Elephant hunting in Zimbabwe is a thrilling, adrenaline-filled, and dangerous game hunting adventure enjoyed by many hunting enthusiasts. But is it all about the hunting? What is being done to conserve these majestic beasts for generations to come, and is elephant poaching still prevalent in the area?

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Key Takeaways

• The country remains one of Africa’s hunting gems, with Zimbabwe hunting safaris being exceptionally popular due to their old-school appeal of traditional and authentic African hunts.
• Zimbabwe is home to between 80,000-100,000 elephants, and with large numbers like these, the chances of a successful elephant hunt are good.
• Zimbabwe has many conservation and anti-poaching programs running to ensure the protection of the country’s wildlife.
• Hunting contributes to the country’s bottom line, with benefits to local communities as well as the general government.

 The African Elephant

• For many hunters, participating in a dangerous game hunting safari is almost a rite of passage in the hunting world and something that many hunters dream of. Hunting the African elephant (Loxodonta africana) the largest terrestrial mammal on earth, is a dream come true for many.
• In days gone by this mammal was hunted not only for its ivory but also for its meat, body parts, and tough hide. Nowadays, elephant hunts are undertaken for sport, although sadly, these majestic beasts are still poached throughout Africa for their ivory tusks.
• When it comes to dangerous game, you don’t get a larger adversary than the African elephant. While many may believe that it is a case of the elephant being a “gentle giant,” this member of the Big 5 and Dangerous 7 will not hesitate to defend itself and its herd, to the detriment of anyone or anything in its path.
• Elephants can be extremely aggressive, territorial, and dangerous, and will not hesitate to charge or attack should they feel that they, their young, or the herd, are in some kind of danger. These mammals are highly intelligent, fiercely protective, and a force with which to be reckoned.

Elephant Hunting in Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe is renowned for its exceptional big game and dangerous game hunting options, including the majestic African elephant. Compared to other African countries, the destination rates highly in terms of numbers and the trophy quality of these animals.

Zimbabwe is seen as being the perfect destination for elephant hunting for numerous reasons:

• With a large elephant population estimated at around 80,000- 100,000, the chances of a successful trip for elephant hunting in Zimbabwe are good.
• Hunters looking for exceptional quality trophies are spoilt for choice, with locations such as Hwange National Park and the Zambezi Valley home to some extraordinary trophies.
• Hunting conditions can be challenging for the hunter, testing their skills, perseverance, and courage, resulting in a memorable hunting experience with a humungous reward.
• Elephant hunting safaris are often conducted on community lands, where the local community benefits from the hunt. From economic incentives and employment opportunities to the distribution of meat from the hunt to impoverished communities, elephant hunting in Zimbabwe benefits local communities.
• Zimbabwe is a country where the hunting industry is well-regulated, with conservation initiatives in place, to ensure the survival of the species for generations to come.

How Hunting in Zimbabwe Contributes to Conservation

Elephant hunting in Zimbabwe, along with all other hunting safaris generates a substantial income, resulting in benefits for both local communities as well as the general government. These initiatives and programs cannot be ignored, with their far-reaching benefits being felt across the country.

Income Creation

In 2019, hunting in Zimbabwe directly generated US$19.1 million, with elephant and buffalo hunting being two of the major contributors to this amount.

Community Benefits

The community benefits of hunting are big, with the first benefit being a very large one: employment. Hunting safaris and tourism activities in remote areas support and employ locals where there are otherwise limited opportunities available. Think of the trackers, the skinners, the guides, and the support staff required for lodges and on daily hunts; these are all locals employed for and through hunting.

The Zimbabwe CAMPFIRE program is an initiative where local communities are involved in wildlife management. The program provides incentives to the locals for active participation in conservation and the sustainable use of resources.

Another very important community benefit is the distribution of meat from the hunts. Rural African communities are often, if not always, impoverished, and the trophies that are harvested during a hunting safari are distributed amongst community leaders for use within their area. This is a very good source of protein and often the only protein that many of these communities see for long periods.

