This blog has been written by 15-year-old Logan van Wyk, a keen game hunting enthusiast and wildlife conservationist.
When thinking about African buffalo hunts, South Africa and Mozambique are two countries that will always come to mind, due to the significant number of Cape buffalo hunts recorded in these two countries. Buffalo hunting in Mozambique will be a very different experience when compared with buffalo hunting in South Africa. It would, however, still give the hunter that same thrill, excitement, and fear that they seek while still being an incredible hunting adventure while targeting a member of the notorious Big 5 and Dangerous 7!
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How Do the Costs of Cape Buffalo Hunts compare in the Two Countries?
Cape Buffalo hunt prices will be heavily impacted by the choice that the hunter as to which destination he chooses to hunt in, and whether the hunt is free-ranged or fenced. Free-range buffalo prices will generally cost more than a fenced buffalo hunt. The average cost for free-range buffalo hunting in Mozambique is anywhere from $12,000 – $20,000. The trophy fees for a Cape Buffalo are between $6,000 – $8,500 excluding export costs. Daily rates for Mozambique Buffalo hunting are anywhere between $600 – $1,200. The cost to hunt a free-range Cape Buffalo in South Africa is between $10,000 – $13,000 and fenced buffalo prices are $4,000 – $10,000. A hunter must determine his choice of terrain and conditions, as well as whether he wants a fenced or free-range hunt, and this will help determine which country will best suit his African buffalo hunt objectives.
Free-Range or Fenced: The Age-Old Debate
Mozambique Buffalo hunts are renowned for their huge buffalo that live within the Zambezi Delta. Buffalo hunting in Mozambique allows the hunter an extremely challenging, eventful, yet surprising hunt. With having to be knee-deep in streams at times and having incredibly long stalks, you will need to gather all your stamina and strength to remain alert in the harsh conditions, as the buffalo remains a very, very dangerous animal. When successful, the mental anguish and exhaustion will fall away, leaving memories and trophies of a successful African buffalo hunt.
While South Africa does have a small amount of free-range buffalo to offer, buffalo hunting in South Africa primarily focuses on fenced African buffalo hunts. Now for some hunters, this may be a much more appealing option as fenced Cape buffalo hunting is cheaper than the free-range option, and a trophy is often almost guaranteed. What this means is that some fenced buffalo farms will track and follow specific-sized buffalo bulls that they would want to target or that would interest the hunter. Some people may say that this style of hunting isn’t right compared to free-ranged buffalo hunting. It must be considered, however, that these buffalo are situated in camps that are 2,000 hectares or more, giving them plenty of space to live their lives and make for a more than fair hunt. Even though buffalo can be fenced, it most certainly does not take their innate aggression away. These monstrous creatures are certainly not tame pets and will easily flatten you if they so desire. They provide hunters with an incredibly dangerous hunting experience, which is exactly what they are seeking when on an African buffalo hunt.
Are Mozambique Buffalo Hunts easier than Buffalo Hunting in South Africa?
The short answer to this question is no, with numerous factors contributing to this answer:
- As these buffalo are not fenced, they can move freely around and anywhere where they wish to go. This restricts the ability to guarantee a buffalo or a larger mature bull. The terrain to hunt in and the altitude will also impact the hunt and show truly how determined and skilled the hunter is.
- An African buffalo hunt is an extremely challenging task in general, but some may definitely be tougher than others! Buffalo hunting in South Africa will usually take place in the Limpopo province where a lot of the ranches will have flatter grounds but will be loaded with extremely thick bush to weave through. Needless to say, this is an extremely never-racking experience for any hunter…not knowing what is going to appear next!
- Buffalo hunting in Mozambique, on the other hand, can present you with numerous other challenges. Mozambique consists of coastal strips with highlands in the center.
- There are also mountains and hills In the western parts of Mozambique, but the main challenges are the wetlands in the coastal strips. Hunters are constantly having to walk and crawl through streams and mud to get within range of the target buffalo, making for a very difficult hunting experience.
- With all these obstacles in the way, it will just make the result feel so much more rewarding knowing what you had to face and conquer.
Which African Countries are Best for Cape Buffalo Hunts?
Both South Africa and Mozambique are acclaimed Cape buffalo hunting grounds, as they thrive with healthy buffalo populations. Some of the greatest Cape Buffalo hunting packages are offered in Mozambique and South Africa, enticing hunters to enjoy a dangerous game hunting experience.
What are the Buffalo Hunting Seasons in Each Country?
The best time for Mozambique Buffalo hunts is from May to October, during the country’s dry season. However, legally the season lasts from the beginning of April to the end of November. The prime time for Buffalo hunting in South Africa is also during the dry season which is April through October. Legally, the Buffalo hunting season in the Limpopo province is from February to November, while some other provinces such as the Eastern Cape have no hunting season regulations and season lengths, resulting in buffalo being available all year around.
When trying to decide whether you want to enjoy a Cape buffalo hunt in Mozambique or South Africa, is ultimately up to the experience the hunter wants and the price for the Cape Buffalo hunting packages that the hunter is willing to pay. Whether you decide to go Buffalo hunting in South Africa or Buffalo hunting in Mozambique both destinations will create one, of if not the best, hunting safaris you have ever been on and are incredibly recommended.
Author: Logan van Wyk