Crocodile hunting is not for “sissies” as they say in Africa, and a dangerous game hunting experience in Zimbabwe is confirmation of that. Consider adding crocodile hunting to your bucket list if you want an unforgettable, enjoyable, yet challenging, hunting trip in one of Africa’s finest dangerous game hunting destinations.

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Zimbabwe: A Sought-After Dangerous Game Hunting Destination

But you may ask, why choose Zimbabwe as your dangerous game hunting destination? What makes this destination stand out above so many other diverse wildlife destinations across the dark continent?

• Zimbabwe provides hunters with a unique game hunting experience, offering both hunting and tourism activities, which also enables hunters to travel with their families, as there are many tourist adventures to enjoy either pre- or post-hunt.
• As a tourist destination, Zimbabwe welcomed 1,043,781 visitors in 2022, leading the way as a prime African tourism destination, which included hunters.
• In terms of biodiversity, this landlocked African country is home to a huge array of species, including 199 mammals, 500 species of birds, and 130 species of fish.
• If offers a selection of hunting species, and if you are interested in hunting big game in Africa, you can add members of the Big 5 and Dangerous 7 to your list. Also available are African plains game, specialty game options, and even some members of the Tiny 10.
• Zimbabwe offers international hunters the opportunity to engage in fair chase hunting, for species such as Cape buffalo, elephant, crocodile, hippo, and leopard. These species can be targeted while hunting in Zimbabwe’s free-range areas and provide many challenging hunting opportunities for dangerous game hunting enthusiasts.
• Zimbabwe offers excellent pricing with exceptional trophies, especially when it comes to hunting big game in Africa.
• Hunters have the experience of big game hunting in Africa while hunting in areas that are strictly managed and controlled, to ensure ethical hunting and conservation efforts.
• Zimbabwe offers dangerous game hunting enthusiasts the opportunity to experience diverse terrain that provides a wealth of unique hunting opportunities in lush valleys, the savanna plateau, forests, and rugged mountainous regions.

Why are Nile Crocodiles seen as a Challenging Game Hunting Safari?

When hunting big game in Africa many people will not think that a Nile crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus) would be one of the most difficult members to target and harvest. Yet, this elusive and deadly reptile is as bloodthirsty as they come, and with no conscience, guilt, or regret, everything that crosses its path is seen as prey, including you.

• As part of the Dangerous 7, Nile crocodiles are seen as one of the most dangerous and challenging species when hunting big game in Africa.
• Not only are these pre-historic reptiles renowned for their 60-plus razor-sharp teeth but also for their cold-blooded instincts that will target any prey in sight, including humans.
• Nile crocodiles provide hunters with a challenging dangerous game hunting experience, as they are not only extremely intelligent but also cunning and quite elusive.
• They are mostly nocturnal, staying well hidden before pouncing on unsuspecting prey.
• Excellent shot placement is required when crocodile hunting. The first shot is critical, allowing the hunter to anchor the crocodile before it disappears into the deep, murky water, never to be seen again.
• DPR (Deep pressure receptors) assist them in feeling the vibrations of approaching prey or danger, warning them of approaching danger or prey.
• They are difficult to approach on foot, and to get close enough to be within striking range without being detected, can be very challenging.

How Do Hunters Prepare for a Zimbabwe Crocodile Hunting Adventure?

Preparing for a crocodile hunting trip requires planning and preparation. From permits and plane tickets to fitness and equipment, crocodile hunting in Zimbabwe calls for meticulous preparation. Take note of some of the tips below:

