First buffalo hunt question

[cbmcgee34]

Hi all,

Hope everyone is well! Just completed my first African Safari back in May and safe to say I am addicted. For my next hunt, I really want to take a cape buff, but have no idea to start. Can anyone recommend an outfitter? Would ideally be free range and a safe outfitter!

Thanks,
CB

 

[samson7x]

What country you interested in? Free range meaning not SA? That will help guide you.

 

[cbmcgee34]

What country you interested in? Free range meaning not SA? That will help guide you

Thanks Samson, great point. Agreed not in SA. Was thinking Moz, Zimbabwe, Zambia, or Namibia!

 

[375Fox]

It really depends on the type of experience you want and the price range you are looking at. Hunting Zambezi valley in Zimbabwe has been my favorite hunt. It’s a true tracking hunt behind very experienced trackers and you work for your buffalo. However, you won’t see a lot of PG, but you will see elephants and possibly lions and leopard. I’d look at Charlton McCallum safaris.

 

[dchum]

There is a ton of hunting reports on here,
I’d say read up on those!

Learn about those countries you listed and the different type of areas for hunting buff in those listed countries.
See what tickles your fancy. Then maybe narrow it down that way

Because as of now, how you have it, there could be tons of good choices. You just need to find out what area, country seems cool to you.

(Flood plain, delta, or maybe wooded/woodland area, trophy expectation, weather, cost ect ect).

Those are all things initially separate hunting buff in different countries.

 

[375Fox]

Something more to consider. To me, hunting concession areas you book the concession more so than the outfitter. A safari area will have no villages but can be good or bad depending how poaching has been controlled. A community area will have villages and hopefully core zones with wildlife, but again can be good or bad depending on poaching. Talk to recent references who hunted the particular concession once you start to narrow things down to talk about their hunt and game numbers seen. Concession areas have a lot more variables than fenced areas and can change a lot in a few years. Some outfitters put a lot back into their areas and others not so much. I’d prioritize outfitters that hold leases or hunt same area year after year over those sporadically buying quota. I’d also be very careful hunting with outfitters from foreign countries. You’ll likely get a lot of offers to hunt Mozambique and Zimbabwe with South African outfitters who don’t hunt there full time. I’d vet those choices and the areas they hunt very carefully. If I’m going to spend the money I want to hunt with individuals who spend their season hunting these areas and know them best.

 

[Spear Safaris]

There seems to be a misconception about South Africa and free range, I just completed a 4 buffalo hunt in the greater Kruger, which is free range.
I can however help you on countries such as Zimbabwe and Tanzania as well. Please feel free to PM or email me
Info@spearsafaris.com
Cheers Ernest

 

[DIVAN SAFARIS]

Good day Sir

Please have a look at my website, as we tailor-made safaris in Namibias famous Caprivi and also Botswana. Our emphasis are free, wild and ethical hunting on foot in free range areas. Please get in contact with us at huntingdivan@gmail.com or divan@divansafaris.com

Yours truly

Hi all,

Hope everyone is well! Just completed my first African Safari back in May and safe to say I am addicted. For my next hunt, I really want to take a cape buff, but have no idea to start. Can anyone recommend an outfitter? Would ideally be free range and a safe outfitter!

Thanks,
CB

 

[zephyr]

A buff hunt should be 3-5hrs on a track seeing all of Africa in the process I would recommend the Save Valley in Zim all of the outfitters that hunt there are first rate

 

[rafter3]

There seems to be a misconception about South Africa and free range, I just completed a 4 buffalo hunt in the greater Kruger, which is free range.
I can however help you on countries such as Zimbabwe and Tanzania as well. Please feel free to PM or email me
Info@spearsafaris.com
Cheers Ernest

I highly recommend Ernest with Spear Safaris, I was the one who went on this Greater Krueger hunt with my wife, and not only are there lots of free range buffalo but they are big!! They take only mature bulls and have a great management program. I will be posting pictures soon!!

 

[Dhutson]

I agree that the area is more important and search for a PH that has access to those areas. The Selous and Rungwa areas are both for those who like the more traditional safari for buffalo. There are lots of buffs to choose from but look at the PH's who go after the Dugga boys.

I went on my first safari with Cloete and West Safaris. Deon is one of those PH's that is all about the old guys and buffalos are his "thing." Great guy.

 

[Hunter-Habib]

I highly recommend @GAME Trackers AFRICA and my favorite area to hunt, is the Sealous Reserves in Tanzania.

 

[uplander01]

Makore Safaris in either Mozambique or Zimbabwe.

 

[grand veneur]

Makore Safaris in either Mozambique or Zimbabwe.

Mokore,...

 

[mark-hunter]

Hi all,

Hope everyone is well! Just completed my first African Safari back in May and safe to say I am addicted. For my next hunt, I really want to take a cape buff, but have no idea to start. Can anyone recommend an outfitter? Would ideally be free range and a safe outfitter!

Thanks,

I had one buffalo so far, this does not make me an expert.

First you decide on your budget, and decide bull or cow.
You can hunt in South africa, economy priced. Cow is most affordable.
This will be on a farm, and hunt will still produce very good experience.
budget 4 to 12k USD (from cow, up to bull, then for bull will depend on horn size, price per inch)

For other options, hunt in wilderness (not on farm), it will be probably from 15K USD upwards, bull.
Namibia (Caprivi, or Waterberg mountains), Zimbabwe, Tanzania, Mozambique, Botswana, etc

Once you have decided where to go, you can search deals and offers section on the forum.
Outfitters sponsors who offer hunts here are all vetted and reputable. Prices are realistic.

 

[widetrackjack]

I’m going on my 3rd safari this fall. I have only ever hunted with Ernest Dyason and have no reason to change. I give his organization (Spear Safari’s) the highest recommendation. I have taken four trophy bulls with him and will be going after Lion and another buffalo bull this fall in Zimbabwe.
Ernest was the SCI International Professional Hunter of the year in 2024. He’s extremely “squared away” and his word is golden. His wife Marita who helps with logistics is in the same category. Whoever you decide to go with though, I wish you the best of luck on your hunt!

 

[TOBY458]

I’ve hunted with Dalton and York three times in Zim. I’ve had great success with them. They’re a sponsor here. Look them up.

 

[Sourdough]

It really depends on the type of experience you want and the price range you are looking at. Hunting Zambezi valley in Zimbabwe has been my favorite hunt. It’s a true tracking hunt behind very experienced trackers and you work for your buffalo. However, you won’t see a lot of PG, but you will see elephants and possibly lions and leopard. I’d look at Charlton McCallum safaris.

The Zambezi Valley is outstanding. As is Charlton McCallum Safaris. And the plains game has made a full recovery there. Not only lots of animals but quality as well. The video from my hunt last year can be seen here:

https://rumble.com/v5aswcs-zimbabwe-hunting-safari-2024.html

 

[godwincp]

Call Dalton at Dalton and York safaris in Zimbabwe and have a great hunt in wild Africa.

 

[FlyGuy]

I highly recommend Ernest with Spear Safaris, I was the one who went on this Greater Krueger hunt with my wife, and not only are there lots of free range buffalo but they are big!! They take only mature bulls and have a great management program. I will be posting pictures soon!!

Ernest is a great choice.

I've been fortunate to hunt and / or see buff in several countries, but there's just something about a "Kruger" buff. They have it all! Body size, boss, drop, sweep and length.
I rate them as the most beautiful buff in Africa.
While in that area, I would most definitely have kudu and waterbuck on my list too.
That's where the big ones live.