Lion Hunting in Zimbabwe, Plus Cape Buffalo in Hammond

Hunt Free Range Lion and  Cape Buffalo in this epic dangerous game hunting safari!

This 18 x day  and 19 x night hunting safari takes place in Hammond,  32 000 acres within Zimbabwe’s famous Save Valley.

EXPECT 40” AND OVER FOR THIS CAPE BUFFALO HUNT, ALONG WITH EXCEPTIONAL LION TROPHIES!

Hunt Cape Buffalo and Lion for US$ 75,465! Trophy Fees Included 

Observers welcome at US$ 250 per day

Rifle hire at US$ 40 per day, Ammo at Cost

Safari Cost Breakdown

18 x Days and 19 x Nights US$ 36,000

Gov Levy on Daily Rates US$ 720

Gov Vat on Accomodation US$ 405

Cape Buffalo Trophy Fee (No size limit) US$ 7,000

Lion Trophy Fee US$ 30,000

Return Transfer Hammond/Bulawayo US$ 600

Gov Levy on Trophy Fee US$ 740

Total Cost Incl Trophy Fee US$ 75,465

This Hunt Includes:

• Meet and greet upon arrival at the airport

• Ground transfers to and from Bulawayo to Hammond

• Services of a Professional Hunter

• Safari camp accommodation

• All meals and local beverages

• Trophy Fee for Cape Buffalo

• Trophy Fee on Leopard

• Value Added Tax (VAT) on accommodation

• Government Levy on Trophy Fee

• Government Levy on Daily Rates

• Daily Laundry service

The Hunting Safari Excludes:

• International, domestic, and charter flight fees

• Ay pre- or post-safari accommodation

• Dip and pack of trophies

• Gratuities to staff and PH (at own discretion)

• Any other fees not specified

• Observers @ US$ 250 per day

• Firearm import fee

• Trophy Shipping Costs

• Taxidermy

• Cites Tag (+-US$ 250)

• National Parks 2% Levy to be charges by Taxidermist/Processing Agent

• Park Ranger Fee at US$ 65/hunting day

• Trophy fees and government tax on any additional animals hunted

• Lion pre-baiting (optional) at US$ 500

• Lion and Cape Buffalo Trophy Fee Refundable if not successfully harvested

Why is Big Game Hunting in the Save Valley so Popular?

• Boasting an area of 750,000 acres, the conservancy is popular in offering authentic style African hunting experiences.

• The Save River runs through the area, offering a reliable water source that attracts a wide range of wildlife to the area.

• The Save Valley offers free-range hunting, without internal fences within a large area.

• The area is known for its abundant wildlife, along with the sheer number of species available.

• The Save Valley Conservancy is renowned for its work with endangered species, such as the Black Rhino and African wild dog.

The Hunting Lodge in Hammond  

This lodge is your home-away-from-home, offering all the comforts, along with picturesque views. The lodge is a welcoming sight after a day’s hunting in the African bush, offering warm showers in en-suite bathrcomfortable beds and delicious cuisine.

Sit back and relax in the boma or enjoy your hearty meals in the main dining hall or even on the deck. Good food, great company, exceptional surroundings, and a couple of cold beverages are the order of the day in this part of the world.

Why go Hunting in Zimbabwe?

Zimbabwe remains a popular African hunting safari destination. Here are a few reasons why Zimbabwe remains a sought-after hunting destination:

• Zimbabwe is one of the few African destinations where hunters can enjoy the feeling of a truly wild African game hunting experience.

• Zimbabwe allows hunters to enjoy the “Africa of old” with mainly free-range hunting safaris.

• The country is home to abundant wildlife, including members of the Big 5, Dangerous 7, African plains game, and specialty hunting species to enjoy when hunting in Africa.

• It is known for consistently producing excellent game hunting trophies.

• Hunting in Zimbabwe is also seen as being affordable when compared to other African game hunting destinations.

