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Hunting Buffalo In Tanzania

Hunting Buffalo In Tanzania

Explore the Thrill Of Buffalo Hunting in Tanzania

Cape buffalo are notorious not only for being grumpy, aggressive, and unpredictable but also for the dangerous habit of circling back on the hunting party when wounded. Known as Africa’s Black Death or the Widowmaker, these beasts have well and truly earned their inclusion as a member of Africa’s Big 5 and the infamous Dangerous 7. Buffalo hunting in Tanzania is the dream of many hunters worldwide and it’s not difficult to imagine why. The country offers expanses of untamed bushveld, with thousands of animals roaming and inhabiting unspoiled areas, such as the famous Serengeti plains. Amongst these, is the Cape buffalo.

Also known as the African buffalo, the Cape Buffalo (Syncerus caffer) is a large, dark brown to black-hoofed mammal. Reaching 5-11 feet in length, and 3-5 feet at the shoulder, adult bulls can reach 2,000 pounds, making it an impressive game hunting trophy in anyone’s books. In terms of habitat, the buffalo inhabits a variety of habitats including savannas, mountains, floodplains, and swamps. The best time to enjoy a Tanzania buffalo hunting safari is during the dry season, from June to October. This is when water is more scarce, and animals are more likely to be found in or around major water holes or sources

Available Cape Buffalo Hunts

More About Tanzania Buffalo Hunting

Free-range Cape buffalo hunting in Tanzania is available in many parts of the country, while some areas are known to produce better game hunting prized trophies. The Selous Game Reserve, the biggest game reserve worldwide, is home to many species of African plains game, including the Cape buffalo. Other areas renowned for Tanzania buffalo hunting adventures include Masailand, Kizigo, and Western Tanzania. The Cape buffalo is classified by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) with a status of “least concern.”​

Shot Placement while Cape Buffalo Hunting in Tanzania

Tanzania buffalo hunting is not for the unfit! You can expect to walk several miles a day through rigorous terrain, that can include swamps, mountains, or savanna-type vegetation, so come ready, both in terms of mental and physical preparedness. While buffalo hunting in Tanzania, and your trophy bull has been identified, a couple of shot placement options available for the game hunting safari can include: 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 The correct shot placement is paramount. Educate yourself on the Cape buffalo’s anatomy before the hunt. The better prepared you are to take on this game hunting challenge, the better chance of a successful African buffalo hunt. A wounded buffalo is no laughing matter, and they are renowned for seeking revenge.

What Caliber Rifle is used when Hunting Buffalo in Tanzania?

In Tanzania, it is illegal to hunt any dangerous game, including the elephant, hippo, or buffalo with a bow. Tanzania buffalo hunting requires a minimum of a .375 caliber weapon shooting a 300-grain bullet to target this formidable member of the Big 5 and Dangerous 7. Other suggested weapons include a 416 Rugby, 404 Jeffery, 458 WM, or Lott that will ensure your prized game hunting trophy is soon resting in the salt. Double rifles such as the 470NE, 500NE, and up are preferred when in close quarters. Remember, apart from ensuring that your rifle caliber is correct, shot placement needs to be spot on. Be ready and prepared for not only a single follow-up shot or two but be prepared to keep the shots coming until your PH assures you that your trophy is, in fact, dead!

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