About this hunt

Buffalo hunting in Zimbabwe, 10 Days in Mateke Hills, Masvingo

10 x Days Cape Buffalo Hunting  US$ 22 500

Hunt “Free Range” Cape Buffalo on more than 150 000 Acres 

Observers are welcome to join the Hunting Safari at US$ 350/day/per person

Rifle hire (375H&H and bigger with ammunition): $60 per day

Safari Pricing:

•  Daily Rates US$ 13 500
• Cape Buffalo Trophy Fee US $ 9 000

Total Price: US$ 22 500 (Including Government Taxes)

Buffalo Hunting in Zimbabwe Inclusions:

• Luxurious Accommodation
• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and Snacks
• Hot and Cold Beverages, including local Wines and Beer
• On Territory Transport
• 1 x Professional Hunter/Guide
• Field Preparation of Trophies
• Daily Laundry Service & Housekeeping
• African Hunting Guide
• Wi-Fi at the Hunting Lodge

Cape Buffalo Hunting in Zimbabwe, Low-veld Region

The Mateke Hills, situated in the Mwenezi Province forms part of the famous low-veld region in Zimbabwe. In close proximity, is the Save Valley Conservancy, another sought after hunting area, boasting Africa’s big five. The Gonarezhou National Park, a popular tourist destination is situated in the south-eastern low-veld of Zimbabwe. The low-veld region is considered a good hunting area, especially for Elephant, Cape Buffalo and Leopard, following Zimbabwe’s CAMPFIRE principles which annually contribute between US$ 25 and US$ 30 million per year.

.Buffalo Hunting Safari Exclusions:

• Non-hunting Observers
• Extra guide Fee @ US$ 250/day
• Rifle Rental @ US$ 60/day
• Gratuities to Staff (at the hunter’s discretion)
• Dip and Pack pf Trophies
• Any Pre or Post Safari Accommodations
• International Travel Costs and Travel Insurance
• Additional Animals not included in the Safari
• Visa payable on entry in Zimbabwe (US$ 30)
• Temporary Rifle Import Permits (No Costs Involved) 
• TR2 Form: US$ 5 (Authorization to hunt, declaration of harvested game, export application form)
• Road Transfers to/from Bulawayo Airport US$ 1000

Buffalo Hunting in Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe offers hunters excellent opportunities in the Masvingo Province. This concession is well known for having large herds of Buffalo, solitary “Dagga Boys” and producing exceptional quality of trophies.

Cape Buffalo are the most dream after species to hunt in Africa, but a Cape Buffalo needs to be treated with great respect. These animals, weighing in at over 2000 pounds, are even more dangerous and aggressive when wounded. The rugged terrain of the Mateke Hills, with its dense thickets and open grasslands, creates an ideal habitat for Buffalo hunting. Cape Buffalo are classified by the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) as a species of “least concern” and as such a Cites permit is not required when Buffalo hunting in Zimbabwe.

Your  Outfitter on the Hunting Safari

Operating since 2013, Storm offers dangerous and plains game hunting safaris in South Africa, Mozambique and Zimbabwe and is highly respected in the hunting fraternity. Loved by clients, with a history of success, Storm will commit 110% to ensure that clients harvest their dream African trophy. In South Africa, Storm offers a wide range of Plains Game and Cape Buffalo, with dangerous game hunts for “Africa’s big four” in Mozambique and Zimbabwe.

Lodging and Accommodations

Reaching Mateke Hills, you will discover a beautifully designed camp that will immerse you in the essence of the African bush. Lodgings offer a blend of comfort and connection to nature, creating a serene retreat after a hard days Buffalo hunting.

A standout feature of your stay is the exquisite cuisine. Each meal is a celebration of African flavors, highlighting local ingredients and culinary traditions. From savory stews to freshly grilled game, dishes are crafted elevate your experience of the region. Dining under a starry sky, with the warmth of a fire and the distant sounds of wildlife, enhances the magic of your evenings. 

Traveling to the Mateke Hills Concession

Mapping out your trip to the Mateke Hills in Mwenezi District is a fantastic way to embark on an extraordinary African hunting safari. For this Cape Buffalo hunt, you will need to enter Zimbabwe via Bulawayo International Airport, one of Zimbabwe’s primary international gateways. Carriers such as South African Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, and Qatar Airways provide seamless connections through major transit points such as Johannesburg, Addis Ababa, and Doha.

Depending on flight times, it may be more viable to spend a night in Johannesburg if you choose to reach Bulawayo via Oliver Tambo Airport. Airlink is recommended for the return flight to Bulawayo Flights are affordable (+- US$ 400 return), on time and importantly serve “adult beverages”.

Airlink also has facilities in place for rifles transfers. We would recommend African Sky Boutique Hotel situated near OR Tambo Airport. Management can arrange transfers to and from African Sky/OR Tambo and also assist with any firearm permits. For further information, see our “Affiliated Services“ link below. The road transfer from Bulawayo to Mateke Hills takes approximately three hours, depending on conditions.

Buffalo Hunting Season in Zimbabwe

Cape Buffalo hunts may be conducted all year round, but the cooler and drier months from early April to late October are preferred.In the warmer months, insect activity increases, such as pepper ticks which can make the consequences of walking through the brush even more of a challenge. Mosquitoes and other small pests are also far more active in the warmer and wetter conditions. In high temperatures, the risk of dehydration also increases and the importance of maintaining hydration is critical. With that being said, a Cape Buffalo hunt in Zimbabwe is great anytime of the year, it is a privilege!!

Rifles and Calibers when Buffalo Hunting

A .375 loaded with quality ammunition is the very sensible minimum caliber. Larger rifles such as .404, .458. .458 Lott will get the job done. Double rifles such as a .470, .500 or 600 Nitro Express certainly have stopping power. As a standard rule, hunt Buffalo with a rifle that you are comfortable with and can shoot accurately. Bring “enough gun”!!

Rifles, permits and restrictions when hunting in Zimbabwe

There is no limit to the number of firearms a hunter may import in Zimbabwe for game hunting purposes.

• Handguns are allowed for hunting on private land and communal/tribal land but not on government concessions. A special permit is necessary from the general director of the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZPWMA).
• No automatic or semi-automatic firearms are allowed, except a semi-automatic shotgun for bird hunting purposes.
• Black powder rifles are allowed with a minimum calibre .40 for hunting purposes.
• A maximum of one hundred (100) rounds of ammunition may be imported per hunting rifle.
• There is no fee for a firearm permit for rifles or shotguns
• Application for a temporary firearm import permit for Zimbabwe can be made on arrival at the
  port of entry.

This Buffalo hunting safari offers not only breathtaking vistas, but a rich immersion into the vibrant culture and stunning landscapes that Zimbabwe has to offer.

If any further information is required re this Cape Buffalo hunt in Zimbabwe, contact our team at Game Hunting Safaris, or message Storm directly using the quick links provided.

Should you wish to check availability, submit your preferred dates using the “Request to Book” link and Storm will revert.

Please note that terms, conditions and price are subject to change without notice and rates at the time of the hunt will apply