• Permits: For legal crocodile hunting in Zimbabwe, you will require both a CITES tag, plus the necessary concession and permits, including a TR2 permit.
• Research and Mental Preparation: Going face-to-face with one of Africa’s most dangerous species requires a great deal of research to know your adversary inside and out. Take the time to ensure that you are familiar with a crocodile’s anatomy, as well as the sweet spots when it comes to shot placement.
• Shot Placement: Speaking of shot placement, this moment is crucial. The entire hunt leads up to the moment when the hunter is ready to take that critical shot. Nobody is willing to spend thousands of dollars, and travel halfway across the world to hunt one of the most dangerous animals on earth to be let down by incorrect shot placement! Know your target, and where each kill shot is, as well as how movement of the reptile changes the placement of these.
• Fitness: Crocodile hunting is not for the unfit and may see you walking several miles a day, so be prepared. You will be navigating your way through the bush, swamps, and bodies of water, all of which require physical fitness and stamina.
• Firearms & Bows: As with dangerous game hunting in Africa, the minimum requirement is a .375, but a .7mm and 300-win mag will also get the job done quickly and efficiently. Bow hunting of crocodiles is also allowed in certain areas of the country.
• Clothing: You will be walking, stalking, and in the general area of swamps and mangroves when crocodile hunting. Pack accordingly, with waterproof boots, easy dry items, and plenty of insect repellent to ward off mosquitoes and other bugs you may encounter.
• Practise: Be prepared to put in the work when it comes to becoming familiar with your rifle of choice so that each movement is etched in muscle memory and simply becomes second nature to you.

Where are the Best Locations to Enjoy Crocodile Hunting in Zimbabwe?

When considering a Zimbabwe crocodile hunt, hunters are spoilt for choice, with numerous locations within the country being renowned for trophy crocodile specimens. The average size of crocodiles in the area is between 14-16 feet while large and exceptional trophy reptiles can reach up to 20 feet. Combination hunts can also be arranged, speak to your African outfitter. For example, hippos and crocodiles share the same habitat, allowing for a double Dangerous 7 hunting safari!

Savé Valley

The Savé Valley Conservancy is in the country’s southeastern lowveld region, bordering the Save River to the east. It is one of the largest private game reserves found in Africa, boasting an impressive 750,000 acres of pristine land, and is home to numerous members of the Big 5 and Dangerous 7, including the Nile crocodile.

Gonorezhou National Park

This large national park provides the backdrop for a thrilling and diverse African hunt and is located in southeastern Zimbabwe. The park’s Mahenye area is renowned for its wide range of dangerous game hunting trophies, including hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and Cape buffalo.

Lake Kariba

Lake Kariba is the world’s largest artificial manmade lake and reservoir, by volume. It plays host to many different types of fauna and flora and apart from being a prime spot for crocodile hunting, it is also a major tourist destination.

Of all the areas, in all the world, Lake Kariba, bordering Zambia and Zimbabwe, is one of the most popular to visit for crocodile hunting in Zimbabwe. There are many tales of exquisite crocodile trophies being harvested in this area, making it an extremely popular location to target this cold-blooded reptile.

Lake Kariba is popular as a crocodile hunting destination due to several factors:

• Access: For international hunters, Lake Kariba’s hunting area can be accessed by flying into Zimbabwe’s Harare Airport or Victoria Falls International Airport. From there, domestic flights or road transfers can be arranged to the town of Kariba, which is near the hunting grounds.
• Monster Crocs!: Lake Kariba is known for producing large game hunting trophies, making it a popular destination for international game hunting enthusiasts.
• Varied Hunting Opportunities: The habitat in and around Lake Kariba makes it a popular destination for hunters, offering a variety of dangerous game options, including hippos, elephants, lions, Cape buffalo, and crocodiles. There are also numerous African plains game options available in the area, including kudu, impala, bushbuck, and wildebeest.
• Islands Within the Hunting Concession: Lake Kariba’s habitat includes a variety of islands, allowing a unique and unparalleled dangerous game hunting experience, using the walk-and-stalk method.

Limpopo River

Bordering South Africa, the Limpopo River remains another prime location for crocodile hunting in Zimbabwe, producing good-sized trophies.

What makes Crocodile Hunting in Zimbabwe a Challenging Dangerous Game Hunting Experience?

