Trophy Hunting in Zimbabwe, Plains Game in Matetsi Unit 2
Booking Season: 2024/25
Hunt Difficulty: Moderate
Designed by Hunters, for Hunters
1 x Hunter 1 x Professional Hunter
*** Observers are welcome at US$ 300 per person per day
*** Matetsi Unit 2 Offers trophy Elephants upwards of 45 Pounds
*** Rifle rental available at US$ 80/ hunting day (ammunition at cost)
The US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) regulates the import of Elephant trophies and applications are made on a “case by case” basis. Hunters will also need an ESA (Endangered Species Act). Zimbabwe has legislation in place to effectively implement the basic requirements of CITES.
The USFWS amended their rule to address concerns about the international trade of Elephants and increase transparency of their permit decision making, while aligning U.S. requirements with assistance and guidance from CITES. Companies such as Conservation force can assist with individual applications.
Matetsi Safari Areas are some of the most sought-after hunting blocks in Zimbabwe, and for very good reasons. The hunting concessions boast healthy populations of Lion, Leopard, Cape Buffalo and of course big Trophy Elephants, with an abundance of plains game and specialty animals. Matetsi is also well known for large populations of Sable, the “Prince of Africa”.
The Matetsi Safari area is one of the largest hunting areas in Zimbabwe, consisting of seven separate concessions, combined all covering a game hunting area of more than 1200 square miles. These hunting blocks stretch from the Hwange National Park in the south, and the Zambezi River in the north. The Matetsi River flows through the southern areas.
Elephant Hunting[/caption]
Matetsi Unit 2 hunting concession is situated in the West and is 80,000 acres of prime unfenced true fair chase hunting.
The hunting lodge is only a 2-hour drive from the famous Victoria Falls with Botswana, Unit 1, Unit 4 and Kazuma Forest making up the boundaries of Matetsi Unit 2.
Habitat on the concession varies from large open vlei's, mopane woodland, natural springs, flat top hills to thick teak forests on the Gusu Ridge in the Northwest. The Matetsi River runs through the length of the hunting concession along with other smaller rivers and streams passing through. The Tshabolisa, Tsankaruka and Guyu Rivers all ensure year-round water for the abundant wildlife.
Matetsi Unit 2 is known worldwide for trophy quality of Elephant, Leopard, Cape Buffalo and big black maned Lions; it is also one of only two areas in Zimbabwe where a permit can be obtained for the hunting of a Roan antelope.
Besides Africa’s “Big five”, Matetsi has a wide variety of animals including, Giraffe, Kudu, Zebra Sable, Eland and Wildebeest to name a few. “Night Critters” include African Wild Cats, Servals, Genets and Honey Badgers. The area also has healthy populations of Spotted Hyena, with African Wild Dogs also traversing the concessions.
Matetsi Private Game Reserve in Zimbabwe is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including large herds of elephants and buffalo, as well as lions, leopards, and various other animals and bird species, and is also home to a variety of flora. More than 350 species of birds, along with monitor Lizards, Hippo and Giant Crocodile are found in Matetsi. The Zambezi River boasts more than 700 species of freshwater fish.
Hunting concessions support a wide variety of plant life, including trees such as the Albida (a favorite for Giraffe), with the Zambezi River provide unique ecosystems for a variety of fauna and flora.
Hunting Elephants in Zimbabwe is one of the greatest adventures of African big game hunting. An Elephant hunt has always attracted international hunters who seek the challenge of stalking and taking down Africa’s largest land mammal.
On this Elephant hunt, traditional methods of “fair chase” will apply where hunters cut fresh tracks at either a waterhole or crossing. Should a suitable spoor be identified, hunters will then set out on foot, follow the tracks and hope to get a glimpse of the ivory before making a decision to stalk and hunt the bull, or look for alternatives. Elephants travel long distances, so you will need to be in a reasonable state of fitness
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 Elephant hunt, with many interesting stories and hunting adventures to share around the campfire. Dean’s philosophy is not about only the actual hunt, but about the experience and memories to last a lifetime. You will be in good hands on this Trophy Elephant hunt in Zimbabwe.
Matetsi Hunting Accommodation[/caption]
The hunting lodge is beautifully located on a small hill overlooking a typical Matetsi vlei.
The lodge consists of three thatched "rondavels" all with bathrooms en-suite and Air Coolers. There is Wi-Fi in camp.
The lodge has 220v permanent electricity with a back up generator. A separate thatched unit includes a bar, dining area and fire pit facing to the west, giving the most incredible views of the African sunsets.
Elephant 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 Trophy Elephant hunt in Zimbabwe is a privilege anytime.For this trophy Elephant hunt, hunters will need to enter Zimbabwe via Victoria Falls International Airport, one of Zimbabwe’s primary international gateways.
Depending on flight times, it may be more viable to spend a night in Johannesburg if you choose Victoria Falls via Oliver Tambo Airport. Airlink is recommended for the return flight to Victoria Falls which are affordable (+- US$ 400 return), on time and serve "adult beverages".Airlink also have 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 Victoria Falls International Airport will take approximately two hours.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 which is needed on an Elephant hunt. As a standard rule, hunt Elephant with a rifle that you are comfortable with and can shoot accurately.
Zimbabwe is a captivating tourist destination renowned for its beautiful natural landscapes, wildlife, rich cultural heritage and offering a vast variety of experiences ranging from wildlife safaris to exploring ancient ruins. Some of the best non-hunting activities include visits to:
Hunt trophy Elephant in the world famous Matetsi area, this is an African hunt not to be missed.
If any further information is required re this Elephant hunt in Zimbabwe, contact our team at Game Hunting Safaris, or message Dean directly using the quick links provided. Should you wish to check availability, submit your preferred dates using the "Request to Book" link and Dean or Brigitte 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
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