More About Mozambique Hippo Hunting

Hippos are found in much of sub-Saharan Africa, in a variety of habitats such as rivers, lakes, and other bodies of water. Mozambique hunting safaris targeting hippos tend to focus on the Zambezi River and more specifically Lake Cahora Bassa which is renowned for its exceptional game hunting trophy hippos and crocodiles. The International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) lists the hippo's status as that of “vulnerable.” No special permits are required for hippo hunting in Mozambique.

Shot Placement while Hippo Hunting in Mozambique

Hippo hunting in Mozambique is undertaken in three main ways. Firstly, by using a walk-and-stalk hunting safari that will see you sneaking up on your game hunting trophy. Secondly, using a traditional canoe called a mokoro to locate the herd of hippos and then engaging in a stalk. This method can be extremely dangerous, as hippos in this area are renowned for attacking and capsizing vessels.

The third option would see the hippo taken on land, while they are traveling to and from the water while feeding. At dusk, they tend to leave the water to feed on land, where they will graze for a great deal of the night before returning to the water. This too, is a perilous option, as a hippo will not stop and will take out anything in its path to return to the water, reaching speeds of up to 19 mph! This hippo hunting safari on land will usually take place at night, adding even more excitement to this challenging African hunt! As with all dangerous game, once you are in position, your shot placement is critical. The hippo has an extremely thick skull and the hunter should prep for his hippo hunting in Mozambique using solid rounds, to ensure maximum penetration. There is no such thing as “too much gun” when hippo hunting in Mozambique.

Shot placement for a Mozambique hippo hunting safari includes: The Frontal Brain Shot The Frontal Heart Shot Broadside Brain Headshot (Hippo in the Water) Headshot Facing Away from the Hunter The Fleeting Shot The Heart and Lung Shot The Neck Shot

What Caliber Rifle can I use when Hippo Hunting in Mozambique?

What Caliber Rifle can I use when Hippo Hunting in Mozambique? When targeting dangerous game on an African hunt, a minimum caliber of .375 is a legal requirement, together with the minimum of a 300-grain bullet. Hippos have very thick skin and skulls, and a solid bullet is required for proper penetration. When the hippo is targeted out of the water and is up close with the hunter taking a broadside shot, a suggested rifle would be a .416 Rigby or 500NE, to enter the heart for an accurate kill shot, quick death, and humane kill. Bow hunting is legal for Mozambique hunting safaris targeting both African plains game as well as dangerous game.