Hunt Leopard and Cape Buffalo in Zimbabwe, Save Valley
Booking Season: 2026
Hunt Difficulty: Difficult
Designed by Hunters, for Hunters
A comfortable hunting lodge offering en-suite accommodation, excellent food, and a welcoming safari atmosphere in the heart of Zimbabwe's famous Save Valley Conservancy.
Zimbabwe offers a diverse range of hunting areas, from the vast conservancies of the Lowveld to remote communal areas and renowned national park buffer zones. Hunters researching Zimbabwe hunting safaris are often surprised by the size and variety of hunting concessions available throughout the country
| Fence Type: | Free-range |
| Hunting Ground Size: | 32000 ha |
| Nearest Airport Name: | Harare International Airport |
| Transfer From Airport: | Yes |
There are lion hunts, and then there are Save Valley lion hunts.
For hunters seeking one of Africa's most authentic dangerous game hunting experiences, Zimbabwe's legendary Save Valley Conservancy remains one of the last places where free-range lion and Cape buffalo can still be pursued across vast wilderness areas. No small concessions. No artificial hunting environments. Just wild Africa, experienced much the same way it has been for generations.
This 18-day dangerous game safari takes place in the 32,000-acre Hammond concession, forming part of the greater 750,000-acre Save Valley Conservancy. Cape buffalo are typically hunted by following fresh spoor on foot through the concession's rugged bushveld and river systems, while lion are generally pursued using traditional baiting methods perfected over many seasons in this renowned hunting area. Whether tracking buffalo through thick cover or waiting for a mature lion to commit to a bait, every encounter must be earned in this vast and truly wild African wilderness.
If your idea of an African hunting safari involves fair-chase hunting, exceptional trophies, and the possibility of meeting two members of Africa's Big Five on their own terms, this Save Valley hunt delivers an experience few destinations can match.
Duration: 18 Hunting Days / 19 Nights
Included Trophy Fees:
The price includes all daily rates, government levies, accommodation taxes, return ground transfers between Bulawayo and camp, professional hunter services, accommodation, meals, local beverages, daily laundry service, and all trophy fees specified above.
Observers: US$250 per day
Rifle Hire: US$40 per day (ammunition at cost)
The Save Valley Conservancy has earned a reputation as one of Zimbabwe's premier dangerous game destinations. For hunters seeking an authentic safari experience, the attraction lies not only in the quality of the trophies but also in the hunting itself. This is a region where lion and Cape buffalo are pursued under genuine free-range conditions, requiring patience, persistence, and respect for the challenges that come with hunting dangerous game in wild Africa.
The conservancy's combination of river systems, thick bushveld, open areas, and natural water sources creates ideal habitat for both lion and buffalo. These varying conditions provide exciting hunting opportunities, whether following fresh buffalo spoor through dense cover or waiting for a mature lion to commit to a bait after days of preparation and monitoring.
Zimbabwe has long been regarded as one of Africa's leading dangerous game destinations, and hunters considering hunting in Zimbabwe often place the Save Valley high on their list of preferred hunting areas. The conservancy's reputation for producing mature lions under fair-chase conditions continues to attract hunters from around the world.
The same can be said for Cape buffalo hunting in Zimbabwe, with the Save Valley producing hard-bossed bulls and offering the type of challenging hunting experience that has made buffalo one of Africa's most respected dangerous game species. Hunters interested in learning more about available Cape buffalo safaris can explore our selection of Cape Buffalo Hunts across Africa.
Combined with experienced professional hunters, excellent game management, and truly wild hunting conditions, it is easy to understand why the Save Valley remains a bucket-list destination for serious dangerous game hunters.
This safari combines two very different dangerous game hunting experiences. While Cape buffalo are typically hunted by tracking fresh spoor on foot, lion are generally pursued using traditional baiting methods that have proven effective throughout Zimbabwe's premier hunting areas.
Buffalo hunting is often a game of patience and persistence. After locating fresh tracks, hunters and trackers may spend hours following spoor through thick bush, river systems, and open areas in an attempt to close the distance on a mature bull. The final approach is often measured in yards rather than hundreds of yards, with hunters needing to remain alert as buffalo are well known for circling back, using cover effectively, and occasionally confronting those following them.
