Trophy Elephant Hunting in Zimbabwe, 14 Days in Hammond

For hunters looking for exceptional Elephant Hunting in Zimbabwe, few areas rival the vast wilderness of the Save Valley Conservancy. This 14-day safari near Hammond offers the opportunity to pursue free-range exportable trophy bulls on foot in one of Zimbabwe's most respected elephant hunting areas, guided by experienced professional hunters who understand the challenges of hunting Africa's largest land mammal.

The Save Valley Conservancy has earned an outstanding reputation for producing authentic dangerous game safaris across hundreds of thousands of acres of unfenced wilderness. In addition to exceptional elephant hunting, hunters can often combine their safari with other iconic species, making this an outstanding choice for anyone planning a traditional Big Five Hunting safari or a custom dangerous game adventure in Zimbabwe.

Whether this is your first African elephant safari or another chapter in your dangerous game hunting journey, this hunt offers everything serious hunters expect: experienced professional hunters, challenging free-range tracking, comfortable accommodation and the opportunity to pursue one of Africa's most respected trophies in truly wild country. 

Safari Particulars

Safari Price: US$17,400 (Excluding Elephant Trophy Fee)

Duration: 14 Hunting Days / 15 Nights

Hunter Ratio: 1 Hunter : 1 Professional Hunter

Hunting Area: 32,000 Acres of Free-Range Wilderness

Observer Rate: US$250 per day

Rifle Hire: US$40 per day (Ammunition at Cost)

Arrival Airport: Bulawayo International Airport (BUQ)

What's Included in Your Safari Price

• 14 Hunting Days / 15 Nights
• Professional Hunter
• Safari Camp Accommodation
• All Meals and Local Beverages
• Ground Transfers between Bulawayo and Hammond
• Government Daily Rate Levies
• VAT on Accommodation

Trophy Fees

Elephant Trophy Fee (<40 lb Ivory): US$14,000

Elephant Trophy Fee (40–60 lb Ivory): US$20,000

Safari Exclusions

• Elephant trophy fee
• Firearm import permit
• Park Ranger Fee (US$65 per hunting day)
• Government Levy (4% of the Elephant Trophy Fee)
• National Parks Levy (2%, charged by the taxidermist/processing agent)
• CITES Tag (approximately US$250)
• Observer rate (US$250 per day)
• Any items not specifically listed under Safari Inclusions

Hunting Elephant in Hammond, Save Valley

The Save Valley Conservancy has earned its reputation as one of Zimbabwe's premier free-range hunting destinations for good reason. Covering approximately 750,000 acres of diverse wilderness, it offers elephant hunters the opportunity to pursue old bulls exactly as dangerous game hunting was intended—on foot, following fresh spoor through wild country where the animals are free to move wherever they choose.

Unlike smaller fenced properties, elephants in the Save Valley are under no obligation to remain in one area. A mature bull may cover considerable distances between feeding and watering areas, meaning every hunting day begins with fresh tracks rather than a predetermined destination. Success depends on experienced trackers, favourable wind conditions and the patience to follow spoor for hours if necessary. Hunters looking for an authentic Elephant Hunt will appreciate that every opportunity must be earned.

Tracking elephant is rarely rushed. The hunting party may spend several hours moving quietly through jesse bush, open woodland and river systems before finally catching sight of a suitable bull. Often, the greatest challenge is not finding elephants, but getting close enough for a safe, ethical shot without being detected. Wind direction, terrain and the behaviour of the herd constantly influence every decision made by the professional hunter.

The Save Valley's warm climate, thick vegetation and varied terrain also make this a physically rewarding safari. Hunters should be prepared for long days on foot, particularly when following fresh spoor. Good fitness is not essential for every hunt, but it certainly allows hunters to enjoy the experience more fully and take advantage of every opportunity that presents itself.

Elephant hunting in the Save Valley Conservancy forms part of a much broader conservation success story. Every Zimbabwe Hunting Safari is conducted under strict government quotas and carefully managed wildlife regulations that help fund anti-poaching operations, habitat protection and local communities. It is this commitment to sustainable hunting that has helped Zimbabwe remain one of Africa's leading destinations for free-range dangerous game hunting.

Why Old Elephant Bulls Become Old Bulls

The biggest elephant is not always the easiest to hunt.

