Zimbabwe Hunting, Plains Game in Matetsi (ECA) Zimbabwe
Booking Season: 2025
Hunt Difficulty: Moderate, Difficult
Designed by Hunters, for Hunters
When it comes to game hunting safaris in untamed destinations, Zimbabwe rates amongst the top African destinations on many hunters’ bucket lists. Hunters can enjoy varied hunting safaris in Zimbabwe, including hunting members of the Big 5 and Dangerous 7, as well as plenty of African plains game and specialty species options. Speaking of African plains game, there is one large antelope that has hunters repeatedly returning to Africa. I refer to, of course, the magnificent Greater Kudu (Tragelaphus strepsiceros), the pinnacle of African plains game hunting safaris, and a remarkable trophy! Zimbabwe is one of the southern African countries the greater kudu calls home, providing hunters with the opportunity to target the king of the spiral-horned antelope in a wild and natural setting. Kudu are found throughout Zimbabwe and are hunted all year around, but the suggested prime hunting time would be during the dry season when the animals are more likely to be closer to a water source. For Zimbabwe, this prime season would be May to September.
Popular spots for kudu hunting in Zimbabwe include the Save Valley Conservancy, Zambezi Valley, Matetsi, and the Bubye Valley Conservancy, amongst others. Hunting kudu in Zimbabwe requires patience, a sound knowledge of the antelope’s behavior and habits, as well as excellent marksmanship; a prerequisite for any successful game hunting safari. This striking African plains game antelope provides hunters with a challenging hunting adventure: Its excellent eyesight, and alert nature combined with its natural ability to camouflage itself makes for a testing time! When sensing danger, it stands dead still, expertly blending in with its environment and hiding from predators, whether four-footed or two!
Available Greater Kudu Hunts
Zimbabwe Hunting, Plains Game in Matetsi (ECA) Zimbabwe
Booking Season: 2025
Hunt Difficulty: Moderate, Difficult
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The greater kudu is a large antelope, reaching up to 700 pounds. This agile antelope can reach speeds of up to 43 miles per hour and clear 8 feet in one easy leap, making the kudu even more difficult to capture or corner. Its horns make it an extremely popular and sought-after trophy and can reach 50-55 inches on a good trophy, with exceptional kudu trophies having up to 60-inch horns! Kudus can be hunted in Zimbabwe and no special permits are required. The status of the greater kudu has been listed by the IUCN as that of least concern.
Shot Placement when Kudu Hunting in Zimbabwe
When hunting kudu in Zimbabwe, it should be considered that kudus are most active in the early morning and before sunset, making this the most opportune time to target them on a game hunting safari. Be prepared for some intense stalking! Popular hunting methods for the kudu include the spot and stalk and using a blind. Using a blind would entail searching for spoor near the waterholes, finding some tracks, then setting up a blind and ambushing the kudu on their return. A headshot or a brain shot should not be considered. Simply put, it will ruin your kudu game hunting trophy and headshots are also risky because the target area is so small. The preferred shot for your African kudu hunt would be the broadside shot, one-third of the way up on the shoulder. Missing the heart by an inch or two will still result in other vital such as the lungs being hit, resulting in a certain, rapid death for this magnificent antelope.
What Caliber Rifle is Used when Hunting Kudu in Zimbabwe?
Kudu hunting in Zimbabwe happens throughout the year, with both rifle and bow hunting permitted. It must be stressed that African kudu hunts utilizing a bow are seen as being extremely challenging for the hunter, who requires a great deal of skill to target this agile antelope. When using a rifle on your African kudu hunt, a 30.06 caliber rifle will work well. A bullet weighing less than 150 grain is not recommended when hunting kudu in Zimbabwe. Other rifle options for consideration include a .375 right up to a .458. A rifle such as a 7mm or 300-win mag will get the job done when longer shots are required to target this shy antelope.
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