Discounted Crocodile Hunt in Matetsi ECA, Zimbabwe
Booking Season: 2025
Hunt Difficulty: Moderate
Designed by Hunters, for Hunters
When darkness engulfs the day, a new door opens, releasing predators who travel unseen, unleashing their wrath on a wide variety of unfortunate victims.This remarkable hunting opportunity allows the hunter to pursue some of the most iconic night critter species in Matetsi (ECA) .
This hunt in Zimbabwe takes place in more than 200 000 acres of unfenced African wilderness within the KAZA TFCA region, a mere 30 minutes by road travel from the world-famous Victoria Falls.
This hunting safari is more than an extraordinary experience, it is a chance to make a difference. A portion of income from your safari supports the ASA Foundation (Adopt Schools is Africa), funding education and development of local communities, contributing to a brighter future in Zimbabwe.
The Matetsi ECA area in Zimbabwe is one of the largest game hunting complexes and covers an area of more than 50 000 acres, 250 square miles.The Matetsi Extended Conservation Area (ECA) is was formed by merging several game ranches that were open and unfenced to each other, creating a larger safari hunting area beyond the boundaries of the original Matetsi Units.
The Matetsi was named after the Matetsi River (named for the blue-green algae found on the rocks) which flows through the southern hunting area. Concessions in this area are famous for Big Five hunts and are also well known for the large populations of Sable.
The Flora is characterized by diverse trees like the Albida which provides food for plains game animals such as Giraffe, Kudu, Impala, Zebra, and other herbivores. Topography is 60% plains and 20% rolling hills.
The nearest airport to the hunting lodge, named the River Range Camp is the Victoria Falls International Airport. When booking this hunt, it is well worth adding a day or two before or after the hunting safari to visit the iconic Victoria Falls.
Victoria Falls International can be reached by flying directly to OR Tambo International Airport in South Africa. Airlink is a preferred airline, affordable and on time and the flight takes two hours. This African regional flight (return) will cosy between US$ 280 and US$ 450 depending on the season. Road transfers from the airport to the River Range camp will take approximately thirty minutes.
While there is not a specific hunting season for Hyena and other nighttime critters and safaris can be conducted all year round, the cooler and drier months from early April to late October are preferred.
In the warmer months, insect, and reptile activity increases, such as pepper ticks and snakes, which can make the consequences of walking through the brush or sitting in a blind most unpleasant.
Is Matetsi a Malaria area? Yes, these hunting concessions are Malaria areas, and the hunter needs to take anti-malarial medication before commencement of the hunting safari. Your local physician can be consulted in this regard.
This classic safari camp has all the necessary amenities while retaining its rustic charm as a hunting camp. Independent brick lodges each have ensuite bathrooms, safes, outdoor showers, electricity, and a fridge. The lodge, with central dining and entertainment areas has mobile network coverage and internet.
At River Range, you will bask in the glow of the endless stars around the bonfire and listen to the roars of Lions at daybreak.
This is a specialty hunt where the targets are all nocturnal critters. Most of the hunting takes place either over baits or calls at night or with artificial light. These night hunts are incredibly exciting and becoming ever more popular amongst international hunters. Whether you are baiting for a Leopard, or for a critter such as a Civet, it is adrenaline packed all the way as you never know what African animal is going to enter the arena. Some animals, such as Spotted Hyena and Bushpigs make a racket and you will hear them a mile away, while others will silently appear near the bait.
With such a variety of animals available, the hunting technique per specie will vary, i.e. Serval do not come in a bait, but can be spotted with artificial light. Others, like the Spotted Hyena will respond to FoxPro callers, but will also come in on a bait. So, hunting techniques over the eight evenings will vary depending on the strategy. It is recommended to opt for pre-baiting.
If night hunting is your passion; it is recommended that you equip your rifle with your own set of night vision or thermal optics. Having completed two nights critter hunts, there is nothing more frustrating than using equipment that you are not familiar with or not having your own.
Sitting in total darkness, without a handheld thermal scope, not being able to see a thing that is going on around you, can be most frustrating. Plus, it makes it far more difficult to stay awake. Be prepared to sit in a blind, or hunt from just before sunset, to approximately 04h00 depending on the weather and the cycle of the moon.
Depending on your ability to function and operate with little sleep, additional plains game species are available as per the below additional trophy costs: A few of the favorites in Matetsi are:
When an animal is wounded and cannot be found or recovered, the animal must be paid in full, including the 4% Government Taxes.
If there any queries re this Zimbabwe Hunting Safari, please contact the team at Game Hunting Safaris, or message Marco directly using the icons. To check availability, insert the preferred dates in “Request to book” and Marco 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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