Hunting in Africa originated with the first men as a means of subsistence and survival, and Zimbabwe was no different. From the days of the San people to the present, Zimbabwe’s hunting industry has developed into the world-class game hunting destination it is today, and a popular option for American hunters.
Offering a variety of hunting concessions and a wide selection of trophies to fuel your next hunting adventure, Zimbabwe can be considered a one-stop destination, and Matetsi and Gache Gache are just two of the areas where your dreams of Zimbabwean hunting safaris can come to life.
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Key Takeaways
- Matetsi and Gache Gache are two of the most recognizable concessions in Zimbabwe.
- Zimbabwe offers a variety of great-quality trophy options for all hunters
- Comfortable accommodation and alternative activities are easily available
- Hunters can find both Dangerous 7 and African plains game members in both Matetsi and Gache Gache
- Zimbabwe has become one of Africa’s top game hunting destinations
How Zimbabwe Hunting Safaris Survived and Thrived
Zimbabwe’s sport and trophy hunting industry arguably started when King Mzilikazi opened the Mashonaland region to hunters in 1865, and the first documented game hunting endeavor was noted shortly thereafter. Early hunting in Zimbabwe primarily targeted Elephants and Lions, high symbols of wealth and ability among foreign hunters.
Despite years of political and economic turbulence, Zimbabwe’s modern-day hunting industry is highly organized and well-managed by the relevant parties and are some of the most popular choices for those wanting to go hunting in Africa. The Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZPWMA) outlines a strict framework of quotas, licenses, and fair chase hunting principles to ensure that the industry maintains its ethical stance on game hunting and what it brings to the country.
Further supporting Zimbabwe’s hunting sector are conservation activities and guidelines (quotas and so forth) that keep the natural environment in balance. The involvement of local communities in assorted areas such as anti-poaching, conservation, game management, and skills training, as well as the running of specific community hunting concessions, ensures support from a grassroots level and a lifelong commitment to upholding an industry that provides a crucial income and revenue to both the game hunting sector and the general economy.
Premier Concessions for Zimbabwe Hunting Safaris
Zimbabwe’s hunting industry consists of a network of concessions that can be government-owned, privately owned, or community-run under the CAMPFIRE program.
Matetsi Safari Region
The Matetsi Safari Region is located in Zimbabwe’s Matabeleland North province and borders Hwange National Park. Matetsi is considered the oldest and largest of all the Zimbabwean hunting territories; covering an area of over 1,000 square miles and composed of 7 individual (yet unfenced) hunting concessions, Matetsi can be seen as the first choice for hunting in Zimbabwe.
Matetsi Private Game Reserve and the Extended Conservation Area
A privately owned concession, this 140,000-acre territory borders some of Zimbabwe’s most famous game parks and reserves. Close to Victoria Falls, the Private Game Reserve is conveniently situated an hour away from Victoria Airport, reducing the need for further charter flights.
The Game Reserve region is privately owned, but its quotas are set by the ZPWMA. All Lion, Leopard, and Elephant hunts in the area must be overseen by a ZPWMA representative.
Other Units
Community-owned units can also be found within the Matetsi region, these are run by the respective community in charge and subscribe to the rules and regulations that govern community-owned hunting concessions. They are closely located in the private reserve and ECA territories, opening up further options for hunting.
Gache Gache
Found on the southeast side of Lake Kariba, within the Zambezi Basin, Gache Gache combines world-class hunting opportunities with some of Zimbabwe’s most famous scenery. Traveling to the area requires a bit more patience and planning. When coming from Harare one can either book a charter flight or make a 7-hour road trip.
Like Matetsi, the Gache Gache region is also unfenced and finds its neighbor in the Charara Zimbabwean National Parks and Wildlife Area. Falling under the CAMPFIRE (Communal Areas Management Programme for Indigenous Resources) initiative, the area is owned and operated by the local community with the primary focus of managing the area’s resources to benefit the community in charge.
Game Hunting Trophies for American Hunters and Others
No matter where your Zimbabwe hunting safaris may lead, you’re sure to find excellent trophy specimens across the country. Both Matetsi and Gache Gache have their specialties; but at the end of the day, regardless of where you find your way, you’re sure to discover some of the best hunting in Africa.