Lion hunting requires a different approach. Carefully selected bait sites are established and monitored, sometimes for several days, before a mature lion commits to feeding. Hunters considering a lion hunt in Zimbabwe are often surprised by the amount of preparation that takes place before a shot opportunity presents itself. Even once a lion arrives at the bait, the shot is not always straightforward. Lions frequently shift position, twist their bodies, turn their shoulders, or reach upward while feeding, making patience and shot discipline critical. A rushed shot can quickly turn a straightforward situation into a difficult follow-up.
As with all dangerous game hunting, shot placement is everything. A well-placed shot results in a quick, ethical harvest and significantly reduces the likelihood of a wounded animal requiring a follow-up in thick cover. Hunters unfamiliar with dangerous game are encouraged to review our guide to dangerous game shot placement before arriving in camp.
A minimum calibre of .375 is required for dangerous game hunting in Zimbabwe, although many experienced hunters prefer cartridges offering additional stopping power when pursuing buffalo and lion. Popular choices include the .416 Rigby, .416 Remington Magnum, .458 Lott, and .470 Nitro Express. Regardless of calibre selection, confidence in your rifle and the ability to place an accurate first shot remain far more important than raw power alone.
One final piece of advice: arrive fit. The terrain is not exceptionally demanding, but tracking buffalo through the African bush in warm conditions can quickly test your endurance. We have yet to meet a hunter who wished they had done less cardio before a dangerous game safari.
After a day spent tracking buffalo through thick bushveld or checking lion baits across the concession, returning to camp is one of the highlights of the safari. The Hammond hunting lodge offers comfortable accommodation in a relaxed setting, providing hunters with everything needed to rest, recharge, and prepare for the next day's adventure.
Guests can enjoy comfortable en-suite accommodation, hot showers, excellent meals, and the type of hospitality Zimbabwe hunting camps have become known for. Evenings are often spent around the boma sharing stories from the day's hunt, discussing plans for tomorrow, and enjoying the company of fellow hunters under Africa's star-filled skies.
While the lion and buffalo may be the reason for the journey, the camaraderie around camp, exceptional food, and authentic safari atmosphere often become some of the memories hunters talk about long after returning home.
This safari is designed for hunters seeking an authentic dangerous game experience rather than a guaranteed outcome. Long days in the field, patient tracking, time spent monitoring lion baits, and the possibility of passing younger animals are all part of the experience.
If your goal is to pursue free-range lion and Cape buffalo in one of Africa's most respected hunting areas, appreciate fair-chase hunting, and enjoy the challenge of earning your trophy, then this Save Valley safari may be exactly what you are looking for.
Hunters seeking a genuine African adventure often find that the memories created during the hunt become just as valuable as the trophies themselves.
Most hunters travelling to Hammond will fly into either Bulawayo or Harare before transferring to camp the following day. Both routes involve approximately six hours of road travel, with transfers arranged from the airport to the hunting area.
For hunters looking to minimise travel time, charter flights can be arranged from either Harare or Bulawayo. The nearest landing strip is approximately one hour from camp. Charter flights can also be arranged from Johannesburg, South Africa, into Buffalo Range, followed by a short road transfer to camp.
US citizens require a visa to enter Zimbabwe. Tourist visas are generally available on arrival at major ports of entry or can be obtained online before departure.
Passports should be valid for at least six months from the date of entry. As visa requirements and fees may change, hunters are encouraged to confirm current entry requirements before travelling.
Packing for a dangerous game safari is surprisingly straightforward. Neutral-coloured clothing, comfortable broken-in hunting boots, a light jacket for cool mornings, and quality binoculars will cover most situations you are likely to encounter in the Save Valley.
If bringing your own rifle, ensure you arrive with a calibre suitable for dangerous game and enough ammunition to verify your zero upon arrival and comfortably complete the hunt. Don't forget any required medications, insect repellent, sunscreen, chargers, and spare batteries for optics or electronics.
Most importantly, avoid bringing brand-new boots or untested equipment. Buffalo and lion hunts often involve long hours in the field, and comfort quickly becomes more important than looking good in camp.
If you would like a detailed equipment checklist before travelling, the Game Hunting Safaris team will gladly assist you with recommendations based on the season and hunting conditions.
Professional Hunter's Tip: Bring more socks and underwear than you think you'll need. Buffalo have a habit of making even experienced hunters question their life choices from time to time.
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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