One of Thaba Mmoyo Safari's
specialties is hunting the small
cats of Africa. Most people are
familiar with the big cats, Leopard
and Lion clearly rule the plains.
But so few people know that there are
5 smaller species of cats to hunt,
plus several other nocturnal prey;
honey badger, jackal and porcupine.

The African Civit, Caracal,
and African Wild Cat are three
examples of the small cats available
for hunting. In addition there is
Lesser & Greater Genet, Serval,
& Honey Badger available.

Since the cats are nocturnal,
dusk to early morning is the best
time to find them out and about.
Two simple methods are used to get
the cats into shooting position.
Both utilize lamping of one type
or another.

First like Leopard, the smaller
cats are attracted to dead animals,
their source of food, so we
utilize blinds while hunting over
baits. This type of hunting
tests the patience of a hunter,
sitting for hours in the dark
waiting for the predators to
come and satisfy their hungers,
only to be interrupted by a
bright light and a loud bang.

The second method can be fun
for the whole family.
As we drive you around the wilds
of Africa spot lighting for the
cats, you get to see the plains
game of the day in their night
time roles. Don't be fooled by
how easy this method sounds.
Hunting cats by spot light is no
walk in the park, but behind
every bush lies another surprise
waiting to be discovered.