Old bulls reach maturity because they have spent decades learning how to survive. They know where to find water during drought, when to move between feeding areas and, perhaps most importantly, how to avoid danger. Their sense of smell is extraordinary, their hearing exceptional and their ability to detect the smallest sign of human presence is one of the reasons so few bulls ever reach old age.

As bulls grow older, many begin spending more time alone or in the company of a few other mature males. They no longer compete for breeding opportunities with the younger, stronger bulls that dominate family groups. Instead, they become solitary travellers, moving quietly through the bush and following routes they have used for years.

This is one of the reasons elephant hunting demands so much patience. Finding an old bull is only the beginning. Getting close enough for an ethical shot without being detected is often the greatest challenge of the entire safari.

The objective has never been to hunt the first elephant you see. It is to identify an old bull that has already contributed to the population and whose breeding years are largely behind him. Experience, judgement and patience are just as important as marksmanship when pursuing Africa's largest land mammal.

Why Wind Direction Matters More Than Your Rifle

Many first-time elephant hunters spend months deciding which rifle, calibre or bullet to bring to Africa. Experienced professional hunters often worry far more about something the hunter cannot control, the wind.

An elephant's sense of smell is among the best in the animal kingdom. Long before a hunter ever sees the bull, the elephant may already know exactly where the hunting party is. A single swirl of wind can end hours of careful tracking in an instant, sending the bull quietly away before anyone realises what has happened.

This is why experienced trackers and professional hunters constantly check the wind while following fresh spoor. Sometimes they slow down. Sometimes they stop completely. Occasionally they abandon a perfect track and circle hundreds of yards simply to approach from a safer direction.

Success on an elephant hunt is rarely determined by who carries the biggest rifle. More often, it belongs to the hunter who remains patient, listens to his professional hunter and respects the wind every step of the way.

Your Home Between the Tracks

After a full day tracking elephant through the Save Valley Conservancy, returning to a comfortable camp becomes part of the safari itself. Situated near the Nyerezi River, the thatched hunting lodge offers well-appointed chalet accommodation with en-suite bathrooms, comfortable beds and everything needed to relax before another day in the bush.

Meals are prepared using fresh local ingredients and are served in the dining room, beneath the stars in the boma or out in the bush when the day's hunt allows. Depending on the safari, hunters may even enjoy game meat harvested during the hunt. Good food, good company and conversations around the fire are all part of the classic Zimbabwe hunting experience.

Thick Bush Leaves Little Room for Error

Unlike hunting on an open shooting range, elephant hunting in the Save Valley Conservancy often takes place in thick jesse bush and riverine vegetation where shooting distances can be surprisingly close. Hunters may find themselves within twenty to forty yards of a mature bull before a safe shot presents itself, leaving very little time to think once the professional hunter gives the signal.

Choosing the correct shot becomes every bit as important as choosing the correct bull. Depending on the angle presented, experienced professional hunters may recommend a heart shot, brain shot or another carefully selected point of aim. Understanding how an elephant's vital organs change with body position and shot angle is essential for an ethical harvest and the safety of everyone involved.

Before travelling to Zimbabwe, we strongly recommend studying our Elephant Shot Placement Guide, which explains the vital anatomy, common shooting angles and why experienced professional hunters sometimes wait several extra minutes before allowing the shot.

An Elephant Safari You'll Never Forget

Few hunting experiences compare with standing within a few yards of a mature elephant bull after hours of quietly following fresh spoor through Zimbabwe's wilderness. It is a hunt that demands patience, discipline and complete trust in your professional hunter, rewarding hunters with one of Africa's most authentic dangerous game safaris.

If you are looking for a genuine free-range elephant safari in one of Zimbabwe's finest hunting concessions, this Save Valley Conservancy hunt offers experienced professional hunters, exceptional wilderness and the opportunity to pursue one of Africa's greatest trophies exactly as elephant hunting was meant to be.

Many hunters also choose to combine their elephant safari with Cape buffalo or other dangerous game species, creating one of Africa's most rewarding Hunting Trips. Our team will gladly help you design an itinerary that matches your hunting goals, available time and budget.

If you would like to learn more about this elephant hunt, current availability or planning your next safari in Zimbabwe, contact the Game Hunting Safaris team. We'd be delighted to help you plan the African hunting adventure you've always dreamed about.