Buffalo Hunting in Zimbabwe, Matetsi (ECA)

For many American and international hunters, buffalo hunting in Zimbabwe represents the benchmark for traditional African dangerous game hunting. Vast unfenced wilderness, experienced professional hunters, and healthy buffalo populations have helped establish Zimbabwe as one of Africa's most respected destinations for Cape Buffalo hunts.

This safari takes place in the Matetsi Extended Conservation Area (ECA), a free-range hunting concession covering more than 50,000 acres of wild country near Victoria Falls. With no size limit on the buffalo, hunters can focus on the experience itself—tracking mature bulls on foot through classic buffalo habitat while enjoying the fair-chase conditions that have made buffalo hunting in Zimbabwe famous among dangerous game hunters worldwide.

For hunters seeking an authentic Cape Buffalo hunt without fences, artificial boundaries, or intensive game management, this Matetsi safari delivers the type of traditional African hunting experience that becomes increasingly difficult to find elsewhere. 

Safari Overview

Price: US$14,900 All-In

Duration: 7 Hunting Days / 8 Nights

Hunter Ratio: 1 Hunter : 1 Professional Hunter

Species Included: 1 Trophy Cape Buffalo Bull (No Size Limit) 

Observers Welcome: US$250 per person per night

Buffalo Hunting in Zimbabwe with Purpose

This Cape Buffalo hunt offers more than the opportunity to pursue one of Africa's most respected dangerous game species. A portion of the proceeds from every safari supports the ASA Foundation (Adopt Schools in Africa), helping fund education and community development projects in rural Zimbabwe.

The hunt itself takes place in free-range wilderness where buffalo move naturally across vast unfenced landscapes. For hunters seeking an authentic dangerous game experience, Matetsi offers the chance to pursue mature Cape Buffalo under fair-chase conditions in the same wild country they have occupied for generations. 

The Hunting Area in Zimbabwe, Matetsi (ECA)

The Matetsi Extended Conservation Area (ECA) covers more than 50,000 acres of free-range hunting country and forms part of one of Zimbabwe's most respected dangerous game regions. Created through the integration of several adjoining unfenced properties, the area offers hunters access to vast wilderness where wildlife moves naturally across the landscape without artificial barriers.

The Matetsi River flows through the southern portion of the concession, helping sustain a rich diversity of wildlife throughout the area. Concessions in this region are renowned for Big Five hunting opportunities and are also well known for their healthy populations of Sable. The flora is characterized by diverse tree species such as Albida, which provide food for Giraffe, Kudu, Impala, Zebra, and other herbivores. These varied habitats create excellent opportunities for both Dangerous Game Hunts and Plains Game Hunts throughout the concession.

The combination of open plains, river systems, and thicker pockets of bush creates ideal conditions for traditional walk-and-stalk hunting. Hunters can expect long days on foot following fresh buffalo spoor, glassing open areas, and working through varied terrain that rewards patience, fitness, and good fieldcraft. 

Traveling to Matetsi ECA 

Hunters will arrive via Victoria Falls International Airport, located approximately 30 minutes from River Range Camp. Airport transfers are included in the safari package, making travel to and from the hunting area simple and convenient.

For hunters traveling from the United States, Canada, or Europe, Victoria Falls is typically reached via Johannesburg's OR Tambo International Airport before connecting on a short regional flight. Many hunters choose to add a day or two before or after the safari to visit Victoria Falls, one of Africa's most iconic natural attractions and a fitting addition to any hunting safari in Zimbabwe.

Best Time to Hunt Buffalo in Zimbabwe

Cape Buffalo hunts in Zimbabwe can be conducted throughout the year, but most hunters prefer the cooler and drier months from April through October. During this period, temperatures are more comfortable, vegetation is less dense, and tracking conditions are generally at their best.

There is no true "bad" time to hunt buffalo in Zimbabwe, and successful safaris take place throughout the season. Matetsi is located within a malaria area, and hunters should consult their physician regarding appropriate anti-malarial medication before traveling to Zimbabwe. 

Accommodation at River Range Camp

River Range Camp offers comfortable safari-style accommodation designed specifically for hunters. Spacious brick chalets feature en-suite bathrooms, electricity, outdoor showers, and all the amenities needed to relax after a day tracking buffalo through the Matetsi wilderness.

The camp's central dining and entertainment areas provide a welcoming place to unwind, share hunting stories around the campfire, and enjoy traditional Zimbabwean hospitality. Despite its comfortable facilities, River Range retains the atmosphere of a classic African hunting camp set in the heart of free-range buffalo country.

Cape Buffalo Hunting Methods

This outfitter follows the principles of fair-chase hunting, and buffalo are pursued using traditional tracking methods. Hunting days typically begin shortly after sunrise, with waterholes and crossing points checked for fresh spoor before trackers begin following buffalo on foot.

This is a true dangerous game hunting safari that demands patience, concentration, and good fieldcraft. Hunters can expect to cover significant ground while tracking mature bulls through varied terrain, often closing the distance carefully before a shooting opportunity presents itself.

The Cape Buffalo has earned its reputation as Africa's Black Death for good reason. Powerful, unpredictable, and capable of covering ground surprisingly quickly, buffalo command respect from even the most experienced dangerous game hunters. Accurate buffalo shot placement, calm decision-making, and teamwork between hunter, professional hunter, and trackers all play an important role in a successful hunt.

It is often said that it takes one bullet to kill a Cape Buffalo and several more to convince him of that fact. While every hunter hopes for a quick and clean end to the hunt, experienced buffalo hunters understand the importance of being prepared for a follow-up when necessary. When buffalo hunting in Africa, there is no such thing as too much gun. 

Additional Hunting Opportunities in Matetsi

Many hunters choose to extend their safari after successfully taking their buffalo, making the most of their time in one of Zimbabwe's most diverse hunting areas. Matetsi offers excellent opportunities for plains game hunts, with a variety of sought-after species available on a trophy fee basis.

Popular additional species include:

• Sable – US$5,900
• Livingstone Eland – US$2,400
• Waterbuck – US$2,400
• Warthog – US$400
• Chapman’s Zebra – US$1,300
• Chobe Bushbuck – US$1,200
• Giraffe – US$2,400
• Impala – US$400

For hunters looking to continue their dangerous game adventure, a second Cape Buffalo may also be hunted for an additional trophy fee of US$6,000 plus applicable government levies.

Why Consider This Buffalo Hunt?

For hunters seeking an authentic Cape Buffalo hunt in Zimbabwe, few opportunities combine free-range hunting, fair-chase principles, and value as effectively as this Matetsi safari. With more than 50,000 acres of unfenced hunting country, no size limit on the buffalo, experienced dangerous game professionals, and convenient access through Victoria Falls, this hunt delivers the traditional African buffalo hunting experience many hunters are searching for.

Whether your goal is to pursue your first Cape Buffalo or add another mature bull to your trophy room, Matetsi offers the type of wild, challenging, and rewarding dangerous game hunt that has helped make buffalo hunting in Zimbabwe famous throughout Africa. 

If any further information is needed regarding this Zimbabwe hunting safaris, please contact the team at Game Hunting Safaris, or message Marco directly using the icons provided. to check availability, insert the preferred dates in “Request to Book” and Marco will revert.