Development & Growth of Local Structures

When hunting in Zimbabwe, the hunts often take place in rural areas, where camps need to be built, set up, created, and maintained. This in turn provides income to local areas and communities that may well not have had the opportunity otherwise.

Conservation Funding

A large portion of hunting revenue is utilized in conservation benefits, supporting anti-poaching initiatives as well as conservation and wildlife management efforts.

Structural Transformation

In the agricultural sectors, hunting safaris in Zimbabwe allow farmers a supplementary income through wildlife tourism and hunting. This additional income would not otherwise be available.

 

Conservation Efforts and Initiatives in Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe has stepped up when it comes to conservation efforts and programs, with several conservation strategies in place to protect and manage one of Africa’s largest elephant populations.

Here are some key initiatives, amongst others:

National Elephant Management Plan (2021-2025)

The National Elephant Management Plan is a wide-ranging strategy aimed at the protection of elephant populations while also addressing large conservation objectives. The plan focuses on many key areas, including managing the illegal loss of elephants through the increase of anti-poaching initiatives and increased security.

The plan addresses the maintenance of viable elephant populations within acceptable limits, while simultaneously acknowledging the positive contribution that these elephants have to rural communities and national development.

The plan allows for the training, equipment, and proper financing needed for conservation efforts and focuses on effective communication with local, national, and international stakeholders.

Anti-Poaching Initiatives

Akashinga Anti-Poaching Unit: This is an all-female anti-poaching unit, founded in 2009. The name in Zimbabwe’s language Shona, means “The Brave Ones” and has made a major impact in the reduction of elephant poaching in the Lower Zambezi Valley, while simultaneously empowering impoverished women.

Women’s leadership roles and jobs are being created and while protecting iconic wildlife, this organization is driving and implementing massive change through local communities and conservation initiatives.

Zambezi Elephant Fund: The Zambezi Elephant aims to develop and secure a long-lasting future for elephants and their range lands, through strategic funding of projects that align with their objectives, as well as through collaboration and innovation. This program has been instrumental in assisting with the containment of poaching in the region.

Protected Areas

The Panda Masuie Forest Reserve is located near Victoria Falls, on Zimbabwe’s western border. It forms part of the Kavango Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area. This reserve, and others like it, have seen increased elephant populations due to increased protection measures and habitat restoration.

EcoTourism Activities

Tourism activities in Zimbabwe play a big role in the support and conservation of elephants in the area. For example, Hwange National Park has more than 45,000 elephants in the area, and tourism revenue assists in funding anti-poaching patrols, building infrastructure, and wildlife protection.

Community-Based National Resource Management (CBNRM)

The CAMPFIRE initiative involves local communities in wildlife management, by encouraging and educating local communities to support the initiative in exchange for providing economic benefits. This in turn stops poaching as local communities realize that the protection of local wildlife is to their advantage.

National Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks)

ZimParks is responsible for overseeing of conservation efforts as well as anti-poaching initiatives and habitat management across all national parks within Zimbabwe.

Big 5 Wildlife Conservation Program

This initiative focuses on the restoration of the habitat and environment of the Kazuma Pan and Zambezi National Parks, as well as anti-poaching efforts in the region.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hunting legal in Zimbabwe?

Yes, it is legal to hunt in Zimbabwe, but hunting licenses are required.

When is Zimbabwe’s hunting season?

Hunting safaris in Zimbabwe happen throughout the year. The most popular time to enjoy a Zimbabwean hunting safari is during the cooler, drier winter months from around May to September. The weather is cooler, the vegetation is shorter, and the animals are more likely to congregate around.

What caliber rifle is required for elephant hunting in Zimbabwe?

Dangerous game hunting, and in this case specifically elephant hunting, requires a minimum of a .375 with a 300-grain bullet. Calibers 450 grain and up are recommended, such as a .416 Rigby, .458, or .458 Lott. Double rifles such as 470NE, 500NE, and up are ideal for hunting these majestic beasts. Only solid bullets should be used on an elephant hunt.

