Best time in 2026/27 for South African Rock Pigeon Shooting
Rock pigeons are found in astounding numbers throughout the Free State in South Africa. The best time for rock pigeon shooting in South Africa is March and April. The rock pigeon (AKA the African grey grouse) is a fantastically exciting pigeon shoot! These flighty, erratic rock pigeons dive and twist with displays of acrobatics at speeds of 80 mph, challenging even the absolute best of game shots. South African rock pigeons are utterly unique, like no other bird you could shoot anywhere else in the world, and considered the ultimate challenge in the world of pigeon shooting.
Driven Pigeon Shooting In South Africa rock pigeon numbers peak at Easter, making the last two weeks of March and the first two weeks of April the best time for high-volume, driven pigeon shooting in southern Africa.
The southern African rock pigeon is not a “game bird”, nor is it a dove, but a pigeon with incredible speed and airborne agility, enabling rock pigeons to out-jinx any situation. South African rock pigeons make driven red grouse shooting look decidedly easy in comparison!
Popular inhabited regions for South African rock pigeon shooting are primarily mixed crop farming areas with nearby mountain ranges and cities; these hunting areas are also particularly rich in upland game birds & waterfowl.
Southern African rock pigeons and mixed upland game and waterfowl shooting.
Your shooting skills will be tested by rock pigeons shot over sunflower stubble fields, using decoys, and walked-up duck and snipe in marshlands. The best South African rock pigeon shooting is in March and April for high-volume rock pigeon hunts; however, the best game bird shooting opportunities are from 1st June to 15th September, which coincides with the open season in the Free State of South Africa.
The absolute best time of year to shoot South African rock pigeons over decoys, combined with upland game birds and waterfowl, is August and September.
Wingshooting rock pigeon hunts are social occasions, combining friends and family, with ideal group sizes of 4 to 8 people. Four Season Rock pigeon shooting holidays can personally bespoke your South African rock pigeon shooting trip to suit any team; however… Our most popular wing shooting packages are listed above on the South Africa web page.
South African rock pigeon shooting enquiries & information pack 2026/27
South African Rock Pigeon Packages 2026/27
Duration
5 Days - 6 Nights
Package price
GBP £1410
Quarry
rock pigeons
Country
South Africa
group size
1-8
Destination
johannesburg
UK Departure
heathrow
accommodation
Farm Lodge
Food & Drink
all inclusive
seasons
March-August
South African rock pigeon shooting package prices and rates, 2026/27
- South African rock pigeon shooting: £1410 includes 2 half & 5 full days / 6 nights accommodation, all meals and drinks inclusive. This price does not include any ammunition or gun hire.
- Observer Price: £110 per night.
- Flights Return: LHR to JNB (£700 to £1200 per person - economy class) prices fluctuate.
- Option (A): Airport Transfer by 4X4 Return: Johannesburg to Joburg lodge £150 (minimum of 3 people per transfer.)
- OR
- Option (B) Flights JNB to BFN return: £250, including airport transfer by 4x4 Bloemfontein to (Free State Lodge) return.
- Cartridges: £425 per 1000 Trap 7.5 / 28 grams is £10.65 per box. 25 cartridges (pigeon & dove shooting only)
- Gun Hire, Beretta, A300, Semi-auto: £180 for 6 days
- Quarry: Rock pigeons & collared doves only.
- The prices shown above! Are accumulated here and shown in options A & B for (BUDGETING-PURPOSES-ONLY) (A) £2,995 or (B) £2,995 including hunting, gun hire, 1,000 cartridges, accommodation & flights from LHR and airport transfers.
- Dates Dep. - Virgin Atlantic - Saturday - LHR to JNB - 22:30-11:30 (+1 ) VS449
--- or ---
Dates Dep. - British Airways - Saturday - LHR to JNB - 18:25 - 07:30 (+1) - BA55. - Dates Rtn: Virgin Atlantic – Saturday JNB-LHR 18:55-05:00 (+1) - VS450
--- or ---
Dates Rtn: British Airways - Saturday JNB - LHR - 21:15 - 10:20 (+1) - BA54 - Places available: minimum group size 4 - Maximum 8 hunters at the lodge - Individual hunters welcome.
- Hunting area: Johannesburg in the Free State, South Africa.
