Cape Buffalo & Plains Game Hunting Safari in Zimbabwe
Booking Season: 2026
Hunt Difficulty: Difficult
Designed by Hunters, for Hunters
| Animal | Fee |
| Civet | 900 |
| Serval | 1200 |
| Greater Kudu | 2200 |
| Zebra | 1850 |
| Common Waterbuck | 2850 |
| Roan | 7500 |
| Sable | 6000 |
| Black Wildebeest | 1900 |
| Bushbuck | 1350 |
| Common Reedbuck | 1200 |
| Impala | 850 |
| Cape Grysbok | 1200 |
| Gray Duiker | 650 |
| Klipspringer | 1200 |
| Steenbok | 1200 |
| Baboon | 250 |
| Black backed Jackal | 450 |
| Giraffe | 2950 |
| Porcupine | 1200 |
| Spotted Hyena | 1200 |
Track mature trophy lions in Zimbabwe's renowned Hwange region on a traditional free-range dangerous game safari. Experienced professional hunters, authentic wilderness hunting, and exportable trophies subject to permit approval.
This lion safari takes place in remote unfenced concessions bordering Hwange National Park in northwestern Zimbabwe. The terrain consists of thick Mopane woodland, dry river systems, dense bushveld, and scattered open plains, creating ideal conditions for traditional tracking and walk-and-stalk lion hunting in wild African predator country.
| Fence Type: | Free-range |
| Hunting Ground Size: | 100000 ha |
| Nearest Airport Name: | Victoria Falls International Airport |
| Transfer From Airport: | Yes |
Zimbabwe remains one of the last true strongholds for authentic lion hunting in Zimbabwe, offering international hunters the opportunity to pursue mature trophy lions in vast unfenced wilderness areas bordering the renowned Hwange National Park. Conducted with experienced professional hunters, skilled trackers, and traditional walk-and-stalk hunting methods, this safari delivers the type of dangerous game experience many hunters dream of when planning an African lion hunt.
Long days tracking fresh spoor through thick Mopane bushveld, following lions across dry river systems and remote predator country, and closing the distance on one of Africa’s most respected apex predators are all part of this unforgettable safari. With strong lion populations, professionally managed hunting areas, and trophies exportable to the USA (subject to permit approval), this hunt offers American hunters the rare opportunity to experience a true African lion safari in one of Southern Africa’s premier dangerous game destinations.
Pursue one of Africa's most iconic dangerous game animals on this 17-day free-range lion hunting safari in Zimbabwe's renowned Hwange region. Bordering the world-famous Hwange National Park, this hunt offers the opportunity to track mature trophy lions through vast unfenced wilderness areas alongside experienced professional hunters and skilled local trackers.
This safari combines traditional lion hunting methods, exceptional predator country, and some of Zimbabwe's most respected hunting concessions, creating an authentic African lion hunting experience for serious dangerous game hunters
Zimbabwe has long been regarded as one of Africa’s premier destinations for authentic Zimbabwe hunting safaris, offering hunters the opportunity to pursue dangerous game in large unfenced wilderness concessions and truly wild African hunting country. The region is renowned for traditional safari hunting methods, experienced professional hunters, and strong populations of iconic dangerous game species.
In addition to lion hunting, hunters can also pursue challenging hippo hunts and traditional crocodile hunts in the river systems and bushveld areas bordering Hwange National Park, together with a wide variety of African plains game species.
Hunters looking to expand the safari can add a range of additional dangerous game and plains game hunts during their stay in Zimbabwe’s renowned Hwange region. One popular addition is a trophy Hippo for US$ 6,500 (plus 4% government tax on the trophy fee), offering hunters the opportunity to pursue this highly respected member of Africa’s Dangerous 7 while also providing an excellent bait source for lion hunting.
