Leopard Hunting in Zimbabwe 14 x Days in Hwange

Leopard Hunting in Zimbabwe 14 x Days in Hwange

US$ 26 900 for this Leopard Hunt, Incl. Trophy Fees

Hunt Leopard in Hwange Reserve, one of the “best areas” in Zimbabwe producing “Big Cats”

Observers welcome at US$ 250/day per person

Rifle Rental optional at US$ 30/day (ammunition at cost)

Leopard Hunting Safari: Pricing

• Leopard Trophy Fee US$ 6500
• Daily Rates US$ 18 900
• Government Taxes and Levies US$ 1500 

Hunting in Zimbabwe, Hwange District

Hwange (Campfire Area) is a community management area, providing some of the best Leopard hunting opportunities in Zimbabwe. The game hunting concession starts near the Victoria Falls in the north, and runs along the Zambezi River to the Gwaai mouth, approximately 95 miles downstream. The concessions western and southern boundaries border the game rich area of the Hwange National Park. The Hwange concession is well known for Big Five Hunts, producing excellent quality Elephant, Lion, Leopard and Cape Buffalo, along with a variety of plains game. 

With the Hwange concession stretching more than 125 miles on the Zambezi River, aquatic hunts for Hippo and Nile Crocodile are popular, with the area providing some of the best Tiger fishing in Africa.  Hwange, together with Matetsi, Kazuma, Zambezi and Pandamasui National Park forms one of Africa’s largest wilderness areas, in excess of 16 000 square miles.

The terrain in Hwange varies from hill country to miombo woodlands, with riverine forests and open savanna. The hunting area is perfect for fair chase “walk and stalk” dangerous game hunts.

Hunting Safari Inclusions:

• Luxurious Accommodation
• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and Snacks
• Hot and Cold Beverages, including local Wines and Beer
• On Territory Transport
• 1 x Professional Hunter/Guide
• Field Preparation of Trophies
• Daily Laundry Service & Housekeeping
• Wi-Fi at the Hunting Lodge
• Road Transfers (Return Hunting Lodge/Victoria Fall International Airport)

CAMPFIRE: Community-Based Conservation and Revenue Sharing

This program, established in the 1980’s, is Zimbabwe’s most successful community oriented models of conservation. This initiative empowers local and rural communities, to directly benefit and manage Zimbabwe’s wildlife on communal lands. In Africa, “if it pays it stays”. Funds are then channeled to fund essential projects such as hospitals, schools, roads and infrastructure. This conservation model has directly impacted communities by providing financial incentive models which ensure and promote sustainable land management, thus encouraging residents to view Zimbabwe’s game animals as invaluable resources.

International hunters attending hunting safaris in Zimbabwe thus directly contribute to conservation that sustains rural communities.

Safari Hunting  Exclusions:

• Non-hunting Observers
• Rifle Rental @ US$ 30/day
• Gratuities to Staff (at the hunter’s discretion)
• Dip and Pack pf Trophies
• Any Pre or Post Safari Accommodations
• International Travel Costs and Travel Insurance
• Additional Animals not included in the Safari
• Park Ranger Fee US$ 60/hunting day until Leopard is harvested.
• Leopard Cites Tag at US$ 100
• Visa payable on entry in Zimbabwe (US$ 30)
• Temporary Rifle Import Permits (No Costs Involved) 
• TR2 Form: US$ 5 (Authorization to hunt, declaration of harvested game, export application form)

Leopard Hunting in Zimbabwe: Methods

Leopard hunting methods in Zimbabwe normally makes use of the baiting method. A wide variety of areas will identified across the hunting concession and will be baited, usually utilizing fresh meat from recent plains game hunts, or in some instances from fresh carcasses such as donkey’s. Areas will be thoroughly dragged using guts and stomach content, along with blood and flesh.  Hunters, along with their outfitters will traverse the areas and daily check these baits for sign of Leopard activity.

Camera traps, also referred to as “trail camera’s” are made use of to capture images of the cats who have  visited the bait. Only matures “Toms” may be hunted. If a leopard is identified as being suitable, temporary blinds will be constructed and the “game of patience” will begin.

Tips when Hunting Leopard

• Leopard hunting requires extreme patience.
• Shot placement is critical and hunters need to do thorough research.
• Avoid shooting when the leopard is either reaching for the bait, lying down or facing you.
• Be aware of other potential predators in the area.
• Plan the safari in terms of the cycle of the moon, many outfitters prefer the dark moon phase.
• Use excellent quality optics.

Traveling for the Leopard Hunt in Zimbabwe

Planning your hunting safari to Zimbabwe marks the beginning of an incredible hunting adventure. Hunters arriving for the Leopard hunt will land at Victoria Falls International Airport, usually entering Zimbabwe from South Africa, Oliver Rambo International Airport. Depending on flight times following your arrival in SA and departure to Zimbabwe, it may be required to spend a night in Johannesburg. 

