The highly anticipated Kirkwood Wildsfees Game Auction concluded on Friday, 26 June 2026, drawing significant attention from across the wildlife sector with its lineup of rare black rhino females, disease-free buffalo, and premium plains game.
The event, held at the Mayogi Boma along the R75 in the Eastern Cape, saw a total of 220 plus lots change hands, generating an overall turnover of R17.4 million,
Among the undisputed highlights of the day were the rare Black Rhino (Diceros bicornis bicornis) females, which made a rare appearance on the public auction market. The top-selling female fetched a remarkable R700 000 underscoring the immense value placed on these rare genetics.
Auction Manager Garth Saville noted that the inclusion of the rhino females was a milestone for the industry.
“The response to the Black Rhino females was everything we anticipated,” said Saville. “Having these animals on offer for the first time in many years was a major talking point, and the bidding reflected the deep interest from serious buyers looking to secure these vital bloodlines.”
Other major drawcards included the sought-after, disease-free Buffalo bulls sourced directly from the Addo Elephant National Park. The highest-selling Buffalo bull went for R155 000. Other carnivores and plains game also saw competitive bidding, with notable sales achieved for top-tier antelope family groups and trophy bulls.
According to Saville, the auction’s results reinforce the current health of the South African game market, which continues to be anchored by breeders, the trophy hunting sector, and commercial biltong hunters.
“The partnership with SANParks once again proved to be a massive drawcard, delivering naturally bred, resilient animals in excellent numbers,” Saville added. “Combined with the exceptional genetics brought in by our guest private sellers, buyers walked away with some of the finest wildlife stock available in the country right now.”
