Oryx, also known as Gemsbok or Gemsbuck, is one of the most sought after trophy hunting experiences in Namibia. This majestic antelope is easy to identify with its spear-like horns and white and black facial markings.  

The Oryx are extremely tolerant to the challenging Namibian conditions and can be found all over the countryside, including the Namib Desert. These desert dwellers are known to survive without water for months as they extract moisture from the food they consume. You will often find them grazing early in the mornings or during the night when plants hold the most moisture.  

An Oryx can stand about 1.2m (3.9 ft) at the shoulder and their body length can vary from 190 to 240 cm (75 to 94 inches). A male Oryx can weigh up to 240kg (530 lb), while a female Oryx can weigh up to 210kg (460lb).

Oryx are widely hunted for their horns that average 85cm (33 inches) in length. Both males and females have horns which makes it difficult to differentiate between them, especially from a distance. The female Oryx generally has longer, thinner horns while the male’s horns tend to be thicker. 

Best time to hunt Oryx in Namibia

The hunting season in Namibia starts from the 1st of February and lasts until the 30th of November. The best time to hunt Oryx in Namibia is from April to November, which is just after the rainy season.  

During the dry winter months, the Oryx are known to seek out mineral blocks which makes it a great opportunity to increase your chances of success while hunting with a bow. 

Do you need a permit to hunt Oryx in Namibia?

Hunting permits for various game species must be organised by the outfitter before the hunt commences. 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.

How to hunt Oryx in Namibia

Oryx can be hunted with a rifle or a bow in Namibia.  

Hunting Oryx with a Rifle

Your professional hunter will take you as close as possible to a herd where the hunting will commence on foot. Walking and stalking an Oryx requires plenty of skill and a lot of luck. These animals will disappear at the first sight of any disturbance.  

Minimum Calibre required for Hunting Oryx

We recommend a .308 as the minimum calibre for hunting Oryx in our area. The average shot is about 80 m (87 yards) to 150 m (163 yards), but the occasional shot of 200 m (218 yards) may occur. 

Hunting Oryx with a Bow

Hunting Oryx with a bow will take a lot of patience and plenty of skill. We have five waterholes with well-equipped bow blinds where hunters can lie in ambush. 

Minimum Energy Required for Hunting Oryx with a Bow

65 ft/lb (450-grain arrow recommended)

Read more on Everything you need to know about bow hunting in Namibia.

How much does it cost to Hunt Oryx in Namibia?

Hunting Oryx at Otjandaue Hunting Safaris in Namibia costs $600.00 per trophy, excluding flights, daily rates and rentals.  

Daily rates are $270.00 per day, which includes: 

• A professional hunter.
• Airport pick-up and return from Windhoek.
• Accommodation, meals and laundry service.
• Services of a Master hunting guide, trackers and skinners.
• All ground transportation of trophies on hunting grounds.
• Beverages (Alcoholic Beverages, but modest).

The daily rate does NOT include: 

• Flights and Accommodation before and after the safari.
• Trophy fees for all animals, taken, or wounded and lost.
• Rental of weapons and/or ammunition.
• 15% VAT weapon rental or any extra services.
• 15% VAT on animals wounded and not found.
• 15% Vat on day rate.

Book your Oryx Hunting safari at Otjandaue Hunting Safaris

Otjandaue Hunting Ranch is a private trophy hunting ranch in Namibia owned and operated by Roy and Janet Van der Merwe with their two daughters Rune and Kaylin. Otjandaue Hunting Safaris offer plains game hunting and bowhunting in central Namibia and is home to a variety of African plains game species and wild predators. 

We want your trophy hunting safari to be a memorable experience. We’ll make you comfortable in our lodge that’s built on the banks of the Otjandaue river bed.