Hunt Leopard in Zimbabwe’s Matetsi & Gwayi Regions

Western Zimbabwe has earned a reputation as one of Africa's premier predator hunting regions. Vast tracts of unfenced wilderness, healthy prey populations, and extensive wildlife corridors connecting National Parks and hunting concessions create ideal conditions for leopard hunting.

The Matetsi and Gwayi regions form part of a broader ecosystem that supports a remarkable diversity of wildlife. Dense riverine habitat, mopane woodlands, open grasslands, and thick cover provide exactly the type of terrain mature toms prefer, making the area a proven destination for hunters pursuing one of Africa's most elusive predators.

Unlike many dangerous game hunts that rely heavily on tracking, successful leopard hunting is often a game of patience, observation, and preparation. Every bait site, spoor track, and trail camera image contributes to the process of locating and identifying the right trophy animal. 

14-Day Leopard Hunt in Zimbabwe

Pursue mature trophy leopard in Zimbabwe's renowned Matetsi and Gwayi hunting regions, two free-range concessions situated within one of Southern Africa's most productive predator ecosystems.

Hunt Summary

• Duration: 14 Hunting Days / 15 Nights
• Safari Cost: US$28,995
• Hunter Configuration: 1 Hunter × 1 Professional Hunter
• Location: Matetsi & Gwayi, Zimbabwe
• Hunt Type: Free-Range Leopard Hunt

Additional Information

• Observer: US$450 per person per day
• Rifle Hire: US$60 per hunting day
• Ammunition charged at cost

Leopard Hunting Success Rates in Zimbabwe

Leopard hunting is often described as one of Africa's most challenging hunts, and success is never guaranteed. Factors such as weather conditions, prey movement, hunting pressure, bait acceptance, and the behavior of individual toms can all influence the outcome of a safari.

The Matetsi and Gwayi regions are widely regarded as productive leopard hunting areas due to their healthy prey base, extensive wilderness habitat, and strong leopard populations. Professional hunters operating in these concessions invest significant time in scouting, bait placement, trail camera monitoring, and tracking activity before and during the hunt.

While hunters naturally want to know the likelihood of success, leopard hunting is not simply a numbers game. Patience, flexibility, and allowing sufficient hunting days often play a major role in the outcome. This is one reason why dedicated leopard safaris typically run for two weeks, providing the time needed to identify and target a mature trophy tom.

What's Included

• Accommodation in a comfortable safari camp located within the hunting area.
• Services of an experienced Professional Hunter, trackers, skinners, and camp staff.
• Daily laundry service.
• Field preparation of trophies and transfer to the designated taxidermist.
• Beverages served in camp, including beer, wine, soft drinks, tea, and coffee.
• WiFi availability in camp.

Additional Costs

The following items are not included in the safari price:

• International and domestic flights.
• Rifle hire and ammunition.
• Trophy shipping, taxidermy, and dip-and-pack services.
• Gratuities and personal expenses.
• Observer participation at US$450 per person per day.

Meet the Outfitter

Sean, Mike, and their team specialize in free-range dangerous game safaris across some of Zimbabwe's most respected hunting regions. With extensive experience pursuing leopard, buffalo, elephant, lion, hippo, and Nile crocodile, they bring a practical understanding of the challenges and preparation required for successful hunts.

While dangerous game remains a core focus, hunters can also customize their safari with a variety of plains game and predator species. Their approach combines traditional safari methods with local knowledge developed through years of guiding hunters across some of the country's most productive concessions.

Hunters interested in broader opportunities for hunting in Zimbabwe will find a wide range of species and safari options available throughout the season.

Travel & Arrival Information

This safari is based in Western Zimbabwe, with access provided through Victoria Falls International Airport. Upon arrival, hunters are met by the outfitter and transferred by road to the hunting area, a journey of approximately 77 miles.

Victoria Falls is well connected to regional hubs, including Johannesburg's OR Tambo International Airport, with regular flights operated by several Southern African airlines. The straightforward travel logistics make this a convenient option for hunters planning a leopard hunting in Zimbabwe safari while still providing access to large free-range hunting areas bordering some of the country's most important wildlife ecosystems.

The Hunting Concessions

This safari takes place across the renowned Matetsi and Gwayi hunting regions of Western Zimbabwe, two areas that have built a strong reputation for producing quality leopard trophies in true free-range conditions. Situated within the greater Hwange ecosystem, these concessions benefit from extensive wildlife corridors, healthy prey populations, and vast wilderness areas that support a thriving predator population.