Airlink is recommended for the to and return flight from Oliver Tambo and Victoria Falls. Flights are affordable (+- US$ 400 return), on time and importantly serve “adult beverages”.  Airlink also has facilities in place for rifles transfers. We would recommend African Sky Boutique Hotel situated near OR Tambo Airport in Johannesburg. Management can arrange transfers to and from African Sky/OR Tambo and also assist with any firearm permits. For further information, see our “Affiliated Services“ link below.

On arrival, you will be met by Lindon, or a member of his team who will assist with any rifle import permits The hunting lodge is situation 70 miles downstream from the Victoria Falls, and transfer to the concession will be by road, using a suitable 4 x 4 vehicle.

Your Zimbabwean Outfitter on the Leopard Hunt

Lindon’s family have been conducting hunting safaris in Zimbabwe since 1987, hunting the Hwange, Makuti and Mashura areas. In 2015, Lindon won the award for the largest aquatic animal shot in Zimbabwe, a Nile Crocodile measuring 15,3 feet. In 2016, Lindon won the largest Sable shot and swiftly followed up in 2017 winning Zimbabwe’s prestigious award of Professional hunter of the year.

Lindon in well known throughout the hunting industry and has a reputation for delivering world class trophies.  

The Leopard Hunting Lodge

A luxurious retreat awaits you on arrival at the Sidinda camp. The main lodge, built with a combination of natural stone, wood, and thatch, blends effortlessly into the surrounding wilderness. Inspired by traditional Batonka design, the lodge features beautifully appointed chalets perched on stilts, providing breathtaking views of the mighty Zambezi River. Each chalet is carefully placed to ensure privacy while offering front-row seats to the sights and sounds of the African landscape.

Nestled beneath a canopy of towering Tamarind trees, the camp offers a peaceful and secluded atmosphere. The cool shade of the trees, combined with the gentle rustling of leaves in the breeze, provides a welcome escape from the midday heat. The camp’s lush gardens, filled with vibrant local flora, attract a variety of birds and small wildlife, making it feel like you’re truly immersed in nature.

Inside the chalets, you will be  treated to a perfect blend of rustic charm and modern luxury. The spacious interiors feature handcrafted furniture, soft linens, and tasteful African-inspired decor that celebrates the region’s rich heritage. Large windows and private decks invite the outdoors in, allowing you to wake up to the tranquil sounds of the river and enjoy a sun-downer as the sun sets over the water.

Hunting in Zimbabwe: “Best Season“

Leopard hunts in Zimbabwe may be conducted all year round, but the cooler and drier months from early April to late September are preferred. In the warmer months, insect activity increases. Pests, such as pepper ticks can make the consequences of walking through the brush even more of a challenge and frustration. Mosquitoes and other small critters are also far more active in the warmer and wetter conditions. In high temperatures, the risk of dehydration also increases and the importance of maintaining hydration is critical.

Non-Hunting Tourist Activities

Zimbabwe has a wide variety of sites that are definitely with visiting:

• Fishing Adventures on Lake Kariba and Zambezi River
• A visit to Victoria Falls, one of the “Natural Wonders of the World”
• Cultural Experiences and Village Visits
• Sunset Cruisers and River Excursions
• Photographic Safaris
• Bird Watching

Rifles, permits and restrictions in Zimbabwe

A side view of accurate shot placement on the leopard.

• Handguns are allowed for hunting on private land and communal/tribal land but not on government concessions. A special permit is necessary from the general director of the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZPWMA).
• No automatic or semi-automatic firearms are allowed, except a semi-automatic shotgun for bird hunting purposes.
• Black powder rifles are allowed with a minimum caliber .40 for hunting purposes.
• A maximum of one hundred (100) rounds of ammunition may be imported per hunting rifle.
• There is no fee for a firearm permit for rifles or shotguns
• Application for a temporary firearm import permit for Zimbabwe can be made on arrival at the
  port of entry.

Health Precautions and Vaccinations

Traveling on a Leopard hunting safari to Zimbabwe may require certain vaccinations and health precautions. Hunters are advised to consult their healthcare providers to ensure they are up to date on routine vaccines and to discuss other recommended vaccinations. These include Yellow Fever, Hepatitis, and Typhoid. Malaria prevention is essential for hunting in Zimbabwe. Anti-malarial medications, mosquito repellent, and protective clothing are recommended for hunters to reduce the risk of malaria during their Leopard hunt.

Leopard Tags in Zimbabwe due to strict restrictions and regulations are limited!!! 

If any further information is required re this Leopard hunt in Zimbabwe, contact our team at Game Hunting Safaris, or message Lindon directly using the quick links provided. Should you wish to check availability, submit your preferred dates using the “Request to Book” link and Lindon will revert.