Without a doubt, when it comes to bucket list African hunts, leopard hunting in Zimbabwe is right up there in terms of popularity. Think danger, experience the excitement, consider the adrenaline rush second to none in a highly challenging environment… And what could be better than that? Perhaps an exceptional trophy? Well, you’ll be pleased to know that is also a consideration when planning this exciting hunting trip.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- Zimbabwe remains one of Africa’s untamed dangerous game hunting destinations, offering hunters a wide array of game species to target, including four of Africa’s Big 5.
- While dangerous game hunting is a challenge, the ultimate hunting encounter must be leopard hunting, with this highly dangerous and elusive African cat being a sought-after trophy for hunting enthusiasts worldwide.
- Save Valley is renowned for its leopard trophies.
- This area remains a premier wildlife destination for leopard hunting in Zimbabwe, offering hunters the opportunity to experience an exciting hunting safari in the heart of Africa.
- Leopard hunting methods in Zimbabwe include baiting as well as hunting with hounds.
Zimbabwe: An Untamed Wilderness
- Zimbabwe remains a sought-after destination for hunting, and with its massive wilderness expanses, it is still classified as “wild Africa.”
- The majority of Zimbabwe consists of free-range hunts and the hunts take place without fences.
- Hunting in Zimbabwe is done mostly on foot, and although the rugged terrain is not exceptionally tough, hunters will need to be physically fit to navigate the hunting grounds.
- Hunting in Zimbabwe’s concessions and game reserves can be a challenging experience, adding to the thrill of game hunting in Africa. Hunting areas are split into three main categories, namely government land, private and tribal. National Parks form feeder areas into the surrounding concession areas.
- Each of these hunting area categories has its own set of rules that need to be abided by.
- The game in Zimbabwe is plentiful. While many antelope populations were reduced during civil wars, recoveries have been very pleasing.
The Save Valley Conservancy
The Save Valley Conservancy was formed in 1991 after a serious drought in the area ended any hope of agricultural and cattle farming. A group of 18 farmers signed a constitution to manage the wildlife of the area co-operatively, as the drought in the area confirmed that wildlife was the only feasible future for the region.
The Black Rhino had been targeted and poached to extinction, and the reintroduction of this mighty species to the region was one of the main reasons for the Save Valley Conservancy’s creation.
Located in Zimbabwe’s southeast Lowveld, the Save Valley Conservancy is part of the Greater Limpopo Transfrontier Conservation Area (GLTFCA), linking protected areas across Zimbabwe, South Africa, and Mozambique. It is recognized for protecting critically endangered species such as black rhinos and African wild dogs, while its support of local communities through employment must also be noted.
Size & Location
- The Save Valley Conservancy is in Zimbabwe’s southeast Lowveld, about 93 miles south of Mutare and east of Masvingo.
- It is an area of roughly 750,000 acres
- Reaching it from main towns in Zimbabwe:
- From Mutare, individuals can travel less than 95 miles by road to reach the Conservancy
- From Harare, travelers can either drive roughly 250 miles by road, or charter flights are available, landing in nearby airstrips.
- To reach the Conservancy from Masvingo, a road transfer is often used.
Animal Species
When the conservancy was formed, more than 4,000 animals of 14 species were introduced into the area. This included the relocation of elephants, in one of the largest translocations undertaken in the region.
Now, the Save Valley Conservancy is home to a range of animals and birdlife, including:
- Africa’s Big 5: Lion, leopard, rhino (both black and white), elephant, and Cape Buffalo
- Other Dangerous Game: Hippo, Nile Crocodile, and Cheetah
- African Plains Game Species: kudu, sable, zebra, wildebeest, bushbuck, nyala, amongst others
- Specialty Animals: Baboon, warthog, giraffe
- Vulnerable Species: Cheetah, African wild dogs (painted dogs), serval, brown hyena.
- Birds: A wide variety of birdlife including southern ground hornbills and lappet-faced vultures.
Why is Hunting in the Save Valley Popular?
- Boasting an area of 750,000 acres, the conservancy is popular in offering authentic style African hunting experiences.
- The Save River runs through the area, offering a reliable water source that attracts a wide range of wildlife to the area.
- The Save Valley offers free-range hunting, without internal fences within a large area.
- 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
The Save Valley remains a sought-after region for hunters wanting to experience the best of Zimbabwe hunting safaris with numerous hunting opportunities available:
- Dangerous Game Hunting, including elephant, lion, leopard, and Cape Buffalo
- African Plains Game, with species such as eland, waterbuck, zebra, impala, kudu, and many more.
- Specialty Species: Jackals and civets
- Members of the Tiny Ten, including duikers, steenbok, and klipspringer
- Bird Hunting opportunities focusing on pigeons, ducks, geese, and francolins.
The Challenges of Leopard Hunting in Zimbabwe’s Save Valley
The Save Valley is renowned as a premier destination for leopard hunting in Zimbabwe, with quality trophies and exceptional dangerous game hunting safari experiences. But it must be noted that no hunting is without risks and that most definitely includes hunting this member of Africa’s Big 5 and Dangerous 7.
- Being nocturnal, this highly dangerous and elusive animal can be difficult to spot during the hunting safari, as it is well-versed in the art of camouflage and takes to the trees for cover and refuge.
- Leopards are known for their intelligence, tending to avoid areas where humans frequent or are sensed. Pre-baiting of the area may require several days of baiting before the leopard appears, if at all. They are naturally very cautious creatures, adding to the challenge of hunting and stalking them.