- Map it
Experience Thrilling South African Rock Pigeon Shooting in Sunflower& Maze Fields
South African rock pigeon shooting delivers the wildest adventure in African wingshooting, attracting passionate hunters from around the globe to the legendary sunflower belts of the Free State each season. Early mornings ignite with anticipation—sunlight spills over endless crops, and the air hums with brisk, warm winds that bring colossal flocks of rock pigeons speeding overhead. These “grey grouse of Africa” are prized for their prowess; they twist and dart with unmatched agility, pushing shooters to adapt faster than ever before and challenging even the most skilled guests to stay sharp as birds race low over golden fields.
Unlike conventional game birds, South African rock pigeons present exhilarating, high-volume hunts ideal for both solo marksmen and group excursions. There’s no other species that matches their speed or their uncanny ability to evade decoys—these sky acrobats barrel through the air at up to 80 mph, turning a day in the blinds into a true test of reaction and focus. Seasoned hunters relish the unpredictability, as incoming coveys drop from high altitudes and flash by, wings slicing through warm air mere seconds after appearing on the horizon.
The power of South African rock pigeon shooting lies both in its scale and its scenery. Most shoots are concentrated around vast sunflower, maize, and sorghum fields near scenic mountain ranges, where waves of pigeons can number in the hundreds and provide hundreds of shots in a single outing. Early mornings offer hungry pigeons just leaving their roost, while afternoons escalate with flurries of birds breaking across bush lines—an experience likened to the speed and challenge of premium-driven grouse in the UK but set apart by the African landscape.
Rock pigeon hunting here is shaped by ongoing pest control demands; there’s no closed season on these prolific birds, ensuring action-packed wing shooting opportunities from March through September and excellent prospects for larger mixed-bag hunts during late summer and early autumn. Our expertly run holidays cater to international guests needing seamless travel, comfortable local lodges, and a wider menu of hunting options, including dove and mixed game excursions. Families and observer groups are welcome, with horseback rides, day tours, and adventure activities making each visit memorable on and off the field.
Adrenaline peaks each time a call rings out—”incoming at twelve!”—as shooters ready themselves for pulses of feathered speed. Success demands patience, stealth, and steady hands, with most marksmen carefully positioning for their best shot as packs of pigeons sweep the fields. This blend of sport, scenery, and untamed excitement is why South African rock pigeon shooting is celebrated as the supreme wing-shooting challenge—an irresistible draw for anyone seeking the ultimate African hunting holiday.
What's Included
- £1410 for lodge accommodation & hunting for the duration of 5 days - 6 nights.
- Daily laundry and cleaning service.
- Daily transport to hunting areas.
- All meals throughout the days and evenings.
- Free bar with soft drinks and locally produced beers, wines, and spirits.
- Fully guided throughout each day's hunting.
- Free Wi-Fi at the Lodge.
- Government hunting l licenses and fees.
What's NOT Included
- International flights returning LHR-JNB economy class are from £700 to £1200 per person.
- Airport transfers Johannesburg to the Lodge return £180 per person (minimum of three people)
- Gun import and export paperwork fee: £70 should you wish to bring your own gun. Over & under or side-by-side only. Additional fees and extra time of 12 weeks for semiautomatic shotgun imports.
- Gun hire: £180 per six-day hunting week (Beretta A300 Extrema); £30 per day for any additional days of gun hire.
- Internal flights JNB-BFN return £250, including airport transfer by 4x4 from Bloemfontein to the lodge return. (minimum of three people)
- South African rock pigeon ammunition price: clay cartridges: £10.65 per box of 25 or £425 per thousand 12-gauge.
32-gram No. 5-shot ammunition price: £13.50 per box of 25 or £540 per thousand for 12 gauge. - Travel insurance and personal shooting liability.
- Observer / companion £110 per day, per person.
South African rock pigeon shooting itinerary
- check-in 3 hours beforehand at terminal 5, London Heathrow at 15:25 for departures to South Africa with BA55
- check-in 4 hours beforehand at terminal 5, London Heathrow at 14:25 departures with a Firearm to South Africa with BA55
- BA 55 departure times 18:25 local time
- BA55 landing at Johannesburg Tambo International Airport at 7:30am local time.
- Four seasons shooting holidays representative will meet you at arrivals and escort you to your airport transfer vehicle to the Lodge, Alternatively should you be carrying a firearm you will be escorted to the local airport SAPS police station on-site at arrivals to complete your import export permit for your firearm taking approximately one hour, you will then be escorted to your overland airport transfer vehicle or internal connecting flight.
- Overland JNB airport to lodge transfer travel time five hours including a 30 minute lunch and toilet break.
- Four seasons Lodge check-in at 1:30 PM accompanied with coffee tea and snacks.
