Est. 1983
Thaba Mahaka
Taxidermy
Professionals from Head to Toe
"The Vulture of the Mountain"
Proudly owned by the Smit family · Polokwane, Limpopo
The Name Behind The Brand
Thaba — Mountain · Mahaka — Vulture
In the Sotho tradition, the vulture is a symbol of patience, wisdom, and mastery of the skies. Perched high on the mountain, it sees all — just as we see every detail of your trophy.
Our Story
You Live The Adventure.
We Preserve Its Legacy.
We don't just preserve trophies — we curate memories. As experienced taxidermists, we transform the thrill of the hunt into refined pieces that honour the animal and the adventure behind it.
From full mount masterpieces to detailed skull mount displays, each piece is crafted for discerning hunters who value authenticity, artistry, and legacy.
Our work embodies the soul of Africa while complementing homes and collections around the world.
Meet The Family
How We Work
Our Process
Personal Consultation
We begin every project with a personal consultation to understand your exact vision — from the pose and expression to the pedestal and finish.
Expert Preparation
All hides are prepared and tanned on-site using premium processes, ensuring the best possible quality and longevity for every mount.
Custom Carpentry
Our team crafts custom pedestals, shields, and accents from quality timber, making each trophy uniquely yours.
Quality Finishing
Every piece is finished by hand under the direct supervision of Francois Smit, ensuring world-class attention to detail.
Packing & Export
We partner with trusted freight specialists for professional packing and export, delivering your trophies safely to destinations around the globe.
Client Stories
What Our Clients Say
Live on Google
See Our Reviews
Our Google profile updates in real time. Click below to read the latest client reviews — and share your own experience.
Reviews are sourced directly from Google Maps and update automatically as new reviews are posted.
Trusted Partner
Worldwide Trophy Logistics
Official Freight Partner
Safari Cargo Solutions
Thaba Mahaka Taxidermy partners with Safari Cargo Solutions — specialists in safari trophy logistics, wildlife cargo shipping, and CITES compliance across South Africa and beyond. Whether your trophies are heading to Europe, the USA, or anywhere in the world, Safari Cargo ensures safe, timely, and fully compliant delivery.
Ready to Begin?
Turn Your Adventure Into Art
Contact us today to discuss your project. We welcome visits to our studio in Polokwane to see our showroom and the quality of our work.
Start Your Project