• It is also one of the only African destinations where leopards can still be hunted with hounds.

• And while rhino hunting is not permitted in Zimbabwe, the destination is home to the Elephant, Lion, Cape buffalo, and Leopard, with the Save Valley producing some exceptional trophies.

• Zimbabwe is also home to numerous tourist attractions, making it the perfect destination to enjoy pre- or post-hunting activities with your partner or family.

• Zimbabwe is seen as a safe country to enjoy a Big Five hunting safari.

Traveling to Hammond in Save Valley 

• Hunters have a choice of flying into Bulawayo, where they will overnight, and then be collected and enjoy a 6-hour road transfer to the hunting grounds.

• Hunters can also fly into Harare, where they will also spend the night. Early the following day, they will be collected and transfer to the camp, on a 6-hour road journey.

• A charter flight can also be arranged from either Harare or Bulawayo. The landing strip is around an hour by road from the camp.

• Lastly, a charter flight can be arranged from Johannesburg (South Africa) that will land at Buffalo Range. Following this flight, hunters will have an hour’s road transfer to the camp.

Visa Requirements 

• US citizens require a visa to enter Zimbabwe and can be obtained at the major entry points to the country, including Harare, Victoria Falls, and some border posts.

• The tourist visa is available for 30 days and is renewable.

• The cost of the visa is around US$30

• Passports must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry required.

• This can be obtained in several ways:

  • On arrival

  • Online – This method is highly convenient and is recommended to avoid queues

Hunting Methods & Shot Placement 

• Most Zimbabwe hunts are classified as “safari style” which works well with this wild, untamed African destination. Members of the hunting party will set out to search for the Cape buffalo, Lion and spoor. Once tracks are spotted, the tracker and team set out on foot, using the walk-and-stalk method to target these members of Africa’s Big 5.

• The terrain in the hunting grounds is not exceptionally difficult to cover but knowing that you have not one but two dangerous beasts that can appear at any moment does tend to make you more alert and wary. A note here: Ensure that your fitness levels are on very good – we have never heard anyone wish that they had completed LESS cardio prior to the hunt, knowing that they could be chased or stalked by dangerous game…

• At the end of the day, your shot placement remains critical. Familiarise yourself with the best shot placement options for Cape Buffalo and Lion, to ensure a clean, quick death for the animal.

• Accurate shot placement doesn’t only ensure a quick kill but also ensures that the hunting party is not the subject of a cunning revenge plot by either the Lion or Cape Buffalo, both of which are known to circle back on the hunting party.

• A .375 is the minimum caliber required when dangerous game hunting in Zimbabwe.

What to Pack when hunting in Zimbabwe

• Lightweight, Neutral Clothing: Pack breathable shirts and pants in khaki, olive, or brown to help us stay cool and blend in.

• Layer Options: Add a jacket or fleece for chilly mornings and evenings, especially in highland or riverine areas.

• Waterproof Outerwear: Bring a compact rain jacket, always a good option for any African hunt as the weather can be unpredictable at times.

• Sturdy Footwear: Choose comfortable boots with ankle support and waterproofing for moving over rocky, wet, or dense bush terrains.

• Sun & Insect Protection: Include a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, high-SPF sunscreen, and strong insect repellent.

• Reliable Daypack: Choose a small, durable backpack for our optics, ammo, snacks, and water.

• Optics: Pack binoculars with 8x or 10x magnification for spotting game.

• Personal Essentials: Remember toiletries, medications, spare batteries, and charging cables – when you’re hunting in Zimbabwe there isn’t a convenience store around the corner that you can use

The Save Valley is renowned for its authentic African hunts in a free-range hunting concession of more than 750,000 acres. This is what hunting is about: Hunting your chosen trophy in a true wilderness area and dealing with the challenges – and rewards – of dangerous game hunting in Africa.

If any further information is required to hunt Lion and Cape Buffalo in the Save Valley, please contact the team at Game Hunting Safaris or message Ty directly.