Zimbabwe is renowned as one of Africa’s premier dangerous game hunting destinations, offering hunters the opportunity to experience Africa at its best – wild, untamed, and authentic. The country remains a popular choice for hunting the Big 5, including Cape Buffalo, Elephant, Lion, and Leopards. In this blog we discover the secrets of the Save Valley, what makes it so popular and why international and US hunters are heading there for the ultimate elephant hunting adventure.

[DYNAMIC-BLOGTABLEOFCONTENT]

Zimbabwe hunting safaris are seen as some of the most authentic hunting adventures in Africa.

Key Takeaways

·        Zimbabwe remains a sought-after destination for US hunters wanting to experience a true African hunting safari.

·        Zimbabwe is home to all members of the Big 5, with four of the Big 5 being available to hunt, namely the Elephant, Lion, Leopard, and Cape Buffalo.

·        The Save Valley Conservancy was formed with the objective of wildlife conservation.

·        The area is home to many species, including dangerous game, African plains game, and specialty species.

·        While elephant hunting in Zimbabwe is available in various regions, the Save Valley is renowned for its exceptional trophy quality.

Why go Hunting in Zimbabwe?

When it comes to hunting in Zimbabwe, the destination has a lot to offer hunting enthusiasts. Seen as offering authentic African hunts, hunting in Zimbabwe remains a sought-after activity for many reasons:

·        Zimbabwe is one of the few African destinations where hunters can enjoy the feeling of a truly wild and authentic African hunting experience, with untamed landscapes and free-range hunting safaris.

·        Zimbabwe hunting safaris allow hunters a wide choice of wildlife options, including dangerous game, African plains game, and specialty hunting species.

·        It is home to members of the Big 5 and Dangerous 7, including the Cape Buffalo, Rhino, Leopard, Lion, Elephant, Nile Crocodile, and Hippo.

·        The Rhino is NOT available to hunt and can only be hunted in South Africa and Namibia under stringent conditions.

·        Zimbabwe is known for consistently producing excellent game hunting trophies.

·        Hunting in Zimbabwe is also seen as being affordable when compared to other African game hunting destinations.

·        It is also one of the only African destinations where Leopards can still be hunted with hounds.

·        Zimbabwe is seen as a safe country to enjoy a Big Five hunting safari.

·        The country offers a great deal of pre- and post-hunting activities for individuals, couples or families, with tourist attractions including the Victoria Falls, Lake Kariba, as well as many national parks, and cultural activities.

The African Elephant

African Elephants are the world’s largest land animals, with males reaching weights to more than 14,000 pounds. Their wrinkly, gray skin is tough, with the wrinkles acting as a cooling mechanism by increasing the skin’s surface area. These wrinkles, and the additional skin, trap moisture that takes longer to evaporate under the harsh African heat.

The Elephant’s trunk is an extension of its upper lip and nose and is used for functions such as drinking, lifting, grasping, breathing, feeding, sensing, as well as in defense or for protection. The more than 100,000 muscles in its long trunk allows it to easily expand and contract, while moving in multiple directions.

With its beautiful ivory tusks, Elephants are often targeted by poachers.

The African Elephant, the world's largest land animal.

The Save Valley Conservancy

How was it Formed?

In 1991 the Save Valley Conservancy (SVC) was formed. A humongous drought in the area brought an end to cattle farming and other agricultural activities that were traditional in the region. The landowners realized that wildlife conservation was the only way to best use the land, for both environmental and economic sustainability going forward.

Some cattle ranches were sold off after the far-reaching drought, attracting both local and international investors to the area. They were keen to develop the land and continue with the dream of focusing on wildlife conservation. This dream became a reality, with the formation of the Save Valley Conservancy, an area of approximately 750,000 acres.

Today, this area is renowned for its exceptional trophies, wide array of species, and the opportunity to experience a true hunting adventure in the heart of Africa.

Why is Hunting in the Save Valley Popular?

