Hippo Hunting and Crocodile on Zimbabwe’s Lake Kariba 

This is an incredible opportunity at US$ 24 400 “ALL IN” to hunt Zimbabwe

Jacques, a renowned Big 5 African outfitter has put together an great deal for free-range Hippo and Crocodile hunting in the Sijarira area of Zimbabwe at a great price. Sijarira is situated on the Southwestern shores of Lake Kariba and is truly wild Africa like it was a hundred years ago.

11 x Nights, 10 full days of hunting members of Africa’s Dangerous 7

The dangerous game hunting safari includes:

• Day Fees US$ 11000
• Crocodile Trophy Fee US$ 5900
• Hippo Trophy Fee US$ 5900
• Hunting License US$ 300
• Transfer to and from lodge US$ 700
• Cites Tag (both Hippo & Croc) US$ 600

Total Cost of the hunting safari:  US$ 24 400

 Also included: Services of a dangerous game professional hunter, camp staff, accommodation and meals, hot and cold beverages.

*** Observers are welcome at a cost of US$ 275 per night per person.

Excluded from the fixed rate:

• Rifle Rental (optional) US$250 plus ammunition used.
• Firearm Import Permit US$280
• Gratuities (at the hunter’s discretion)
• Visa entry cost into Zimbabwe US$ 20
• Boat Hire and Fuel (For fishing enthusiasts, Giant Tiger etc.)
• Dip & Pack, Trophy Shipping Costs and Taxidermy
• International Flights

Hunting in Zimbabwe

Many big game hunters have a goal of taking not only Africa’s big five dangerous animals, but also Hippos and Crocodiles, seeking to successfully hunt and complete the dangerous 7.

Not all hunters start their big game safaris with a Hippo or Crocodile hunt, but will arrive at the decision later in their hunting careers. Hippo and Crocodile hunts are becoming exceptionally popular as hunters realize just how tough and challenging these hunts are, along with the impressive trophies that can be harvested.

Lake Kariba, perfect Hippo and Giant Crocodile Hunting Terrain

Kariba is the world’s largest artificial lake by volume and was filled between 1958 and 1963. Kariba boasts a length of more than 135 miles and a width exceeding 25 miles in certain areas. Kariba, based on volume is in fact the worlds largest manmade lake.

Kariba has many islands, including Maaze, Mashape and Chete to name but a few.

The lake is teaming with birdlife including Fish Eagles and Cormorants. Dangerous game animals such as Elephants, Lion, Leopard, Cheetah, and Cape Buffalo patrol the shorelines. Cheetah can no longer be legally hunted in Zimbabwe. Rhino, both Black and White have reduced over the years due to poaching, but with efforts and contributions made by international hunters, the tide is turning.

Gamefish, specifically Tigerfish which were indigenous to the Zambezi River system thrive on Kapenta which were introduced to Lake Kariba.

The quality of freshwater game fishing is off the charts.

Sijarira Game Hunting Area

Sijarira is a forestry area and is one of Zimbabwe’s most rugged concessions offering a wide variety of game hunting and fishing. Hunting is mainly by boat, vehicle or on foot. Being hilly and remote country, the area is not well developed in terms of roads and certain areas can only be accessed on foot.

Sijarira has high numbers of game and offers hunters some of the best Hippo and crocodile hunting in the world.

The hunting concession borders Lake Kariba shoreline for more than twenty-five miles.

If you want to hunt enormous bull Hippos covered in battle scars and huge Crocodiles where 15-foot plus is easily achievable, this is the hunt that you have been looking for.

Accommodation when hunting in Zimbabwe on Kariba Lake

Chalets are beautifully constructed out of natural thatch and materials, clean and spacious. The units are all free standing with central entertainment and lounging area with the most spectacular views of Lake Kariba.

This is the most perfect setting to enjoy magical African sunsets after a hard day’s hunting, of course with an ice-cold beverage in hand.

Hippo Hunting Methods

Hippo Hunts on Lake Kariba mostly use boats for transportation and the Hippo stalks will be conducted along the shorelines of Kariba. Your dangerous game professional hunter will be highly experienced and is very familiar with the waterways, shorelines and estuaries.

As the trophy Hippo may be taken on land or in the water, an in-depth understanding of Hippo Shot Placement is critical. A well-placed bullet into the brain will see the Hippo quietly slide under the water, ensuring a quick and humane kill. Hippo scull bones are incredibly thick protecting the brain. Hunters will have to patiently wait for the decomposition gasses in the stomach to ensure the Hippo floats to the surface. This process can take between an hour or four hours.

Crocodile Hunting Method  

As the hunting area is just so large, boats are used to traverse the shorelines to spot a big Crocodiles sunning on the embankments.

Once a suitable Crocodile is identified, you will stalk to within shooting distance, which can range from between thirty yards to one hundred yards. With the Crocodiles acute senses, approaching the Crocodile undetected is a lot more challenging than many hunters realize. They have incredible vision, hearing and smell and can detect vibration in the ground through specialized sensory organs on their skin called “integumentary sensory organs”. Be prepared to walk in your socks.

When considering Crocodile Shot Placement, it is well advised to do extensive research. This Apex predator is a perfectly designed killing machine with a prehistoric golf ball sized brain focused purely on one thing: death and he is not too particular as to where the next meal comes from. A well-placed bullet needs to penetrate the brain and a second follow up directly into the spine. A third follow up bullet then needs to enter the vital organs.

A misplaced shot will see your trophy Crocodile slide back into the deep waters of Lake Kariba making a follow up, or recovery of the trophy exceptionally difficult, if not impossible.

Rifles and ammunition for Crocodile and Hippo Hunting on Lake Kariba

As discussed in shot placement, the majority of kill shots are going to be focused on penetration the brain by breaking through the scull. A minimum caliber of a .375 with 300 grain tips capable of penetrating is required. Swift A Frame has some great varieties, are readily available and hold weight retention, but Hornady and many other manufactures produce high quality rounds which are more than suited.

High quality optics are required as shooting needs to execute with precision. If you planning to hunt a Hippo out of the water, larger calibers such as a .458, .416 and a suitable double will get the job done. 

The Sijarira area of Zimbabwe offers some of the finest Hippo and Crocodile hunting safaris in Africa and as such, Quota is limited.

Traveling to the Sijarira Concession

The point of entry for international hunters arriving in Africa is normally via Oliver Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg. Flights from OR Tambo to Victoria Falls International Airport leave daily and the flight takes two hours. Airlink is recommended as the flights are cost effective and on time.

A return ticket will cost between US$ 300 and US$ 450, depending on the season. Transfer from Victoria Falls International Airport to Sijarira is just more than 120 miles. Travel times will vary depending on the road conditions.

Hunting Sijarira is a privilege and this customized combination safari hunting opportunity will exceed all expectations.

If any additional information is required re this Hippo and Crocodile Hunt in Zimbabwe, message our team at Game Hunting Safaris, or Jacques directly using the quick message links provided. 

If you would like to check availability, submit preferred dates and “Request to Book”. Jacques will revert.