Traveling To Zimbabwe For A Hunting Safari: Airports, Visas & Getting To Camp

Updated: June 2026

Planning a hunting safari in Zimbabwe is often far easier than first-time hunters expect.

Most questions have very little to do with the hunt itself. Instead, hunters want to know which airport they should fly into, whether they need a visa, how firearm permits work, how far the hunting concession is from the airport, and what travel arrangements need to be made before leaving home.

Zimbabwe has welcomed international hunters for decades and the travel process is generally straightforward when you understand the basics. Whether you are flying into Harare, Victoria Falls, or Bulawayo, most safari operators have well-established systems in place to move hunters efficiently from the airport to camp.

In this guide, we walk through the practical side of planning a Zimbabwe hunting safari, including visas, firearm permits, airports, charter flights, road transfers, and what to expect from the moment you arrive until you reach your hunting concession.

If you are still researching whether Zimbabwe is the right destination for your safari, we recommend reading our complete guide to Hunting in Zimbabwe before planning your trip. 

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Key Takeaways

• Zimbabwe is one of Africa’s most sought-after hunting destinations, offering hunters exceptional trophies and an authentic hunting experience that stays with them long after the African soil has left their boots
• This destination is easy to reach, with numerous travel options available to reach the hunting concession, depending on its location
• Zimbabwe has three international airports and numerous international flights arriving and departing daily
• Hunting concessions are reached via road transfers, domestic or charter flights, depending on where you are hunting and what your chosen mode of transport is
• Speak to your outfitter about which airport is best for you to use on your hunting safari

Zimbabwe at a Glance

As a hunting destination, Zimbabwe remains a premier option for dangerous game hunting enthusiasts in search of the perfect trophy. All members of the Dangerous 7 (Elephant, Hippo, Crocodile, Cape Buffalo, Leopard, and Lion) are available to hunt, apart from the Rhino, together with a variety of large and small African plains species, including Eland, Kudu, Zebra, Hyena, Civet, Genet, Klipspringer, and Steenbok.

Visas

Visas are required to enter Zimbabwe. There are three visa categories: Category A, B, and C.

Category A: Members of SADC countries, along with Hong Kong, Singapore, and Malta – You do not need to pay for your visa to enter Zimbabwe

Category B: If you are a US, UK, German, Irish, or Australian citizen, you fall into this category and need to complete a visa form in advance, which will be automatically approved. A visa fee is payable, which can be paid in advance or on arrival. Visa costs start at approximately US$55 for a single-entry visa.

Category C: Citizens from a host of other countries, including India, Mexico, Morocco, and Yemen, need to apply for a visa electronically prior to visiting Zimbabwe.

Health Requirements

At the time of writing this blog, there were no active vaccinations required for entry into Zimbabwe, but always check with your outfitter, as things can change at any time. A Yellow Fever certificate is required should you have arrived through a high-risk yellow fever destination, or spent more than 12 hours in transit in a high-risk country.

The following vaccinations, although not mandatory, are highly suggested when traveling to Africa:

• COVID-19
• Hepatitis A & B
• Cholera
• Typhoid
• Yellow Fever
• Ensure that all childhood vaccinations are in order (MMR, etc.)

Zimbabwe is a Malaria area. Visit your healthcare provider to obtain medication that needs to be started before traveling to Zimbabwe. Also, ensure that you bring insect repellent.

Hunting Permits

To hunt in Zimbabwe, a TR2 permit (Zimbabwean hunting license) is needed. It is arranged through the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZPWMA). Special permits are required for certain species (CITES and/or TOPS).

Rifles, Firearms & Bows

Zimbabwe does not have a set limit on the number of firearms a hunter can import, but it should be noted that no semi-automatic, automatic, or military-style weapons are allowed, while handgun permits are arranged separately and require special approval.

In terms of ammunition, 100 rounds per firearm can be imported – but remember to check what the airlines’ regulations are in this regard, as some airlines have placed a ban on firearms and ammunition on flights.

While bowhunting is allowed in Zimbabwe, the permit is quite pricey and must be applied for promptly.

