The Nile crocodile may well be the closest thing to a living dinosaur, and it’s also the literal and figurative definition of a cold-blooded predator. Found in many of Africa’s waterways, this deserving member of the Dangerous 7 can be targeted while hunting in Mozambique in an environment playing to its strengths.

A crocodile hunting adventure can be found on the bucket lists of many a hunter, but these game hunting safaris require experience, patience, and skills sometimes only learned through time. That said, a crocodile hunting safari in Mozambique is a goal worth working towards.

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A Nile Crocodile Hunting Safari in Mozambique

Crocodile hunting in Mozambique has been a staple industry deep into Mozambique’s history. Most of Africa was and is still seen as “wild” and Mozambique is no different; offering a game hunting landscape relatively untouched by human life, this popular destination should be on your radar.

Knowing your Target

The Nile crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus) can be found in the freshwater bodies of around 26 African countries, making their home in swampland, marsh, lakes, etc. An adult male Nile croc can measure 11.5 – 16.5 feet in length and reach a mass of 500–1,600 pounds, while true giants of this game hunting species can reach well over 20 feet and 2,000 pounds.

These reptiles are often thought of as lazy due to their habit of sun-basking for most daylight hours but don’t be fooled. Although only achievable for sprint distances, Nile crocodiles can reach 15–25 mph on land and 22 mph in the water.

They are always also hyper-aware of their surroundings, and sensitive to motion and smell, making your safari hunting experience a challenging one to say the least!

History of this Hunting Adventure

Crocodile hunting in Mozambique was extremely popular during the colonial era when European hunters would regularly visit this southeast African country. Due to Mozambique’s civil war and conflict, it wasn’t until the 1990s that foreigners seeking a good hunting adventure began returning to the country in force.

Hunting Methods for Tackling This Hunting Safari

Crocodile hunting in Mozambique can typically take place on the banks of the water. Of the hunting techniques, the first two are the most popular and most recommended for this game hunting safari.

Baiting

This process for your crocodile hunting adventure will involve a bait being laid on the banks, after some careful scouting which sometimes employs the knowledge and willingness of the local tribespeople. The bait typically used for croc hunting in Mozambique is hippo or African plains game species.

Once the area is baited, the site is checked daily. Male crocodiles are territorial, and if one claims the bait as its feeding site, you’ll be in luck. From here your hunting safari will now center on a blind built near the site, from which the shot will take place.

Stalking

This method can be employed when using boats or stalking the area on foot. This game hunting method gets you a bit closer to the action but requires ultimate levels of patience and playing it cool. There can be a bait involved, but instead of a blind, the hunter will be on the ground.

Boat Hunts

The least physically demanding of the methods used for a croc hunting safari. This style of hunt uses light motorized boats to travel the water of the chosen area, once a croc is spotted the hunter moves onto the bank to stalk and (God willing) make his shot. Another version of this hunting adventure can take place by mokoro; a mokoro is a hand-carved craft made from a single log of wood, this version adds to the difficulty and energy surrounding the hunt as it’s one of the best ways to experience the true wildness of hunting safaris in Mozambique.

Be warned, crocodiles in Mozambique are used to canoes and boats and generally don’t pay much attention to them, however, they are known to capsize watercraft and even attack craft by biting the sides or thrashing with their tail.

Shot Placement and its Importance when Crocodile Hunting in Mozambique

Shot placement when on a crocodile hunting safari in Mozambique is critical, both for the hunt’s success and the safety of those around. There are options for shot placement which can be influenced by the hunter’s position towards the croc, shooting ability, and conditions.

Broadside Headshot

This shot requires the hunter to aim at the corner of the croc’s smile, it’s an area just behind the eyes. This is a soft spot considering a Nile crocodile’s head can be described as armor-plated. This shot gives the best shot at hitting that goofball-sized reptilian brain.

Broadside Hart Shot

This shot provides the largest shot surface area. The heart is found roughly two inches behind the front leg, but be warned, this can change depending on leg position or movement.

Broadside Lung Shot

Similar to the broadside heart shot, this shot is also found in a relatively bigger area. However a shot to the lung isn’t always fatal, and this can lead to the croc escaping into the water or heading for the depths.

Spinal Shot

This target is found just behind the head and is a sure way to paralyze the target if another shot needs to take place. It requires extreme accuracy because if off, the shot can hit the shoulder area which possesses a hard structure and thicker, knobby skin.

Frontal Brain Shot

Undoubtedly the quickest and most humane death to befall a croc on a hunting safari. The spot is located between the eyes and above the nostrils. This shot is often the most preferred and suggested to hunters when looking at ideal shot placement.

Safety Concerns Surrounding a Crocodile Hunting Safari

A Dangerous Game Hunting Target

Crocodiles can be aggressive, especially during mating season or when territorial tiffs occur. They are also highly attuned to their environment and are capable of recollecting information like times when animals come to feed or when food sources are available.

Water Worries

Given the watery nature of crocodile hunting in Mozambique; it stands to reason that the hunter needs to have sufficient skills in handling the environment. This can involve wading, balancing in the boat or mokoro, or the worst-case scenario, swimming back to shore. While this is unlikely, the hunter still needs to be comfortable around water and capable of helping themselves should the need arise.

