Lake Kariba Hippo & Giant Crocodile Safari
Booking Season: 2026
Hunt Difficulty: Difficult
Designed by Hunters, for Hunters
Accommodation is provided in comfortable permanent safari camps with private en-suite bathrooms, quality meals, and welcoming communal areas where hunters can relax after a day in the field. Depending on the species being hunted and quota availability, guests will stay at either Ume Camp or Chifudzi Camp, both located within the renowned Omay region of Zimbabwe's Zambezi Valley.
The Nyakasanga concession lies within Zimbabwe's famous Zambezi Valley, an area known for its vast unfenced wilderness, mopane woodlands, riverine forests, and dense bushveld. The terrain varies from open floodplains and dry riverbeds to thick vegetation and rugged country, creating ideal habitat for both leopard and Cape buffalo. Hunters should expect a true wilderness experience where tracking, patience, and fair-chase hunting are part of every day in the field.
| Fence Type: | Free-range |
| Nearest Airport Name: | Harare International Airport (HRE) |
| Air Charter Available: | Yes |
The Zambezi Valley remains one of Africa's last truly wild hunting destinations, offering dangerous game hunters the opportunity to pursue either a trophy leopard or mature Cape buffalo in vast unfenced wilderness areas. This 14-day safari takes place in the renowned Omay region, where rugged terrain, abundant wildlife, and experienced professional hunters combine to deliver an authentic African hunting experience.
Whether your goal is to experience the challenge of a traditional leopard hunt or the intensity of tracking buffalo through thick riverine bush, this safari provides access to some of Zimbabwe's most respected dangerous game concessions. Hunters looking for a classic African adventure will appreciate the freedom of hunting in a truly wild environment where every day presents new opportunities and no two hunts are ever the same.
In addition to dangerous game, hunters may also add a variety of plains game species during their safari, creating a well-rounded African hunting experience. For those considering both a leopard and buffalo hunting safari in the future, this hunt offers an excellent introduction to the quality of hunting available in Zimbabwe and the greater Zambezi Valley region.
With comfortable accommodation, experienced professional hunters, and access to one of Africa's premier dangerous game areas, this safari is designed for hunters seeking a genuine wilderness experience rather than a fenced or managed hunting environment.
Due to limited annual quotas, Leopard and Cape Buffalo availability is restricted and subject to confirmation at the time of booking.
Located in Zimbabwe's legendary Zambezi Valley, the Nyakasanga concession is regarded as one of the country's premier dangerous game hunting areas. Spanning more than two million acres of unfenced wilderness, this vast concession offers hunters an authentic African safari experience where wildlife moves freely across the landscape and every hunt is earned.
The area is particularly well known for exceptional leopard and Cape buffalo hunting, with healthy game populations, experienced professional hunters, and the type of rugged terrain that dangerous game enthusiasts travel across the world to experience. Hunters pursuing either species can expect fair-chase conditions in a truly wild environment where tracking, patience, and perseverance are often rewarded with outstanding trophies.
Bordering Lake Kariba and boasting more than 150 miles of shoreline, the concession is also renowned for its hippo and crocodile hunting opportunities, while world-class fishing for tigerfish, tilapia, and bream provides an enjoyable addition to the safari for hunters and observers alike.
Beyond the hunting itself, Nyakasanga plays an important role in supporting local communities and wildlife conservation. As a communal area, hunting revenue contributes directly to the people who live within the concession, ensuring that wildlife remains a valuable and protected resource for future generations.
Due to strict quota management and limited annual allocations, Cape buffalo and leopard hunting opportunities in this concession are highly sought after and availability is often restricted.
Dalton and his team have been guiding dangerous game hunts in Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and Cameroon for more than a decade. Their reputation has been built on delivering authentic African hunting experiences, professional service, and consistently high-quality trophies in some of the continent's most challenging hunting areas.
While they operate throughout Africa, Zimbabwe remains their preferred destination. The country's vast wilderness areas, unpredictable hunting conditions, and exceptional dangerous game populations provide the type of fair-chase experience that serious hunters seek.
Hunters can expect experienced professional hunters, knowledgeable trackers, and a dedicated camp team focused on making every safari both successful and enjoyable. Depending on quota availability and the species being pursued, hunts are conducted from either Ume Camp or Chifudzi Camp, both strategically located within the renowned Omay region of the Zambezi Valley.
With years of experience and a proven track record in dangerous game hunting, Dalton and his team have earned a reputation as one of Zimbabwe's respected safari operators.
Getting to the Zambezi Valley is straightforward for international hunters. Most hunters arrive via Harare International Airport (HRE), Zimbabwe's primary international gateway, with convenient connections available through Johannesburg, Addis Ababa, and Doha.
To ensure a smooth start to the safari, we recommend arriving in Harare at least one day before your hunt begins. This allows time for any flight delays, rifle clearance procedures, and a good night's rest before traveling to the concession.