Traveling to Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe has three international airports:

• Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport (HRE) in Harare
• Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport (BUQ) in Bulawayo
• Victoria Falls International Airport (VFA)

While there are no direct flights from the US to Zimbabwe, there are numerous international airlines that fly into the country, including Emirates, Kenya Airways, South African Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, and Jetway, to mention a few more popular options.

Another popular route is to fly into South Africa, overnight in Johannesburg, and then fly out on South African Airways or Airlink into Zimbabwe the next day.

The Location of the Hunting Concession

The location of your hunting concession may also influence your route choice, with flights from South Africa flying into all three major hubs.

• Flights from South Africa into Harare are approximately 2-2 ½ hours flying time, and it is a major hub for hunters entering the country
• Victoria Falls Airport is perfectly positioned for hunters traveling to Matetsi and the Zambezi Valley. Flying time is approximately 1 ¾ hours
• Bulawayo has fewer flight arrivals and departures per week, but is a good access point for hunters traveling to Matabeleland, with flying time being about 90 minutes

Traveling to the Hunting Concession Upon Arrival

In terms of size, Zimbabwe is approximately half the size of Texas, and traveling to the hunting concessions after arrival in the country happens in three main ways: via road transfers, via domestic flights, or via charter flights – depending on where you landed, and where you’re headed.

Let’s consider some of the popular hunting regions and how best to travel to them upon arrival:

Matetsi

This hunting region is a premier free-range hunting area, renowned for its dangerous game offering. If you are looking at quality trophies on your Zimbabwe hunting safari, including Lion, Leopard, Cape Buffalo, Sable, and Elephant, Matetsi is your go-to region. Situated adjacent to the country’s largest national park (Hwange National Park), Matetsi is renowned for its authentic, untamed African hunts and abundant game.

The best option to fly into to reach the Matetsi concessions is the Victoria Falls International Airport. Upon arrival, a road transfer of between 45 minutes and about two hours will see you arrive at the hunting grounds.

Zambezi Valley

The Zambezi Valley is widely regarded as one of Zimbabwe’s premier dangerous game hunting regions. Hunters travel here from around the world for exceptional Buffalo Hunting in Zimbabwe, while the area is equally respected for producing outstanding Elephant Hunts in vast unfenced wilderness areas. Alongside its dangerous game reputation, the valley also supports excellent populations of plains game species including kudu, sable, and eland.

Traveling to the Zambezi Valley can be done in two ways:

• Via Victoria Falls International Airport, which then sees hunters either taking a road transfer of 3-5 hours (gravel road via forest tracks with a 4X4) or a charter flight (roughly 30-40 minutes) to reach the concession
• Via Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport (HRE) in Harare. Once in Harare, there are two options to reach the hunting grounds: Firstly, a 90-minute charter flight into one of the landing strips in the area, or secondly, a road transfer. This is a longer route and not actively recommended, encompassing a long, tiring 6-9 hour drive

Hwange

The Hwange National Park is the biggest national park in Zimbabwe, and the buffer zone around it showcases exceptional hunting opportunities for four of Africa’s Big 5 (Lion, Leopard, Cape Buffalo, and Elephant), along with abundant African plains game, such as Eland, Kudu, Zebra, Roan, Impala, and Waterbuck.

There are two methods to reach these hunting grounds:

• Firstly, fly into Bulawayo and take a 2-3 hour drive to the southern Hwange buffer regions. The only con of this is that there are limited flights into the region every week
• Secondly, hunters can fly into the Victoria Falls International Airport, following which a 2-4 hour drive will see hunters reaching the northwest Hwange and Matetsi fringes

Zimbabwe Lowveld

If you’re looking at the Zimbabwe Lowveld for your Zimbabwe hunting safari, then Robert Gabriel Mugabe International (HRE) in Harare is the way to go. It is the primary hub for Save Valley Conservancy, Bubye Valley, and Gonarezhou-border areas, with charter flights of approximately one hour getting you into the region compared with a road trip of 5 to 6 hours.

The area is home to some exceptional dangerous game opportunities, including Crocodile Hunts and Hippo Hunting in Zimbabwe, together with quality Cape buffalo hunting. The region also supports excellent plains game species such as tsessebe, eland, nyala, and kudu.

