurely meal or unwind at the bar without worry.

Ethical hunting at Ubuninzi Game Lodge involves legal compliance, fair chase, animal welfare, responsible use of resources, prioritizing safety, and positively impacting the environment and local communities. You can read about ethical hunting at Ubuninzi here.

Life at the ranch is oriented around hunting, but we also offer lots of activities for you to enjoy in between hunts. If you are travelling with non-hunting friends or family, they will also find plenty to keep them occupied. You can read a list of activities at Ubuninzi Game Lodge here. 

South Africa’s Eastern Cape offers visitors a perfect blend of adventure, wildlife, history, and culture. We can organize day trips for our guests to Addo Elephant National Park, Schotia Game Reserve, or the Daniell Cheetah Breeding Project. If you would like to explore more of the area before or after your trip, we are happy to put you in touch with tour operators who can assist you with an extended itinerary.

U.S. citizens (U.S. passport holders) visiting South Africa for ninety (90) days or less for tourism/business purposes do not need visas. Many other countries are visa-exempt if the applicant travels to South Africa for 30 days or less. You can find a list of visa-exempt countries here. The rules can change, so please check for the most up-to-date information before travelling. Your country’s travel advisory service should be able to answer your questions. 

South Africa’s Eastern Cape is considered a malaria-free destination but check with our healthcare provider for the latest information and advice.

Ubuninzi offers year-round hunting. While every time of year has its charms and benefits, the most popular months for hunting tend to be from March to October. During these months, the weather is generally cooler, which can be more comfortable for both hunters and game alike. Each season brings its own advantages. For instance, the summer months (November to February) can offer lush vegetation and increased animal activity, while the winter months (June to August) may provide clearer visibility and easier tracking due to sparse foliage.

Here is a brief overview of the climate, although this can change over time.

Summer (November – February):

Expect hot temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F) and beyond. This season is characterized by occasional thunderstorms and higher humidity levels.

Autumn (March-May):

Autumn brings mild temperatures and decreasing rainfall to the region. Daytime temperatures range from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F), with cooler evenings.

Winter (June – August):

Winters are cool and dry, with daytime temperatures averaging between 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F).

Expect generally clear skies and crisp air. Mornings can be icy.

Spring (September – October):

Spring brings warmer temperatures and blooming flora to the region. Daytime temperatures range from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F), gradually increasing as the season progresses.

You can download a checklist of what to bring on your Ubuninzi Hunting Safari here.

You can arrange to rent a rifle from us, although most hunters prefer to bring their own. You need to contact us before your visit to discuss your needs. 

We advise our clients to ensure they have comprehensive travel and medical insurance.

While South Africa has its share of challenges, including crime, we recommend following common-sense safety measures. We offer airport transfers and can recommend where to stay in Johannesburg if you need to stay overnight there en route to Ubuninzi Game Lodge. The lodges itself has robust security measures in place and we stay informed about local conditions.

There is Wifi in all the rooms.