- Evening meal will be served from 7:30 PM
- Drinks served at the bar with open area seating by a traditional log fire till 11 PM
- local goose shooting 6 AM pre-hunt coffee tea and toast in the bar.
- Bloemfontein goose shooting 5 AM pre-hunt coffee tea and toast in the bar.
- Early morning Egyptian goose shooting in South Africa starts at 6:45 AM concluding at 9:30 AM.
- local Egyptian goose hunts return to the Lodge at 10 AM for full English & continental breakfast.
- Bloemfontein morning Egyptian goose hunts will have breakfast in the field.
- Afternoon South African rock pigeon shooting, shot over decoys with a pigeon magnet starts at 12 o’clock and concludes at 3:30 PM
- return to the Lodge from South African rock pigeon shooting at 4 PM.
- 4:30 PM duck & goose fed pond flight.
- Arrive back at the Lodge by 6 PM time for a shower before your evening meal served at 7:30 PM
- Drinks served at the bar with open area seating by a traditional log fire till 11 PM.
- Leisurely morning at the lodge with full English & continental breakfast.
- Depart four seasons Lodge for JNB airport transfer from between 1pm and 2pm to Johannesburg airport.
- Overland lodge transfer to JNB airport, travel time one hour and 30 minutes.
- Arrive at Johannesburg Tambo International departures at 5 PM
- BA54 departure time Johannesburg Tambo International Airport at 21:15 local time.
- BA54 landing at London Heathrow Airport at 10:20 AM (UK) local time.
Experience Thrilling South African Rock Pigeon Shooting in Sunflower Fields
South African rock pigeon shooting Videos
Tipping & gratuities
We firmly believe that you have paid for your South African rock pigeon shooting holiday in South Africa in its entirety, however should you feel the level of service you received was exceptional by individual members of staff and wish to give a little extra.
Here is a rule of thumb guidance to tipping.
South African Rock pigeon shooting:- tips for staff
Weekly
- Sporting Agent:- £100 per week.
- Professional Pigeon Guide:- Rand 1000 per week.
- Assistant professional pigeon guide:- Rand 500 per week.
- Chef:- Rand 500 per week.
- Maids & Cleaners per person:-Rand 350 per week.
Tips must be paid directly to each member of staff in local currency Rand.
Advisory only
CLOTHING & EQUIPMENT CHECKLIST FOR SOUTH AFRICA
There is a daily laundry service.
X 1 SHORT SLEEVED SHIRT
X 1 LONG SLEEVED SHIRT
X 2 SHORTS – LIGHT WEIGHT AND COOL
X 1 LONG LEG TROUSER – DENHAM OR COTTON
X 6 PAIRS OF SOCKS – WARM
X 1 PAIR WALKING BOOTS
X 1 PAIR GATORS LIGHT WEIGHT
X 1 PAIR OF SHOOTING GLOVES
X 1 BALACLAVA
X 1 SHOOTING HAT March to May June to August
X 1 LIGHT WEIGHT JACKET British MTP or Desert Camo
X 1 SKEET VEST/WAISTCOAT – FOR WALKING UP GAME
X 1 PAIR OF WARM THERMAL UNDER WEAR (for early mornings only not always needed)
X 1 GUN & HARD CASE, LOCKABLE, PAD LOCK OR COMBINATION – MAKE SURE
YOUR GUN IS RELIABLE AS REPAIRS ARE DIFFICULT IN SOUTH AFRICA OR
TAKE A SECOND GUN OF A DIFFERENT CALIBRE / OVER & UNDER AND SIDE BY
SIDE ARE OK.
X 1 GOOD PAIR OF SHOOTING SUN GLASSES OR SIMILAR
X 1 MEDIUM HEIGHT TRIPOD SEAT
X 1 THERMOS FLASK – SIZE MEDIUM
X 1 SUN BLOCK FACTOR FIFTY OR SIMILAR & LIP BALM
X 1 GUN SLIP – TO USE WHEN SHOOTING & SMALL CARTRIDGE BAG.
X 1 EAR PROTECTION
NB: COLOUR OF CLOTHING: DARK GREENS WILL SUFFICE; HOWEVER, LIGHT BROWNS OR
STRAW COLOURS ARE BETTER AS WINTER TIME IN SA LOOKS LIKE A HEAT WAVE IN AN
ENGLISH SUMMER, ALL THE VEGETATION HAS BEEN BURNT BY THE SUN & FROST.