·        The conservancy offers authentic style African hunting experiences.

·        The area is approximately 750,000 acres of free-range hunting in pristine wilderness.

·        The Save River runs through the area, offering a reliable water source that attracts a wide range of wildlife to the area, including dangerous game, African plains game, and specialty species.

·        The area is known for its abundant wildlife, along with the sheer number of species available.

·        The Save Valley Conservancy is renowned for its work with endangered species, such as the Black Rhino and African wild dog.

Target Species when Hunting in the Save Valley

When it comes to hunting in Zimbabwe, the region remains a popular hunting destination, with numerous species available including:

·        Dangerous Game, including Elephant, Lion, Cape Buffalo, and Leopard.

·        African Plains Game, featuring species such as the Zebra, Waterbuck, Eland, Impala, Kudu, and more.

·        Specialty Species, including Jackals and Civets

·        Members of the Tiny Ten, including Duikers, Steenbok, and klipspringer

·        Bird Hunting of Pigeons, Ducks, Geese, and Francolins

Traveling to the Save Valley Conservancy

The Save Valley Conservancy can be reached via road or private air charters, depending on what you prefer.

From Harare (Capital City)

·        Air Charter: The fastest way to reach the Save Valley Conservancy is via an air charter from Harare International Airport to one of the smaller air strips near the conservancy, such as Chiredzi or Sango. This will take approximately 1-1.5 hours.

·        Road Transfer: The road transfer will see a mixture of tar and gravel roads and will take between 6-8 hours.

From Bulawayo

·        Air Charter: Bulawayo’s Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport also offers charter flights to air stripes close to the Save Valley Conservancy. The flight will take approximately 1-1.5 hours.

·        Road Transfer: The road transfer will see a mixture of tar and gravel roads and will take between 7-9 hours. The journey can be quite challenging during the rainy season.

Elephant hunting in the Save Valley

Having the opportunity to enjoy hunting the world’s largest land animal is a big deal and will certainly provide hunters with a world-class dangerous game hunting adventure. An Elephant bull hitting a good weight, with good size and beautiful tusks is considered by many US hunters as Africa’s top hunting trophy.

While elephant hunting in Zimbabwe is an extremely rewarding hunting safari, it is not without danger or challenges. Elephant hunts within the Save Valley can be extremely testing for hunters:

·        Large Hunting Grounds: The Save Valley Conservancy is approximately 750,000 acres and hunts are free-range across varied terrain. This makes the tracking and location of elephants quite challenging compared to smaller, fenced concessions.

·        Natural Avoidance: The Elephants within the Save Valley Conservancy are not confined in any way, leading them to be cautious around humans. For hunters, this means that an undetected walk-and-stalk approach and excellent stalking is required.

·        Challenging Conditions: Heat, together with insects and bugs, can play a role in challenging conditions at certain times of the year.

·        Conservation Requirements: Hunters need to respect the strict hunting regulations imposed. Anti-poaching patrols, wildlife monitoring as well as hunting quotas are the order of the day when hunting in the Save Valley.

·        Physical Fitness: The area is home to varied landscapes and terrain, with hunters needing to be physically fit to undertake an Elephant hunt.

To successfully hunt Elephant within the Save Valley requires hunters to be skilled, physically fit and ready to deal with the challenges that might head their way in terms of the wild and varied terrain, as well as game species that they might encounter.

Elephant hunting in Zimbabwe is a thrilling, challenging, and exceptionally rewarding hunt.

Shot Placement when Elephant hunting in Zimbabwe

Shot placement when on a dangerous game hunting safari is of the utmost importance. Ensuring that you are well-versed and educated on the best options for shot placement on the world’s largest land animal can literally be the difference between life and death.

For a hunter that is new to Elephant hunting, the heart/shoulder shot is highly recommended. With a target heart size of around 22 inches in width and 18 inches in length, the heart provides a sizable target area. If the hunter get his aim correct, shoots straight and hits the target, the result will be successful elephant hunt.

