Namibia offers some of the best bow hunting opportunities in the world thanks to its suitable climate, diverse landscape and variety of plains game trophies. Namibia has a rich tradition of bow hunting practised by the Kalahari Bushmen who hunted their prey with poisoned arrows.

In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about bow hunting in Namibia. 

Is Bow Hunting legal in Namibia?

Bow hunting was officially legalised in Namibia by The Ministry of Environment and Tourism in 1997. Namibia is known for its sustainable hunting laws. The Ministry of Environment and Tourism (MET) has set out rules to protect and ensure the sustainability of hunting in Namibia. 

• Bow hunting in Namibia may only take place on “special” game farms and areas, which are registered for this purpose with the Ministry of Environment and Tourism.
• A Hunting Guide, Master Hunting Guide or Professional Hunter with additional qualifications for bow hunting must guide trophy hunters visiting Namibia.
• No person shall, without the permission of the Cabinet, hunt any game or other wild animal during the period from half an hour after sunset on any day, to half an hour before sunrise on the following day.
• The practice of shooting from a moving vehicle is prohibited; ethical principles of hunting determine that any animal must have at least an equal chance to escape.

Do you need a permit to Bow Hunt in Namibia?

Hunting permits for various game species must be organised by the outfitter before the hunt commences. MET licences/hunt permits must clearly stipulate “Bow Hunting” at the top of the page. The onus lies with the trophy hunter to check and ensure that the correct permits are in possession of the outfitter before hunting commences. A hunter may take only two animals of each species per year on a regular trophy hunting permit, irrespective of if the trophies are exported or not.

What Animals can be Hunted with a Bow in Namibia?

Namibia offers a variety of plains game species that can be hunted with a bow including: 

• Oryx 
• Kudu 
• Red Hartebeest 
• Eland
• Blue/Black Wildebeest
• Waterbuck
• Springbok
• Warthogs
• Blesbuck
• Impala
• Caracal
• Jackal
• African Wildcat

The following Dangerous Game species CANNOT be hunted in Namibia with a Bow:

• Elephant
• Hippopotamus, 
• Crocodile
• Buffalo
• Lion 
• Leopard

Importation of Bows and Arrows into Namibia

No permit is required to import bows for bow hunting purposes into Namibia. However, crossbows are not permitted. 

Minimum Bow Energy Required for Bow Hunting in Namibia

Small Game 

25 ft/lb (350-grain arrow recommended)

African Wildcat, Caracal, Jackal, Dik-Dik, Steenbuck, Duiker, Springbuck and huntable game birds.

Medium Game 

40 ft/lb (400-grain arrow recommended)

Baboon, Warthog, Blesbuck and Impala 

Large Game 

65 ft/lb (450-grain arrow recommended)

Oryx, Kudu, Hartebeest, Eland, Blue/Black Wildebeest, Giraffe, Waterbuck and Zebra

Arrows

Arrows can be manufactured out of: 

• Wood
• Fibreglass
• Carbon
• Aluminium

The shaft must have a minimum length of 19.68 inches (500 mm)

Broadheads:

Broadheads must consist of at least two fixed cutting blades and a minimum cutting edge length and width of 1 inch (26 mm+)

Broadheads may not have barbed or serrated edges or contain poison or narcotics.

Mechanical broadheads are legal in Namibia. Special arrow points such as judo points, bird points or blunt points may be used for the bow hunting of game bird species. 

Best time to Bow Hunt in Namibia

The best time to bow hunt in Namibia is between April and November, just after the rainy season. The Namibian hunting season starts on the 1st of February and ends on the 30th of November.

You can expect temperatures of 2° C (35° F) early mornings to 25° C (77° F) mid-afternoon. September to November, you can expect temperatures of 25° C (77 °F) to 39° C (102° F). It can be very cold in the mornings on the way to the hunting terrain or on the way back in the evenings, so please bring cover-alls or appropriate warm clothing. It warms up very quickly in the mornings, so don’t over-dress. Gloves are also advised for winter mornings.

Book your Bow Hunting Experience at Otjandaue Hunting Safaris

Otjandaue started bow hunting in the 2007 hunting season and is a registered bow hunting ranch. The ranch features five waterholes with well-equipped bow blinds where hunters can lie in ambush. We also offer walk and stalk bow hunting experiences for the more advanced bow hunter. We try to get within a range of 20 to 30 metres of the animals with a side-on shot if possible.

Ogtjanduae is equipped with a shooting range at the guest house where hunters can practise and adjust their bows.