Classic Leopard & Cape Buffalo Safari in the Selous

A classic East African dangerous game hunt in Tanzania’s legendary Selous region remains one of Africa’s most authentic safari experiences. Combining free-range Cape Buffalo hunts with traditional leopard hunting safaris, this 16-day Tanzania hunting package offers hunters the opportunity to pursue two of Africa’s most respected dangerous game species across vast unfenced wilderness concessions.

Designed for American and international hunters seeking a true fair-chase safari, this hunt takes place within the remote miombo woodlands, river systems, and dense bushveld of the Selous ecosystem, an area renowned for exceptional dangerous game populations and the traditional safari atmosphere that has made hunting in Tanzania famous worldwide.

With experienced professional hunters, classic tented safari camps, and the flexibility to add additional dangerous game or East African plains game species to the safari, this hunt delivers the type of old Africa hunting experience that continues to attract serious hunters back to Tanzania year after year.

Hunt free-range Cape Buffalo and Leopard in Tanzania for US$ 60,000

(Buffalo and Leopard trophy fees included)

Safari Details

• 16 hunting days and 17 nights in the Selous
• 1 x Hunter accompanied by 1 x Professional Hunter
• Observer rates available at US$ 500 per person per day
• Rifle rental available at US$ 500 per safari, including 60 rounds of ammunition
• Additional ammunition available at US$ 20 per round
• Two-hunter option available at US$ 55,000 per hunter 

Big Game Hunting in Tanzania

Tanzania remains one of Africa’s premier destinations for authentic big game safaris, offering vast unfenced concessions, low hunting pressure, and the type of remote wilderness hunting experience that has become increasingly rare elsewhere on the continent.

From the miombo woodlands and river systems of the Selous to the dense bushveld and open savannas that support exceptional wildlife populations, hunting in Tanzania gives hunters access to both world-class Cape Buffalo and Leopard hunting, together with a wide variety of East African plains game species. Throughout the safari, hunters may also encounter species such as Sable, Roan, Lesser Kudu, Gerenuk, and East African antelope unique to the region.

Built around two of Africa’s most respected big game animals, this 16-day safari combines the intensity of traditional Leopard hunting with the unpredictability and raw power of free-range Cape Buffalo in one of Africa’s last great wilderness hunting regions. 

Trophies available for Hunting

While this safari is centered around free-range Leopard and Cape Buffalo, hunters also have the opportunity to add a wide variety of additional species throughout the course of the hunt. Tanzania is renowned for exceptional plains game hunts, including unique East African antelope species such as Lesser Kudu, Gerenuk, Roan, Sable, and East African impala that are rarely encountered elsewhere in Africa.

Depending on quota availability and the concession being hunted, hunters may also encounter species such as Hippo, Nile Crocodile, and even elusive striped hyena hunts for those looking to add one of Africa’s more unusual predators to their safari experience. Tanzania is also home to both Olive and Yellow baboon populations, creating additional opportunities for hunters interested in traditional baboon hunts during the course of an extended safari.

To view the full list of available species and associated trophy fees, please refer to the “Additional Animals” dropdown menu below. 

Traveling to the Selous

International hunters should arrive at Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam before continuing onward to the Selous region in southern Tanzania. From Dar es Salaam, hunters may either take a charter flight directly to the concession airstrip, located approximately 30 minutes from camp, or travel by road to the hunting area, with the transfer taking roughly 15 hours depending on conditions.

For hunters wanting to maximize time in the field and reduce travel fatigue, charter flights are generally the preferred option. Please note that both charter flights and road transfers are excluded from the advertised safari price.

Accommodation

Accommodation during the safari is provided in traditional East African tented camps positioned along the riverbank within the Selous wilderness. Spacious luxury safari tents offer comfortable beds, en-suite bathrooms, hot water, Wi-Fi, and modern amenities while still maintaining the authentic atmosphere of a classic African hunting safari.

The camp’s sandy boma and thatched entertainment areas provide the perfect setting for evening sundowners, storytelling around the fire, and planning the following day’s hunt beneath the African night sky. Surrounded by wilderness and regular wildlife activity along the river, the camp delivers a comfortable yet immersive bush experience in one of Tanzania’s most iconic hunting regions.

Cape Buffalo Hunting Methods & Rifle Calibers

Free-range Cape Buffalo hunting in Tanzania remains one of Africa’s most respected and physically demanding dangerous game experiences. Hunting buffalo in the dense bushveld and miombo woodlands of the Selous requires patience, accurate shooting, and the ability to remain calm under pressure when opportunities present themselves at close range.

Tanzania legally requires a minimum caliber of .375 for dangerous game hunting, although many hunters prefer larger calibers such as the .404, .416, .458, or quality double rifles for Cape Buffalo safaris. Due to the buffalo’s reputation for aggression, resilience, and unpredictable behavior when wounded, hunters should always be prepared for rapid follow-up shots in thick cover.

Before arriving in Tanzania, hunters are strongly encouraged to study proper Cape Buffalo shot placement to better understand vital zones, quartering angles, and follow-up shot opportunities when hunting buffalo in thick bushveld and free-range dangerous game conditions.

Leopard Hunting in Tanzania

Traditional Leopard hunting in Tanzania remains one of Africa’s most exciting and challenging safari experiences. Hunting free-range Leopard in the Selous requires patience, accurate shot placement, and experienced professional hunters capable of managing bait sites, spoor, and the unpredictable behavior of one of Africa’s most elusive predators.

Most Leopard hunts in Tanzania are conducted over bait in thick bushveld and riverine habitat, where shot opportunities are often close-range and taken in fading light conditions. For this reason, hunters are encouraged to familiarize themselves with proper Leopard shot placement before arriving in camp to ensure safe, ethical, and effective shot placement when opportunities arise during the safari.

Why This Tanzania Safari Stands Apart

Few hunting destinations still offer the scale, authenticity, and free-range hunting conditions found in Tanzania’s remote wilderness concessions. Combining Leopard and Cape Buffalo on a traditional East African safari allows hunters to experience two very different dangerous game hunts within the same untamed landscape — from tracking buffalo through dense miombo bushveld to sitting over Leopard bait sites as darkness settles across the Selous.

Beyond the hunting itself, Tanzania continues to play an important role in wildlife conservation, anti-poaching initiatives, and local community support through its regulated safari hunting industry. Vast unfenced concessions, low hunting pressure, and experienced professional hunters help preserve the traditional safari atmosphere that has made hunting in Tanzania famous among dangerous game hunters worldwide.

For hunters seeking a classic African safari experience built around wilderness, patience, and authentic fair-chase hunting, few destinations in Africa still compare to the Selous. 

If you require any additional information regarding this Tanzania Leopard and Cape Buffalo safari, or would like assistance customizing a safari package with additional hunters or species, please contact the team at Game Hunting Safaris.