Top Plains Game to Hunt with a Bow in Namibia

by | Dec 2, 2025 | Hunting in Namibia

Bowhunting in Namibia has rapidly grown in popularity thanks to its consistent dry climate, abundant wildlife, and well-managed private hunting ranches. At Otjandaue Hunting Safaris, bowhunters enjoy access to more than 24,700 acres of varied terrain, including rocky granite kopjes, open savannah bushveld, and dry riverbeds that offer perfect bowhunting conditions.

Whether hunting from a blind or using walk-and-stalk methods, the ranch provides ethical shot opportunities and well-established waterhole setups. Below are the top plains game species available at Otjandaue that bowhunters can pursue, along with Namibia’s minimum bow-energy requirements for each category.

Understanding Namibia’s Bowhunting Requirements

Before selecting which animals to pursue, bowhunters must be aware of Namibia’s minimum arrow energy regulations, which ensure ethical, humane bowhunting.

Small Game

Minimum Required Energy: 25 ft/lb
Recommended Arrow Weight: 350 grains
Species at Otjandaue:

  • Steenbok

  • Damara Dik-Dik

  • Duiker

  • Springbok

  • Jackal

  • Caracal

  • African Wildcat

  • Game birds

Small game is ideal for beginner or intermediate bowhunters and is well-suited to blinds, walk-and-stalk hunts, and early-morning opportunities.

Medium Game

Minimum Required Energy: 40 ft/lb
Recommended Arrow Weight: 400 grains
Species at Otjandaue:

  • Warthog

  • Blesbuck

  • Impala

  • Baboon (where permitted)

Medium game offers excitement, steady movement around waterholes, and consistent shot opportunities between 15–30 yards from well-positioned bow blinds.

Large Game

Minimum Required Energy: 65 ft/lb
Recommended Arrow Weight: 450 grains
Species at Otjandaue:

  • Oryx

  • Kudu

  • Hartebeest

  • Eland

  • Blue wildebeest

  • Black wildebeest

  • Waterbuck

  • Zebra

These species require precision, heavy arrows, and strong broadheads for deep penetration due to their size, thick hide, and bone structure.

Top Plains Game Species to Hunt with a Bow at Otjandaue

1. Oryx (Gemsbok)

Why Oryx Are Excellent for Bowhunting

  • Regular visits to waterholes

  • Large vitals and predictable movements

  • Challenging due to their strength and toughness

Best Method: Blind hunting or slow, patient spot-and-stalk
Trophy Fee: $600

Recommended for experienced bowhunters shooting 65 ft/lb or more.

2. Kudu

a kudu bull in namibia

The Ultimate Bowhunting Challenge

The kudu is known as the Grey Ghost for its ability to disappear effortlessly into the bush. A bull approaching a waterhole creates one of the most intense bowhunting experiences in Africa.

Why Bowhunters Love Kudu

  • Bulls often come to water mid-morning or late afternoon

  • Their cautious approach offers steady shot windows

  • Large vitals make the hunt fair and ethical

Best Method: Waterhole blinds
Trophy Fee: $2,100

Requires 65 ft/lb minimum with strong fixed-blade broadheads.

3. Warthog

Namibia’s Most Common Bowhunting Species

Warthogs are active throughout the day and provide fantastic action near blinds.

Why Warthog Are Ideal

  • Frequent waterhole visits

  • Short-range shots

  • Abundant on the ranch

Best Method: Bow blinds at waterholes
Trophy Fee: $450

Requires 40 ft/lb minimum.

4. Steenbok

A Small but Rewarding Challenge

Steenbok offer quick, instinctive shooting opportunities and are often encountered during walk-and-stalk hunts.

Why Bowhunters Choose Steenbok

  • Excellent small-antelope trophy

  • A test of accuracy and patience

  • Best pursued early morning

Best Method: Walk-and-stalk
Trophy Fee: $400

Requires 25 ft/lb minimum.

5. Impala

Impala antelope in Namibia

A Classic African Bowhunting Species

Impala move in herds and frequently return to waterholes, creating multiple opportunities.

Why Impala Are Great for Bowhunters

  • Consistent daily activity

  • Clear vital area

  • Ideal for beginners and advanced archers

Best Method: Waterhole blinds
Trophy Fee: $700

Requires 40 ft/lb minimum.

6. Springbok

Fast, Alert, and Beautiful

These antelope have excellent vision and require patience from blinds.

Why Bowhunters Enjoy Springbok

  • Reliable movements on open plains

  • Calm when drinking

  • Beautiful trophy

Best Method: Blind hunting
Trophy Fee: $600

Requires 25 ft/lb minimum.

7. Blesbuck

A Strong, Hardy Bowhunting Target

Blesbuck move in herds and offer great shot opportunities at waterholes.

Why They Are Excellent for Archery

  • Predictable herd behavior

  • Robust animals with large vitals

  • Ideal for intermediate bowhunters

Best Method: Blinds or spot-and-stalk
Trophy Fee: $1,100

Requires 40 ft/lb minimum.

8. Eland

The Ultimate Big-Game Bowhunting Achievement

The eland is Africa’s largest antelope, making it one of the most impressive bowhunting trophies available.

Why Eland Are a Serious Challenge

  • Massive size requires excellent shot discipline

  • Slow, deliberate movement creates opportunities

  • Produces unforgettable hunts

Best Method: Waterhole blinds
Trophy Fee: $1,800

Requires 65 ft/lb minimum with heavy 450+ grain arrows.

Book your Namibian Hunting Bowhunting Safari at Otjandaue Hunting Safaris

Bowhunting in Namibia at Otjandaue Hunting Safaris offers world-class opportunities for hunters of all experience levels. With a rich variety of plains game, consistent dry-season activity, and expertly designed bow blinds, Otjandaue stands out as a premier destination for archery safaris.

Whether you’re pursuing a majestic kudu, a powerful oryx, or a fast-moving springbok, the ranch’s diverse terrain provides ethical shot opportunities and unforgettable experiences