Big Five Hunt in Zimbabwe

Experience the thrill of hunting Cape buffalo along with other game species in the Gwayi area of Zimbabwe, near Hwange National Park.

 

Hunting Season

February - May; September - November

 

Destination

Zimbabwe - Gwayi area (near Hwange National Park)

 

Event Duration

9 days / 7 hunting days

 

Game Species

Primary game: Cape Buffalo

 

Alternative game species: Crocodile, Elephant, Hippopotamus, various antelope species, Warthog, and others

 

Transportation

Fly to Victoria Falls (with one layover in Ethiopia), transfer by car from the airport to the camp

 

Meals

All-day meals prepared by a private chef

 

Weapons

Import of personal firearms allowed / rental firearms available

 

Accommodation

Hunting camp in the center of the hunting area

 

Price Includes

- Hunting Cape buffalo with no size restrictions on the trophy

- Round-trip airfare

- Organization of Cape buffalo hunt over 7 hunting days

- 8 nights accommodation in the camp with all-day meals, including a wide selection of non-alcoholic and reasonable amounts of alcoholic beverages

- Transport from the airport to the camp and back

- Daily laundry, ironing, and room cleaning

- Work of trackers and drivers of off-road vehicles

- Work of professional hunters and guides

- Travel agency insolvency insurance

- Firearm rental

- Basic trophy processing on-site and export permit

 

Price Does Not Include

- Costs associated with firearm transport

- Gratuities for trackers and service staff

- Comprehensive travel insurance and trip cancellation insurance (available on request)

- Costs for transporting trophies to the place of residence (dip & pack, transport, customs, tax)

- Anything not listed in the price

 

Hunting Information

 

Hunting any member of the Big Five brings a huge dose of adrenaline and offers an unforgettable adventure. Hunting buffalo in the beautiful wilderness of Zimbabwe cannot be compared to hunting on farms in South Africa or Namibia. The wild nature, where you can observe elephants, lions, and especially large herds of Cape buffalo, gives the hunt the true feel of an African safari.

 

The hunt begins in the early morning light, where the whole team sets out to track buffalo herds and find a group of large males. The Gwayi area, where the hunt takes place, borders the largest national park in Zimbabwe - Hwange, home to large elephants and buffalo. Due to the presence of many lions, which drive herds from one area to another, there is a high chance of hunting either a prime buffalo or an elephant.

 

After finding a suitable herd, it is crucial that the trackers get the hunter as close as possible to a large male, which is not always easy, as herds can consist of up to 500 buffalo, which are very vigilant. During the seven days of hunting, however, suitable opportunities will arise multiple times, where with professional guidance, the right animal can be selected for the hunt. A minimum caliber of 9.2 mm is required for hunting Big Five members. If the hunter does not have such a caliber, the staff will provide a firearm with the necessary caliber.

 

After (or before) hunting the Cape buffalo, it is possible to hunt other game species living in the area, which are listed in the attached price list.

 

Travel Details

The best way to travel to the country is by air to Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, with Ethiopian Airlines with a layover in Addis Ababa. After arriving at Victoria Falls, hunters will be picked up by car and transferred to the hunting camp in Gwayi. The journey takes approximately 2.5 hours. A valid passport is required to enter the country, valid for at least 6 months after return. A visa is required for foreigners, which can be obtained directly at the airport in Victoria Falls.

 

Weather

During the hunting season, the weather is usually favorable, with little rain. In March and April, the weather is most pleasant, with daytime temperatures around 30-35°C and cooler mornings. In late April and May, the days are cooler (25-30°C) and the mornings can be cold, with temperatures reaching 3-5°C. Therefore, it is essential to bring both winter and summer clothing for the hunt.

 

Accommodation and Meals

The camp is located in the heart of the hunting area, so there are no long transfers. It is built in a hunting style with a strong hunting spirit. Electricity, hot water, and cleanliness in every room are guaranteed. Daily laundry and ironing are provided by local staff. The camp includes a large common room where hunters eat and spend time together. Most of the common time is spent around the outdoor fire pit, evoking the true African atmosphere in the evenings, where hunters share their hunting experiences from the past days. Meals are prepared by a private chef and are excellent and varied. Hunters have the opportunity to taste various local specialties, mainly from game, as well as many common European dishes such as schnitzels, roast chicken, and pasta.

 

Equipment and Gear

You can bring your own firearm to Zimbabwe, but it is important to know that the minimum caliber for hunting Cape buffalo in the country is 9.2 mm or higher. Professional hunters have hunting rifles in the necessary calibers available for rent. The gear should include:

- Hunting clothing with long and short sleeves

- Hunting pants, long and short

- High leather boots (not new)

- Belt

- Windproof jacket for morning and evening hunts

- Evening camp clothing

- Sunglasses

- Sunscreen and lip balm

- Nasal spray / moisturizer

- Small backpack or bag

- Flashlight (2x)

- Basic medications (antibiotics, corticosteroids, painkillers, allergy medication, insect bite treatment, anti-diarrheal, etc.)

 

Price List

If the hunter is unable to harvest a Cape buffalo during the 7 days of hunting, or if the guide does not create a situation to harvest a trophy male, the client is entitled to a refund of 2,000 EUR. This situation has not occurred in this area since 2015.