Hunting Red Lechwe South Africa

About Red Lechwe Hunting

Red lechwe hunting in South Africa is possible in the Eastern Cape. The Free State and Kwazulu-Natal provinces also have  good herds. They aren’t endemic to South Africa but have been introduced as exotic species in certain areas. They feed on aquatic plants and green grass. Lechwe are gregarious and form family herds.

Red Lechwe are found sporadically throughout Southern Africa with good populations around swamps and floodplains.

Judging a Trophy Red Lechwe

The bulls carry horns that sweep back initially and then curve forward at the tips. Their horn shape and length are similar to that of a waterbuck, often thinner and wider with more curve. SCI minimum for red lechwe is 58 inches.

Lechwe Hunting Tips

Lechwe hunting is best done in the late afternoon and early morning when they graze in the open floodplains. The .270 is adequate, a flat shooting cartridge is preferable when hunting red lechwe. Red lechwe are flighty and shots can be quite lengthy at times.

Red Lechwe Hunting Cost

The cost of a red lechwe hunt is $2700 for a trophy red lechwe.