There are numerous reasons why a Zimbabwe crocodile hunt is seen as a challenging hunting safari, the most obvious one simply being accessing the area. While there are ways and means to get to Zimbabwe crocodile hunting grounds, some are more accessible than others, keep this in mind with regards to traveling time.

The Nile crocodile’s terrain and vegetation that need to be navigated can be quite tricky and add to the challenging Zimbabwe crocodile hunt. These elusive creatures can be found along the riverbanks or hiding in the murky depths, with just their eyes visible, watching every move of passing traffic.

Nile crocodiles are also extremely intelligent and cunning, using their skills to hunt prey and evade predators.

Once spotted, another challenge is to gauge the size of the crocodile, if it is in the water, and also if it’s still in possession of its full tail! Many hunters have had the misfortune of spotting a large (and what they think is a trophy) crocodile, only to harvest it and find that a section of its tail is sadly lacking. Crocodile bulls are known to be extremely aggressive and can easily lose a section of their tail in battles over territories or fighting over the best female in the nest.

It is also very challenging to estimate the size of a crocodile’s tail even when it is not lacking. While hunters may think they have harvested a large 16-foot plus crocodile with a healthy weight of over 2,000 pounds; upon closer inspection, and out of the water, it might end up on the wrong side of 14 feet!

To harvest that elusive croc, your shot placement needs to be spot on. You need to make your first shot

count, or else your trophy will slip into the water depths, never to be seen again. When crocodile hunting the hunter has a clear view from the broadside, the succession of shots must be delivered as follows:

• The first bullet into the head penetrating the brain. 
• The second bullet into the spine, shattering the vertebrae.
• The third bullet into the vital organs, heart and lungs.

What Permits are Required for a Zimbabwe Crocodile Hunt?

The Convention of International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) is responsible for the annual quotas that control crocodile hunting in Zimbabwe. Certain permits are required for a crocodile hunt, and these include:

• TR2 Form: This is obtained from the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZPWMA) and in a nutshell, is the permission allowing your hunting safari, allows for the declaration of game that has been harvested during the hunt, and also contains the export document.
• CITES Permit: To comply with CITES, you will need both an import and export CITES permit document, from Zimbabwe where the trophy has been harvested, as well as the country to where the game hunting trophy will be exported.

Requirements are subject to change, check with your African outfitter regarding these permits and permissions before the hunt.

Supporting Local Communities While Enjoying Zimbabwe Crocodile Hunting

Did you know that crocodile hunting in Zimbabwe plays a role in supporting the local communities?

People in local communities are employed as trackers, skinners, chefs, general workers, cleaners, and so forth by African outfitters to assist in Zimbabwe hunting safaris. These opportunities allow deeply impoverished communities the opportunity to gain employment and provide for their families.

Hunting in Zimbabwe comes at a price to the hunter, and in 2022 contributed 12% of the GDP, as part of the Agriculture Industry, according to the Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency (https://www.zimstat.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/2021_GDP.pdf).

Hunting also assists in deterring human-wildlife conflict, by having hunters target the problem animal. Nile crocodiles are man-eating predators and many attacks have been recorded over the years where these reptiles have not only attacked but also killed people.

Zimbabwe: An Underrated Gem for Dangerous Game Hunting

While Zimbabwe may not be as recognized by the international hunting community as much as other African destinations when it comes to crocodile hunting, it is a prime location offering great value for money, excellent facilities, exceptional game hunting trophies, and the option to hunt all year around. Add to that the possible pre- and post-hunt tourism activities, and it is easy to see why this hunting destination is growing in popularity!

Apart from gaining a unique trophy and having a great tale to tell, crocodile hunting in Zimbabwe is an exciting, thrilling, and challenging hunting adventure that is set to challenge your skills, patience, and shot placement. Are you ready to take up the challenge?

Learn more about this diverse African destination in a blog that covers all aspects of game hunting in this African gem, check out Hunting in Zimbabwe: Navigating Laws, Licenses, and Adventures.

Author: B. Hershensohnn