Matetsi
The quality of Matetsi’s game hunting can be attributed to the sheer size of the area and its ability to support large populations of some of the choicest trophies available in Africa. Its unfenced concessions and availability of night hunting further direct the interest and foot traffic of those choosing to enjoy hunting in Zimbabwe.
Lion
The King of the Jungle and the Pride of Africa. Lion hunting in the Matetsi is famous for producing dark-maned males, and the population numbers support a healthy trophy count. In Zimbabwe; only male lions over the age of 6 years may be hunted and with this hunt’s popularity, it’s advised to book well in advance.
Leopard
Leopard hunts in Matetsi are usually conducted over baiting sites across the area many hills and hidey holes. These hunts require stealth and silence on the part of the hunter, no matter how long one may find themselves sitting in a blind. Leopards may be the smallest members of the Big 5, but they should never be underestimated.
Cape Buffalo
A legend of hunting in Africa, the Cape Buffalo, often referred to as Africa’s Black Death, can be found in large herds across Matetsi’s hunting concessions. The area is known for its concentration of Dagga Boys; the oldest, biggest, and meanest men on the plain. Average buffalo boss trophies measure around 40 inches and great opportunities can be found from the ECA region to other Matetsi units.
Livingstone Eland
The Eland may be the biggest antelope in Africa, but the Livingstone Eland is the biggest of the brothers. Known for their impressive spiral horns and white striping on the flank, this antelope demands patience when hunting. These hunts typically involve miles of tracking and stalking, but putting in the legwork will only add to the ultimate reward.
Sable
Known as the Prince of Africa; Sable hunting in Zimbabwe has produced many a high-quality trophy, and Matetsi is the region to be in if this is your trophy of choice. A dark-colored antelope with sweeping backward-curved horns, the Sable makes for a beaut of a mount. Despite this grand appearance, the sable is somewhat shy and needs careful stalking.
Southern Impala
One of Africa’s smaller antelopes; the Southern Impala is known for its excellent eyesight and hearing abilities, meaning hunters on their trail need to be cautious and calm. These plains dwellers can be stalked or hunted from a blind situated at a known watering hole. Renowned for their black face markings, Matetsi’s healthy population numbers ensure an impala hunting adventure is never too far away.
Gache Gache
Most of Gache Gache’s game hunting activities center around the area’s waterways and basins that form part of Lake Kariba and the Zambezi. All living animals have some dependency on water, and this basic need drives many a congregation of trophy animals to Gache Gache in search of relief and respite from the dry grassy plains and hot African sun.
Crocodile and Hippo
Gache Gache’s location around Lake Kariba offers some of the best Croc and Hippo hunting in Africa due to the numbers found across the area’s waterways and basins. These Zimbabwe hunting safaris require meticulous planning and careful action as they are often carried out near the target. These hunts are recommended in the drier months as the lower water line makes both the animals and riverbanks more accessible to guides and hunters.
Elephant
The largest land animal can be found across Zimbabwe in stable and sizeable populations. It’s recommended to plan your Elephant hunt for the drier season when they congregate around available water sources. As Gache Gache lies in the eastern basin of Lake Kariba, the region draws herds of pachyderms in search of food and water. Tuskless trophies are generally offered on non-exportable hunts, while any trophies leaving the country require CITES permits due to their ICUN status.
Warthog
Another animal tied to Gache Gache’s water sources and grassland environment, the Warthog is an exciting and interesting target to be added to your Zimbabwean hunting adventure. The pig of the plains can either be stalked or hunted from a blind setup near a known water source. While not the biggest trophy target available when hunting in Africa; the warthog can be turned into an interesting skull mount, while their meat is known to be juicy and flavorful, often compared to pork and venison.
Hyena
Zimbabwe is home to both the Spotted and Brown species of Hyena. Brown Hyenas are the shyer and more secretive cousins, often needing to be explored on a dedicated outing. The Spotted Hyena is known to visit bait sites to steal a snack and is commonly made available as part of a Lion or Leopard hunting package. Being part of the Zambezi region, Gache Gache is a popular choice for those looking to target the so-called “cleaning staff of the plains.”
