Leopard Hunting in Zimbabwe 14 x Days in Hwange
Booking Season: 2025
Hunt Difficulty: Difficult
Designed by Hunters, for Hunters
*** Observers welcome at US$ 250/day per person
Rifle Rental optional at US$ 30/day (ammunition at cost)
Zimbabwe, with its natural beauty and wildlife is one of Africa’s premium game hunting destinations, offering international hunters an authentic “free-range” African hunting safari. For centuries Zimbabwe has attracted international hunters and explorers such as the famous explorer, Doctor Livingston, who traveled the country documenting the diverse variety of wildlife and natural wonders. Zimbabwe produces top quality big five trophies, especially Leopard, Lion, Cape Buffalo and Elephant.
Whether hunters are hunting the Zambezi Valley, Lake Kariba, Save Valley Conservancy or the Hwange districts, hunting in Zimbabwe offers an unforgettable adventure. The Gache Gache region and Lake Kariba offer prime hunting opportunities for Giant Crocodiles and Hippo, both species requiring specific hunting methods.
Hwange (Campfire Area) is a community management area, providing some of the best Elephant hunting opportunities in Zimbabwe. The hunting concession starts near the Victoria Falls in the north, and runs along the Zambezi River to the Gwaai River mouth, approximately 95 miles downstream. The concessions western and southern boundaries border the game rich area of the Hwange National Park. The Hwange concession is well known for big five hunts, producing excellent quality Elephant, Lion and Cape Buffalo, along with a variety of plains game.
With the Hwange concession stretching more than 125 miles on the Zambezi River, aquatic hunts for Hippo and Nile Crocodile are popular, with the area providing some of the best Tiger fishing in Africa. Hwange, together with Matetsi, Kazuma, Zambezi and Pandamasui National Park forms one of Africa’s largest wilderness areas, in excess of 16 000 square miles. The Hwange National Park has an Elephant population in excess of 54000, the highest in all of Africa. The park can only hold 15 000 Elephant. Due to this over population, Elephants cross over to the Hwange Community Management Area in search of food and water. This influx of Elephant make the Hwanga CMA a perfect destination for Elephant hunting safaris.
The terrain in Hwange varies from hill country to miombo woodlands, with riverine forests and open savanna. The hunting area is perfect for fair chase “walk and stalk” dangerous game hunts.
Lindon’s family have been conducting hunting safaris in Zimbabwe since 1987, hunting the Hwange, Makuti and Mashura areas. In 2015, Lindon won the award for the largest aquatic animal shot in Zimbabwe, a Nile Crocodile measuring 15,3 feet. In 2016, Lindon won the largest Sable shot and swiftly followed up in 2017 winning Zimbabwe’s prestigious award of Professional hunter of the year. Lindon in well known throughout the hunting industry and has a reputation for delivering world class trophies.
This program, established in the 1980’s, is Zimbabwe’s most successful community oriented models of conservation. This initiative empowers local and rural communities, to directly benefit and manage Zimbabwe’s wildlife on communal lands. In Africa, “if it pays it stays”. Funds are then channeled to fund essential projects such as hospitals, schools, roads and infrastructure. This conservation model has directly impacted communities by providing financial incentive models which ensure and promote sustainable land management, thus encouraging residents to view Zimbabwe’s game animals as invaluable resources.
Lake Kariba provides an ideal habitat for both Hippos and Crocodiles. Big game hunting in this region is a test of patience, skill, and precision. Hippos, often seen lazing in the water during the day, can become aggressive when disturbed. Proper shot placement is crucial, targeting the brain or vital organs for an ethical and effective harvest. The sheer size and power of a Hippo demands respect.
Hunting a Hippo is not just about taking the shot; it’s about reading the environment, understanding their behavior, and waiting for the perfect moment. With their eyes and nostrils positioned high on their heads, Hippos can remain mostly submerged, making them difficult to approach.
Crocodile hunting, on the other hand, requires stealth and strategy. These ancient reptiles are masters of camouflage, lurking silently along the water’s edge or basking in the sun. A successful Crocodile hunt demands a well-placed shot to the spine or brain to prevent the animal from slipping into the water.
Crocodiles are patient ambush predators, capable of remaining motionless for hours. Be careful, that the hunter does not become the hunted.
Planning your hunting safari to Zimbabwe marks the beginning of an incredible hunting adventure. Hunters arriving for the hunting safari will land at Victoria Falls International Airport, usually entering Zimbabwe via South Africa, Oliver Rambo International Airport. Depending on flight times following your arrival in SA and departure to Zimbabwe, it may be required to spend a night in Johannesburg.
Airlink is recommended for the to and return flight from Oliver Tambo and Victoria Falls. 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 in Johannesburg. 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.
On arrival, you will be met by Lindon, or a member of his team who will assist with any rifle import permits The hunting lodge is situation 70 miles downstream from the Victoria Falls, and transfer to the concession will be by road, using a suitable 4 x 4 vehicle.
A luxurious retreat awaits you on arrival at the Sidinda camp. The main lodge, built with a combination of natural stone, wood, and thatch, blends effortlessly into the surrounding wilderness. Inspired by traditional Batonka design, the lodge features beautifully appointed chalets perched on stilts, providing breathtaking views of the mighty Zambezi River. Each chalet is carefully placed to ensure privacy while offering front-row seats to the sights and sounds of the African landscape.
Nestled beneath a canopy of towering Tamarind trees, the camp offers a peaceful and secluded atmosphere. The cool shade of the trees, combined with the gentle rustling of leaves in the breeze, provides a welcome escape from the midday heat. The camp’s lush gardens, filled with vibrant local flora, attract a variety of birds and small wildlife, making it feel like you’re truly immersed in nature.
Inside the chalets, you will be treated to a perfect blend of rustic charm and modern luxury. The spacious interiors feature handcrafted furniture, soft linens, and tasteful African-inspired decor that celebrates the region’s rich heritage. Large windows and private decks invite the outdoors in, allowing you to wake up to the tranquil sounds of the river and enjoy a sun-downer as the sun sets over the water.
Traveling to go safari hunting to Zimbabwe may require certain vaccinations and health precautions. Hunters are advised to consult their healthcare providers to ensure they are up to date on routine vaccines and to discuss other recommended vaccinations. These include Yellow Fever, Hepatitis, and Typhoid. Malaria prevention is essential for hunting in Zimbabwe. Anti-malarial medications, mosquito repellent, and protective clothing are recommended for hunters to reduce the risk of malaria.
Zimbabwe has a wide variety of sites that are definitely with visiting:
If any further information is required re this hunt in Zimbabwe, contact our team at Game Hunting Safaris, or message Lindon directly using the quick links provided. Should you wish to check availability, submit your preferred dates using the “Request to Book” link and Lindon 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
Needing assistance with firearm permits and international travel services, or good taxidermists? View our affiliated companies
View Affiliated Services
