Hunting

South Africa wingshooting is one of the most species-diverse bird hunts in the world, where you can genuinely chase multiple birds in a single hunt—guinea fowl, francolin/spurfowl, doves, rock pigeons, ducks, geese, and (when conditions line up) snipe—with comfortable 4–5 star lodging and great meals along the way.

What the shooting looks like:

• Driven Guinea Fowl (best April–July)
  Early in the season, many drives are worked along standing corn, which can create phenomenal shooting—birds lifting in smaller bunches, giving you more sustained chances instead of a single big rush. One of the most memorable parts is the build-up: posted on your peg, you hear the calls and footsteps of Zulu beaters as they push birds steadily your way.

• Francolin & Spurfowl over English Pointers (April–July)
  If you like a more traditional “walked-up” morning, this is the ticket. Hunt with two English Pointers, working the edges and cover around harvested corn, peanut, and soy fields. Species vary by area: Baynesfield is known for Red-necked Spurfowl and Natal Francolin, while Zulu Wings typically produces Swainson’s Spurfowl and Shelley’s Francolin.
  Expect this to be quality sport rather than huge numbers—roughly 10–12 birds total for two guns over two dogs.

• Flighting Doves (prime April–June)
  Most dove shooting is done on birds coming into feed near harvested corn. Bloemfontein is the high-action option, often delivering fast, continuous shooting at Cape Turtle Doves and Laughing Doves. In Baynesfield, you may also encounter the Red-eyed Dove, locally nicknamed a “pigeon” because it’s noticeably larger than the typical rock pigeon. Dundee tends to be strongest for Cape Turtle Dove and Laughing Dove.

• Rock Pigeons (prime April–June)
  Rock pigeons are widely considered one of the most challenging—and rewarding—winging targets anywhere, thanks to their speed and sudden mid-air turns. You’ll shoot them on flight lines in Bloemfontein, and over decoys in areas like Dundee and Baynesfield. The birds typically respond extremely well to the decoy spreads and “pigeon magnets,” keeping the shooting honest and exciting.

• Ducks (best June–August)
  Duck hunts are managed and set for success: birds are observed and counted the evening before, then shot over decoys the following morning or evening. Common species include Yellow-billed Duck (often compared to a mallard in sound and flight), the ultra-fast Red-billed Teal, and White-faced Whistling Ducks, which often arrive later.

• Geese (best June–August)
  Geese are also worked over decoys, and it’s not unusual to have a few mix in with the ducks at dusk. Shoots are typically from dry-land pit blinds or standing blinds, timed either first light or late evening. The primary species are Egyptian Geese and Spur-winged Geese—the latter noted for being the largest goose in the world, with mature ganders sometimes topping 20 pounds.

• Snipe (August, when it’s a “wet year”)
  Snipe shooting happens in wetlands and is dependent on rainfall—usually showing well about every other year. When they’re present, they may be the most demanding birds you’ll shoot: they explode from underfoot and streak away in sharp, unpredictable zigzags that test reflexes and composure.

Activities

Touring Highlights That Pair Perfectly with Your Hunt:

Photographic Safaris: Swap the shotgun for a camera—or your phone—and settle into carefully chosen safari lodges and tented camps. Days revolve around sunrise and sunset game drives, optional guided nature walks, and those “pinch me” moments when wildlife is suddenly right in front of you. Whether your dream is predators, elephant country, or wide-open savanna scenes, we line up the right region and lodge style to match your pace and priorities.

Cape Town (South Africa): Build in a few days for one of the world’s great coastal cities—Table Mountain, Cape Point, the V&A Waterfront, local markets, and memorable meals. Add-ons can include private guides, the penguins at Boulders Beach, and a scenic winelands day (or two) that turns your safari into a well-rounded South Africa experience.

Tribal & Cultural Encounters: Safari isn’t only about wildlife—it’s also about people and place. We can incorporate culturally respectful visits that offer real insight into local traditions, daily life, art, and music, with experiences chosen for authenticity and sensitivity. The result is a deeper connection to the landscapes you’re hunting and exploring.

South Africa Winelands: After early mornings in the field, there’s nothing like slowing down in the Cape Winelands. We arrange tasting experiences that can range from laid-back and scenic to elevated and culinary—estate visits, cellar tours, and long lunches with vineyard views—timed perfectly as a pre- or post-safari unwind.

Victoria Falls: Add a natural showstopper to your itinerary with guided viewpoints of Victoria Falls and time on the river—sunset cruises, helicopter options, and other activities based on your comfort level and interests. It’s an easy way to shift gears after a hunt and give the whole group a shared “wow” moment.

Gorilla Trekking: For a true bucket-list extension, trek with expert trackers into the mountains to encounter gorillas in the wild. Because permits and routing matter, we handle the sequence, lodges, and pacing—so it feels organized and calm, not complicated.

Zanzibar Beaches: If you want to end your Africa trip with rest and ocean air, Zanzibar delivers—bright turquoise water, white sand, and a slower rhythm. We can plan resort stays, snorkeling or diving, sunset dhow cruises, and time in Stone Town for a touch of history and culture—an ideal way to close out a safari.

Golf Across Africa: For golfers, we can weave in rounds that fit naturally with your route—whether that’s a coastal tee time near Cape Town or a memorable course near safari country. We handle tee times, transportation, and rentals if needed, so golf adds to the trip without taking it over.

And this list is only a starting point. Every Family Expeditions safari is built around your group—your wish list, your timeline, and your travel style—so it never feels “one size fits all.”