
Accommodation is provided in a traditional East African tented safari camp located within the hunting concession. Spacious en-suite tents offer comfort and privacy while allowing hunters to remain immersed in the sights and sounds of the African wilderness.
The hunting area covers more than 320,000 acres of free-range wilderness and features a mixture of Miombo woodland, thick riverine cover, open plains, and rocky hills. Hunters should expect a combination of vehicle-based searching and tracking on foot, with terrain varying from relatively open country to dense cover where close-range buffalo encounters are common.
| Fence Type: | Free-range |
| Hunting Ground Size: | 160000 ha |
| Nearest Airport Name: | Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) |
| Air Charter Available: | Yes |
This 7-day Cape buffalo hunt takes place within the legendary Selous ecosystem, one of Africa's last great free-range hunting destinations. With access to more than 320,000 acres of wilderness and one Cape buffalo trophy fee included, hunters can experience classic East African dangerous game hunting at its finest.
Safari Snapshot
Price: US$20,000
Duration: 7 Hunting Days (8 Nights)
Hunter Configuration: 1 Hunter | 1 Professional Hunter
Buffalo Included: 1 x Cape Buffalo Trophy Fee Included
Observers: Welcome at US$400 per person per day
Rifle Rental: Available at US$650 for the duration of the safari
Hunting Area: 320,000 Acres of Free-Range Wilderness
Outfitter: Jaco, endorsed by Craig Boddington
This safari is priced at US$20,000 for 1 Hunter | 1 Professional Hunter. Hunters wishing to share the safari may also choose one of the following options:
The Selous remains one of East Africa's most respected destinations for buffalo hunting in Tanzania. Combining vast free-range wilderness, mature Cape buffalo bulls, and traditional fair-chase hunting methods, this safari offers hunters the opportunity to experience dangerous game hunting much as it has been conducted for generations.
The Selous ecosystem, now forming part of Nyerere National Park and the surrounding hunting concessions, remains one of Africa's most respected dangerous game destinations. Covering vast areas of unfenced wilderness, the region is renowned for its healthy buffalo populations, remote hunting blocks, and authentic East African safari experience. Habitat ranges from Miombo woodland and riverine thickets to open plains, rolling hills, and rocky outcrops, creating ideal conditions for both dangerous game and plains game hunting.
The hunting concession itself provides access to more than 320,000 acres of free-range wilderness, while the greater Selous ecosystem extends across millions of acres of protected habitat. The nearby Kilombero and Rufiji river systems support excellent opportunities for both hippo hunts and Nile crocodile hunts, adding further diversity to an already exceptional dangerous game safari.
A Cape buffalo hunt in Tanzania is about far more than simply finding buffalo. Large herds are regularly encountered, but identifying a mature trophy bull and successfully closing the distance is where the challenge begins. Hunting is conducted on foot, following the principles of fair chase and relying heavily on the skills of experienced professional hunters and local trackers who know the area intimately.
A typical hunting day begins before sunrise, searching for fresh spoor along roads, river crossings, and feeding areas. Once suitable tracks are located, the vehicle is left behind and the pursuit continues on foot. Wind direction, terrain, visibility, and buffalo behavior all influence the outcome, ensuring that every stalk presents a different challenge.
For many hunters, this combination of vast wilderness, traditional tracking, and close-range encounters with Africa's Black Death is what makes buffalo hunting in Tanzania one of the continent's greatest dangerous game experiences.
Jaco is a highly respected figure within the international hunting community and is endorsed by renowned hunter and author Craig Boddington. Together with his team, he conducts hunting safaris across multiple African destinations, including Tanzania, Namibia, Botswana, South Africa, and Cameroon.
Over the years, the operation has earned numerous industry accolades, including the Dallas Safari Club Outfitter of the Year Award (2008) and the SCI Outstanding International Hunter of the Year Award (2020). Jaco and his team are also life members of Dallas Safari Club, Safari Club International, and the African Professional Hunters Association.
Their reputation has been built on delivering authentic African hunting experiences while maintaining a strong commitment to ethical hunting practices, conservation, professionalism, and client satisfaction.
This safari also includes limited bird shooting opportunities at no additional cost. Hunters may harvest up to five geese, five duck, five francolin, and five helmeted guinea fowl during the course of the safari.
For hunters, a morning or afternoon spent bird shooting provides a welcome change of pace between buffalo hunting activities and adds another enjoyable dimension to the overall Tanzanian safari experience.
