Zimbabwe Hunting Guide

The untamed wilderness of this unique country makes Zimbabwe still one of Africa’s top hunting destinations. Formerly known as Rhodesia, Zimbabwe is a 150,820 sq. mile landlocked country between the Zambezi and Limpopo rivers. It hosts not only breath-taking savannah and woodlands but also large bodies of water such as Lake Kariba and the famous Victoria Waterfalls. Our trophy hunting season is all year round, but with the best hunting days during the dry, sunny, winter months (May to September). Average temperatures range then between 7°C and 20°C (45°F and 70°F) in comparison to summers that can be hot and humid (25°C to 38°C / 75°F to 100°F). Most hunting takes place in three different types of areas namely governmental hunting areas, tribal hunting areas and private hunting areas. Most of these territories are unfenced and open. Tsholotsho South is known for its majestic elephant bulls while Lake Kariba is home to excellent trophy crocodiles and hippos. When it comes to wing shooting, several species of duck, geese, partridge, guinea fowl, pigeon, dove and quail are available for hunting.

There is no limit to the number of firearms that may be imported into Zimbabwe for trophy hunting purposes, however a hunter is limited to 100 rounds of ammunition per rifle imported. Handguns and black powder rifles are allowed but no automatic, semi-automatic or military category firearms. Bowhunting in Zimbabwe may only take place on alienated (private) land or communal (tribal) land. Bowhunting is illegal in Zimbabwe on National Parks Safari or Government Controlled Areas and no crossbows, recurve or longbows are allowed in the country. A .375 or bigger and a medium caliber 7mm – 300HxH range are suggested as generally suitable for most hunts. Should a hunter wish not to bring his/her own rifle on the safari, there are camp rifles and ammunition available for their use at an additional cost.

Each hunter requires a hunting permit from the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority. Permits must be issued prior to the hunt commencing and Chapungu-Kambako Safaris will obtain this on our client’s behalf. An additional, special permit is required for the large cats including leopard, cheetah and lion, elephants, crocodiles etc.

There is daily laundry done in camp. Below is a packing list to get you prepared for your Zimbabwean safari:

The closest ports of entry to our hunting concessions in Zimbabwe are Victoria Falls International Airport (VFA) and Bulawayo International Airport (BUQ). Airlines that service these airports are South African Airlines, SA Airlink, British Airlines, Ethiopian Airlines and Air Namibia. We also make use of private airstrips at our concessions.

It is advisable to make use of a travel agent when booking your international flights to Africa. Miriam Clingensmith at Frosch travel agency can assist with any flight bookings (mailto:miriam.clingensmith@frosch.com / +1 713-590-8138). She is also available to meet in person at the DSC and SCI shows.

Every visitor to Zimbabwe must be in possession of a passport that is valid until six months after the initial date of travel as well as a round-trip airline ticket or other proof of exit out of the country. Temporary entry visas for Zimbabwe are required by visitors from almost all countries. Regulations change constantly and we advise all visitors to please check with their nearest Zimbabwean Consulate about entry regulations and obtaining a visa. A valid yellow fever vaccination certificate is needed for travellers coming from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.

It is important to note that all hunting safaris are potentially dangerous and it is each client’s own responsibility to arrange his/her medical, evacuation or personal insurance. We recommend Ripcord Comprehensive Travel Protection (www.ripcordtravelprotection.com) as a preferred travel insurer.

It is advisable to take out full insurance for all firearms before travelling anywhere in Africa. Ensure that your ammunition is in a separate lockable container from your rifle. Bows can be imported with a special hunting permit at an additional cost. Hunters entering Zimbabwe with firearms and ammunition must complete in duplicate a Certificate To Possess Firearms (Form F.R. 20) for all firearms and/or ammunition in their possession. Upon arrival in Zimbabwe, present this form together with a copy of the Letter of Invitation which we will be sent to each client before travelling. The temporary import/export permit will be issued at customs at the airport. Clients visiting or travelling through South Africa (depending on the airline in-transit regulations), will need to complete a South Africa Firearms Permit Application Form (SAPS 520) and obtain the permit prior to their arrival. Please check with your travel agent or airline, the transit procedure when travelling through South Africa. For more information please see our Travelling with firearms South African section.

Our continent is known for rich and colourful cultures, friendly people, exhilarating adventures and breath-taking natural beauty. Chapungu-Kambako Safaris can assist in arranging some additional sightseeing, interesting excursions or alternative activities for our travellers and observers.

Skinning of trophies and field preparation is included in our services, however all dipping, collecting, taxidermy work and shipping of trophies are not included.

A gratuity is a gift of appreciation for services provided. They can be given to staff members at the hunter’s own discretion. We can provide a proposed gratuity list as guideline should it be required.

Malaria risk is high throughout the year in the Zambezi Valley (which includes Victoria Falls) and in areas below 1200m from November to June. Risk is negligible in Harare and Bulawayo. It is recommended to take malaria prophylactics and other precautions. Adequate clothing as well as mosquito repellent are important to minimize mosquito bites. Each hunter is advised to also bring a small personal medical kit with necessary preferred medication for headaches, colds, burns, allergies etc.

All safaris booked through and conducted by Chapungu-Kambako Safaris are based on the following terms and conditions: (Please see the Safari Price List and Contract for the detailed Terms and Conditions)

Bookings are confirmed on receipt of the signed safari contract and 50% of the total daily rate. The balance due (which consists of the balances of the daily rate, trophy fees of reserved animals and all extras) is payable 60 days prior to the commencement of the safari. The only exception is for trophy elephant hunts in the Caprivi that require 4 installments, each of 25% on the total hunt value, from the date of booking to 2 weeks prior to the commencement of the hunt. Trophy fees of any animals killed/wounded and any additional expenses incurred during the trip, are payable at the conclusion of the safari and can be paid in cash in camp (US dollar notes, clean and unmarked and not older than 2009 series only) or by electronic bank transfer. Any unused credits will be refunded within 30 days of the safari end date. Any other payment arrangement must be authorized in writing.

There will be no refund of any deposit paid within six (6) months prior to the 1st of March of the year the hunt is to take place in. If cancelled longer than 6 months prior to this date, 50% of the deposit will be refunded.

It is hereby agreed that any leopard or lion shot, regardless of its age, without the consent of the professional hunter accrues an immediate fine of US$ 30,000.00 and $US 50,000.00 respectively. The hunt will not continue until payment has been received.

It must be noted that hunting is a dangerous vocation and although Chapungu-Kambako safaris are committed to your safety, comfort and enjoyment, we cannot be held responsible for any accidents, illness or death that may occur whilst on the safari.