What hunting methods are used on an elephant hunting safari in Zimbabwe?

Elephant hunting in Zimbabwe is conducted on foot, with the hunt starting where elephant spoor was last spotted. This is usually on a road, or even close to a water hole that they are known to frequent. With so many elephants in Zimbabwe, you will have the opportunity to engage in walk-and-stalk scenarios that are up close to the elephant herd, making the hunt even more adrenaline-filled.

Is the Elephant an endangered species?

Yes, elephants are seen as endangered. The International Union for the Conservation of Nature lists its status as endangered, and a CITES permit is required for this Zimbabwean hunting safari.

How does Elephant Hunting in Zimbabwe help the Local Communities?

There are numerous ways that elephant hunting assists the communities, as well as conservation efforts. Firstly, game hunting in Zimbabwe not only employs local people in the form of skinners, trackers, and cleaners to name but a few. The meat from the hunted animal is also donated to the local communities, ensuring a great source of protein and full tummies. In Africa, many of the rural communities are extremely impoverished, and meat is not something that they often consume.

Lastly, funds from tags and licenses are used to fund various conservation programs and initiatives across the country.

Are Elephants still Poached in Zimbabwe?

Yes, elephants are still poached throughout Africa, including Zimbabwe. Poaching remains a challenge that authorities need to deal with. While conservation programs and initiatives aim to protect and nurture wildlife, poachers still target animals, including elephants, for their ivory, pelts, meat, and other body parts. While exact figures relating to poaching in the country are not available, Zimbabwe continues to be targeted by poachers while authorities, conservation initiatives, and anti-poaching programs continue to actively protect wildlife.

How do I obtain a hunting license for Zimbabwe?

A TR2 form, otherwise known as a hunting permit, must be stamped and issued by the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZPWMA) and issued to each hunter. The current cost for the TR2 form to be issued is around $5.

Can you hunt the Big 5 on a hunting safari in Zimbabwe?

Africa’s Big 5 consists of the elephant, rhino, Cape buffalo, lion, and leopard, all of which are a challenge to hunt on a dangerous game hunting safari. Zimbabwe allows the targeting of four of Africa’s Big 5, with the rhino not being available to hunt in Zimbabwe. Rhino hunting is only legal in South Africa and Namibia.

Can you export your dangerous game hunting trophies from Zimbabwe to the US?

Yes, dangerous game hunting trophies harvested in Zimbabwe can be exported to the US, but some strict regulations and permits need to be adhered to and obtained.

Is hunting in Zimbabwe well-regulated?

Hunting in Zimbabwe is subject to stringent regulations aimed at ensuring sustainable wildlife management and ethical hunting practices. These include, amongst others, permit systems, quota systems, international compliance with special permits such as CITES as well as Community-based Natural Resource Management (CBMRM) that involve local communities in wildlife management, providing incentives for conservation and the sustainable use of resources.

Does Zimbabwe have conservation initiatives in place?

Yes, Zimbabwe has several conservation initiatives in place to protect its animals and ensure their survival for future generations. These include, amongst others, African Wildlife Conservation Fund (AWCF), African Wildlife Fund (AWF), The Community-based Natural Resource Management’s (CBNRM) CAMPFIRE Initiative, The Big 5 Wildlife Conservation Program, and ZimParks oversees conservation programs throughout the country’s national parks, including anti-poaching efforts and habitat management.

Conclusion

Elephant hunting in Zimbabwe remains a sought-after dangerous game hunting safari, with hunting playing a role in conservation. The role that the government and various stakeholders are playing in the conservation, protection, and management of this species to ensure its survival for future generations is paramount and without proper management thereof, elephants and other wildlife will face crisis situations. 

As Reed Noss so aptly said,” “Wilderness recovery, I firmly believe, is the most important task of our generation.”