Safari Rifles
Safari rifles are purpose-built for the specific demands of African dangerous game hunting and large North American predators—calibers powerful enough to stop dangerous game reliably at close range, with the mechanical robustness to function in remote environments where a malfunction could be fatal. Impact Guns carries safari-appropriate bolt-action rifles in big bore calibers and double rifles for hunters targeting dangerous game at professional distances of 30 yards or less.
Read our full Safari Rifle Buying Guide ↓
Dangerous Game Calibers: What Actually Qualifies
Safari regulations in most African countries specify minimum calibers for dangerous game species. For the Big Five (elephant, Cape buffalo, lion, leopard, rhino), the standard minimum is .375 H&H Magnum—the most widely accepted dangerous game caliber and legal everywhere that allows hunting. For Cape buffalo and the largest dangerous game, experienced PHs (professional hunters) typically recommend stepping up to .416 Rigby, .458 Winchester Magnum, .470 Nitro Express, or .500 Nitro Express. The principle is consistent: enough bullet weight and velocity to penetrate deeply and stop an animal that may be charging at less than 10 yards.
Bolt-Action vs. Double Rifle: The Platform Decision
Bolt-action safari rifles in big bore calibers—the CZ 550, Winchester Model 70 Safari Express, and similar platforms—provide higher magazine capacity (3–5 rounds), lower cost, and generally better accuracy at distance than double rifles. Double rifles provide two instantaneous shots in the fastest possible sequence, which is critical when a wounded elephant or buffalo charges from under 10 yards. Professional hunters typically carry doubles as backup guns for exactly this scenario. For most hunters pursuing plains game with one dangerous game species as a secondary target, a quality bolt-action in .375 H&H or larger is the practical choice. For dedicated dangerous game hunters who will be on foot in close cover, a double rifle is worth its significant price premium.
CZ Safari Rifles
CZ produces several bolt-action safari rifles in the 550 and 600 platform families—available in .375 H&H, .416 Rigby, .458 Winchester Magnum, and other dangerous game calibers with express sights, controlled-round-feed actions, and safari-appropriate finish options. The CZ 550 has been the most accessible quality safari bolt-action for decades, and the newer CZ 600 continues that tradition with updated ergonomics.
Ammunition for Safari Calibers
Safari caliber ammunition uses heavy, controlled-expansion bullets designed for deep penetration on large-boned dangerous game. Federal Premium Trophy Bonded, Hornady DGX Bonded, and Norma African Professional Hunter are the standard choices. These loads are expensive—.470 Nitro Express can exceed $10 per round—and should be purchased in quantity before a safari to ensure the rifle is properly regulated and the shooter is familiar with the load’s performance. See our .300 Win Mag and hunting rifles pages for lighter hunting options.
Related Pages
Browse all hunting rifles, explore bolt-action rifles, or see our collector firearms page.