Trophy Hunting in Zimbabwe, Plains Game in Matetsi Unit 2
Booking Season: 2026
Hunt Difficulty: Moderate
Designed by Hunters, for Hunters
Comfortable safari lodge accommodation with private en-suite chalets.
A diverse mix of thick bushveld, riverine habitat, open clearings, and natural water sources that create ideal conditions for tracking buffalo on foot.
| Fence Type: | Free-range |
| Hunting Ground Size: | 850000 ha |
| Nearest Airport Name: | Bulawayo International Airport (BUQ) |
| Transfer From Airport: | Yes |
A truly great Cape Buffalo hunt is measured by more than trophy size. It is measured by the quality of the hunting, the amount of ground you can cover, and the feeling that anything can happen around the next bend in the spoor.
This 10-day Cape Buffalo hunt takes place in Zimbabwe's famous Lowveld region, where more than 850,000 acres of free-range hunting country provide the setting for an authentic dangerous game safari. Large buffalo herds, experienced professional hunters, and traditional tracking methods combine to create the kind of hunting experience that has drawn international hunters to Zimbabwe for generations.
Hunting on foot, you will follow fresh tracks through thick bushveld and natural water systems in search of a mature bull. Every day presents new challenges, new opportunities, and the possibility of encountering one of Africa's most respected dangerous game animals on its own terms.
For hunters seeking a genuine Cape Buffalo hunting experience in Africa, few destinations offer the combination of wilderness, trophy quality, and hunting tradition found in Zimbabwe's Lowveld.
Price: US$ 21,535 All-In Pricing
Duration: 10 Hunting Days
Hunter Ratio: 1 Hunter : 1 Professional Hunter
Hunt Type: Free-Range Cape Buffalo Hunt
Concession Size: More than 850,000 acres of wild Zimbabwe hunting country
Observers Welcome: US$300 per person per day
Rifle Rental Available: US$80 per hunting day (ammunition excluded)
Zimbabwe has long been regarded as one of Africa's premier dangerous game hunting destinations, attracting hunters from around the world in search of authentic safari experiences. Vast wilderness areas, experienced professional hunters, and healthy game populations have helped establish the country as a benchmark for traditional African hunting.
For hunters interested in Buffalo Hunting in Zimbabwe, few destinations can match the combination of trophy quality, free-range hunting areas, and fair-chase opportunities available throughout the country. From the Lowveld and Zambezi Valley to the legendary Matetsi region, Zimbabwe offers access to some of Africa's most productive buffalo habitat and the chance to pursue mature bulls in truly wild country.
Beyond the hunt itself, visitors can experience world-famous attractions such as Victoria Falls, the Zambezi Valley, photographic safaris, and exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities. Whether it is your first African safari or another dangerous game adventure, Zimbabwe remains one of the continent's most respected hunting destinations.
Total Cost of the Hunting Safari US$ 21,535
If your goal is to pursue a mature Cape Buffalo in vast free-range wilderness alongside an experienced professional hunter, this Lowveld safari offers one of the most authentic dangerous game hunting experiences available in Zimbabwe.
The Southern Zimbabwe Conservancy is one of the largest privately managed wildlife areas in Africa, encompassing more than 850,000 acres of wilderness in Zimbabwe's renowned Lowveld region. Known for its healthy game populations, vast free-range hunting areas, and exceptional trophy quality, the conservancy has earned a reputation as one of Southern Africa's premier dangerous game hunting destinations.
While this safari focuses on Cape Buffalo, the conservancy also offers outstanding opportunities for Elephant Hunts and Leopard Hunts, attracting hunters from around the world seeking authentic fair-chase experiences. Large buffalo herds, mature elephant bulls, elusive leopards, and a wide variety of plains game thrive throughout this diverse wilderness landscape.
The conservancy is divided into several exclusive hunting areas, each carefully managed to provide hunters with the best possible opportunities while maintaining sustainable wildlife populations. Habitat ranges from thick bushveld and river systems to open clearings and natural water sources, creating ideal conditions for traditional spot-and-stalk Cape Buffalo hunting.
Accommodation is provided in comfortable hunting lodges designed to blend into the surrounding landscape. Spacious en-suite chalets, inviting dining areas, swimming pools, and traditional campfire gathering spots ensure hunters can relax and enjoy the full safari experience after a rewarding day in the field.