Another sought-after addition is traditional cape buffalo hunting in Zimbabwe, with trophy buffalo available for US$ 6,500 (plus 4% government tax on the trophy fee). Often referred to as “Africa’s Black Death,” Cape buffalo are widely regarded as one of the continent’s most dangerous and challenging animals to hunt on foot.
While lions are the primary focus of this safari, hunters may choose to add additional species while hunting the Hwange region.
Particularly popular additions include hunting kudu in Zimbabwe and hyena hunting in Zimbabwe, with both species occurring throughout the concession. For hunters looking to maximize their time in one of Zimbabwe's premier hunting areas, a wide variety of plains game opportunities are available at trophy-fee-only rates.
See the list of extra trophies available to hunt. These prices excluse Government levies of 4%.
Tiaan, Keenan, and their team of professional hunters specialize in authentic dangerous game hunts and traditional African safaris across Zimbabwe, Tanzania, and South Africa. Working closely with local communities, conservation initiatives, and experienced trackers, the team places strong emphasis on ethical hunting, sustainable wildlife management, and professionally run safari experiences in some of Africa’s most respected hunting regions.
With years of experience guiding international hunters on lion, buffalo, elephant, leopard, hippo, crocodile, and premium plains game safaris, the outfit has earned a reputation for experienced field guidance, quality hunting areas, and well-managed safari operations. Supported by knowledgeable camp staff, trackers, and professional hunters, clients can expect a safe, authentic, and rewarding African hunting experience from arrival through to departure.
Traveling to hunt in Zimbabwe
American and international hunters typically fly into Zimbabwe via OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, South Africa, before taking the short regional flight to Victoria Falls Airport. The flight time from Johannesburg to Victoria Falls is approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes, with regular connections available through airlines such as Airlink, Cemair, Safair, and South African Airways.
Upon arrival in Victoria Falls, Tiaan and his team will meet hunters before the approximately 2½-hour road transfer to the hunting concessions bordering Hwange National Park. The drive into camp passes through remote Zimbabwean bushveld and classic safari country, offering hunters an early taste of the wild terrain and predator-rich wilderness that defines this safari.
The Hunting Concessions
This safari takes place in the renowned Gwayi ECA and Sikumi East hunting areas bordering Hwange National Park in northwestern Zimbabwe. These large unfenced concessions form part of a vast wilderness ecosystem where wildlife moves naturally between the National Park and surrounding safari areas, creating authentic free-range hunting conditions in truly wild African country.
The terrain throughout the concessions includes thick Mopane woodland, dry river systems, dense bushveld, scattered open plains, and natural water sources that support healthy predator populations and a wide variety of dangerous game and plains game species. Long tracking days through remote bush country, together with traditional walk-and-stalk hunting methods, form a major part of the safari experience in these respected Zimbabwe hunting areas.
Hwange National Park is one of Africa's great wildlife strongholds and supports one of the continent's most significant free-ranging lion populations. Covering more than 3.5 million acres, the park and surrounding hunting concessions form a vast wilderness ecosystem where wildlife moves naturally between protected areas and neighboring safari concessions without fences restricting their movement.
The Gwayi ECA and Sikumi East hunting areas border Hwange National Park and benefit directly from this exceptional wildlife resource. Lions, buffalo, elephant, leopard, and numerous plains game species move freely throughout the ecosystem, creating authentic free-range hunting conditions and the type of fair-chase safari experience that has become increasingly difficult to find elsewhere in Africa.
For lion hunters, this means long days tracking fresh spoor through thick mopane woodland, following signs of territorial males along dry river systems, and hunting in an environment where success depends on experience, patience, and fieldcraft rather than confined conditions. Every lion encountered is a truly wild animal living within one of Africa's most important predator ecosystems.
The combination of vast wilderness areas, healthy lion populations, experienced professional hunters, and traditional tracking methods has helped establish the Hwange region as one of Zimbabwe's most respected lion hunting destinations. For many dangerous game hunters, pursuing a mature trophy lion in country bordering Hwange National Park represents the very essence of an authentic African lion safari.
