Trophy Hunting in Botswana, Free Range Elephant and Buffalo
Booking Season: 2025
Hunt Difficulty: Difficult
Designed by Hunters, for Hunters
***Trophy Fees Included***
**** Observers welcome at US$ 515 per day (Incl. Gov Taxes)
For many years, Botswana was one of the top trophy hunting destinations in Southern Africa, showcasing incredible populations of game such as Elephant, Lions and Leopards, including Cape Buffalo, Aka "Africa’s Black Death". Botswana also boasted a wide variety of African plains game. These antelope inhabited Botswana from the Okavango Delta to the scenic and magical Kalahari Desert.
In 2013, the Botswana government issued a ban on all hunting activities on government and community lands, but fortunately in line with conservation principles the ban was lifted in recent years. Botswana is home to more free-range wild Elephant than any other country in Africa, with Zimbabwe a close second. Botswana is famous for producing big cats, with only 130 tags being issued by CITES every year.
Clive, working with his daughter Kim, have been offering and conducting dangerous game hunting safaris in Botswana since 1992. Clive works directly with communities and other businesses in various concessions throughout Botswana and has acquired some of the best hunting blocks in the country, offering dangerous game hunts for Elephant, Leopard and Cape Buffalo.
These blocks vary from Kalahari landscape to the fringes of Okavango Delta habitat, with each habitat boasting its own special ambiance and attractions. The block being hunted for the safari will depend on the time of the yea, animals migrate depending on seasons. This family-owned safari company works closely with the local San Bushman community and has a passion for conservation of wildlife and ethical sustainable hunting. Hunting with Clive and team, you can expect some of Africa’s finest hunting.
The hunting season in Botswana runs from April to September, which are also the cooler months. In summer, the temperatures are high, which cause an influx of critters such as insects, ticks and mosquitos. If you have hunted in Africa during the warmer months, you will know all about the infamous “pepper ticks” and how unpleasant their bites can be. Hunting big game in the heat can also have side effects such as dehydration, so stick to the cooler months as there will be a considerable amount of walking every day.
Resource Utilization: Elephant (Incl. License Fee): US$ 37 224
Elephant License Fee: Botswana Government: US$ 7000
Buffalo Licence Fee: Botswana Government US$ 2500
Trophy Fee: Cape Buffalo: US$ 2 500 Trophy Fee: Elephant: US$ 20 000 Total Big Game Safari Cost: US $ 94 000As hunting concessions will vary depending on seasons and species, hunters will either fly into Maun or Kasane. When booking the hunt and considering the preferred months, the location will be determined based on migratory patterns.
For hunts at CH8 Buffalo Camp, CT5 Ivory Camp or CH12 Bottlepan Camp: Kasane please fly into Kasane, Botswana. Kasane to CH8 Buffalo Camp is about a one and half hours’ drive. Kasane to CH12 Bottlepan Camp is about a two hours’ drive. Kasane to CT5 Ivory camp is about a three hours’ drive. For hunts in the Kalahari, NG8, NG9 or NG3 please fly to Maun, Botswana.
Both Maun and Kasane can be reached by regional flight from Oliver Tambo International Airport, flying from South Africa. This flight is approximately two hours in duration and really is just a “quick hop” across the border. For flights from Oliver Tambo to Botswana, we would recommend Airlink. The flights are on time, affordable and the food is great. Should hunters need to stay overnight in Johannesburg, we would recommend making use of Africa Sky Boutique Hotel, who offer transfers to/from Oliver Tambo and can assist with firearm permits into South Africa (SAPS 520). For further information, see "Affiliate Services" below.
Should you wish to charter a Helicopter or light aircraft to any of the camps it will be easier to arrange the charter from Maun, this is where most of the charter companies are based.
When planning your African hunt in Botswana, prioritize health by consulting your doctor about recommended vaccinations (Hepatitis A, Rabies and Typhoid) and Malaria Prophylaxis. Malaria can be a significant risk in Botswana, especially in the northern areas such as the Okavango Delta. While Clive and Kim have medical kits on standby, packing a personal kit including your necessary medical provisions is essential (sunblock, contact lens solution, etc.)
When importing a rifle into Botswana for sport hunting, you must apply for a permit in advance, and as one would expect, also pay a fee. The rifle import fee will typically cost +- US$ 150. You can only bring two rifles and one shotgun, and a maximum of 100 rounds of ammunition per firearm.
The permit application process will include: (Clive and support staff will be assist)
Botswana us current home to estimated Buffalo populations of more than 30000. In past years, these numbers have fluctuated due to poaching and international hunting bans, but Cape Buffalo in Botswana are considered to be relatively stable. Some experts estimate free-range Buffalo populations to be 80 000 and upwards.
Cape Buffalo in Botswana are 100% “Free -Range” and flourish across the country’s vast and unfenced wilderness. These Buffalo migrate in large herds, sometimes over a 1000 strong through the Chobe National Park, Caprivi and Okavango Delta.
This method of hunting will follow “old school” and ethical hunting practices. A typical day will be setting out early in the morning look for signs of fresh Buffalo tracks or feedback after possible sightings. Ater a consult with the Bushman and the professional hunter, a decision will be made whether to follow the specific set of tracks.
Cape Buffalo hunting will be at close quarters, and you can expect shots to be taken anywhere from twenty to fifty yards. Botswana has exceptionally healthy populations of Cape Buffalo with numbers more than 30000. You will be spoilt for choice on this hunt and harvesting a Cape Bull with loads of character is “on the cards.”
Out of all African countries, Botswana has the largest number of free roaming Elephants, with estimates at over 120 000. For photographic safaris, areas such as the Chobe and the Okavango Delta are popular, Botswana just has so many Elephants.
Elephants follow lengthy migratory patterns based on food and water availability, hence hunting outfitters such as Clive operate in numerous blocks throughout the country. As Elephant populations continue to grow, so do conflicts with communities, including property damage, damage to crops and even fatalities. We all remember the Botswana President offering Germany 20 000 Elephants at no cost.
Even with so many Elephants, Botswana only issues 400 licenses a year for trophy hunting.The Elephant hunt will be on foot, following traditional ethical and “fair chase” hunting methods, and of course “up close and personal”.
Botswana’s tremendous diversity in terms of wildlife and habitats offers a wide variety of non-hunting activities, which include:
If any further information is required relating to this trophy hunt in Botswana, please contact the team at Game Hunting Safaris or message Clive directly using the quick message icons. To check availability, submit the preferred dates in "Request to Book" and Clive 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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