Hunters arrive via Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Depending on flight schedules, an overnight stay in Dar es Salaam may be required before continuing to the hunting area.
The Selous hunting concession is accessed by charter aircraft from Dar es Salaam, with the flight taking approximately one hour. Upon arrival at the bush airstrip, hunters are met by the outfitter's team and transferred directly to camp.
Charter flight costs are not included in the safari price and should be confirmed with the outfitter at the time of booking.
The Selous ecosystem is located within a malaria area, and hunters should consult their physician regarding appropriate preventative medication before traveling to Tanzania. Good walking boots, lightweight clothing, sunscreen, insect repellent, and any personal prescription medication are strongly recommended.
There are currently no mandatory vaccinations for most travelers arriving directly in Tanzania from North America or Europe. However, proof of Yellow Fever vaccination may be required if entering Tanzania from, or transiting through, certain countries where Yellow Fever is present. Hunters should verify the latest requirements with their travel clinic or physician prior to departure.
Understanding proper buffalo shot placement is one of the most important aspects of a successful hunt. On the shooting range, targets are stationary, distances are known, and there is plenty of time to settle behind the rifle. Buffalo hunting in Tanzania is rarely that straightforward.
A mature bull may appear suddenly through a gap in the bush, quartering towards you, partially obscured by vegetation, or standing amongst several other buffalo. Adrenaline levels are high, the shooting position may be less than ideal, and opportunities can disappear as quickly as they appear. This is why hunters should spend time practicing from shooting sticks, offhand positions, and realistic field scenarios before arriving in Africa.
When the moment comes, your professional hunter will guide the shot selection and recommend the best angle to access the vital organs. While broadside and frontal shots are generally preferred, buffalo do not always present the perfect opportunity, and quartering shots may occasionally need to be considered.
A well-placed first shot is the goal on every buffalo hunt. Careful preparation, confidence in your rifle, and an understanding of anatomy will significantly improve your chances of success when the opportunity finally presents itself.
Accommodation is provided in a traditional East African tented safari camp located within the hunting concession. Spacious en-suite tents, attentive camp staff, and modern amenities provide a comfortable base from which to experience one of Africa's great buffalo hunting destinations.
After a day spent tracking Cape buffalo through the Selous, hunters can relax around the campfire, share stories from the day's hunt, and enjoy the atmosphere that has drawn dangerous game hunters to Tanzania for generations.
A Cape buffalo hunt demands adequate stopping power, but the most important consideration is choosing a rifle that you can shoot confidently and accurately under field conditions. Tanzania generally requires a minimum caliber of .375, although many hunters prefer larger calibers such as the .416 Rigby, .458 Lott, or similar dangerous game rifles for additional confidence when hunting buffalo.
While this safari includes one Cape buffalo trophy fee, hunters may add a second Cape buffalo for a trophy fee of US$4,400. The license also provides access to additional hunting opportunities, including hippo hunts, Nile crocodile hunts, and a variety of unique East African plains game species.
For hunters, this creates an opportunity to pursue trophies seldom encountered elsewhere in Africa. Popular additions include Niassa wildebeest (US$975), also known as Johnston's wildebeest, and Lichtenstein's hartebeest (US$975), both of which are highly sought after by collectors interested in East African game. Hunters interested in learning more can explore our guide to wildebeest hunts in Africa.
Hunters looking for something completely different may also wish to consider a hyena hunt. Spotted hyena are available under this license for a trophy fee of US$600 and are frequently encountered within the Selous ecosystem. For those interested in one of Africa's most elusive predators, striped hyena hunts are regarded as a far greater challenge and are available only in a limited number of hunting destinations. Their rarity and nocturnal habits make them a prized trophy for hunters seeking something beyond the traditional dangerous game experience.
These additional species provide an excellent opportunity to maximize your time in Tanzania while pursuing trophies that are rarely available on a single safari.
South Africa has earned its reputation for excellent hunting, comfortable lodges, and outstanding game management. Tanzania offers something different. It is larger, wilder, more remote, no fences, and built around the traditions of classic East African safari hunting.
If the idea of tracking Cape buffalo across vast unfenced wilderness, hunting on foot, and experiencing one of Africa's last great dangerous game destinations appeals to you, then the Selous may be exactly what you are looking for.
For additional information regarding this Cape buffalo hunt in Tanzania, contact the team at Game Hunting Safaris.
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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