Rifle rental available at $100 per day
*** Observers are welcome at $375 per night
If you’re searching for a once-in-a-lifetime hunting adventure, Hippo and Crocodile hunting on Lake Cahora Bassa should be at the top of your list. Known for its untouched wilderness and abundant wildlife, this area offers one of the most unique and remote hunting experiences in all of Africa.
Hunting Hippos and Crocodiles on Lake Cahora Bassa in Mozambique offers a unique and challenging experience for seasoned hunters. This expansive lake, fed by the Zambezi River, is renowned for its large populations of both species, making it a prime destination for dangerous game hunting. Hunting in Mozambique is a true “Free-Range” hunting adventure for international trophy hunters.
The optimal hunting season on Lake Cahora Bassa spans from May to July. During these cooler months, crocodiles are more active due to their breeding season, and water levels are typically lower, making both crocodile and hippo more accessible.
Add any of the below species to your hunt and only pay the Trophy Fee. Travel would be required from Lake Cahora Bassa to Niassa)
Species | Trophy Fee | Species | Trophy Fee |
Duiker common | US$1450 | Hyena | US$4250 |
Hartebeest Lichtenstein | US$3250 | Kudu | US$3500 |
Impala Johnstons | US$1350 | Sable Roosevelt | US$5500 |
Warthog | US$990 | Waterbuck Defassa | US$3750 |
Zebra Boehms’ | US$4250 | Baboon | US$395 |
Wildebeest Niassa | US$4500 | Reedbuck Common | US$1400 |
Bushpig | US$1250 |
To reach the hunting area on Lake Cahorra Bassa, you have some options;
Once in Tete, you have two options for reaching your hunting camp near Lake Cahora Bassa:
Upon arrival at camp, you’ll be welcomed to a place where rustic charm meets comfort. The camp blends seamlessly with the surrounding natural beauty, offering the perfect retreat after a long day hunting. The accommodations are simple yet comfortable, providing everything you need, cozy beds, hearty meals, and a relaxed atmosphere to unwind and reflect on the day’s experiences.
Here, the true spirit of Africa is never far away, and you’ll be immersed in the sights and sounds of the bush, setting the stage for an unforgettable hunting experience.
The main Camp has electricity (generator) and you will have access to WiFi.
Juan and his team are a living tribute to the golden era of East African safari, when canvas, courage, and character defined the sport. carries on the ethos of a bygone time with grit, grace, and respect for the land.
Operating near Lake Cahora Bassa for this Hippo and Crocodile hunt, Juan and team also offer dangerous game hunts, in Coutada Marangira near Mozambique’s Niassa Reserve including Cape Buffalo, Lion, and Leopard and Elephant, conducted on foot, guided by seasoned professional hunters, who value fair chase and deep bush experience over modern shortcuts.
Each hunt is a slow, deliberate journey, where trackers move like shadows and the crack of a .375 echoes through acacia groves like a memory from 1950s Tanganyika. Clients are welcomed not as tourists but as fellow adventurers, those who revere the old ways, who savor black coffee at dawn and whisky by firelight at dusk.
Here you don’t just hunt game, you chase history!!
Hippo Hunts on Lake Cahora Bassa mostly use boats for transportation and the Hippo stalks will be conducted along the shorelines of Cahora Bassa. Your dangerous game professional hunter will be highly experienced and is very familiar with the waterways, shorelines and estuaries.
As the trophy Hippo may be taken on land or in the water, an in-depth understanding of Hippo Shot Placement is critical. A well-placed bullet into the brain will see the Hippo quietly slide under the water, ensuring a quick and humane kill. Hippo scull bones are incredibly thick protecting the brain. Hunters will have to patiently wait for the decomposition gasses in the stomach to ensure the Hippo floats to the surface. This process can take between an hour or four hours.
As the hunting area is just so large, boats are used to traverse the shorelines to spot a big Crocodiles sunning on the embankments.
Once a suitable Crocodile is identified, you will stalk to within shooting distance, which can range from between thirty yards to one hundred yards. With the Crocodiles acute senses, approaching the Crocodile undetected is a lot more challenging than many hunters realize. They have incredible vision, hearing and smell and can detect vibration in the ground through specialized sensory organs on their skin called “integumentary sensory organs”. Be prepared to walk in your socks.
When considering Crocodile Shot Placement, it is well advised to do extensive research. This Apex predator is a perfectly designed killing machine with a prehistoric golf ball sized brain focused purely on one thing: death and he is not too particular as to where the next meal comes from. A well-placed bullet needs to penetrate the brain and a second follow up directly into the spine. A third follow up bullet then needs to enter the vital organs.
A misplaced shot will see your trophy Crocodile slide back into the deep waters of Lake Cahora Bassa making a follow up, or recovery of the trophy exceptionally difficult, if not impossible.
As discussed in shot placement, the majority of kill shots are going to be focused on penetration the brain by breaking through the scull. A minimum caliber of a .375 with 300 grain tips capable of penetrating is required. Swift A Frame has some great varieties, are readily available and hold weight retention, but Hornady and many other manufactures produce high quality rounds which are more than suited.
High quality optics are required as shooting needs to execute with precision. If you are planning to hunt a Hippo out of the water, larger calibers such as a .458, .416 and a suitable double will get the job done.
Yes you can. You will need a valid firearm permit before you arrive in Mozambique, which Juan and his team will arrange.
They will need a scanned color copy of your passport, a color copy of a passport size photograph in Jpeg format, US Citizens, a copy of the customs declaration form 4457, or a copy of the firearm license, proof of travel itinerary, details such as: home address, contact numbers, email etc.
If you are going to travel through South Africa and overnight, you will need to complete a SAPS 520 form on arrival. Each hunter is allowed a maximum of three firearms to Mozambique, with a maximum of 100 rounds per firearm.
Mozambique is a malaria-prone area, so consult with your medical practitioner for prophylactic medication. Ensure your routine vaccinations, including hepatitis and tetanus, are up to date. A yellow fever vaccination may be required depending on your travel history.
With Niassa Province being so remote and true wilderness, pack a small medical kit to include items such as: contact lens solutions, headache tablets, re-hydrate and “anti-rash” cream.
Mozambique is vibrant destination which captures the hearts of adventure seekers with its diverse attractions and awe-inspiring natural beauty. From Mozambique’s pristine beaches to famous islands, Mozambique promises unforgettable moments and an adventure like no other.
Activities Include: Deep sea fishing, plus rock and surf, diving, wind surfing, snorkeling, dhou trips, bird watching and more!!!
If any additional information is required pertaining to this Hippo and Crocodile Hunt in Mozambique, please message our team at Game Hunting Safaris, or Juan directly using the quick link icons provided. To check availability, insert preferred dates and “Request to Book”. Juan and team will revert accordingly.
Please note that terms, conditions and price are subject to change without notice and rates at the time of the hunt will apply
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