Big game hunters, when considering and planning options of available African hunts, have two main objectives they would like to achieve after completion of a successful game hunting safari:
- The first goal is always to leave the game hunting safari with memories and experiences that will last a lifetime thus being classified as dream African hunts. This is always the primary goal while hunting in Africa.
- Secondly, game hunting satisfaction levels need to exceed the opportunity costs of the financial outlay of the hunting safari.
As many African hunts are focused on African plains game hunting or big five hunting in Africa, often not much time on the “dark continent” is spent in or around estuaries, swamps, rivers, and waterways. Not all hunters have had the opportunity to witness the site of a monster Nile crocodile, fifteen foot plus, weighing in at over 1,600 pounds, basking in the sun, or effortlessly gliding through the murky waters!
A visual that does tend to get the heart racing and skipping a few beats…
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Why choose Mozambique as your African Safari Hunting Destination?
Hunting in Mozambique is a top choice for a crocodile hunting safari for a good couple of reasons, including:
- Mozambique is still truly “wild Africa”.
- A hunting safari in Mozambique is affordable compared to destinations such as Zambia, Tanzania, and Cameroon.
- Mozambique is a country with extreme landscapes.
- Importantly, Mozambique is known to consistently produce trophy game hunting animals (and the food is fantastic!).
- An Africa hunting trip in Mozambique can easily be combined with fresh and saltwater fishing charters. Mozambique is well known for blue, black, and striped marlin, sailfish, dorado, and king fish to name but a few.
- Crocodiles in Mozambique kill thousands of people every year. Hunt a crocodile in Mozambique and save a life!
Targeting Crocodile when Safari Hunting in Mozambique: FAQs
How safe is Mozambique for Travellers?
Mozambique is a safe destination for any game hunting safari. African outfitters are top-class and will accompany members of the hunting safari from the point of entry into the country to the safari hunting grounds and back.
Residents of Mozambique understand the importance of tourism, the resulting benefits from hunting safari revenues, and “client retention.” Keep tourism alive.
Mozambiquan residents have also over the last decades understood how regulated hunting safaris contribute to wildlife management and animal population growth. Many ex-poachers are now successfully employed as master trackers and skinners with African outfitters.
What will the cost be to Hunt Crocodiles In Mozambique?
A typical game hunting safari for crocodiles will cost between US $10,000-12,000. Crocodile discount hunts are often offered toward the end of each season and the hunting safari cost could be reduced to as low as $8,000 for a fully exportable Nile crocodile. When hunting giant crocodiles in Mozambique, there is no size limit.
The game hunting grounds can be a few hours’ travel away by truck from major points of entry. In these instances, like when crocodile hunting in Niassa Province, air charters are available.
What is the Best Calibre Rifle to use when Crocodile Hunting In Mozambique?
A crocodile’s brain is roughly the size of a golf ball and is protected by a thick and dense mass of bone. Crocodile hunting in Mozambique, while not that extreme, requires precision shooting to ensure success. A .375 or a 300 Win Mag, loaded with penetrating monolithic or solid rounds will certainly get the job done. Crocodiles in Mozambique can be shot at a distance of between 25-100 yards.
While the crocodile game hunting safari may not raise concerns of being charged like with a Cape buffalo, Elephant, or African big cat predator, the stress levels of executing the “perfect shot” are exceptionally high. A wounded, or spooked crocodile will instantly slither into the deep and swampy waters. The first shot must anchor the crocodile, or else the hunter can say goodbye to the trophy crocodile!
How do you Hunt Crocodiles In Mozambique?
The hunting safari team will either choose an embankment and bait the area or traverse the riverbanks hoping to spot a giant crocodile out of the water. Judging a trophy bull crocodile can get tricky, as often a portion of the crocodile’s tail remains in the water.
Crocodile hunting in Mozambique is usually done on the spot and stalk method. In places such as Cahora Bassa, motorized boats are used as the manmade lake is enormous. In other areas, smaller wooden canoes, known as “mokoros” are utilized.
It really is a privilege to study this apex predator up close and personal! Every inch of this prehistoric dinosaur is perfectly designed, from its “in the water” torpedo-shaped body, to large scales, powerful jaws, and tail. Nile crocodiles are truly remarkable and make fantastic game hunting trophies.
What is The Shot Placement On A Crocodile to ensure a quick and humane death?
- After booking the Africa hunting trip for crocodiles, be sure to research shot placement.
- At the outset, shooting a crocodile in the water is most definitely not an option.
- From the front, a well-placed bullet between the eyes will get the job done.
- From the side for a brain shot, aim above the smile and an inch behind the eye.
- For a spinal neck shot from the side, aim behind the smile and about two inches high. This of course will depend on the size of the crocodile. As the hunter will have time to take the shot, it is best to consult with your professional hunter.
- The heart and vitals of the crocodile sit just behind the front leg, which also gets tricky depending on the position the crocodile is lying in. Again, if in doubt check with your professional hunter.
- When crocodile hunting in Mozambique, the possibility of the trophy beast rolling into the water is very real.
- Shots must be fired in sequence and in quick succession. Start with the side brain shot, then the spine, and lastly put one through the vitals for good measure.
When Is The Best Time For Crocodile Hunting In Mozambique?
A safari hunting crocodile package can take place throughout the entire year and is normally five full days of hunting. There is no specified crocodile hunting season in Mozambique. The warmer months are often preferred, as hunters can try their luck with some tiger fishing. However, the hunter needs to remember that when choosing the best season for big game safari hunting adventures, hotter months bring out other critters such as ticks, mosquitoes, etc. Be sure to check your hunting safari location as to whether it is a malaria area.
Hunting Lodges in Mozambique
A big game African hunt takes the hunters to remote areas in search of the target species. When the game hunting safari is for crocodiles, this is no different. Hunting lodges in Mozambique are built mostly utilizing natural resources that will be readily available in the areas surrounding the hunting grounds.
While there may not be air-conditioning, the rooms are comfortable and clean. The views are always amazing, and the food is delectable. As long as the beer is cold, the crocodiles are big and the ice is frozen, I am always more than happy!
It is worth checking with your outfitter regarding data availability and cell phone signal. If costs are a concern and the hunting safari is over a long period, considering a local sim card is always an option in Mozambique. Alternatively, a satellite phone always comes in handy.
Yes, Crocodile Hunting In Mozambique Is Worth It!
There is absolutely no doubt that a safari hunting trip for crocodile hunting in Mozambique is totally “worth it” in every aspect, from affordability to what hunting safari dreams are made of.
A last piece of advice: Get an extra crocodile tag. Don’t try and kid yourself that you going to ever only going to hunt one crocodile in Mozambique. Crocodile hunting in Mozambique is addictive and exceptionally rewarding. Get the extra tag!
Author: PC van Wyk