Kudu – The Grey Ghost of the Eastern Cape

Quick facts about the greater kudo

  • Scientific name: Tragelaphus strepsiceros

  • Weight: Up to 270 kg (600 lbs) for mature bulls

  • Shoulder height: Approx. 1.4 metres

  • Horn length: Up to 55 inches, with up to 2.5 twists

  • Habitat: Bushveld, savanna, riverine thicket, mountain slopes

  • Activity: Most active at dawn and dusk

  • Diet: Browser – leaves, shoots, fruits

  • Hunting methods: Walk-and-stalk, fair-chase, rifle or bow

  • Best season: April to September (cooler, drier months)

Kudo - South Africa - Hunting Safari - Eastern Cape

Greater kudu facts and hunting insights

If you're researching kudu hunting in South Africa, you're likely drawn to the challenge, the scenery, and the chance to take one of Africa’s most recognisable trophies. Here’s what you should know when planning your trip.

A classic plains game trophy with character

The greater kudu is one of Africa’s most admired plains game species – and for good reason. Its tall, statuesque build and spiralling horns make it a favourite among both first-time hunters and experienced safari-goers. Despite its size, the kudu is elusive and highly alert. Its ability to move silently through thick brush has earned it the nickname “the grey ghost”.

These antelope thrive in the varied habitats of South Africa’s Eastern Cape, where food, cover, and low hunting pressure combine to produce strong, mature bulls.

Kudo Trophy - South Africa - Hunting Safari - Eastern Cape

Where to hunt kudu: 100,000 hectares of free-range terrain

Wellfound Safaris operates across more than 100,000 hectares (247,000 acres) of diverse, privately managed hunting areas in the malaria-free Eastern Cape. Our kudu hunting grounds range from:

  • Semi-open Karoo savanna

  • Acacia and riverine thickets

  • Rugged mountain slopes

  • Remote, seldom-hunted valleys

This terrain variety provides a natural challenge that rewards patience, persistence, and good glassing. It also means you may stalk kudu in very different conditions from day to day.

Kudo Trophy - South Africa - Hunting Safari - Eastern Cape

How we hunt kudu: On foot, fair-chase, your choice of rifle or bow

All kudu hunts with Wellfound Safaris are done on foot, using classic walk-and-stalk techniques. Whether you're carrying a rifle or bow, this is a hunt that relies on quiet movement, wind awareness, and clever use of terrain.

Kudo rifle hunting:

  • Typical shooting distances: 80–250 yards

  • Recommended calibre: .30-06 and up, with premium bullets

  • Shot placement: Just behind the shoulder for a clean, ethical kill

Kudo bowhunting:

  • Stalking to within 30–50 yards

  • Draw weight: Minimum 60 lbs recommended

  • Broadheads: Fixed or mechanical, 1 1/4"+ cutting diameter

Our professional hunter, Matthew Biggs, is experienced with both rifle and bowhunters and will tailor the approach to suit your preferences and ability.

Kudu bow hunting tips

Bowhunting kudu requires getting close—often under 40 yards. Here are a few practical tips:

  • Focus on wind direction and shadows when stalking through bush

  • Aim just behind the shoulder when the animal is broadside

  • Early morning is best, as kudu move to feed and are more visible

We tailor bow setups for each hunter, whether you're stalking on foot or hunting from a natural blind in a known travel corridor.

Best time for kudu hunting in South Africa

The cooler months from April to September are ideal for hunting kudu in the Eastern Cape. During this period:

  • The bush thins out, improving visibility for spot-and-stalk hunts

  • Bulls are more active, especially around the May/June rut

  • Morning and evening temperatures are perfect for walking and glassing

Kudu trophy size: What to expect

A mature greater kudu bull typically carries horns measuring between 45 and 55 inches, though exceptional trophies can exceed 55 inches. Horn length is measured along the spiral curve, and symmetry, tip sharpness, and base mass all contribute to trophy quality. All kudu hunted at Wellfound Safaris are wild and free-range—so every inch is earned through skill and patience.

Kudo Hunting - South Africa - Hunting Safari - Eastern Cape

What makes kudu hunting so rewarding?

Challenging quarry: Alert, silent, and well-camouflaged

  1. Unforgettable stalks: Often long and tactical, with shifting wind and cover

  2. Diverse terrain: No two stalks are the same across our hunting blocks

  3. Iconic trophy: The kudu’s spiralled horns are a timeless symbol of African safari