Zimbabwe Hunting Safaris: From Arrival to Camp & Everything In-Between

When it comes to hunting in Africa, many game hunting enthusiasts will share that the thought of an authentic African hunt, tracking wildlife through untamed wilderness areas, is what has them returning to Africa time and again. From South Africa and Namibia to Tanzania and Botswana, Africa is alive with an array of wildlife that cannot be measured, experiences that cannot be forgotten, and African safaris that become deeply ingrained in a hunter’s soul. But for some, the mere thought of Africa may make them a bit nervous: The unknown…traveling to deepest, darkest Africa…how to handle logistics, what to expect, permits and visas…

Come journey with us as we explore Zimbabwe, from landing at the airport until the flight home, as we prepare for a Zimbabwe hunting safari.

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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 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

This area is renowned for producing world-class trophies, including Cape buffalo, Elephant, Lion, Leopard, Hippo, and Nile Crocodiles, as well as a wide array of record-book African plains game trophies such as Eland, Kudu, and Sable.

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 quality trophies, including premier Elephant, Cape Buffalo, Hippo, and Croc available, as well as some superb African plains game, including 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 hunting safaris are rated among the most exciting and adventure-filled hunts ever undertaken in Africa. With clear information on the logistics of getting to Zimbabwe and reaching the hunting grounds, hunters can put their questions and fears about traveling through Africa to rest. Keen to enjoy an African hunting adventure in Zimbabwe? Check out our latest available Zimbabwe hunting safaris here.

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.