Trophy Hunting in Zimbabwe, Plains Game in Matetsi Unit 2
Booking Season: 2026
Hunt Difficulty: Moderate
Designed by Hunters, for Hunters
Hunt Non-Trophy Cape Buffalo in the sought after Low-veld region of Zimbabwe. The low-veld conservancy is one of Zimbabwe’s most popular big game hunting areas, famous for hosting world class Cape Buffalo hunts.
7 x Days and 8 x Nights Cape Buffalo Hunting
1 x Hunter 1 x Professional Hunter
*** Hunt “Free Range” Cape Buffalo on more than 850 000 acres!!
*** Rifle Rental Available at US$ 80/ hunting day (excluding cost of Ammunition)
*** Observers welcome at US$ 300 per person per day.
*** Additional Plains Game Antelope are available, see schedule below.
This non-trophy Cape Buffalo hunt is geared towards hunting mature bulls over 12 years old, with a spread of not more than 38”. Still a tank of Cape Buffalo !! Some of the most incredible Cape Buffalo trophies have large bosses and a shorter spread, making them no less of a trophy.
For Cape Buffalo hunters wanting to experience the Lowveld region of Zimbabwe and hunt Cape Buffalo, this is the hunt for you.
Zimbabwe is one of Africa’s premier buffalo hunting destinations, rich with natural beauty and diverse wildlife. Well known for its variety of dangerous and plains game, the Low-veld region of Zimbabwe offers hunters the experience of an authentic “Free-Range” African safari.
A Cape Buffalo hunt in Zimbabwe offers hunters varied landscapes and wildlife encounters that only a handful of destinations can compete with. Zimbabwe’s big game and natural wonders have drawn explorers, such as the famous Dr. David Livingstone and hunters for centuries. Hunting in Zimbabwe allows hunters to pursue Africa’s dangerous 7, with the exception of White and Black Rhino).
Beyond this Cape Buffalo hunt, Zimbabwe offers exceptional sights like the famous Victoria Falls and safaris in the Zambezi Valley. Zimbabwe’s game diversity, combined with a developing infrastructure makes the country a perfect choice for both seasoned, and novice hunters.
If Free-Range trophy Cape Buffalo hunting is on your bucket list, the Low-veld area is one of Africa’s most sought after hunting blocks.
Total Cost of the Hunting Safari US$ 17 050
If you want a challenging authentic hunt in Zimbabwe, then this non-trophy Cape Buffalo hunt is the one you have been looking for!
Zimbabwe offers hunters excellent opportunities in areas such as the Lowveld, Matetsi and Zambezi Valley. These areas are well known for having large herds of Buffalo, solitary “Dagga Boys” and exceptional quality of trophies.
Cape Buffalo are the most dreamed 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 when wounded. A Cape Buffalo does not forgive or forget. This Cape Buffalo hunt will focus on big mature bulls, over the age of 12 years, with a spread measuring less than 38”, which remains exceptional.
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.
The Southern Zimbabwe Conservancy is a private wilderness, of over 850 000 acres, situated in the low-veld region of southern Zimbabwe, home to the largest and most diverse variety of African game.
It is undoubtedly one of Zimbabwe’s premier big game hunting destinations, divided into nine hunting areas. Each area is strategically situated to ensure hunters are given the best opportunities at the target species they wish to pursue. They all have their own unique and exclusive hunting lodge stylishly built into the landscape. Chalets consist of two-bedroom units, with on suite bathroom facilities providing all the necessary comforts for discerning hunters and their fair-weather hunting companions.
Under a separate roof are the tastefully designed lounge, dining room and kitchen. Lodges have a fire pit where hunting stories of past and present are shared, with a swimming pool for hunters wishing to soak away the dust after a hard day Buffalo hunting.
Dean, born and bred in Zimbabwe has been hunting and offering game hunting safaris for more than twenty years, with a passion for Buffalo, Elephant, Lion and Leopard hunts.
Dean has also hunted SA, Namibia, Cameroon, Ethiopia, Benin and Mozambique adding a wealth of experience to this Cape Buffalo hunt, with many interesting stories and hunting adventures to share around the campfire. Dean’s philosophy it is not about the hunt, but the experience and memories to last a lifetime. You will be in good hands on this Cape Buffalo Hunt.
Dean believes and practices the principles of “fair chase” and Buffalo hunting methods will follow traditional hunting methods, on foot and in “the thick”. This is a dangerous game hunting safari, and you will need to “bring your A game”
A typical Buffalo hunting day will start early at sunrise, after a light breakfast and hot beverage. Waterholes will be checked for sign of fresh spoor and buffalo activity.
Once a suitable track has been identified, you will head out and begin tracking on foot. Shooting will be at close range and with Cape Buffalo, like on any dangerous game hunting safari, hunters have to have a thorough understanding and knowledge of shot placement.
When Buffalo hunting in Zimbabwe, know it takes one bullet to kill the Buffalo, and another good few to convince the Buffalo he is in fact dead.
| Species | Trophy Fee (US$) | Species | Trophy Fee (US$) | |
| 2nd Cape Buffalo < 38 | 4750 | Jackal | 150 | |
| 2nd Cape Buffalo < 35 | 3750 | Kudu Bull > 53″ | 2200 | |
| Baboon | 50 | Vervet Monkey | 50 | |
| Brown Hyena | 1000 | Warthog > 11″ | 600 | |
| Spotted Hyena | 750 | Waterbuck > 26″ | 2200 | |
| Duiker | 350 | Zebra Stallion | 1200 | |
| Trophy Impala | 300 | |||
| ON SPECIAL REQUEST | ||||
| Limpopo Bushbuck | 1250 | Klipspringer | 1250 | |
| Bushpig | 700 | Nyala | 4250 | |
| Caracal | 1000 | Porcupine | 500 | |
| Civet | 700 | Serval | 1500 | |
| Eland | 2500 | Wildebeest | 1500 | |
| Honey Badger | 700 |
There is a limit of 3 firearms a hunter may import in Zimbabwe for game hunting purposes.
Mapping out your trip to the Low-veld, is a fantastic way to embark on an extraordinary African safari.
For this Cape Buffalo hunt, hunters 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.
Buffalo hunting safaris 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.
A .375 loaded with quality ammunition is the very sensible minimum caliber. On a Cape Buffalo hunt, we often hear “bring enough gun”.
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.
If any further information is required re this Cape Buffalo hunt in Zimbabwe, contact our team at Game Hunting Safaris, or message Dean directly.
Please note that terms, conditions and price are subject to change without notice and rates at the time of the hunt will apply
Needing assistance with firearm permits and international travel services, or good taxidermists? View our affiliated companies
View Affiliated Services 
