Hunts in Zimbabwe
Hunt with our Friends - Hunts in Zimbabwe
Are you looking for species not available with our BC guided hunts? Hunt with our friends in Zimbabwe.
Hunts in Zimbabwe offer an exceptional hunting experience, attracting enthusiasts worldwide with its diverse wildlife and well-managed conservation practices. The Zimbabwe hunting season typically runs from April to October, with peak months being June to September, providing ample opportunities for trophy hunters to pursue their desired game.
Zimbabwe’s huntable game includes an impressive variety of species, with some of the most sought-after being members of the famous “Big Five” such as Cape buffalo, elephant, lion, and leopard. For those seeking plains game, Zimbabwe boasts an array of options including kudu, sable antelope, eland, and impala.
The country’s commitment to sustainable hunting practices is evident in its strict regulations. All hunts must be conducted under the supervision of registered professional hunters, ensuring ethical and responsible practices. Zimbabwe’s wildlife authorities oversee the issuance of hunting permits and enforce quotas to maintain healthy wildlife populations.
Zimbabwe hunting locations vary from vast national parks to private conservancies. Popular areas include the Zambezi Valley, known for its dangerous game hunting, and the Matetsi Safari Area near Victoria Falls, famous for its big game opportunities. The Hwange region, bordering the national park, offers excellent elephant and buffalo hunting.
Zimbabwe’s trophy hunting industry not only provides thrilling experiences for hunters but also plays a crucial role in conservation efforts and local community development. The CAMPFIRE program, in particular, has been instrumental in involving local communities in wildlife management and benefiting from hunting revenues.
Whether pursuing dangerous game like Cape buffalo and elephant, or seeking unique plains game such as sable antelope and kudu, Zimbabwe continues to be a premier destination for those seeking an authentic African hunting safari. The country’s diverse landscapes, from the Zambezi River floodplains to the Kalahari sands of Hwange, provide a range of challenging and exciting hunting environments for every preference.
To connect with us about our hunts in Zimbabwe, design your custom hunt and let us know your interest
Elephant Hunt
The African Elephant is one of the most sought-after trophies for hunts in Zimbabwe, offering an unparalleled and challenging experience.
Specs: Largest land mammal, characterized by large ears, long trunk, and curved tusks. Grey to brown skin with sparse hair.
Size: Bulls weigh 10,000-13,000 lbs, standing 10-13 feet at the shoulder. Cows are smaller, weighing 6,000-8,000 lbs.
Season: Elephant hunting in Zimbabwe is typically available from April to October, with peak season being June to September.
Locations: Prime hunting areas include the Zambezi Valley, Hwange region, and Gonarezhou National Park.
About the hunt: Requires extensive tracking on foot, often over long distances. Hunters must use heavy caliber rifles (.375 H&H minimum) due to the elephant’s size and thick skin.
Behaviours: Highly intelligent and social animals. Live in matriarchal herds, with bulls often solitary or in small groups. Known for their complex behaviours and long-distance movements.
Diet & Seasonal Range: Herbivores consuming up to 600 lbs of vegetation daily. Range widely in search of food and water, with seasonal movements influenced by rainfall patterns.
Management: Strictly regulated in Zimbabwe with limited permits issued annually. Elephant hunting contributes significantly to conservation efforts and local community development through programs like CAMPFIRE.
Cape Buffalo Hunt
The Cape Buffalo is one of the most dangerous and sought-after big game animals for hunts in Zimbabwe.
Specs: Massive body, short legs, thick horns with a broad shield covering the forehead, dark brown to black coat.Size: Bulls weigh 1,300-1,900 lbs, standing 4 1/2 – 5 1/2 feet at the shoulder. Cows are smaller, weighing 1,000-1,500 lbs.
Season: Buffalo hunting season in Zimbabwe typically runs from April to October, with the best period being June to September.
Locations: Found in various hunting areas across Zimbabwe, including the Zambezi Valley, Matetsi Safari Area, and areas bordering Hwange National Park.
About the hunt: Often involves tracking on foot, requiring patience and skill. Known for their unpredictable nature, making the hunt both thrilling and dangerous. Hunters typically use heavy caliber rifles (.375 H&H or larger).
Behaviours: Highly social, forming herds of up to several hundred individuals. Known for their aggressive defense against predators and hunters.
Diet & Seasonal Range: Primarily grazers, feeding on grass and occasionally browsing on leaves. Their range is influenced by water availability, often concentrating near water sources during the dry season.
Management: Quota-based hunting system in Zimbabwe, with strict regulations to ensure sustainable populations. Buffalo hunting contributes significantly to conservation efforts and local community development.
