Cape Buffalo & Plains Game Hunting Safari in Zimbabwe
Booking Season: 2026
Hunt Difficulty: Difficult
Designed by Hunters, for Hunters
This safari takes place in large unfenced concessions bordering Hwange National Park in northwestern Zimbabwe. The terrain varies between thick Mopane woodland, scattered teak forests, dry river systems, open plains, and dense bushveld, creating classic free-range hunting conditions for both sable and roan. Hunters can expect a combination of long glassing sessions across open country and patient spot-and-stalk hunting through heavier cover, with the varied terrain adding both challenge and excitement to the safari experience.
| Fence Type: | Free-range |
| Hunting Ground Size: | 100000 ha |
| Nearest Airport Name: | Victoria Falls International |
| Transfer From Airport: | Yes |
Experience an authentic plains game safari built around trophy sable hunting safaris and the pursuit of one of Africa’s rarest antelope species, the roan. Conducted in large unfenced concessions bordering Hwange National Park, this free-range hunt offers challenging spot-and-stalk hunting in wild Zimbabwean bushveld known for exceptional trophy quality.
With experienced professional hunters, diverse terrain, and traditional safari hunting methods, this hunt delivers a rewarding roan hunting and plains game experience in one of Africa’s most respected safari destinations.
Safari Price: US$ 22,740
Hunting in Zimbabwe is like stepping back in time, with large unfenced concessions, traditional safari methods, and free-range hunting still forming the foundation of the experience. While the country is widely respected for dangerous game safaris, it is equally renowned for exceptional African plains game hunts, offering hunters the opportunity to pursue a wide variety of species in wild and diverse terrain.
From thick Mopane bushveld and teak forests to open plains and dry river systems, Zimbabwe provides ideal habitat for species such as sable, roan, kudu, zebra, waterbuck, and many other sought-after African antelope. Combined with experienced professional hunters and authentic fair-chase hunting conditions, Zimbabwe remains one of Africa’s premier plains game hunting destinations.
While roan and sable remain two of Zimbabwe’s most sought-after antelope species, hunters can also add a wide variety of additional plains game hunts to the safari. From classic kudu hunts in thick bushveld terrain to specialty predators such as hyena hunting in Zimbabwe, the concessions support a diverse range of species suited to both dedicated plains game safaris and mixed-bag African hunts.
Additional available species and trophy fees are listed in the table below.
Trophy Fees: Excluding Gov Levies at 4%
Tiaan, Keenan, and their team of professional hunters conduct authentic dangerous game hunts and plains game safaris across Zimbabwe, Namibia, and South Africa, focusing on traditional free-range hunting in well-managed wilderness concessions. The team works closely with local communities, conservation programs, and landowners to support sustainable hunting practices and the long-term management of wildlife habitat throughout the regions in which they operate.
With years of experience guiding international hunters on buffalo, elephant, leopard, hippo, crocodile, and premium plains game safaris, the outfit has built a reputation for experienced field guidance, quality hunting areas, and professionally managed African safaris. Hunting areas range from remote concessions bordering National Parks to large private conservancies known for exceptional trophy quality and authentic fair-chase hunting conditions.
Backed by experienced trackers, camp staff, and professional hunters, clients can expect a professionally run safari experience from arrival through to departure.
Traveling to for the Hunt
American and international hunters will fly into Victoria Falls Airport, with regular regional connections available from OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, South Africa. Airlines servicing the route include Airlink, Cemair, Safair, and South African Airways, making travel to the hunting areas straightforward for overseas hunters traveling to Zimbabwe.
Upon arrival in Victoria Falls, Tiaan and his team will meet clients before the approximately 2½-hour road transfer to the hunting concessions bordering Hwange National Park. The drive into camp passes through classic Zimbabwean bushveld and remote safari country, offering hunters an early introduction to the terrain and wilderness areas they will experience during the safari.
The Hunting Concenssions
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 free-range ecosystem where wildlife moves naturally between the National Park and surrounding safari areas, creating an authentic African hunting environment in truly wild country.
