Cape Buffalo hunting in Zambia is a very tough task to complete, the overall guts that it takes for someone to face one of the world’s most terrifying animals. These animals are strong, tough and aggressive animals which is why they have earned their name: “Black death”. Hunting these creatures can be some of the toughest hunting in Africa. They have been given this name for their extreme danger to both humans and other species of animals that may threaten or attack them, the buffalo is also known as one of the big 5 African game animals. Even with all these dangerous factors Buffalo hunting can make for an amazing Africa hunting safari.

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Conditions to expect while Cape Buffalo hunting in Zambia.

The conditions that you face during these African hunts are incredibly tough including obstacles such as, thick bush and wetlands due to its estuaries flowing in an Eastern direction, in summer temperatures get up to about 30 °c/ 68°F. The average winter temperature for Zambia is 41°F (5°c).

Accommodation in Zambia for your Africa hunting safari

The accommodation is a very important part of a hunt, although most people don’t focus on where they stay but rather on the hunt itself,  most of the camps nowadays contain tents, a braai spot, and a toilet, while others offer 5 star treatment such as, lodges with amazing views that look over the Kafue River containing comforting locally crafted beds with luxurious bedding ,air conditioning/fans, signal and Wi-Fi to contact your family.

Where can you hunt Cape Buffalo in Zambia?

The Luangwa Valley is the most common spot to go Buffalo hunting in Zambia with a variety of different species of big game hunting animals such as Elephant, Lion, Leopard, Hippo, crocodile and most commonly The Buffalo. These tough animals can be known by many names (Syncerus Caffer) the scientific name, (Black Death) for their dangerous personalities and the Old tough bulls are known as (Dagga boys) and provide some of the most extreme hunting in Africa. The reason that the Luangwa valley is such a highly populated location is due to the fact that during the dry season dust plumes can be seen from miles away as these enormous herds of Buffalo make their way to the water from the Luangwa River.

Surrounding countries

There are 8 different countries that surround Zambia: Democratic Republic of the Congo, Tanzania, Malawi, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia and Angola.

Zambian Currency

Before going hunting in Africa is wise to look up the currency of where your African hunt will be taking place. In this case Zambia uses the Zambian Kwacha. The exchange rate of the Zambian Kwacha to the U.S dollar is 0,041.

E.g.:  $1    =   ZK 24,16

          $10   =   ZK 241,59

         $100 = ZK 2415,94

What is the best time for Buffalo hunting in Zambia?

The best time to hunt Buffalo in Zambia are in the dry Autumn months because the grass is shorter during this period making them easier to spot and hunt. There is also a very short supply of water during this time of year, therefore there are less swampy areas for buffalo to hide in.

What is the best calibre of rifle to use when Buffalo hunting in Zambia?

If you are worried about what rifle to use while hunting buffalo… The minimum rifle that is allowed to be used is a .375 but we recommend anything bigger than a .416 to make sure that these tough species of animals can go down with as few shots as possible, Many hunters decide to go open sights while shooting these big animals, although it is optional an open sights scope is easier and more effective when in close range hunting like this. Buffalo are beyond tough creatures and a 500 NE bullet can feel like absolutely nothing to these creatures which is another factor that contributes to why Buffalo hunting in Africa can be so challenging.

Shot placement on a Cape Buffalo

Like most animals the best place to shoot them, if they are standing broadside, is a third of the way up on the body, either a little behind the shoulder if it is quartering away slightly, or on the shoulder if you have an extremely powerful rifle. From the front it is in the middle of the chest also a third of the way up. Although if the buffaloes charging it is also common for people to shoot them in the head. See our page to read more about shot placement on a Cape Buffalo.

Bullet types.

The .375 uses 200gr – 380gr however, anything more than this would be ideal because a .375 is the lowest Caliber allowed to be used while Buffalo hunting in Zambia or in general for big game hunting.

Although the .375 is the minimum calibre allowed to be used, it is also the most common, along with the .416 Rigby or Remington Magnum. Another common rifle is the 500NE, a double barrel rifle that holds two big bullets that pack a punch into one of these huge animals.

How to Buffalo hunt in Zambia?

The most common way to go Buffalo hunting in Africa is waking up early to walk and stalk.  This method involves some effort in tracking them for hours on end until you finally find the herd with the target Bull or Cow. You may also be tracking bull that you spotted the day before or even seeing it while on your walk.  This sometimes can lead to hunting it late into the afternoon.

There are many hunting methods that are effective while Buffalo hunting in Africa. Some hunters request to be dropped off somewhere near to where they could have seen tracks yesterday, possibly hoping that the herd would still be there. We recommend this technique as it is the most effective even if it is longer to accomplish.

Travelling to your Africa hunting safari

Travelling is also a very important part of a trip as you must plan how you get to and leave the hunting location. If you are traveling between countries, many flights may be required, either commercial or private. When the hunter is close to the hunting location some hunters prefer to charter a private plane to minimise travel by road.

What to wear while Buffalo hunting in Zambia

While packing for a serious hunt thought must be given for the very tough conditions and you may be wondering what you must pack. You would obviously need the basics; Shirts, Shorts, Trousers, Jackets, Hat and shoes etc… which while hunting you would preferably want to be camo or even dark coloured clothing.