Waterbuck
Waterbuck hunting in Zimbabwe can be done across the country. But with Gache Gache’s abundant water sources, the region offers great opportunities to tackle what some call the clumsiest of Africa’s antelope. The Waterbuck isn’t the most graceful antelope, often being heard before being seen. But their forward-curving horns and solidly built body make for an impressive trophy mount, one that can offset the Waterbuck’s lack of athletic ability.
Alternative Activities to Zimbabwe Hunting Safaris
While the traditional hunting adventure of the past was strictly a “boys only” affair, modern times see the inclusion of family members and acquaintances who might not be a part of the hunt. So what can one do with their non-hunting companion while hunting in Zimbabwe?
Sunset Cruises
Traveling the Zambezi and Lake Kariba waters while the African sun slowly makes its way down is a spectacular way to end off a day in Zimbabwe. These cruises can either include cocktails and refreshments or full meals and entertainment.
Appreciating the Local Culture
It’s common for villages that form part of the Matetsi and Gache Gache regions to offer tourism opportunities that immerse and educate visitors about local history and customs. Markets offering indigenous items such as woodwork crafts, clothing, and locally made jewelry provide visitors with unique memento opportunities.
Other activities include shows of traditional Zimbabwean music, dance, and storytelling. Apart from keeping visitors engaged, these occasions also help to keep the local heritage alive and relevant.
Game Viewing and Fishing
For nature-loving non-hunters, Zimbabwe offers some of the best game viewing and photography prospects on the continent. These drives or boat cruises showcase Zimbabwe’s diverse wildlife and landscape. For those wanting to be more hands-on in the water, fishing excursions on the waters of Lake Kariba and the Zambezi offer the prospect of landing Zimbabwean classics such as bream, the iconic Tigerfish, and the local vundu species of catfish.
Why Choose Zimbabwe when wanting to go hunting in Africa
These Zimbabwe hunting safaris offer hunters a chance to hunt in some of the largest and most populous areas for fair chase hunting in Africa. Zimbabwe’s game hunting season is a year-round affair that affords hunters the ability to book as it suits them (T’s and C’s still apply on that point…)
From big game icons like the Lion and Elephant to plains offerings mentioned and not; Zimbabwe is home to almost every commonly hunted African species, making the country a convenient and affordable destination. Zimbabwe also offers accommodation of all types, whether you’re looking for a 5-star lodge or rustic bush camp far from cell signal and civilization. Zimbabwe has an accommodation option for everyone.
Zimbabwe’s hunting regions aren’t exclusively limited to Matetsi and Gache Gache, but it’s a good place to start. Whether your hunting career is just getting off the ground, or you’re looking for the trophy that has eluded you, this southern African country has what you’re looking for and maybe more.
So contact us, pack your bag (and maybe the family), and see for yourself just what these Zimbabwean hunting regions are all about.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main permits or licenses needed for hunting in Zimbabwe?
The main hunting license or TR2 form is a requirement for all hunting activities across the country, regardless of the type of land you’re on. This form will be issued by the Zimbabwean Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZPWMA) and needs to be on your person at all times during the hunt.
When it comes to firearms, a temporary permit will be issued to you at no cost. Unlike most other African countries, Zimbabwe doesn’t limit the number of rifles, shotguns, or handguns brought into the country, however, AMMUNITION is limited to 100 rounds per weapon.
Hunters are recommended to carry certified copies of their gun licenses, passports, and letters of invitation with them while on their hunting adventure.
Is bow hunting allowed in Zimbabwe?
Zimbabwe legalized the practice of bowhunting in 1999 and it’s available in all hunting concessions EXCEPT for National Parks. The type of animal hunted will dictate the specifications of the bow used and a special bowhunting license must be applied for from the ZPWMA, this is separate from the standard hunting license.
Crossbows, longbows, and recurve bows require a special license, while compound bows require only the standard bowhunting license.
How do Zimbabwean guides and operators rank compared to other destinations?
Only Zimbabwean residents may become professional hunters. The training and examinations required of trainee guides include shooting, animal behavior, and first aid as well as thorough teaching on the industry’s fair chase ethics.
The game hunting program for prospective Zimbabwean guides lasts 2 years and is conducted by ZPWMA and the Zimbabwean Professional Guides Association (ZPGA).
Can hounds be used when game hunting in these areas?
Zimbabwe is one of the few African nations that allows hunting with hounds. These hunts may only be carried out on Private land areas and require special permission and permits.