Waterbuck Hunting in South Africa

Waterbuck are among the most characterful trophies in African plains-game hunting — heavy-bodied, shaggy-coated bulls with deeply-ringed lyre-shaped horns and the unmistakable white target ring on the rump. At Marula Game we hunt free-range waterbuck along the river lines and permanent water of our 24,700 malaria-free acres in the Limpopo Bushveld, fair chase on foot with a licensed PHASA Professional Hunter. Trophy fees start at USD $2,450 for a mature bull.

The prince of the river line

Waterbuck are creatures of habit — they seldom stray far from permanent water, and a mature bull will hold a stretch of river for years. Their long, shaggy grey-brown coat and that distinctive white ring on the rump make them one of the most recognisable trophies in Africa. What draws hunters back is the horn — deeply and heavily ringed from base to tip, lyre-shaped, and old bulls carry astonishing basal mass. A good waterbuck bull is a trophy of true character on any wall.

Why hunt waterbuck at Marula

• Free-range on our own ground. Waterbuck at Marula are wild, born on the property, and hunted on foot across 24,700 acres of mixed Bushveld — no put-and-take.
• Your own farm and camp. Our farms are separate, each with its own private camp — your party hunts its own ground with a dedicated PH, never shared with another group.
• Mature trophy bulls. Old bulls held along the river lines with heavy bases, deep rings and dark shaggy manes.
• Owner-hosted since 1997. Every safari is personally hosted by outfitter Chris Burger — PHASA Executive Committee member and WRSA Game Farmer & Game Breeder of the Year.
• Malaria-free. The Waterberg / Limpopo Valley is one of the few African hunting destinations you can safely bring family into without prophylaxis.

The hunt itself

Waterbuck hunting at Marula is classic walk-and-stalk along the drainage lines and pans. First light finds you glassing water from a rise; once a bull is located, the stalk quarters the wind through leadwood and thorn. Shots are typically 80 to 150 metres from sticks. Waterbuck are heavy, deep-chested animals and reward a well-constructed premium bullet — .270 through .30-06 with a bonded soft-point is ideal, placed tight behind the shoulder. Plan on one to two hunting days per bull.

Waterbuck hunt price (USD)

The waterbuck hunt price at Marula starts at USD $2,450 trophy fee for a representative mature bull, with exceptional trophies priced on application. Trophy fees are payable only on animals taken (or wounded). Daily rates are two-tier and all-inclusive — plains-game hunts USD $400–$500 per hunter per day from the standard lodges (Tents on Antwerp $400, Leadwood/Haakdoring $450, Marula Lodge $500). Waterbuck pair beautifully with a wider plains-game safari alongside kudu, gemsbok and zebra.

What's included

• ✓ Exclusive-use luxury lodge or tented camp
• ✓ All meals and beverages (in moderation)
• ✓ Licensed PHASA Professional Hunter, tracker & skinner
• ✓ 4×4 hunting vehicle, field prep and delivery to taxidermist
• ✓ Airport transfers from Johannesburg (JNB) or Polokwane
• ✓ Firearm import assistance and all hunting permits

Waterbuck hunting FAQs