- The terrain and habitat of the Save Valley contribute to a testing hunt, with the diverse terrain, from dense deciduous woodland savannas, with mopane forests, and even open sections of veld, making it a physically demanding experience for hunters, as well as a mentally challenging one stalking and hunting this elusive African cat.
- A wounded leopard is seen as one of the most dangerous animals on earth, which brings us to the subject of shot placement. Shot placement needs to be accurate, no, perfect to ensure not only a quick death for the animal and an ethical hunt but also to safeguard the hunting party against an angry and aggressive wounded leopard.
- A CITES permit is required for leopard hunting in Zimbabwe, with only a limited quota for hunting this species available, therefore requiring the hunter to book and plan the African hunt timeously.
The Leopard
One of Africa’s Big 5 and the Dangerous 7, the leopard remains a sought-after trophy for dangerous game hunting, targeted by hunting enthusiasts worldwide. Whether it’s the challenge of successfully harvesting this majestic and powerful African cat, or the pleasure of a truly iconic trophy, leopard hunting in Africa remains a popular pastime.
Leopards are notoriously elusive, with this large nocturnal cat being known as exceptionally dangerous. And certainly not without reason. From the tip of its clawed feet to its large canine teeth, this predator means business.
When hunting leopards in Africa, remember that these large cats are very calculating and can camouflage themselves extremely well due to their coloring and blend seamlessly into the vegetation.
The leopard is an exceptionally agile and athletic animal and easily jumps into and climbs trees and descends a tree headfirst with ease, at quite a speed. It is also one of the only cats that like water, and they are confident swimmers who take to the water with ease.
Leopard Hunting Methods
Leopard hunting is an exciting, yet highly dangerous hunt undertaken in wild Africa. There are two main hunting methods used for leopard hunting in Zimbabwe, firstly baiting and secondly, hunting with hounds.
The baiting method involves placing bait in areas that the leopard frequents. The Save Valley is an area with abundant African plains game and antelopes such as kudu, sable, and impala are used as bait, but it is often a case of whatever is available and what the leopards in the area are consuming. The bait is placed, and the wait is on to see whether the leopard will take to the bait and start eating. If this cunning African cat does start eating on the set bait, a temporary blind is then constructed and the wait starts for the leopard to return.
Using hounds when leopard hunting in Zimbabwe involves finding an area of fresh leopard tracks, allowing the hounds to track the leopard.
Tips when Leopard Hunting in the Save Valley
The Save Valley is one of Africa’s prime wildlife areas and leopard hunting in the region is a bucket list activity for many hunters. For many, hunting the big five African game animals and harvesting them remains one of the pinnacles of hunting rewards and experiences.
Here are some tips to help ensure a successful hunting safari:
- Do your homework. Read up on leopard behavior, learn about hunting methods used on this dangerous African cat, and local rules and regulations about leopard hunting in Zimbabwe.
- Hunting leopards in Africa requires a minimum caliber of .375 with a 300-grain bullet. An expanding bullet tip is recommended. The rifle should be fitted with an excellent-quality tactical scope when hunting this highly dangerous and elusive species.
- As a follow-on to rifle requirements, a reminder that accurate shot placement is critical. A wounded leopard is one of the most dangerous animals to face, if not the worst. Ensure that your shot placement is spot on.
- Leopards are most active at dusk or night.
- Wear camouflage clothing as well as insect repellant, as the Save Valley has many bugs and insects during the warmer summer months.
- The best time to enjoy leopard hunts in the Save Valley is during the cooler months when there is increased visibility with less dense vegetation and reduced rainfall, the leopards are more active, and conditions are more comfortable.
- The Save Valley promotes sustainable hunting quotas for wildlife conservation. By participating in a regulated hunt, you contribute to local community projects benefiting areas such as infrastructure, medical services, and education.
- The Save Valley Conservancy has a wide range of species available to hunt, why not add a Cape buffalo or antelope species to your leopard hunting safari?
The Best Time To Enjoy a Leopard Hunting Safari in the Save Valley
While Zimbabwe’s hunting season runs throughout the year, the best time to enjoy leopard hunting is during the dry season, running from the end of April/beginning of May through to September.
There are several reasons why this time is more favorable:
- The weather during the cooler months ensures more comfortable conditions for hunters, with milder temperatures during the day and cooler temperatures in the evening rather than the hot temperatures during the summer months, which can be quite challenging. There are also fewer insects and bugs out when it is cooler, making for more pleasant conditions.
- The dry months result in less dense vegetation, allowing for easier spotting of game, including the leopard.
- Leopards are more active during the cooler months, making them more likely to approach the bait or be active during hunting hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Zimbabwe’s hunting season?
Hunting in Zimbabwe takes place throughout the year, with the best time to enjoy a Zimbabwean hunting safari being during the dry season, from May to October.
Can you hunt leopards in Zimbabwe?
Leopard hunting in Zimbabwe is legal and undertaken in various regions throughout the country.
What methods are used to hunt leopards in Zimbabwe?
Leopard hunting in Zimbabwe is usually undertaken through baiting or using hounds to corner this highly elusive African cat.
Does Zimbabwe offer free-range hunts?
Zimbabwe does offer free-range hunting safaris, with areas such as the Save Valley Conservancy and other concessions providing hunters with free-range hunting experiences.
Conclusion
If you want an unforgettable leopard hunting safari, the Save Valley Conservancy is the place to go. Offering free-range hunting in authentic African wilderness, with abundant wildlife and a wide array of species, it is not surprising that the Save Valley Conservancy’s reputation precedes it.