E.g. Dark Green, Black or even a Navy Blue, making it easier for you to blend in with the environment that you are currently hunting in. Other accessories may come in handy as well such as Gaiters, which is a protective sleeve that protects and covers the upper boot and the ankle. These small yet effective piece of clothing help to keep your feet dry, clean from ticks, and keep small rocks and mud out of your shoes and socks.

Facts about Cape Buffalo

• Cape Buffalo’s love the refreshing feeling of water and they remain sitting and swimming in ponds and muddy rivers for hours…
• Cape Buffalo’s only give birth during raining seasons because at the end of the rainy season the abundant grass better helps the nutritional level for female buffalo’s (cow) when they are pregnant or nursing.
• Cape Buffalo’s are between ages of 5-6 years old when their horns are fully grown, in bulls (Male) the horns meet in the middle of their heads forming a continuous bone shield which is known as a “Boss” and when buffalos are 8-9 years old it becomes hard. The cows’ do not have a boss are narrower and are 10-20% smaller.
• Cape buffalo herd numbers can reach over 1 000 Buffalo in a single herd.
• The Cape buffalo and Oxpecker have a very close relationship…The Oxpecker eats ticks or other insects off the buffalo and warns them if danger is nearby, and the Oxpecker gains a steady supply of food from eating the ticks or other insects off them.
• The Cape buffalo isn’t very tall it stands at about 130-150cm (51-59 inches) and the Males (Bulls) can weigh between 650-800 kg (1325-1765 pounds) and the Females (Cows) can weigh between 550-700 kg (1212-1544 pounds.
• The males (Bulls) weight about 100 kg (220 pounds) more than the Females (Cows)
• The average African Buffalo can live up to 15- 18 years old, but Captive (enclosed) Buffalo can live up to 30 years old.
• S.C.I is the length along the outside of the horn curl, from tip to tip, plus the straight-line width measurement of both bosses for a combined total score in inches, on a buffalo the S.C.I level is anything bigger than 100 inches.

There are two categories that put animals into the big 5:

1. The danger level of the animals itself and
2. The difficulty of hunting one of these deadly animals

The Cape buffalo is the most dangerous animal to hunt in the big 5 due to its massive weight, almost weighing half your average car… Cape Buffalos are known for their bad temper and when are disturbed they won’t hesitate to charge at you (with their scary large horns) at rapid speed averaging 35-40 mph (56-64 km/h).

What is the cost of hunting Buffalo in Zambia ?

The prices can range between $4000-$8000 depending on the size of the buffalo itself.

Prices of buffalo change due to the fact is the Female (Cow) has a calf. Also depending on the size of the Cow or Bull. If their horns are bigger than the S.C.I, it affects the price of the Buffalo.

Can I go Buffalo hunting in Zambia with a bow?

Yes. If you are a person who enjoys hunting with a bow you would be happy to know that despite the size and strength of these tough creatures, it is indeed achievable to hunt a buffalo with a bow, even an arrow can slice  the tough hide and muscles if the shot is placed correctly.

Buffalo hunting is challenging by itself even using a big caliber rifle, but a lot of people enjoy hunting animals with a bow… To be able to hunt one of these animals you need a minimum draw weight of 80-90 pounds (36-41 kilograms). You also may be wondering what broad-heads to use. The most recommended broad-head to use is the Grizzly Stik single bevel broad-heads with a Grizzly Stik momentum TDM arrow, With your choice of arrowhead, arrows and bow. We recommend that you use an overall arrow that weighs about 800 grains, the minimum arrow weight to hunt a buffalo is 700 grains and the minimum broad-head minimum limit is 2 blades with a 1 ½ inch cutting edge blade, it can either be 100 grain or 120 grain broad head.

Deadly animals that may appear while Buffalo hunting in Zambia.

Snakes- snakes are always a danger while hunting whether it is in thick, green bush such as Zambia to the open, dry ground such as the Kalahari… you always must keep a lookout for these fast, deadly animals.

Most common snakes in Zambia: Puff Adder, Cape House Snake, Boomslang, Spotted Bush snake and the Stripe-bellied sand snake

Deadliest snake- The deadliest snake found in Zambia is the Black Mamba, this very frightening animal can move up to 10-12 mph (16- 19 km/h) being named the fastest land snake in the world, with their bodies being able to grow as long as up to 14 feet long (4,25 meters).

Although there are small deadly creatures such as snakes, you also need to keep an eye out for the other big five African game animals such as the Elephants or lions. These are definitely part of the big 5 animals as any can either harm or kill you. Lions can sneak up to you from behind and with their large canines being able to reach up to 2.75 inches (7cm) can do you some serious damage. So, while big game hunting it is wise to keep an eye out not only for your target animal but other predators that may appear.

These exciting big game hunts always manage to give you thrill and joy like no other, from the preparation that goes into a hunt like this, all the packing, setting your rifle in, booking the hunt itself! It all really is such an amazing process that I know a lot of hunters enjoy doing. All building up to the final day when you leave early that morning to get to your location as quickly as possible whether it be an 15-hour drive or a 2-hour drive, It is all such an amazing experience and as we Game Hunting Safaris , we would love to give you the opportunity of experiencing one of these exhilarating hunts.

Author: Slade van Wyk (15yrs old)