Hunt Leopard and Cape Buffalo in Zimbabwe, Save Valley
Booking Season: 2026
Hunt Difficulty: Difficult
Designed by Hunters, for Hunters
Accommodation is provided in a comfortable safari lodge set within the heart of the Save Valley Conservancy, offering en-suite rooms, hot showers, and excellent meals throughout your stay. After each day's hunt, guests can unwind around the campfire, enjoy traditional safari hospitality, and experience the atmosphere of one of Zimbabwe's premier hunting destinations.
The Save Valley Conservancy encompasses approximately 750,000 acres of free-range wilderness in Zimbabwe's South Eastern Lowveld, consisting of mopane woodland, open grasslands, riverine vegetation, and dense bushveld. This diverse terrain provides excellent habitat for both leopard and Cape buffalo while delivering an authentic fair-chase hunting experience in one of Africa's most respected hunting areas.
| Fence Type: | Free-range |
| Hunting Ground Size: | 60000 ha |
| Nearest Airport Name: | Harare International Airport (HRE), Zimbabwe |
| Transfer From Airport: | Yes |
Few African safaris offer the opportunity to pursue both a mature leopard and a hard-bossed Cape buffalo during the same hunt. Conducted in Zimbabwe's renowned Save Valley Conservancy, this free-range dangerous game safari combines two of Africa's most sought-after species in one of the continent's most respected hunting areas.
Covering more than 750,000 acres of wilderness, Save Valley is known for its healthy predator populations, large buffalo herds, and exceptional conservation management. For hunters interested in both leopard hunting in Zimbabwe and buffalo hunting in Zimbabwe, few destinations can match the quality, reputation, and wilderness experience offered by the conservancy.
With experienced professional hunters, comfortable accommodation, and access to one of Africa's premier dangerous game areas, this safari delivers the type of authentic hunting experience that has made Zimbabwe a favorite destination among serious hunters from around the world.
The Save Valley Conservancy is one of Africa's largest and most respected private wildlife conservancies, encompassing approximately 750,000 acres of free-range wilderness in Zimbabwe's South Eastern Lowveld. Situated between the Save and Runde River systems, the area supports exceptional wildlife populations thanks to its reliable water sources, diverse habitat, and long-standing conservation efforts.
Hunters can expect a mixture of semi-arid savanna, mopane woodland, open grasslands, thick riverine vegetation, and dense bushveld. This varied terrain provides ideal habitat for both leopard hunts and Cape buffalo hunts, while delivering the type of fair-chase hunting experience that has made Save Valley famous among dangerous game hunters.
The conservancy is particularly well known for producing mature leopard trophies and hard-bossed buffalo bulls, with healthy populations of both species thriving throughout the region. The combination of dense cover, permanent water, abundant prey species, and vast unfenced hunting areas creates outstanding conditions for dangerous game hunting.
Save Valley is also recognized for its strong conservation management and commitment to protecting endangered species such as the African wild dog and black rhino. Combined with exceptional wildlife populations and authentic wilderness conditions, the conservancy offers an African safari experience where every trophy is earned.
Accommodation is provided in a comfortable safari lodge featuring en-suite bathrooms, hot showers, comfortable beds, and all the amenities required for a relaxing stay between hunting days. Set within the heart of the Save Valley Conservancy, the lodge offers a welcoming retreat after long days in the field, surrounded by the sights and sounds of the African bush. Guests can unwind in the boma, enjoy hearty meals in the dining area or on the deck, and share stories from the day's hunt over good food and cold beverages.
International hunters may arrive via either Harare International Airport (HRE) or Bulawayo Airport, with overnight accommodation typically recommended before traveling to the hunting area. From either city, hunters are met by the outfitter and transferred to camp by road, with the journey taking approximately six hours depending on conditions.
For those wishing to reduce travel time, charter flights can be arranged from Harare, Bulawayo, or Johannesburg directly to the Buffalo Range area, followed by a short road transfer to camp. For more information on travel requirements, firearm permits, hunting seasons, and safari planning, see our guide to hunting in Zimbabwe. Hunters traveling from the United States and Canada typically connect through Johannesburg, Addis Ababa, or Doha before continuing to either Harare or Bulawayo.
International hunters can obtain a tourist visa on arrival in Zimbabwe or apply online before departure. Passports should be valid for at least six months beyond the date of entry, and visa requirements may vary depending on nationality. We recommend confirming the latest entry requirements before traveling.
While the Save Valley Conservancy is renowned for producing exceptional trophies, success is never guaranteed and must be earned through patience, preparation, and teamwork between hunter, professional hunter, and trackers.
Leopards are primarily nocturnal, exceptionally intelligent, and masters of camouflage. Days may be spent checking bait sites, studying tracks, monitoring trail cameras, and waiting for the right opportunity on a mature tom. Even when a leopard is actively feeding on bait, success often depends on remaining patient and disciplined until the perfect shot presents itself.
The terrain and habitat of the Save Valley add another layer of difficulty. Dense bushveld, riverine vegetation, and vast hunting areas provide leopards with excellent cover, making them one of Africa's most elusive dangerous game species.
Accurate leopard shot placement is critical. A wounded leopard is widely regarded as one of the most dangerous animals in Africa, making proper preparation, rifle familiarity, and precise shot placement essential for both safety and success.
Cape buffalo hunting in the Save Valley Conservancy is a classic African walk-and-stalk experience. Days are spent searching for fresh spoor before tracking buffalo on foot through mopane woodland, riverine vegetation, and open savanna in pursuit of a mature bull.
While the terrain is generally manageable, hunters should be prepared for long hours in the field and potentially close encounters with one of Africa's most respected dangerous game animals. Patience, physical fitness, and teamwork between hunter, professional hunter, and trackers all play an important role in a successful buffalo safari.
Accurate Cape buffalo shot placement is critical. Known as Africa's Black Death, buffalo are powerful, resilient animals that demand respect, making proper rifle selection, shot placement, and preparation essential for both safety and success.
A minimum caliber of .375 is required for dangerous game hunting in Zimbabwe.
This safari is ideally suited to hunters who want to experience two of Africa's most iconic dangerous game species during a single hunt. Combining leopard and Cape buffalo in one safari offers a rare opportunity to test both patience and precision while hunting in one of Zimbabwe's most respected free-range wilderness areas.
The Save Valley Conservancy is known for its healthy wildlife populations, experienced professional hunters, and authentic fair-chase conditions. Hunters can expect long days in the field, challenging but rewarding hunting, comfortable accommodation, and the opportunity to pursue mature trophies in a truly wild environment.
If your goal is to experience a classic African dangerous game safari while hunting both leopard and Cape buffalo in the same concession, this hunt deserves serious consideration.
For availability, preferred hunting dates, or any additional information regarding this Leopard and Cape Buffalo safari, please contact the team at Game Hunting Safaris.
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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