Ultimate Guide to Hunting Bushpigs in South Africa

There’s a reason seasoned hunters talk about hunting bushpig with a mix of admiration and respect. These elusive, cunning animals are among the most challenging species to hunt in South Africa. At Rocklands Safaris, we know that a bushpig hunt is an adventure that tests your patience, skill, and instinct.

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What Are Bushpigs?

The bushpig (Potamochoerus larvatus) is Africa’s answer to the European wild boar, but with a wilder streak and a far more secretive nature. Stockier and shaggier than their warthog cousins, bushpigs are known for their coarse coats (ranging from reddish-brown to dark grey), long snouts, and distinctive face masks. Males typically sport small, curved tusks used for digging and self-defence.

Bushpigs are nocturnal by nature and highly intelligent, often using dense vegetation for cover. Their keen sense of smell and acute hearing make them remarkably hard to spot, and even harder to hunt.

The Bushpig Habitat

Bushpigs thrive in forested valleys, riverine thickets, and farmlands across South Africa’s Eastern Cape; precisely the kind of diverse terrain that surrounds Rocklands Safaris.

They love areas where food, cover, and water are in close proximity.

Their diet is omnivorous: roots, bulbs, fruit, crops, carrion, and occasionally small animals. This adaptability has made them a challenge for both farmers and hunters alike.

They’re known to raid corn fields at night, leaving a trail of damage that’s as impressive as it is destructive.

Hunting Bushpigs – A True Test of Your Skill

If you want to know what to hunt in Africa, then you immediately think of Cape Buffalo or plains game trophies, like the Roan Antelope. Well, unlike many plains game species, bushpig hunting is less about long-range shots in open savannahs, and more about strategy, patience, and precision. 

These animals prefer the cover of darkness, which means hunts often take place at night under red light or from blinds near feeding areas or crop fields.

At Rocklands Safaris, our expert Professional Hunters (PHs) know exactly how to read the land, interpret signs, and position you for success. Whether you’re hunting over bait stations, stalking by moonlight, or waiting quietly in a hide, every bushpig encounter is unforgettable, and every successful hunt, hard-earned.

Shot Placement

Given their thick hides, compact bodies, and dense shoulder muscles, accurate shot placement is crucial. A behind-the-shoulder heart-lung shot is recommended to ensure a quick, ethical kill.

Our PHs will guide you carefully on placement and shooting angles. Patience and timing are everything. Bushpigs rarely stand still for long. This is a hunt that rewards steady nerves and practiced aim.

The Best Time of Year to Hunt Bushpigs

Bushpig hunting is possible year-round in South Africa, but certain months offer distinct advantages.

• Winter (May to August): Cooler, drier weather makes bushpigs more predictable around feeding areas, and the reduced vegetation improves visibility.
• Summer (September to April): Food is abundant, but nights are longer, perfect for night hunts with thermal or red-light optics.

No matter when you visit, our team will tailor your hunt to the season, local conditions, and your preferences.

Why Choose Rocklands Safaris for Bushpig Hunting

At Rocklands Safaris, we specialise in authentic, ethical, and unforgettable hunting experiences.

Our Eastern Cape terrain offers an ideal mix of bushveld, farmland, and valleys — prime bushpig country.

Here’s why hunters from the US, Europe, and beyond choose Rocklands:

• All-inclusive packages: Comfortable accommodation, hearty meals, expert guiding, and full field preparation of trophies.
• Expert PHs: Decades of experience in bushpig behaviour, patterns, and local terrain.
• Family-friendly safaris: Bring your loved ones — we offer non-hunter activities, scenic excursions, and cultural experiences.
• Hunters of all levels welcome: Whether it’s your first bushpig or your fiftieth, we match every hunt to your experience and comfort level.
• Diverse game opportunities: From Cape buffalo to plains game and night hunts — you can combine your bushpig pursuit with other species for a full, rounded safari.

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The Real Trophy for the Patient Hunter

A successful bushpig hunt is about more than the trophy, it’s about the story. The hours of quiet waiting, the flicker of movement in the red light, the tension in the air before the shot. When the moment comes together, you’ll understand why hunters worldwide rank this as one of the most thrilling and satisfying hunts in Africa.

Book Your Bushpig Hunting Safari with Rocklands

If you’re ready for an authentic African hunting adventure, where patience and precision are rewarded with adrenaline and accomplishment, then bushpig hunting at Rocklands Safaris is for you.

Enquire now to book your Bushpig Hunting Safari and experience the ultimate challenge under the African night sky.

FAQs

How to hunt bush pigs?

Bushpig hunting is best done at night using red light or thermal optics from a hide near feeding or baited areas. At Rocklands Safaris, our expert PHs guide you through each step, ensuring a safe, ethical, and thrilling hunt in prime bushpig territory. Book your bushpig hunting safari today and experience the excitement firsthand.

Are there wild pigs in South Africa?

Yes, South Africa is home to bushpigs and warthogs, both of which roam freely across farmlands, forests, and valleys. Bushpigs are nocturnal, intelligent, and incredibly challenging to hunt, offering a true test of skill. Plan your next hunting adventure with Rocklands Safaris and take on Africa’s elusive wild pig.