The terrain throughout the concessions includes thick Mopane woodland, dry river systems, open plains, dense bushveld, scattered teak forests, and natural water sources that support a wide range of plains game and dangerous game species. Certain areas allow for longer glassing opportunities, while others require patient spot-and-stalk hunting through heavier cover and broken terrain.
Gwayi ECA generally offers a combination of more open country and thicker bushveld, while Sikumi East, forming part of the greater Ngamo-Sikumi Forest region, is known for denser wilderness terrain and large remote hunting areas. Together, these concessions provide traditional free-range hunting conditions in one of Zimbabwe’s most respected safari regions.
Hunting Lodge
Luxury accommodation provides the perfect home-away-from-home for hunters, and the perfect respite after a challenging day in the bush. From comfortable beds, warm showers, and all the comforts of home, hunters can relax and unwind.
A resident chef prepares tasty fare for guests, including local game meat (venison) that is prepared in various ways, including the traditional braai (BBQ). Families are also taken into consideration, with a range of activities to enthral and entertain non-hunting guests.
Traditional sable hunting in Zimbabwe typically involves patient spot-and-stalk hunting through thick bushveld, open plains, and Mopane woodland where mature bulls are often located feeding or moving between water sources. Hunters may spend long hours glassing from elevated areas before carefully moving into shooting position, particularly during the cooler early morning and late afternoon periods when sable are most active.
Roan are often found in slightly more open country and can cover large areas during the day, making roan hunting both physically demanding and rewarding for hunters prepared to spend time behind good trackers and professional hunters in the field.
Both species are large, powerful antelope, and although a variety of calibers can be used successfully, most hunters prefer rifles ranging from a .243 up to a .300 Win Mag depending on personal preference and shooting confidence. Choosing a rifle you are comfortable shooting accurately is far more important than excessive caliber size, especially when hunting in mixed terrain where shot opportunities may vary.
Accurate shot placement remains critical for a quick and ethical harvest, particularly on larger antelope species with heavier muscle and bone structure. Hunters preparing for the safari are encouraged to review proper shot placement for large antelope before arriving in camp.
Both species are known for their impressive backward-curving horns and can be aggressive when wounded, making careful approaches and proper follow-up after the shot an important part of the hunt.
Many hunters choose to extend their stay in Zimbabwe before or after the hunt, particularly when traveling with a spouse, family member, or observer. Zimbabwe offers far more than exceptional hunting, with some of Africa's most famous wildlife, scenery, and safari destinations located within easy reach of the hunting areas.
Victoria Falls remains one of the country's most popular attractions and is widely regarded as one of the natural wonders of the world. Visitors can enjoy guided tours of the Falls, sunset cruises on the Zambezi River, helicopter flights, fishing excursions, local markets, and a variety of restaurants and lodges overlooking the river.
For wildlife enthusiasts, nearby Hwange National Park offers exceptional photographic safari opportunities with large populations of elephant, buffalo, lion, leopard, and plains game. Game drives, walking safaris, bird watching, and cultural experiences provide excellent alternatives for non-hunting guests while the hunt is underway.
For many international visitors, combining a traditional hunting safari with a few additional days exploring Victoria Falls, Hwange National Park, and the surrounding region creates a more complete African experience and often becomes one of the highlights of the entire trip.
This safari is ideally suited to hunters seeking two of Africa's most prestigious antelope species on a single free-range hunting adventure. Combining trophy Roan and Sable hunting in large unfenced concessions bordering Hwange National Park, the hunt offers authentic fair-chase conditions in one of Zimbabwe's most respected safari regions.
What sets this safari apart is the opportunity to pursue two of Africa's most sought-after plains game trophies during a single hunt. Backed by experienced professional hunters, exceptional hunting areas, and the possibility of adding a variety of additional plains game species, this safari delivers a classic Zimbabwe hunting experience focused on quality trophies, traditional hunting methods, and wild African country.
For availability, preferred hunting dates, or additional information regarding this Roan and Sable hunting safari in Zimbabwe, please contact the team at Game Hunting Safaris.
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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