Matetsi East forms part of the larger Matetsi complex, a landscape of mopane woodland, open grassland, and riverine habitat. The area's proximity to Hwange National Park allows wildlife to move naturally across large tracts of land, creating outstanding hunting opportunities. In addition to leopard, hunters regularly encounter elephant, sable, and buffalo, making the region particularly attractive for those interested in combining their safari with buffalo hunting in Zimbabwe.

The Gwayi region offers a different but equally productive hunting environment. Dense woodland, thick cover, and abundant prey species create ideal conditions for mature toms. These same habitats also support healthy populations of lion, and the area has become well known among hunters pursuing both leopard and lion hunts in Zimbabwe.

Seasonal rivers, natural pans, and permanent water sources throughout the broader ecosystem attract wildlife year-round. In some areas, hunters may also have opportunities to pursue hippo hunts and crocodile hunts, adding further variety to an already exceptional dangerous game destination.

Together, Matetsi and Gwayi provide the type of large-scale, unfenced hunting environment that serious hunters seek when pursuing one of Africa's most intelligent and elusive predators.

Hunting Lodge & Accommodation

Accommodation is provided in a comfortable safari camp located within easy reach of the hunting areas, minimizing travel time and maximizing time in the field. After a day spent checking bait sites, tracking spoor, and monitoring leopard activity, hunters can return to camp to relax, enjoy a hot shower, and prepare for the next day's hunt.

The camp offers well-appointed rooms, attentive staff, and hearty meals served in a traditional lapa setting. Evenings are often spent around the fire discussing the day's sightings and planning the following morning's strategy, a routine that has become part of the classic Zimbabwe safari experience.

Freshly prepared meals are served daily, and hunters may also have the opportunity to sample locally sourced game meat during their stay. Combined with the sounds of the African bush and the comfort of a professionally managed camp, the accommodation provides an ideal base from which to pursue one of Africa's most elusive predators.

Leopard Hunting Tips

Leopard hunting differs from almost every other African hunt. Success is often determined long before the hunter arrives in camp, with professional hunters spending days establishing bait sites, monitoring trail cameras, and identifying mature toms within the hunting area.

Patience is one of the most important qualities a hunter can bring on a leopard safari. Unlike tracking buffalo or pursuing plains game on foot, leopard hunting often involves long periods of observation and waiting for the right animal to appear. Rushing the process rarely produces the best results.

Rifle selection is equally important. Zimbabwe requires a minimum caliber of .375 with a 300-grain bullet for leopard hunting, although many hunters choose a rifle and scope combination they are exceptionally comfortable shooting under low-light conditions. Leopard opportunities can develop quickly, and confidence in your equipment matters.

Perhaps the most important factor is shot placement. A poorly placed shot can result in a dangerous follow-up situation, as wounded leopards are renowned for their aggression and determination when cornered. Hunters should familiarize themselves with the correct aiming points before arriving in camp. For a detailed guide, see our Leopard Shot Placement resource.

Finally, remember that leopard hunting is often a game of patience rather than action. The hunters who enjoy the process, trust their professional hunter, and remain disciplined throughout the safari are often the ones rewarded with the opportunity at a mature trophy tom.

Why Consider This Hunt?

Leopard hunting is often regarded as one of Africa's greatest hunting challenges. Success requires patience, preparation, attention to detail, and the ability to remain focused when opportunities finally present themselves. Unlike many hunts where game is actively pursued throughout the day, leopard hunting is a strategic process built around scouting, bait management, observation, and waiting for the right mature tom.

This safari combines access to two respected hunting regions, experienced professional hunters, comfortable accommodation, and proven leopard habitat within the greater Hwange ecosystem. The flexibility offered by the Matetsi and Gwayi concessions allows hunters to pursue one of Africa's most elusive predators in a truly free-range environment.

For hunters seeking a classic Zimbabwe leopard safari, this hunt offers the combination of wilderness, opportunity, and challenge that has made leopard one of the most sought-after trophies on the continent.

Ready to Plan Your Safari?

Contact the Game Hunting Safaris team to discuss availability, travel arrangements, trophy expectations, and custom safari options. Hunters looking to add additional species, extend their safari, or bring additional hunters can also request a tailored hunting package to suit their goals and preferences.