Overview and Concept

Al Thandiwe is a premium 10,000-hectare private estate located in the Waterberg region of Limpopo, South Africa . It operates as both an exclusive hunting destination and a registered sport shooting club (Al Thandiwe Shooting Club) under the Clay Target Shooting Association of South Africa (CTSASA). The facility’s primary "USP" is its total exclusivity: a single booking grants a group private access to the entire 10,000-hectare reserve, ensuring no shared spaces with other guests.

Shooting Infrastructure and Disciplines

The range is set within a "natural amphitheater," featuring rugged mountain backdrops and open savannah plains that create challenging wind and light conditions for marksmen . The facilities are professionally equipped to handle various shooting disciplines:

  • Shotgun Range: Specifically designed for Clay Pigeon Shooting and competitive events .

  • Rifle Range: A dedicated open-air space for precision practice, including sighting-in rifles like.308 and.22 calibers .

  • Pistol Range: Equipped for 9mm handgun practice .

  • Bow Hunting Area: Specialized zones with blinds for silent, close-range hunting .

  • Wingshooting Fields: Areas tailored for waterfowl and upland bird hunting .

Training and Professional Guidance

Training at Al Thandiwe is led by experienced Professional Hunters (PH) and guides, including General Manager Schalk Willem van Liebenberg and Director Greg Altona. Programs are highly adaptable, catering to complete novices who require basic safety orientation and equipment, as well as competitive athletes preparing for national events . The terrain is intentionally used as a training tool, with elevated platforms and varying angles to simulate real-world mountain hunting scenarios.

Events and Competitions

The club is a regular venue for the Clay Pigeon Competition, which serves as a benchmark for local and visiting shooters. As a registered CTSASA member, it participates in the regional ranking systems, such as the Limpopo Standard Championships . Beyond sports, the facility is a hub for corporate team-building and high-end retreats, offering private banquets and organized "friendly rivalry" shooting events .

Hospitality and Infrastructure

The estate features luxury accommodation designed for large groups or intimate stays. The Cliff Chat Lodge is the flagship facility, accommodating up to 24 guests with full catering and traditional bushveld cuisine. For more private or self-catered stays, the Bush Willow Lodge offers 6 chalets around a central pool. Additional amenities include an on-site spa, star-gazing decks, and a fire pit boma for evening socialization .

Key Benefits and Audience

Al Thandiwe is suited for professional athletes, hunting teams, corporate groups, and families seeking a secure, private environment.

Key Advantages:

  • Privacy: 10,000 hectares of exclusive-use territory.

  • All-Inclusive Gear: Access to high-quality rifles (.308,.22) and 9mm handguns with ammunition provided .

  • Premium Logistics: Direct helicopter and private jet transfer options .

  • Terrain Variety: Unique mix of mountain and savannah biomes for diverse shooting angles .

Services and Pricing

The range offers transparent session-based pricing that usually includes equipment and professional guidance:

  • Target Shooting: From $50 per person/session .

  • Clay Pigeon Competition: From $60 per person/session .

  • Wingshooting Packages: From $250 per person/session (includes PH and dogs) .

  • Daily Hunting Rates: $325 – $375 per day depending on the PH-to-client ratio .

Operating Hours

  • Mon–Sat: 08:30 – 17:00

  • Sun: Closed (except by special arrangement for lodge residents)