Zimbabwe Hunting
Graham Sales PHASA Professional Hunter of the year 2018
The Savé Valley Conservancy is the largest private game reserves in Africa. Located in the South Eastern Lowveld of Zimbabwe, bordering on the Save River on its eastern side, the Conservancy comprises an area in excess of 750,000 acres and is home to Africa’s Big 5. The Savé Valley Conservancy has a vast and varied natural landscape, from Mopane brush, Mountains, rocky outcrops, dry riverbeds, open plains, and the mighty Save River which attracts Buffalo, Elephant and various plains game species. Due to the healthy Buffalo and plains game in the Conservancy, these, in turn, attracts Africa’s big Cats, Lion, and Leopard which makes this a prime destination for an African Safari. The Conservancy is also home to a healthy population of White and Black Rhino.
The Msaize area (inside the Savé Valley Conservancy) is, without a doubt, one of the best hunting concessions in Zimbabwe. Encompassing 130,000 acres, this concession has exceptional trophy specimens in all dangerous game categories(lion,leopard,elephant,buffalo) and also an abundance of plains game animals. The Msaize concession is privately managed at the highest possible level and on an exclusive basis.
With plentiful wildlife, well-maintained hunting roads and a water reticulation program to match, this concession will not disappoint!
Booking your Safari in Msaize Concession in the Savé Valley guarantees you will encounter quality trophy dangerous game and an abundance of plains game species. …a true Safari experience!
Packing, dipping and shipping of trophies: An import and export CITES permit for Appendix I and an export CITES permit for Appendix II animals are required for each shipment. Field preparation of trophies are done in camp and transported to a shipping agent designated by the outfitter. Clients will be put in touch with the shipping agent to discuss their requirements and arrange for the payment of services. Clients should have sufficient trophy tags and full shipping instructions handy and should make sure that their skinning instructions are clearly recorded in the outfitter’s hunting register.
General packing list
Ammunition in a locked container (please confirm with Hunters’ Support / African Odyssey regarding the weight restrictions on ammunition for different airlines as well as the regulations on how to transport ammunition)
Ammunition pouch
Binoculars (8 x 30 or 10 x 40 or 10 x 32)
Camera – Extra memory card – Memory stick to download pictures
Cellphone and instructions for use in Zimbabwe
Chap-stick
Comfortable attire to wear around camp at night
Comfortable, well-worn hunting shoes/boots
3-4 Pairs of socks
3 x Shirts (hunting shirts)
2-3 Pairs of hunting shorts
2-3 Pairs of hunting trousers (during June & July we usually wear long pants while hunting)
During June / July we recommend you bring gloves and a beanie.
Flashlight & batteries
Hat
Insect repellent
Insurance information
Medical prescriptions
Passport (make copies of all paperwork and put in a separate bag or your rifle case)
Rifle, sling & soft bag
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Toiletry bag
Waist belt (belt)
Warm jacket
# Laundry is done daily in our hunting camps in Zimbabwe
# May, June & July are our coldest months
In Zimbabwe, a wide range of animal species can be hunted legally, including but not limited to elephant, buffalo, lion, leopard, hippopotamus, crocodile, sable, kudu, impala, waterbuck, warthog, and various types of antelope. However, it is important to note that the availability and legal status of specific species can vary based on factors such as the location of the hunt, conservation efforts, and government regulations. It is always recommended to consult with reputable outfitters or local authorities to ensure that the animals being hunted are legal to hunt and that hunting is conducted in a sustainable and ethical manner.
Foreign hunters who wish to hunt in Zimbabwe must obtain a hunting permit and a temporary firearm import permit. To obtain a hunting permit, hunters must work with a registered outfitter or professional hunter, who will facilitate the permit application process on their behalf. The application process involves providing documentation such as a valid passport, a hunting license from the hunter’s country of origin, and a letter of invitation from the outfitter or professional hunter. Additionally, hunters must comply with Zimbabwe’s firearm regulations and obtain a temporary firearm import permit from the Zimbabwean police. It is important to note that the application process and requirements may vary depending on the specific hunt and location.
The typical length of a hunting trip in Zimbabwe can vary based on a variety of factors, including the type of animal being hunted, the location of the hunt, and the preferences of the hunter. In general, most hunting trips in Zimbabwe range from 7 to 21 days, with 10 to 14 days being the most common. This duration allows for adequate time to scout the area, track animals, and ensure a successful hunt. Additionally, some outfitters may offer customizable hunting packages that can be tailored to fit the needs and preferences of individual hunters.
The best time of year for hunting in Zimbabwe can depend on several factors, including the specific species being hunted, weather conditions, and the hunting location. However, in general, the dry winter months of May through October are considered the prime hunting season in Zimbabwe. During this time, animals are more concentrated around water sources, making them easier to track and hunt. Additionally, the dry weather conditions make it easier to move around the hunting area and navigate terrain. However, it’s important to note that some species may have different hunting seasons, and hunting regulations may vary depending on the location of the hunt. It is recommended to consult with reputable outfitters or local authorities for specific information on the best time to hunt certain species in a particular location.
Zimbabwe has implemented various measures to ensure sustainable and ethical hunting practices. The government has set quotas for hunting various animal species to ensure that the populations remain healthy and that hunting is conducted in a sustainable manner. Additionally, hunting areas are carefully managed to ensure that the habitats are conserved, and that hunting activities do not negatively impact the environment.
Zimbabwean law also requires that hunters are accompanied by a registered professional hunter or guide, who is responsible for ensuring that the hunt is conducted in a responsible and ethical manner. Hunting outfitters and professional hunters must adhere to a strict code of ethics, and any violations can result in their licenses being revoked.
Furthermore, Zimbabwean authorities monitor and regulate hunting activities through a permit system, which ensures that all hunting activities are legal, and that hunters are complying with the established regulations. This system also helps to prevent poaching and other illegal hunting practices.