The target area for the heart, when the elephant is standing broadside, is about ¼ way up from the start of the brisket, to 1/3 to the pinnacle of the back, behind the front shoulder. Should the hunter pull the shot slightly and it ends up hitting the elephant slightly higher back, the result will be a lung shot. The rule is to stay below the horizontal halfway point, or else the vital organs, such as the heart and lungs, may be missed.

Rest assured that the Elephant will run, so a follow up shot after the initial one must happen as quickly as possible. This shot placement is highly recommended. Click here for further information about shot placement for Elephant hunts.

Rifle Calibers for This African Hunt

As with any dangerous game animals, when Elephant hunting in Zimbabwe, the minimum legal requirement is a .375 with a 300-grain bullet. Calibers of 450 and up are recommended, for example the .416 Rigby, .458, or .458 Lott. Double rifles will also get the job done and are ideal for hunting these large beasts. Consider a 470NE, 500NE, or larger. Only solid bullets should be used when Elephant hunting.

Conservation Initiatives

Conservation initiatives are at the heart of the Save Valley Conservancy, and it operates as a cooperative wildlife management area involving government, local councils and communities, and private landowners. Revenue received from hunting permits is ploughed back into anti-poaching patrols and programs, community development initiatives, as well as research and monitoring programs.

In terms of specific Elephant conservation initiatives in the Save Valley, the following have been identified:

·        Sustainable Population Management: Resident populations are managed through stringent quotas, as set by the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority. The balance between the number of elephants versus the habitat in which they live is carefully managed and maintained through hunting quotas set aside. The funds from the elephant hunts are used for conservation, with reinvestment into anti-poaching initiatives and wildlife management programs.

·        Elephant Translocation Initiatives: To manage population dynamics within the Save Elephant population, as well as to reduce human-wildlife conflict, elephants have been relocated to areas where the habitat can accommodate them, as well as to ensure genetic diversity within the herds. The fine line between the number of elephants versus available habitat is closely monitored.

·        Anti-Poaching Initiatives: Anti-poaching efforts include ranger teams on the ground, technology, as well as co-ordination with national and international law enforcement bodies. Everything possible is being done to combat the illegal ivory trade and protect these majestic beasts from poaching.

·        Research: Research and monitoring programs are ongoing, to monitor the local Elephant population’s health, movements, and more. This information gives background as to what is happening on the ground and assists in the formulation of plans surrounding conversation in the area.

·        Community Involvement & Education: The local communities surrounding the Save Valley Conservancy play an integral part in the conservation model, with programs being run to educate and involve community members within the conservation model. Local communities are incentivized to actively support wildlife conservation.

The Save Valley Conservancy has numerous initiatives and programs in place to address conservation within the region.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you hunt the Big 5 in Zimbabwe?

While hunting in Zimbabwe allows for the hunting of dangerous game, not all members of the Big 5 can be hunted. The Cape Buffalo, Elephant, Lion, and Leopard can be hunted, but Rhino hunting is illegal.

What Paperwork is required to enjoy a Zimbabwe hunting safari?

Before the start of the hunting safari, all hunters must apply for a permit from the Zimbabwean Parks and Wildlife Management Authority, and elephant hunts require a separate special permit.

What caliber rifle do I need to go dangerous game hunting in Zimbabwe?

Dangerous game hunting in Zimbabwe calls for the minimum of a .375 caliber rifle.

When can I go hunting in Zimbabwe?

Zimbabwe’s hunting season is year-round. Although it is year-round, the peak hunting season is during the cooler, drier months (April to November) when animals are more likely to gather around waterholes, and vegetation is shorter, allowing hunters to glass for game easier.

When it best time to enjoy elephant hunting in Zimbabwe?

Elephant hunting in Zimbabwe is best undertaken during the drier months (April to November). The peak months for elephant hunting are from September to November.