A Woman’s Solo Hunting Adventure Across South Africa

I recently completed an unforgettable solo hunting trip across South Africa. The landscapes were breathtaking—endless savannahs, golden sunsets, and wildlife like I’ve never seen before.

I made the trip alone, and as a woman, that could have been intimidating. But from the moment I arrived, John Abraham and his incredible team at Madubula Safaris made everything easy, safe, and enjoyable beyond imagination. Their professionalism, warmth, and attention to detail gave me complete confidence and allowed me to fully immerse myself in the adventure. Hands down a first-rate company and the best people you could ever ask to have with you!

We began at Kareekloof Nature Reserve in the Northern Cape. I hunted Cape eland—a thrilling and memorable start, which ended after chasing this giant on foot for five miles.

From there, we traveled over 300 miles southeast to the rugged beauty of the Baviaans River Conservancy in the Eastern Cape, where I took very nice Vaal rhebok, mountain reedbuck, waterbuck, East Cape kudu, bontebok and lechwe.

The Vaal rhebok (pictured above) was by far my most memorable and rewarding hunt. Stalking to over 5,000 feet up the mountain, having to crawl, then belly crawl several hundred yards to get in range of these animals.

Our final stretch was the longest—a marathon 820-mile journey north to Zeekoepan Nature Reserve, near Magudu in KwaZulu-Natal. We pursued and successfully hunted the beautiful nyala and the elusive Livingstone suni.

The trip was not just about the hunt—it was about the people, the places, and stepping outside my comfort zone. It turned out to be one of the most empowering and awe-inspiring experiences of my life.

Get out there, ladies, and go hunt! – Stephanie McGarrh

(Editor’s Note: Read more stories like this at SCI’s Women Go Hunting and submit your own story here!)