Africa's Big 5 of Dangerous Game

[Gray Ghost Safaris]

For as long as I can remember, Africa has been known as home to some of the world's most dangerous big game. Namely, the Elephant, Rhino, Cape Buffalo, Lion and Leopard. Up until recent times however, the number one animal that is responsible for the most death's in Africa each year was overlooked: the Hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibius)! Few foreigner's would believe that this gargantuan "tub of lard" could do any harm, as they are too fat to catch anything. There lies the misconception. Hippo's are not only fast runners (18-25mph in short bursts), but swim extremely well. The average weights for adult males range between 1500–1800 kg (3,300–4,000 lbs). Females are smaller than their male counterparts, with average weights measuring between 1300–1,500 kg (2,900–3,300 lbs). Older males can get much larger, reaching at least 3,200 kg (7,100 lbs) and occasionally weighing 3636 kg (8000 lbs). Despite their enormous size, Hippo's are very quick and ill tempered. Armed with huge sets of ivory teeth, one bite can maim or kill a human. Recognized as a dangerous game animal, it is the norm today to find Hippo on license in some African countries. With the Black and White Rhino reduced to limited hunting only in RSA (South Africa), the Hippo has joined the league of Africa's most dangerous big game. Add the Hippo's arch enemy, the Crocodile, and we now have the Dangerous 7. If your looking for a dangerous game hunt, and the cost of hunting the traditional Big 5 is out of your budget, check out the Hippo and Crocodile. It is a much more affordable hunt for Africa's dangerous game.
Good hunting, GGS

 

[bpnclark]

How much does an “average” hippo hunt cost? Is it about the same as a buffalo hunt or a little more?

 

[Gray Ghost Safaris]

About the same as a Buffalo hunt, but it would be more cost efficient to add Hippo to a Buffalo hunt. Buff fees average $2,500, so if you going to pay the daily rate and hunt Hippo, you might as well add a Buffalo. If there were surplus Hippo permits, chances are you could get a late season bargain. But we never have any left over in any of the countries we hunt. Good hunting, GGS

 

[bpnclark]

Its on my list. No room in my house but I can worry about that later.

Here is a picture of a fresh skull. The hippo was taken by another hunter in camp that I never met.

[attachment=49914:skull1.jpg]

[attachment=49915:skull2.jpg]

 

[Gray Ghost Safaris]

Friendly looking sort isn't he?

When you start to plan your next hunt, be sure to consult your contacts on getting a Hippo permit. Best bet is at least a year in advance. That puts odd's in your favor. Good hunting, GGS

 

[Ngrumba]

Here's mine - about 7000 lbs

 

[AZ Jim]

What is the suggested rifle / caliber combo for hippo ?

.375 or bigger ?



AZ Jim

 

[Cold1nhand]

 

[Gray Ghost Safaris]

Yes, .375 and up. Most countries have a standard minimum on DG. 375 being the minimum. There was a client who was charged by a Hippo that had on choice but to use his .220 Swift. Luck was with him and he killed the Hippo with a shot between the eyes. Don't know what bullet he was using but I have my own idea. Luck left him however. Later in his hunt he wounded his Leopard with the same .220 Swift and it escaped. Best to err on the heavy side. Hippo's can out run humans and one bite and.....

 

[BrandonA]

Sorry, but using a .220 swift seems pretty stupid to me to take to Africa for a hunt. There should be a minimum caliber for all game species out there imo.

 

[Gray Ghost Safaris]

Actually Brandon, the .22 Hornet has been a favorite of local African white Hunters for many years. This is primarily to hunt small game and antelope such as Duiker, Steenbok and even Springbok. Most accomplished Hunters are capable of taking head shots. However, with the majority of foreign Hunters that visit Africa each year, they probably should bring a .375 or larger. Most are not that good at shooting. Especially at anything over 100 yards. The guy with the .220 Swift was hunting small game and varmits when the Hippo charged him. He escaped with unbelievable luck...and his life.