Trophy Hunting in Zimbabwe, Plains Game in Matetsi Unit 2
Booking Season: 2026
Hunt Difficulty: Moderate
Designed by Hunters, for Hunters
1 x Hunter 1 x Professional Hunter
*** Observers welcome at US$ 300 per person per day.
*** Rifle Rental Available at US$ 80/ hunting day (excluding cost of Ammunition)
Zimbabwe is one of Africa’s premier dangerous game hunting destinations, rich with natural beauty and diverse wildlife. Well known for its variety of game animals, hunting in Zimbabwe offers hunters the experience of an authentic African hunt.
Buffalo hunting in Zimbabwe offers hunters varied landscapes and wildlife encounters that only a handful of destinations can compete with. Zimbabwe’s big game and natural wonders have drawn explorers, such as the famous Dr. David Livingstone and legendary hunters for centuries. Zimbabwe allows hunters to pursue Africa’s big five (except Rhino hunts which are currently not legal).
Beyond hunting, Zimbabwe offers exceptional tourist activities, such as the famous Victoria Falls and safaris in the Zambezi Valley. Zimbabwe’s game diversity, combined with a developing infrastructure makes the country a perfect choice for seasoned, as well as new hunters.
If you want a Trophy Cape Buffalo in your trophy room and have a challenging hunt “free-range” experience, then this hunting safari is the one you have been looking for!
Zimbabwe offers hunters excellent opportunities in areas such as the Lowveld, Matetsi and Zambezi Valley. These areas are well known for having large herds of Buffalo, solitary “Dagga Boys” and exceptional quality of trophies.
Cape Buffalo, Africa’s most dangerous Big Five animal, killing more hunters that any other member of Africa’s dangerous 7, are the most dreamt after species to hunt in Africa, but a Cape Buffalo needs to be treated with great respect. These animals, weighing in at over 2000 pounds are even more dangerous when wounded. Cape Buffalo do not forgive or forget; it is just not in their DNA.
Cape Buffalo are classified by the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) as a species of “least concern” and as such a Cites permit is not required when Buffalo hunting in Zimbabwe.
Matetsi Unit 2 concession is situated in the West and is 80,000 acres of prime unfenced true fair chase hunting. Camp is only a 2-hour drive from Victoria Falls with Botswana, Unit 1, Unit 4 and Kazuma Forest making up the boundaries.
Habitat on the concession varies from large open vleis, mopane woodland, river lines, natural springs, flat top hills to thick teak forests on the Gusu ridge in the Northwest. The Matetsi River runs through the length of the concession as well as other smaller rivers passing through it, the Tshabolisa, Tsankaruka and Guyu all ensuring year-round water for the wildlife.
World known for its trophy quality of Elephant, Leopard, Buffalo and big black maned Lions; it is also one of only two areas in Zimbabwe where a permit is granted for the hunting of a Roan antelope. The concession is maintained by grading roads, burning and creating fire breaks, ensuring the wildlife and habitat are protected.
The camp is beautifully located on a small hill overlooking a typical Matetsi vlei. It consists of three thatched rondavels all with bathrooms ensuite and Air Coolers. There is Wi-Fi in camp. The camp has mains electricity with a back up generator. A separate thatched bar, dining area and fire pit face west giving the most incredible views of the sunsets.
Dean, born and bred in Zimbabwe has been hunting and offering game hunting safaris for more than twenty years, with a passion for Buffalo, Elephant, Lion and Leopard hunts.
Dean has also hunted SA, Namibia, Cameroon, Ethiopia, Benin and Mozambique adding a wealth of experience to this Cape Buffalo hunt, with many interesting stories and hunting adventures to share around the campfire. Dean’s philosophy is not about only the hunt, but the experience and memories to last a lifetime. You will be in good hands on this Cape Buffalo Hunt.
Dean believes and practices the principles of “fair chase” and Buffalo hunting methods will follow traditional hunting methods, on foot and in “the thick”. This is a dangerous game hunting safari, and you will need to “bring your A game”
A typical Buffalo hunting day will start early at sunrise, after a light breakfast and hot beverage. Waterholes will be checked for signs of fresh spoor and buffalo activity.
Once a suitable track has been identified, you will head out and begin tracking on foot. Shooting will be at close range and with Cape Buffalo, like on any dangerous game hunting safari, hunters have to have a thorough understanding and knowledge of shot placement.
When hunting Buffalo in Zimbabwe, know it takes one bullet to kill the Buffalo, and another good few to convince the Buffalo he is in fact dead.
There is a limit of 3 firearms a hunter may import in Zimbabwe for game hunting purposes.
Mapping out your trip to Matetsi, is a fantastic way to embark on an extraordinary African safari.
For this Buffalo hunt, you will need to enter Zimbabwe via Victoria Falls International Airport, one of Zimbabwe’s primary international gateways. Carriers such as South African Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, and Qatar Airways provide seamless connections through major transit points such as Johannesburg, Addis Ababa, and Doha. Depending on flight times, it may be more viable to spend a night in Johannesburg if you choose to reach Victoria Falls Oliver Tambo Airport. Airlink is recommended for the return flight to Victoria Falls. Flights are are affordable (+- US$ 400 return), on time and serve "adult beverages".
Airlink also have facilities in place for rifles transfers. We would recommend African Sky Boutique Hotel situated near OR Tambo Airport. Management can arrange transfers to and from African Sky/OR Tambo and also assist with any firearm permits. For further information, see our "Affiliated Services" link below.
The road transfer from Victoria Falls to Matetsi Unit 2 takes approximately two hours.
Buffalo hunting safaris may be conducted all year round, but the cooler and drier months from early April to late October are preferred.
In the warmer months, insect activity increases, such as pepper ticks which can make the consequences of walking through the brush even more of a challenge. Mosquitoes and other small pests are also far more active in the warmer and wetter conditions. In high temperatures, the risk of dehydration also increases and the importance of maintaining hydration is critical.
With that being said, a Cape Buffalo hunt in Zimbabwe is great anytime.
A .375 loaded with quality ammunition is the very sensible minimum caliber. On a Cape Buffalo hunt, we often hear “bring enough gun”.
Larger rifles such as .404, .458. .458 Lott will get the job done. Double rifles such as a .470, .500 or 600 Nitro Express certainly have stopping power. As a standard rule, hunt Buffalo with a rifle that you are comfortable with and can shoot accurately.
A safari in Zimbabwe offers more than just world-class bi game hunting, but provides travelers the opportunity to explore the countries breathtaking landscapes and rich culture.
If any further information is required re this Cape Buffalo hunt in Zimbabwe, contact our team at Game Hunting Safaris, or message Dean directly using the quick links provided. Should you wish to check availability, submit your preferred dates using the "Request to Book" link and Dean or Brigitte will revert.
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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