Hunt East African Plains Game in Tanzania's Maasailand

For hunters seeking to indulge in an iconic East African plains game hutnting safari, few destinations rival Tanzania's renowned Maasailand. This 7-day safari takes place in the Makame-Talamai Wildlife Management Area (WMA), within the Simanjiro ecosystem of northern Tanzania.

Vast free-range hunting areas, experienced professional hunters, skilled Maasai trackers, and traditional safari camps combine to create one of Tanzania's premier hunting experiences.

Hunt Summary

Price: US$14,400 per hunter (1x1)

Duration: 7 Hunting Days / 8 Nights

Hunter Ratio: 1 Hunter : 1 Professional Hunter

Bring a Friend: 2 Hunter: 1 Profesional Hunter for US$12,750 each

Observer Rate: US$350 per day

Arrival Airport: Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)

Season: July – December

Add a Cape Buffalo: US$3,500

Why Hunt Plains Game in Maasailand?

Maasailand is one of the few regions in Africa where hunters can pursue such a diverse collection of East African plains game on a single safari. Many of the species found here are endemic to East Africa or recognised as distinct regional subspecies, making them highly sought after by collectors and experienced African hunters.

Combined with expansive unfenced hunting areas, diverse terrain, experienced professional hunters, and knowledgeable Maasai trackers, Maasailand delivers a traditional East African safari in one of Tanzania's most respected hunting destinations.

Home to species such as East African Common Eland, Fringe-eared Oryx, Coke's Hartebeest, White-bearded Wildebeest, Grant's Gazelle, Thomson's Gazelle, and Common Zebra, Maasailand offers an authentic East African plains game safari.

The Terrain

The Tanzanian hunting safari takes place within the Makame-Talamai Wildlife Management Area (WMA), a vast 642 square mile unfenced hunting concession in the heart of Tanzania's Maasailand. Bordering the renowned Simanjiro ecosystem, this wilderness area supports healthy populations of East African plains game while providing an authentic free-range hunting experience.

The concession is characterised by open grasslands, scattered acacia woodland, rocky outcrops, and seasonal river systems that create an ideal habitat for a diverse range of plains game species. Hunting is conducted using traditional spot-and-stalk methods, with hunters covering the concession by vehicle before continuing on foot with their professional hunter and experienced Maasai trackers.

Your Professional Hunter

Giles and his team specialise in traditional East African hunting safaris conducted in free-range wilderness concessions. Years of experience, knowledgeable trackers, and a commitment to ethical hunting ensure that every safari is conducted to the highest standards. The focus remains on delivering an authentic hunting experience built around fair chase principles, quality trophies, and lasting memories.

Traveling to Maasailand

Hunters should arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), where they will be met by the outfitter's team.

From there, a road transfer takes guests into the Simanjiro ecosystem and the Makame-Talamai Wildlife Management Area. The journey through Maasailand provides an excellent introduction to northern Tanzania, with sweeping landscapes, traditional Maasai settlements, and abundant wildlife along the route.

Best Time to Hunt in Maasailand

The hunting season in Tanzania runs from July to December, with the cooler, drier months from July to October generally regarded as the best time to hunt Cape Buffalo in Maasailand. During this period, vegetation is less dense, tracking conditions improve, and wildlife becomes more concentrated around natural water sources.

The combination of comfortable temperatures, excellent visibility, and increased game movement creates ideal conditions for a traditional East African buffalo safari.

Rifle Rental

Hunters wishing to hire a rifle may do so subject to availability.

• 30-06 Springfield or 7mm – US$150 per day including ammunition
• .450 Double Rifle – US$275 per day,  including limited ammunition

Shot Placement on African Game Species

Successful plains game hunting begins with accurate shot placement. Although species vary in size from Thomson's Gazelle to East African Common Eland, the vital organs remain in a similar position. The preferred shot is a broadside or slightly quartering-away presentation, allowing the bullet to pass through the heart and lungs for a quick, ethical harvest.

Throughout your safari, your professional hunter will help assess each opportunity, advising when the animal is correctly positioned before taking the shot. Waiting for the right angle not only increases the likelihood of a clean harvest but also helps preserve trophy quality.

For more information on ethical shot placement and aiming points for a variety of African plains game species, read our detailed African Game Shot Placement Guide before your safari.

Should you decide to add a Cape Buffalo hunt to your safari, this is conducted using traditional walk-and-stalk methods. Each morning begins with trackers searching for fresh spoor before the hunting party follows on foot. Once buffalo are located, hunters carefully use terrain, vegetation, and wind direction to close the distance for safe and ethical Cape buffalo shot placement. Tanzania requires a minimum calibre of .375 for dangerous game hunting.

Whether this is your first safari in Tanzania or another addition to a lifetime of African hunting, this Maasailand adventure delivers an authentic free-range experience in one of East Africa's finest hunting areas. If you're planning future African Hunting Trips, our team can also help customise your safari by combining additional species, destinations, and dangerous game opportunities throughout Africa.