Four Season’s Shooting in South Africa, Holiday Lodges are in the heart of prime Rock Pigeon shooting arable farming lands from Bloemfontein to Johannesburg, Bloemfontein being known as “The Rock Pigeon Shooting Capital of South Africa”
The lodges are situated from Johannesburg to Bloemfontein. Double and twin rooms are all en suite and fitted with all the amenities to make your stay comfortable. The communal areas of the lodges have well-stocked bars, an open plan dining hall and lounging area, and outside fire pits and Lapa. Typical South African cuisine is served and the usual great hospitality will be offered as standard.
Transfers from Johannesburg airport to the lodge cost £180 per person round trip. At least three people are required.
Transfers from Johannesburg International Airport to Free State Lodge are recommended and cost £250 round trip to ensure on-time arrival.
Clients who prefer to fly from Johannesburg to Bloemfontein and then take the 1-hour road transfer must allow at least 4 hours 30 minutes in Johannesburg International Airport to allow time for guns to be retrieved from customs, including import documentation, before the internal flight.
Booking your flights with:- www.flyairlink.com or www.flycemair.co.za
One hour flight from Johannesburg to Bloemfontein.
Please be aware that since 2016, and now Covid 19, internal flight services have become unreliable, with many flights frequently being cancelled with only one hour’s notice, as well as extra baggage fees for anything over 20 kg.
Dinner and evening entertainment
That evening, a freshly prepared meal will be served in the home-style dining room. After dinner, head to the bar or the patio for a nightcap in front of an open fire.
The night sky will be brilliantly clear and star-studded, and as you begin to relax, you’ll wonder why life can’t always be this way, and perhaps you’ll understand why we’ve been returning here for over 24 years.
The Free State in South Africa is free from vaccinations except for Covid 19.
What vaccines are needed for South Africa?
Once you are up to date on all your routine immunisations, you can begin to make a travel vaccination plan.
Depending on when you are planning to travel and the current vaccine recommendations your healthcare practitioner may advise you to receive the diphtheria, tetanus and typhoid vaccines. You might also consider getting vaccinated against hepatitis A, cholera, hepatitis B, rabies, and tuberculosis, depending upon where you will be travelling to and what kinds of activities you will be taking part in.
No yellow fever vaccination is required if you are travelling to South Africa from the UK, as South Africa is not a risk for this particular disease. However, you will need to be vaccinated and present your vaccination certificate if you are travelling into South Africa from a country within yellow fever risk zone.
Your travel health specialist may recommend any of the following vaccines after an individual risk assessment:
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A is a viral infection that is spread in the faeces of an infected person. The relative risks of hepatitis A transmission will vary greatly in different parts of South Africa. Travellers to South Africa are most likely to contract hepatitis A by consuming contaminated food or drinking contaminated water. Hepatitis A can cause flu-like symptoms, jaundice and swelling around the liver. Most people recover within a few months, but in some cases the infection can cause serious complications.
You can receive the hepatitis A vaccine on its own as a single injection, or in combination with the vaccine for typhoid (as a single injection).
Diphtheria
Diphtheria is a bacterial infection that is spread in infected droplets from coughs and sneezes. It can cause a fever, sore throat and difficulty breathing and, left untreated, can result in serious complications. Diphtheria is more common in poor, overcrowded areas.
Most travellers will receive the diphtheria vaccine as part of the diphtheria, polio & tetanus booster (provided they are up to date with their routine immunisations). This is administered as one injection.
Tetanus
Tetanus is a bacterial infection which can get into the body through open wounds, causing painful muscle spasms and stiffness. Tetanus bacteria are found in soil and animal manure, which means you, may be at risk if you plan to work with animals or in the natural environment whilst in South Africa.
The tetanus booster is usually administered as part of the diphtheria, polio & tetanus booster (unless the person in question has never received the tetanus vaccine, in which case a full course is needed).
Typhoid
The typhoid vaccine is often given in combination with the hepatitis A vaccine, but it can also be administered as a solo vaccine. You can receive the vaccine as an injection or in the form of three capsules which are swallowed.
Typhoid is a bacterial infection spread in the faeces (and sometimes the urine) of infected people. You may be at risk of typhoid fever if you consume contaminated food and water whilst in South Africa.
Other vaccinations for South Africa
The cholera vaccine is administered as a drink, not an injection, and is recommended for people who will be spending long periods of time in areas with poor sanitation and limited access to healthcare. Cholera is a bacterial infection spread in the faeces of an infected person; you can come into contact with cholera bacteria by consuming contaminated food or water.
