Save Valley Cape Buffalo & Plains Game Safari
Booking Season: 2026
Hunt Difficulty: Difficult
Designed by Hunters, for Hunters
Comfortable 3-star safari tented accommodation in the Save Valley hunting area, with en-suite bathrooms, hot and cold running water, daily housekeeping, laundry service, and meals prepared in camp. The camp is practical, comfortable, and well suited to a 7-day hippo and plains game safari in Zimbabwe.
Free-range hunting area in the Save Valley Conservancy, one of Zimbabwe’s best-known dangerous game regions. The area offers river systems, thick bush, and open country suited to hippo hunting and plains game, including blue wildebeest, bushpig, and Chapman’s zebra.
| Fence Type: | Free-range |
| Nearest Airport Name: | Harare International Airport |
| Nearest Airport Distance: | Approximately 5 hours by road |
| Nearest Town Name: | Harare |
| Nearest Town Distance: | Approximately 5 hours by road |
| Transfer From Airport: | Yes |
This 7-day Save Valley safari combines Hippo Hunts with selected plains game in one of Zimbabwe's most respected dangerous game areas. Designed for American and international hunters, the safari includes trophy fees, transfers, dip and pack, government taxes, and support with rifle permits on arrival in Zimbabwe. The package includes one trophy bull hippo, blue wildebeest, bushpig, and Chapman's zebra, giving hunters a strong mix of river hunting, plains game tracking, and classic African safari variety.
Beyond the species included, this safari highlights why Zimbabwe has long been recognised as one of Africa's leading destinations for big game hunting. Vast unfenced wilderness, healthy wildlife populations, and traditional fair-chase hunting allow hunters to experience an authentic African safari where every stalk is earned and each day in the field offers something different.
Price: US$16,930 All-In
Duration: 7 Hunting Days / 8 Nights
Hunter Ratio: 1 Hunter : 1 Dangerous Game Professional Hunter
Species Included:
Observers Welcome: US$350 per person per day
This safari has been designed as a comprehensive package, with virtually all major hunting costs included before you arrive in Zimbabwe. This allows you to focus on your safari without worrying about unexpected charges once you reach camp.
The package includes:
The following items remain the hunter's responsibility:
Hippo hunting in Zimbabwe is at its best in areas like Save Valley, where river systems, thick cover, and experienced dangerous game PHs all play a role. This hunt is not physically demanding, but it does require patience, calm shooting, and proper shot placement.
The plains game side of the safari keeps the days active, with blue wildebeest, bushpig, and Chapman’s zebra adding variety to the package. This makes it a well-rounded option for hunters wanting dangerous game and plains game hunts in one safari.
Hunters will fly into Harare International Airport, where they will be met on arrival for the road transfer to Save Valley Conservancy. The drive takes approximately five hours, depending on road conditions and stops along the way.
Harare is one of the main entry points for hunting in Zimbabwe and gives straightforward access to Save Valley. The route passes through rural towns, open country, and typical Zimbabwean bushveld before reaching the conservancy.
The Save Valley Conservancy is vast, wild, and well known for dangerous game and plains game hunting. It is a strong area for a hippo and plains game safari, with river systems, thick cover, and open country all forming part of the hunting experience.
Accommodation is in comfortable 3-star safari tents inside the Save Valley hunting camp. The tents are simple, practical, and well suited to a proper hippo hunting in Zimbabwe safari, with en-suite bathrooms, hot and cold running water, and showers.
Meals are prepared daily by the camp chef, with breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, and beverages included in the package. Game meat from the safari may also be served in camp, giving hunters a real taste of the area.
After a day of hippo and plains game hunting, camp offers exactly what is needed: a good meal, a hot shower, and a comfortable place to rest before the next day.
This 7-day Zimbabwe hunting safari in Save Valley is built around a trophy bull hippo, with blue wildebeest, bushpig, and Chapman’s zebra included in the package.
The main focus is hippo hunting in Zimbabwe, and this hunt requires patience, calm shooting, and good judgement. Hippo are often hunted close to water, where shot placement matters and a poor shot can quickly mean a lost trophy.
Blue wildebeest add a different challenge. They are tough, alert animals and usually need careful tracking, a steady rest, and a well-placed shot.
Chapman’s zebra bring another classic African trophy into the package. Their sharp senses and herd movement can make the stalk more difficult than many hunters expect.
Bushpig hunting adds a completely different element to the safari. Usually active at night, bushpig are often hunted over bait, bringing a nocturnal side to the hunt.
The Save Valley’s river systems, open country, and thick bush make this a well-rounded safari, combining dangerous game pressure with plains game variety. Exportable hippo quota is limited, so availability should be confirmed before planning travel.
What makes this Save Valley safari memorable is not simply the trophy list, but the variety of hunting it offers. Over seven days, hunters may glass riverbanks for a mature hippo, track blue wildebeest across open country, wait patiently for a nocturnal bushpig, and stalk Chapman's zebra through the Zimbabwean bushveld. Each species demands a different approach, ensuring that no two days in the field feel the same.
Combined with the vast, unfenced wilderness of the Save Valley Conservancy and the guidance of veteran Professional Hunters, this safari delivers the kind of authentic African hunt that continues to attract sportsmen from around the world. It is an excellent choice for hunters looking to combine dangerous game with classic plains game in one well-rounded package.
If you're comparing destinations or looking for other African safari options, explore our collection of Hunting Trips to discover professionally guided hunts across Southern and East Africa. You can also visit our guide to African Hunting Safari Prices to better understand typical safari costs, what is usually included, and how to compare hunting packages with confidence before booking your next adventure.
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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