The Hunting Lodge
After long days tracking lion through Zimbabwe’s wild bushveld, hunters can return to comfortable lodge accommodation offering a relaxed and welcoming safari atmosphere in the heart of the hunting concession. Spacious rooms, warm showers, comfortable beds, and attentive camp staff provide the perfect place to unwind after a demanding day in the field.
Guests can expect excellent meals prepared by the resident chef, including traditional African cuisine and locally sourced game meat dishes enjoyed around the campfire in true safari style. Non-hunting guests and family members are also well catered for, with nearby sightseeing, wildlife viewing, and tourism activities available throughout the region.
Traditional lion hunting in Zimbabwe is generally conducted using classic walk-and-stalk hunting methods. Hunters and trackers will often begin by covering larger areas by vehicle while searching for fresh spoor, vocalizations, vultures, or signs that a lion or pride has recently moved through the concession. Once fresh tracks are located, the hunt continues on foot as the tracking team carefully follows the lion through thick bushveld and broken terrain.
As the distance closes, hunters rely heavily on wind direction, cover, and terrain while slowly stalking into range of this dangerous African predator. Patience, steady nerves, and clear communication between the hunter, PH, and trackers all play an important role during the final approach.
Accurate lion shot placement is critical when hunting dangerous game, particularly during close-range encounters where quick follow-up opportunities may be limited. Hunters preparing for the safari are encouraged to familiarize themselves with proper shot placement before arriving in camp.
The legal minimum caliber for lion hunting in most African countries is a .375 caliber rifle, although many hunters prefer larger calibers such as the .416 Rigby, .458 Winchester Magnum, or .458 Lott. Double rifles chambered in calibers such as .470 Nitro Express or .500 Nitro Express are also popular choices among dangerous game hunters pursuing lion. Premium-grade soft-point or controlled-expansion ammunition is generally recommended for this type of hunting.
Zimbabwe remains one of Africa’s most respected destinations for dangerous game hunting, offering hunters the opportunity to experience traditional safari hunting in large unfenced wilderness areas with healthy populations of iconic African species. From lion, elephant, leopard, buffalo, hippo, and crocodile to a wide variety of plains game, Zimbabwe continues to attract hunters seeking authentic fair-chase safaris in truly wild country.
Zimbabwe also offers an outstanding overall safari experience for both hunters and non-hunting guests. Nearby attractions such as Victoria Falls, Hwange National Park, photographic safaris, river cruises, cultural tours, and wildlife viewing activities make the region ideal for families, observers, and couples wanting to combine a dangerous game safari with a broader African travel experience.
Combined with experienced professional hunters, strong conservation programs, excellent trophy quality, and some of Southern Africa’s most renowned hunting concessions, Zimbabwe remains a sought-after destination for international hunters pursuing the classic African safari experience.
This safari offers hunters the opportunity to pursue a mature free-range lion in the renowned Gwayi ECA and Sikumi East hunting areas bordering Hwange National Park. Combining experienced professional hunters, skilled local trackers, and vast unfenced hunting concessions, the hunt delivers a traditional lion hunting experience in one of Southern Africa's most respected predator ecosystems.
Beyond the lion hunt itself, hunters benefit from access to one of Zimbabwe's most productive wildlife regions, with opportunities to add buffalo, hippo, crocodile, hyena, and a wide variety of plains game species. The combination of exceptional hunting areas, strong lion populations, quality trophy potential, and professionally managed safari operations makes this one of Zimbabwe's premier free-range lion hunting opportunities.
For hunters seeking a traditional African lion safari where success depends on patience, tracking skill, fieldcraft, and hunting truly wild lions in their natural environment, few experiences compare to a hunt in Zimbabwe's renowned Hwange region.
If you would like to learn more about this free-range lion hunt in Zimbabwe, discuss available hunting dates, or determine whether this safari is the right fit for your hunting goals, please contact the Game Hunting Safaris team.
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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