Zimbabwe Safaris Hunting Methods

Most Zimbabwe hunts are classified as “safari style.”  Members of the Zimbabwe hunting safari will cover ground in a vehicle or a small motorized canoe, depending on the game species being hunted. When tracks are spotted, they will be followed on a “walk and stalk” basis.

In terms of fitness, while the hunters don’t need to be able to run the New York Marathon in record time, some hunts will be quite easy, while other hunts, depending on what “goes down” during the actual hunt itself, may require an above-average level of fitness.

What to Pack when hunting in Zimbabwe

As the old saying goes, “less is more.” Many Outfitters offer laundry services as part of the package. Confirm with your Outfitter prior to arrival, as this will mean less gear to lug around. Pack enough clothes for 3-4 days, as these will be laundered. Pack neutral colors for the safari. Remember the layered approach: It’s cooler in the early mornings, but by noon, you will be stripping off in the warm mid-day sun. Dress in layers that you can add or discard as needed.

A basic list consists of:

• A casual outfit or two for wearing around the camp and traveling in
• 3-4 long-sleeved shirts
• 3-4 pairs of long pants
• 2 pairs of well-worn waterproof boots
• Underwear/socks
• Light, waterproof jacket for cooler weather
• If traveling during the cooler months, a thicker jacket, scarf, and beanie for colder early mornings!
• Hat and sunscreen
• Daypack
• Toiletries, prescription medication, OTC medication, including Malaria medication, and a basic, general antibiotic
• Insect repellent (DEET / Peaceful Sleep / Tabard, etc.)
• Small first aid kit for minor aches and pains, including items such as headache tablets, diarrhea medication, nausea tablets, antiseptic cream, plasters, tweezers, lip balm, and wet wipes
• Binoculars
• Camera
• Cell phone and charger
• Sunglasses, spare glasses, contact lenses and contact lens solution

Best Time for a Zimbabwe Hunting Safari

While Zimbabwe has no official hunting season, the best time to enjoy a safari in this untamed African paradise would be from May to August, during the dry, cooler months. November to February are often referred to as the “wet season” and make hunting and stalking more challenging.

Non-Hunting Activities

When the hunt is completed and the trophy is in the salt, it’s time to enjoy some well-deserved downtime. Zimbabwe is a breathtakingly beautiful region to visit and provides travelers with the opportunity to explore the country's breathtaking landscapes and rich culture with tourist activities such as:

• Explore and visit the Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Wonders of the World
• Zimbabwe has a range of heritage and cultural activities, including the Great Zimbabwe ruins, Domboshava Caves, Livingstone House Museum, as well as various local curio markets
• Relax with a river sunset cruise or river excursion
• Explore Zimbabwe through incredible photographic safaris
• Book a fishing safari on Lake Kariba, or fish the famous Zambezi River

Conclusion

Zimbabwe remains one of Africa's most rewarding hunting destinations, but understanding the travel logistics before you arrive can make the experience far smoother and more enjoyable.

If you are ready to start planning your safari, explore our complete guide to Hunting in Zimbabwe for information on hunting areas, available species, safari costs, and the best time to visit. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you hunt the Big 5 in Zimbabwe?

Zimbabwe is home to all members of the Big 5, but only four of Africa’s Big 5 animals can legally be hunted. While the Elephant, Lion, Leopard, and Cape Buffalo are available to hunt, the Rhino is not. Rhinos can only be hunted in two African countries, namely South Africa and Namibia.

Do I need a visa to enter Zimbabwe?

Yes, visas are required to enter Zimbabwe. Some are issued free-of-charge on arrival, while others (depending on single or multiple entry, tourist vs business) require a fee.

What species are popular when hunting in Zimbabwe?

Zimbabwe is renowned as a destination for dangerous and big game, including six of the Dangerous 7 (Elephant, Lion, Leopard, Cape Buffalo, Hippo, and Nile Crocodile), together with large antelopes such as Eland, Kudu, Sable, Nyala, and Waterbuck.