The hepatitis B vaccine is administered as a course of three injections, and is recommended for people who may have unprotected sex, share needles or injecting equipment, get a tattoo or body piercing, or receive medical or dental treatment while travelling in South Africa. Hepatitis B is a viral infection affecting the liver that can lead to serious complications such as liver cancer. It is spread in the blood and bodily fluids of an infected person.
The rabies vaccine is administered as a course of three injections, and is recommended for people who may spend time with animals whilst in South Africa or be travelling remotely. Rabies is a serious viral infection that is spread through the scratches and bites of infected animals (usually dogs, but also monkeys, bats and cats). Rabies is nearly always fatal once the victim begins to display symptoms. To avoid infection, vaccination is strongly recommended. In the event that you get bitten or scratched, emergency treatment will still be needed but it is easier to administer.
The tuberculosis vaccine is administered as a single injection, and is recommended for health workers or children who will be spending long periods in South Africa. TB is a bacterial infection which is spread in infected droplets from coughs and sneezes. It’s a disease that attacks the lungs and leads to fatigue, weight loss, and blood to be coughed up.
Is yellow fever vaccine required for South Africa?
South Africa requires all travellers who are from an area where yellow fever is known to be present, to show officials a yellow fever vaccine certificate before entering the country. This certificate is formally known as an International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis and should be given to you after you receive your single injection. This certificate is valid for life and must be given to you at least 10 days before the start of your trip.
https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/forecast/kdfdqqx04#?date=2022-01-31
In the home-style dining room that evening, a freshly prepared meal will be served. After dinner, grab a nightcap at the bar or on the patio in front of an open fire.
The night sky will be brilliantly clear and star-studded, and as you relax, you’ll wonder why life can’t always be like this, and perhaps you’ll understand why we’ve been returning here for over 24 years.
Low Humidity: Making temperatures feel much cooler.
High Ultraviolet Index:
Care should to be taken when spending prolonged periods of time in the South African sun, factor 20 to factor 50 sunblock should be used at all. times, with caps and sunglasses to be worn.
March night-time temperatures 6° C to 16° C
March day-time temperatures 25° C to 32° C
Prolonged sunshine with very little cloud.
Expect light winds 3 – 6 mph
The old but spectacular thunderstorm is possible on occasions.
Gun permit application for visitors to South Africa
To apply for a South African gun permit, we will need to fill out numerous forms. It usually takes about an hour at Johannesburg Airport SAPS and is a lengthy procedure. With the information you provide, Four Seasons will pre-fill the necessary forms in the UK, saving you time at Johannesburg International Airport. (Remember to bring your United Kingdom Gun Licence, as you will be carrying your weapons through the UK airport).
How to Bring Guns to South Africa
It is mandatory that you transport your firearms in a hard case gun box with a good lock. These are available at any gun shop.
You can only bring one gun of each calibre into South Africa, so you can’t bring a matched pair of 12 bore shotguns, but you can bring a 12 bore, a 20 bore, and a rifle.
South Africa imports semi-automatic shotguns
Semi-automatic shotguns are not permitted to enter South Africa unless we go through a third party 8 weeks in advance; failure to comply will result in Semi-Auto shotguns being confiscated and locked up at Johannesburg Airport until your return, which will cause you to be delayed by approximately 2 hours.
All prices are in British pounds sterling.
To confirm your booking, a £500 deposit of the land fees is required. This deposit is non-refundable but transferable in exceptional circumstances.
The remaining balance must be paid at the lodge in South Africa before you depart.
If you cancel more than three months before your departure date, your deposit will be refunded less a 20% handling fee. If a hunter cancels less than three months before departure, monies will be refunded only if another hunter is found to take the booking.
The local currency is the Rand, and it is worth changing £100 from sterling at the airport before going shopping.
On request, full terms and conditions will be sent.
Guests are not covered by the ‘Four Seasons shooting in South Africa’ insurance. You must have adequate personal medical insurance and third-party liability insurance for the duration of the safari. (BASC insurance covers you for 60 days of shooting abroad per year). While we take all reasonable precautions to ensure the safety of our clients and their property while on game bird shooting safari, we will accept no responsibility for any costs incurred as a result of illness, accident, or loss of any kind. You can, however, count on our full support in the event of an unfortunate event. (Make sure you have travel and illness insurance).
South African rock pigeon hunting Reviews
South African rock pigeon shooting enquiries & information pack 2026/27
Four Seasons Shooting Holidays – Sporting Agent – Sporting & Hunting Holiday provider
Serving UK, South Africa, Argentina, Europe
57 Windsor Rd, Chobham, Woking GU24 8LD, United Kingdom