Target Behavior

While a crocodile hunting safari requires the hunter to be quiet, the same cannot be said for the target. Crocs are capable of quite a few vocalizations that are used to alert to danger (a high-pitched call) or as a warning (hissing). Given the highly social nature of these game-hunting targets, all it would take is one call for the situation to change.

While being social creatures, the crocodiles do form a hierarchy within the area. Occasionally challenges or scuffles can break out which a hunter does not want to get involved in; especially during mating season when all bets are off, and males become highly aggressive towards each other.

Challenges When Crocodile Hunting Safaris in Mozambique

The Environment

The wild can be an unpredictable place and Mozambique is no exception. Weather changes, especially heat and rainfall, can have an affecting role on any hunt but especially on a crocodile hunt involving water and a species known for sun basking.

Shooting Ability

It’s been said before and it’s said again, shot placement on a crocodile is of the highest importance when hunting in Mozambique. Incorrect shot placement can lead to a lower rate of success for the hunting safari or a wounded croc still capable of attack.

Hunters need to not only practice their placement but also their ability to shoot from a boat, stalk through muddy areas, and reduce the amount of noise/unnecessary motion they give off due to the croc’s highly sensitive senses.

A Crocodile’s Built-in Weaponry

Having roamed the Earth for millennia, crocodiles are one of the most evolved game hunting predators on the planet. Their sense is highly attuned with excellent night vision and the ability to see color; crocs can also pick up prey and other scent trails both in the air and water.  But the most evolved of all is a crocodile’s perception of touch and movement.

Fish possess lateral lines; crocodiles have domed pressure receptors or DPRs. These tiny nodules aren’t limited to the face or jaw area but instead cover most of the body’s surface area. They work by sensing changes in pressure and responding to vibrations or motion of the water.

Since most crocodile hunting safaris in Mozambique take place in and around water, they require equal parts skill and caution from the hunter pursuing them.

Trophies and Export Guidelines for Crocodile Hunting in Mozambique

Permits and Paperwork needed for this Hunting Safari in Mozambique

Apart from the basic licenses required for hunting in Mozambique, crocodile hunts, and specifically the trophies, require CITES permits from both Mozambique and the country to which the trophy is being exported. Nile crocodile populations in Mozambique are listed under CITES Appendix 2. This means that the export permit must be applied for first (usually by the taxidermist/outfitter) with the import permits only being issued when the export permit is issued and received.

Trophy Mounts to display your Game Hunting Prize

One of the best reminders of a hunting safari is the trophy displayed prominently and with pride. Apart from being an ideal conversation piece, it serves as a physical reminder of the hard work, effort, sacrifice, and energy demanded from your hunting adventure.

European Mount

Considered the most cost-effective (and easy to transport), a European mount consists of the animal’s skull mounted on a wooden board or slab. The trophy consists of the skull bones that have been meticulously and carefully cleaned and bleached.

Skeletal Articulation

Much like a European mount, but on a much bigger scale. This type of mount is comprised of a full skeleton with each bone being cleaned and positioned as desired, this style also traditionally involves a wooden base or plain diorama.

Full Mount

Arguably the most impressive way to display any trophy; but when the subject is one of Africa’s most feared animals, it’s even better. The mount can either be constructed on a plain base or be a part of a diorama scene featuring native flora or prey animals.

Pedestal Mount

The best of both is between a European and full mount options. The trophy (including the skin) is mounted on a wooden pedestal at either the head or half-body point.

Rug Mount

Sure, people can have crocodile shoes or bags, but an expertly crafted crocodile skin rug? Not your average run-of-the-mill accessory, that;’s for sure! Giving you a sense of a full mount but with less cost involved and a bit more practicality in terms of display options, this is a meeting of taxidermy and decorating.

Support for Crocodile Hunting in Mozambique

Nile crocodiles are some of the biggest and most feared animals in African waters, and with population booms across the continent, the number of croc–human incidents rises year on year. Large, predatory, and territorial by nature; crocs will defend their nests and breeding spots with aggression. This unfortunately ends up affecting villagers when crocodiles attack at riverside while people are washing clothes, fishing, or bathing.

This combined with other factors leads to almost an encouragement of crocodile hunting in Mozambique, targeting particularly troublesome crocs and those known to have attacked humans or farm animals.

Mozambique Game Hunting in a Nutshell

• Game hunting season runs from 1 April – 30 November.
• Most hunting safaris take place further into the season as April can still be a very wet month for the country.
• Night-time hunting for crocodiles is allowed on arrangement.
• Vehicles may only be used to reach the destination; no hunting may take place from a vehicle.
• Animals are hunted on a quota basis and each animal hunted requires a permit.
• Applications for hunting licenses with all supporting documents must be given to the outfitter at least 3 months before the hunt starts.

Crocodile Hunting in Mozambique: Not for the Faint-Hearted

Crocodile hunting in Mozambique is a game hunting safari well-worth considering should you want a challenging, enthralling hunting adventure.

Read more about crocodile hunting adventures with one of our team’s personal experiences of successfully targeting a monster Nile crocodile in Mozambique (My Dangerous Game Hunt in Mozambique).

Author: A. Baker