Born and raised in Zimbabwe, Dean has spent more than two decades guiding hunters across some of Africa's most respected dangerous game areas. With extensive experience pursuing Cape Buffalo, Elephant Hunts, Lion Hunts, and Leopard Hunts, he understands both the challenges and rewards that come with hunting Africa's most iconic species.
Over the years, Dean has hunted throughout South Africa, Namibia, Cameroon, Ethiopia, Benin, and Mozambique, gaining valuable experience across a wide variety of habitats and hunting conditions. Despite these travels, Zimbabwe remains his home and his greatest passion, particularly the pursuit of old buffalo bulls in wild, free-range country.
Hunters joining Dean on this safari can expect more than a successful hunt. Evenings around the campfire are filled with stories from decades in the bush, lessons learned from dangerous game encounters, and the kind of hunting conversations that become part of the safari experience itself. Dean's philosophy is simple: great trophies are important, but the memories, friendships, and experiences created during the hunt are what hunters remember for the rest of their lives.
This safari follows traditional fair-chase hunting principles, with Cape Buffalo pursued on foot through vast areas of free-range wilderness. There are no shortcuts when hunting buffalo. Success comes from reading spoor, understanding wind direction, covering ground, and patiently tracking animals through thick bush until an opportunity presents itself.
A typical hunting day begins before sunrise with a light breakfast and coffee before heading into the field. Waterholes, river crossings, and travel routes are checked for fresh buffalo sign. Once suitable tracks are located, the real hunt begins.
Tracking a buffalo herd or a solitary dagga boy can require hours of concentration and determination. Hunters should expect long walks, close encounters, and the possibility of shooting at distances often measured in yards rather than hundreds of yards. This is what dangerous game hunts are all about.
Shot opportunities are often fast and intense, making a solid understanding of buffalo shot placement essential. Hunters should arrive physically prepared and comfortable shooting their chosen rifle under pressure.
As many professional hunters like to say, it only takes one bullet to kill a buffalo, but several more to convince him that he is dead.
Zimbabwe has a straightforward firearm import process for visiting hunters. A maximum of three firearms may be imported for hunting purposes, with temporary firearm permits issued on arrival. Hunters may also import up to 100 rounds of ammunition per rifle. Automatic and semi-automatic firearms are prohibited, although black powder rifles are permitted subject to minimum caliber requirements.
For Cape Buffalo hunting, a .375 H&H loaded with premium ammunition is widely regarded as the sensible minimum caliber. Larger calibers such as the .404 Jeffery, .458 Winchester Magnum, .458 Lott, and traditional double rifles remain popular choices among dangerous game hunters. Above all, hunters should bring a rifle they can shoot accurately and confidently under pressure.
Hunters participating in this safari will arrive via Bulawayo International Airport, which serves as the primary gateway to Zimbabwe's famous Lowveld hunting region. International connections are readily available through Johannesburg, Addis Ababa, and Doha, making travel from North America and Europe relatively straightforward.
Many hunters choose to overnight near Johannesburg's OR Tambo International Airport before connecting to Bulawayo. Airlink is a popular choice for regional travel, offering reliable service and experience handling hunting firearms.
Upon arrival in Bulawayo, road transfers are provided to the hunting area, allowing hunters to relax and enjoy the journey into one of Zimbabwe's most respected free-range buffalo hunting regions.
Cape Buffalo may be hunted throughout the year in Zimbabwe, however the cooler and drier months between April and October are generally considered the most comfortable for hunters. During this period, temperatures are milder, vegetation is less dense, and tracking conditions are often at their best.
That said, buffalo hunting remains productive throughout the year, and experienced professional hunters can successfully pursue mature bulls regardless of season. When selecting dates, availability and hunting goals are often more important than the time of year itself.
For hunters seeking a genuine free-range Cape Buffalo hunting experience, few areas can rival the scale and reputation of Zimbabwe's Lowveld. With access to more than 850,000 acres of wilderness, experienced professional guidance, and healthy buffalo populations, this safari offers the kind of fair-chase hunting that has made Zimbabwe famous among dangerous game hunters worldwide.
Tracking mature bulls on foot through vast stretches of wild country is both physically demanding and immensely rewarding. Every day presents new challenges, fresh spoor, and the possibility of a close-range encounter with one of Africa's most respected dangerous game animals.
Whether this is your first Cape Buffalo hunt or another chapter in a lifetime of African hunting adventures, the combination of exceptional hunting territory, comfortable lodge accommodation, and experienced guiding makes this Lowveld safari a hunt worthy of serious consideration.
If any further information is required re this Cape Buffalo hunt in Zimbabwe, contact our 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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