Hunting Buffalo in Botswana

More About Botswana Buffalo Hunting

These members of the Dangerous 7 are classified by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) as a status of “least concern.” When it comes to hunting methods and shot placement for the Cape buffalo, the best advice that can be given is to ensure that you are on target, for your sake as well as those around you! There are few things in this life as dangerous as a wounded buffalo.

While on your Cape buffalo hunt in Botswana, consider the following options in terms of buffalo shot placement: Brain & Neck Shot: Not recommended due to it being a small target. Frontal Body Shot: Worth considering. Heart Shot : Recommended. Lung Shot: Most preferred and recommended shot placement option. “Fleeing Shot”: NEVER to be considered as a first shot. Shots when Quartering: Only take if the angle is small and not too great.

Remember follow-ups on the first and second bullets are critical. The last thing you want is for this notorious member of the Dangerous 7 to charge you! This would probably be a good time to remind hunters that those curved horns are not only for show and can cause major bodily harm, or death, if you are targeted and charged by a Cape buffalo! 

What Caliber can I use when Buffalo Hunting in Botswana?

When it comes to hunting dangerous game in Africa, the minimum legal requirement is a .375 with a 300-grain bullet. But when it comes to buffalo hunting, there is no such thing as too much gun, and options such as a .416 Rigby, 404 Jeffery, 458 WM, or Lott will get the job done well. Double rifles such as the 470NE, 500NE, and up are preferred for a Cape buffalo hunt.

Where Buffalo Hunting Takes Place in Botswana

Buffalo hunting in Botswana is concentrated in several different hunting environments. Northern areas influenced by the Okavango and Chobe river systems contain floodplains, woodland and permanent water, while Bushmanland offers enormous stretches of drier, more open country.

Areas such as NG4 and NG5 in Bushmanland cover millions of acres of free-range wilderness. Here, hunting teams may use a vehicle to search roads, pans and water sources for fresh spoor before following buffalo on foot. The scale of the country means a track can develop into a long hunt before the bull is ever seen.

Farther north, water plays a role. Seasonal floodplains, river systems and thicker vegetation influence where buffalo move and how they are approached. This variety is part of what makes Hunting in Botswana different from pursuing buffalo in more geographically uniform destinations.

What Makes Buffalo Hunting in Botswana Different?

Botswana's strongest attraction is the scale and wild character of its hunting areas. Buffalo may move through large unfenced concessions alongside elephant, leopard and other dangerous game, with movement being influenced by water, grazing and seasonal conditions.

A buffalo hunt here is therefore rarely about simply finding a herd and choosing a bull. Fresh spoor may need to be followed, animals can move considerable distances and cover can make the final approach considerably more difficult than the earlier tracking suggests.

That combination of free-range buffalo, large hunting areas and limited opportunities gives Botswana a different character from more intensively managed buffalo destinations. It remains a serious Big Game Hunting destination where the country itself forms a major part of the hunt.  

What Does Buffalo Hunting in Botswana Cost?

The cost of buffalo hunting in Botswana depends on the hunting concession, length of safari and whether Cape buffalo is the primary objective or part of a broader dangerous game hunt.

Buffalo safaris generally include a daily rate together with a trophy fee, while government charges, hunting licenses, firearm permits, transfers and other safari-related expenses may also need to be considered. Hunting remote concessions can involve additional logistical costs because of the distances involved in reaching camp and operating in these areas.

The final price can change considerably when buffalo is combined with elephant, leopard or other species available on quota. It is important to compare the complete safari package rather than looking at the buffalo trophy fee alone.

Our African Hunting Safari Prices guide explains typical safari costs, trophy fees and the additional expenses to consider when budgeting for a hunt in Africa.

FAQs About Buffalo Hunting in Botswana

Where is the best buffalo hunting in Botswana?

Buffalo hunting is available in several parts of Botswana, including Bushmanland and northern hunting areas influenced by the Okavango and Chobe river systems. The best area depends on available quota, seasonal conditions and the type of buffalo hunt you are looking for.

Are Cape buffalo free-ranging in Botswana?

Yes. Buffalo are hunted in large free-range areas where animals can move naturally across extensive concessions. Finding fresh tracks and following buffalo on foot can therefore form a major part of the hunt.

How are buffalo hunted in Botswana?

Most buffalo hunts begin by searching roads, water sources and other likely areas for fresh spoor. Once suitable tracks are found, the hunting team follows them on foot until the buffalo are located and a mature bull can be properly judged.

What caliber is required for buffalo hunting in Botswana?

A .375-caliber rifle is a common starting point for dangerous game, while larger calibers such as the .404 Jeffery, .416 Rigby and .458 are also widely used for Cape buffalo. Hunters should confirm current legal requirements with their outfitter before travelling.

How much does a buffalo hunt in Botswana cost?

The price depends on the concession, safari length, trophy fee and species included in the hunt. Government charges, licenses, transfers, firearm permits and other costs may also affect the final safari price.

Can buffalo be hunted with other dangerous game in Botswana?

Depending on the hunting area and available quota, a Botswana buffalo safari may be combined with other species. The exact options vary between concessions and should be confirmed when planning the hunt.

When is the best time to hunt buffalo in Botswana?

Buffalo hunting takes place during Botswana's hunting season, but conditions change as the dry season progresses. Water availability, vegetation and buffalo movement can all influence how and where the animals are hunted.