Warthog transport permit South Africa — how it works and how to get one
Here is what you need to know for the current season.
Season: Year-round in most provinces in most provinces. Check your specific province's proclamation on the SA Hunters (sahunters.co.za) or PHASA (phasa.co.za) website — dates and quotas vary by province and can change year to year.
Best destination: Limpopo or North West. Abundant populations and a well-established hunting industry with reputable operators.
Calibre: any centrefire. At typical bush distances of 30–80m, this is entirely adequate with the right bullet. I use anything works — penetration and weight retention are consistent even at steep angles. The calibre debate on forums goes on forever but honestly, bullet placement matters far more than calibre for all plains game.
Cost: Trophy fees for this species run around R828 on most reputable farms. Add R1448/day for accommodation and meals if you are going full package. Day hunt options exist from R1024/day plus trophy fees if you are self-catering nearby.
Landowner permission: Written letter, your ID number, farm details, and the species you are licensed for. A WhatsApp message does not satisfy the legal requirement. The nature conservation officers do check.
Transport permit required when moving the carcass between provinces. Get it from the PH or landowner before you leave the property.
Any questions about specific areas or farms — I hunt Limpopo or North West every season and know most of the reputable operations.
4 Replies
The warthog transport permit catches a lot of people out. You get it from the PH or the landowner before you leave the property. Some provinces require the meat to go through a registered facility. Check the specific requirements for the province you are hunting in — they differ.
Good info. On the calibre debate — I have been hunting the Eastern Cape for 11 years and the conversation never changes. The calibre matters far less than the shot placement — a poorly placed .375 is worse than a perfectly placed .243.
The kudu rut in May–June is genuinely the best time to hunt them. Bulls are vocal, territorial, and moving during daylight hours. The rest of the year you are hunting on spoor and patience. If your schedule allows it, plan for May or early June.
Cost breakdown is useful — too many people budget only for the trophy fee and forget daily rates, skinning, caping, travel, and ammunition. I budget R21,000 all-in for a week's plains game hunting in Limpopo including trophy fees for 2-3 animals. That is the realistic number.