Lion Hunt
The African Lion is a highly prized trophy for big game hunts in Zimbabwe, offering an unparalleled hunting experience.
Specs: Muscular build, tawny coat, males with distinctive manes ranging from blonde to black.
Size: Males weigh 330-550 lbs, standing about 4 feet tall at the shoulder. Females are smaller, weighing 265-400 lbs.
Season: Lion hunting in Zimbabwe is typically permitted from April to October, with the best period being June to September.
Locations: Found in various hunting areas across Zimbabwe, including the Zambezi Valley, Matetsi Safari Area, and areas bordering Hwange National Park.
About the hunt: Often involves baiting and tracking. Lion hunting in Zimbabwe requires patience and skill. Hunters must be accompanied by a professional hunter and use appropriate caliber rifles.
Behaviours: Social animals living in prides. Males defend territories while females are the primary hunters. Most active during cooler hours of the day and at night.
Diet & Seasonal Range: Carnivores, primarily preying on medium to large ungulates. Their range is influenced by prey availability and can vary seasonally.
Management: Strict quota system in Zimbabwe with age restrictions to ensure sustainable populations. Lion hunting revenues contribute significantly to conservation efforts and anti-poaching measures.
Leopard Hunt
The Leopard is one of the most elusive and sought-after trophies for hunts in Zimbabwe.
Specs: Muscular build with pale yellow to golden coat covered in black rosettes. Long tail for balance.
Size: Males weigh 80-165 lbs, females 65-100 lbs. Body length (excluding tail) 3-5 feet.
Season: Leopard hunting in Zimbabwe is typically permitted from April to October, with the best period being June to September.
Locations: Found throughout Zimbabwe, including the Zambezi Valley, Matetsi Safari Area, and areas near Hwange National Park.
About the hunt: Often involves baiting and waiting in blinds. Challenging due to the leopard’s nocturnal and elusive nature. Patience and stealth are crucial for a successful hunt.
Behaviours: Solitary and territorial. Excellent climbers, often dragging prey into trees. Most active at night.
Diet & Seasonal Range: Carnivores, preying on a wide range of animals from small antelopes to baboons. Adaptable to various habitats, from dense forests to semi-arid areas.
Management: Quota-based system in Zimbabwe with strict regulations. Leopard hunting contributes to conservation efforts and helps manage human-wildlife conflict in rural areas.
Sable Antelope Hunt
The Sable Antelope is a highly sought-after trophy for hunts in Zimbabwe, known for its striking appearance and challenging hunt.
Specs: Dark black coat in mature males, reddish-brown in females. Both sexes have impressive backward-curving horns.
Size: Males weigh 450-550 lbs, standing about 4 1/2 feet at the shoulder. Females are smaller, weighing 400-500 lbs.
Season: Sable hunting in Zimbabwe is typically permitted from April to October, with the best period being June to September.
Locations: Found in various hunting areas across Zimbabwe, particularly in the Matetsi Safari Area and regions bordering Hwange National Park.
About the hunt: Often involves spot-and-stalk techniques in open woodland areas. Challenging due to the sable’s wariness and keen senses.
Behaviours: Form herds of 10-30 individuals, led by a dominant bull. Males can be aggressive and are known to stand their ground against predators.
Diet & Seasonal Range: Primarily grazers, feeding on medium to long grasses. Their range is influenced by grass quality and water availability.
Management: Quota-based system in Zimbabwe to ensure sustainable populations. Sable hunting contributes to conservation efforts and provides income for local communities.
Greater Kudu Hunt
The Greater Kudu is a majestic antelope species highly prized for hunts in Zimbabwe.
Specs: Grey-brown coat with 6-10 vertical white stripes. Males have spectacular spiral horns that can grow up to 60 inches long.
Size: Males weigh 420-600 lbs, standing up to 5 feet tall at the shoulder. Females are smaller at 260-460 lbs.
Season: Kudu hunting in Zimbabwe is typically permitted from April to October, with the best period being June to September.
Locations: Found in various hunting areas across Zimbabwe, particularly in areas with dense bush and hilly terrain.
About the hunt: Often involves spot-and-stalk techniques. Challenging due to the kudu’s excellent hearing and eyesight. Hunters typically use rifles in the .300 to .375 caliber range.
Behaviours: Generally shy and elusive. Males are often solitary or in small bachelor groups, while females form small herds. Most active during early morning and late afternoon.
Diet & Seasonal Range: Browsers, feeding on leaves, pods, and fruits. Their range is influenced by water availability and vegetation density.
Management: Quota-based system in Zimbabwe to ensure sustainable populations. Kudu hunting contributes to conservation efforts and provides income for local communities.
Hippopotamus Hunt
The Hippopotamus offers a unique experience for hunts in Zimbabwe, combining danger and excitement.