From Harare, hunters can reach the hunting area by either road transfer or charter flight, depending on personal preference, budget, and flight schedules. Final travel arrangements will be confirmed during the booking process.
Hunters traveling with firearms will find Zimbabwe's temporary rifle import procedures straightforward, and assistance can be provided where required. Those preferring not to travel with a firearm may also take advantage of rifle rental options available through the outfitter.
For hunters planning their first safari, we recommend reading our guide to hunting in Zimbabwe, which covers travel requirements, firearm permits, hunting seasons, and what to expect when visiting one of Africa's premier dangerous game destinations.
This safari offers hunters the opportunity to pursue either a leopard or Cape buffalo in one of Zimbabwe's most respected dangerous game concessions. While both species fall into the dangerous game category, the hunting experience for each is very different.
For those pursuing a mature tom, leopard hunting in Zimbabwe is widely regarded as one of Africa's ultimate dangerous game challenges, requiring patience, strategy, and close cooperation between hunter, professional hunter, and trackers. Days are spent checking bait sites, reading tracks, monitoring trail cameras, and waiting for the right opportunity on a mature tom. Success often comes down to teamwork between the professional hunter, trackers, and client, making leopard hunting one of Africa's most rewarding pursuits.
Those selecting a Cape buffalo safari should prepare for a more active hunting experience. Much of the hunt involves tracking buffalo on foot through thick bush and riverine habitat, often covering significant distances before locating a suitable bull. Hunting buffalo in Zimbabwe remains one of the most sought-after dangerous game experiences in Africa due to the country's large free-range populations and extensive wilderness areas.
Regardless of which species you pursue, hunters can expect long days in the field, experienced professional hunters, and the excitement that comes from hunting truly wild animals in an unfenced environment. Additional plains game opportunities may also present themselves throughout the safari for those wishing to add species to their hunt.
Accommodation during the safari is provided at either Ume Camp or Chifudzi Camp, depending on the species being hunted and quota availability at the time of booking.
Located along the Ume River in North Omay, Ume Camp offers comfortable en-suite accommodation, a dining area, bar, swimming pool, and excellent views over the surrounding wilderness. Guests frequently observe wildlife directly from camp, while fishing and boat activities are available as optional extras.
Chifudzi Camp is situated in the South Omay region and overlooks a productive water pan that regularly attracts buffalo, elephant, and a variety of plains game species. The camp provides comfortable en-suite accommodation, excellent dining facilities, and a relaxed atmosphere after a day in the field.
Both camps are easily accessible by road or charter aircraft and provide the comfort expected from a professional dangerous game safari without losing the authentic feel of the African bush.
This safari operates throughout the year, although most hunters prefer the cooler and drier months between April and October. During this period, temperatures are more comfortable, vegetation is less dense, and game is often easier to locate around water sources.
The warmer summer months can also produce excellent hunting, particularly for leopard, although hunters should expect higher temperatures and increased insect activity. Regardless of the season, Zimbabwe continues to offer outstanding opportunities for both leopard and Cape buffalo hunting.
For more information on seasons, climate, and travel planning, see our guide to hunting in Zimbabwe.
Zimbabwe has a straightforward firearm import process for visiting hunters. Temporary rifle import permits are issued on arrival, and there is currently no charge for importing sporting rifles.
Hunters may import up to 100 rounds of ammunition per rifle. Automatic and semi-automatic firearms are prohibited for hunting purposes, while black powder rifles are permitted subject to current Zimbabwean regulations.
Those who prefer not to travel with their own firearm may take advantage of rifle rental options available through the outfitter. Assistance with firearm documentation and travel requirements can be provided before arrival.
Before departing for safari, hunters should ensure they are comfortable with their chosen rifle and understand the fundamentals of dangerous game shot placement. Proper preparation and familiarity with your equipment can make a significant difference when opportunities arise on either leopard or Cape buffalo during the hunt.
For additional guidance, see our Dangerous Game Shot Placement Guide.
This safari is best suited to hunters seeking a genuine free-range dangerous game experience in one of Zimbabwe's most respected hunting areas. Whether your goal is pursuing a mature tom during a leopard hunting safari in Zimbabwe or tracking a hard-bossed buffalo bull through the Zambezi Valley, hunters should be prepared for long days in the field and fair-chase hunting conditions.
The Nyakasanga concession is not a fenced hunting property, and success is earned through patience, persistence, and teamwork between hunter, professional hunter, and trackers. For many sportsmen, that challenge is precisely what makes hunting in Zimbabwe so rewarding.
If you are looking for an authentic African dangerous game safari with experienced professional hunters, comfortable accommodation, and the opportunity to hunt in one of the country's premier wilderness concessions, this safari deserves a place on your shortlist.
If any further information is required re this plains game hunt in Zimbabwe, contact our 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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