Specs: Massive body, short legs, large head with wide mouth, and thick skin. greyish to purple-brown in colour.
Size: Males weigh 3,300-4,000 lbs, females 2,900-3,300 lbs. Standing 4 1/2 – 5 feet tall at the shoulder.
Season: Hippo hunting in Zimbabwe is typically permitted from April to October, with the best period being June to September.
Locations: Found in major rivers, lakes, and wetlands across Zimbabwe, including areas along the Zambezi River and Lake Kariba.
About the hunt: Often involves tracking near water sources. Dangerous game, requiring careful approach and accurate shooting. Hunters typically use heavy caliber rifles.
Behaviours: Semi-aquatic, spending days in water and nights grazing on land. Highly territorial in water. Can be extremely aggressive when threatened.
Diet & Seasonal Range: Graze on grass at night, consuming up to 150 lbs. Limited seasonal movement due to water dependency.
Management: Quota-based hunting with specific area restrictions in Zimbabwe. Hippo hunting helps manage populations and reduce human-wildlife conflict in areas near water bodies.
Eland Hunt
The Eland is one of the largest antelopes and a prized trophy for hunts in Zimbabwe.
Specs: Fawn-coloured coat with vertical white stripes. Both sexes have spiral horns, with males’ horns being larger and more twisted.
Size: Bulls weigh 1,500-2,000 lbs, standing up to 6 feet at the shoulder. Cows are smaller, weighing 1,000-1,300 lbs.
Season: Eland hunting in Zimbabwe is typically permitted from April to October, with the best period being June to September.
Locations: Found in various hunting areas across Zimbabwe, including the Matetsi Safari Area and regions bordering national parks.
About the hunt: Often involves tracking over long distances due to the eland’s nomadic nature. Hunters typically use rifles in the .300 to .375 caliber range.
Behaviours: Generally shy and alert. Form herds of up to 500 in open areas, smaller groups in bushveld. Known for their ability to jump high fences.
Diet & Seasonal Range: Mixed feeders, browsing on leaves and fruits, and grazing when good grass is available. Range widely in search of food and water.
Management: Quota-based system in Zimbabwe to ensure sustainable populations. Eland hunting contributes to conservation efforts and provides income for local communities.
Nile Crocodile Hunt
The Nile Crocodile presents a unique and challenging opportunity for hunts in Zimbabwe.
Specs: Large reptile with heavily armoured skin, powerful tail, and strong jaws. Olive-brown colouration.
Size: Can reach lengths of 16-20 feet and weigh up to 1,650 lbs.
Season: Crocodile hunting in Zimbabwe is typically permitted from April to October, with the best period being June to September.
Locations: Found in major rivers and wetlands across Zimbabwe, including the Zambezi River and Lake Kariba.
About the hunt: Often involves baiting and waiting near water bodies. Extreme caution is necessary due to the crocodile’s dangerous nature. Precision shooting is crucial.
Behaviours: Ambush predators, spending much time basking on riverbanks. Most active at night. Highly territorial.
Diet & Seasonal Range: Carnivorous, feeding on fish, antelopes, and other animals that come to drink. Generally non-migratory, staying within their preferred water bodies.
Management: Strictly regulated in Zimbabwe with specific quotas. Crocodile hunting helps manage populations and reduce human-wildlife conflict in rural areas.
Impala Hunt
The Impala is one of the most common and sustainable game species for hunts in Zimbabwe.
Specs: Sleek, two-toned coat with a tan underbelly and a red-brown saddle. Males have lyre-shaped horns that are heavily ridged.
Size: 90-165 lbs and 28-39 inches tall at the shoulder.
Season: Impala hunting in Zimbabwe is typically permitted year-round, but the best period is from April to October.
Locations: Found throughout Zimbabwe, particularly abundant in areas bordering national parks and in private game reserves.
About the hunt: Hunting methods include spot and stalk, hunting from a blind near water sources, and still hunting. Impalas are alert and have keen senses, making them challenging to hunt.
Behaviours: Gregarious, forming three social groups: territorial males, bachelor herds, and female herds. They are diurnal and known for their leaping ability as an anti-predator strategy.
Diet & Seasonal Range: Mixed feeders, grazing on grass during the wet season and browsing on leaves, shoots, and seedpods during the dry season. They prefer habitats near water and adapt their diet based on seasonal availability.
Management: Sustainable hunting practices in Zimbabwe include habitat management and population control. Impalas are often used as a management tool to maintain ecological balance in game reserves.
To connect with us about hunts in Zimbabwe, submit our contact form and let us know your interest
5% of every hunt goes towards
conservation initiatives in the Chilcotin Ark
