Zimbabwe Recommendations

[rookhawk]

The Omay is in the Zambezi Valley and is of the cheapest available in Zim.

Not trying to be obtuse or to seem like splitting hairs, but I thought the Omay was way up on Lake Kariba. Perhaps my geography or use of terms is incorrect, but when I think Zambezi Valley I think of "past the hotel, past the escarpment, through the 2nd set of boom gates, now you're in the area West to East: Mana Pools, some fish camp I can't recall, Sapi, Chewore (north/south), then quite a ways and you're to Dande."

Is Lake Kariba considered the Zambezi Valley? When I was on Kariba I never felt like I was in the valley.

 

[Kevin Peacocke]

Not trying to be obtuse or to seem like splitting hairs, but I thought the Omay was way up on Lake Kariba. Perhaps my geography or use of terms is incorrect, but when I think Zambezi Valley I think of "past the hotel, past the escarpment, through the 2nd set of boom gates, now you're in the area West to East: Mana Pools, some fish camp I can't recall, Sapi, Chewore (north/south), then quite a ways and you're to Dande."

Is Lake Kariba considered the Zambezi Valley? When I was on Kariba I never felt like I was in the valley.

Interesting point. I think we can say Lake Kariba is on the Zambezi river and is therefore in the Valley. Maybe we should call it the Lake Valley as opposed to the River Valley. That area you drop down to after Makuti that you refer to we call the Flat Lands.

 

[Zim Fan]

I am seeking recommendations based on past personal experience for outfitters in Zimbabwe for a buffalo and plains game rifle hunt in 2024.

While I am biased in my choice, David Langerman is an excellent PH and you would be hard pressed to find anyone better.

where to go in Zim depends on many Factors. Some areas have few plains game and others sporadic Buffalo. Make sure whoever you choose in a native Zimbabwean and you are not hunt on confiscated lands.

I have known Dave since he was an apprentice and am returning in 2024 with the family to do a Buffalo/plains game hunt with Dave for the fourth time, third in Zim. Been to SA, Moz, Tanzania and in several different areas of Zim. There are reasons for returning to hunt with the same PH.

John

 

[CAustin]

I am seeking recommendations based on past personal experience for outfitters in Zimbabwe for a buffalo and plains game rifle hunt in 2024.

Dalton and York Safaris

 

[Safari Dave]

Do whatever Kevin Peacocke recommends...

He seems to know what he is talking about concerning Zimbabwe.

 

[zephyr]

Roger Whittall have hunted with them 3x

 

[revturbo9967]

Interesting point. I think we can say Lake Kariba is on the Zambezi river and is therefore in the Valley. Maybe we should call it the Lake Valley as opposed to the River Valley. That area you drop down to after Makuti that you refer to we call the Flat Lands.

I've heard from a few experienced PHs referencing the Omay as being in Zambezi valley, including Myles from CM safaris. I would think there is a touch of marketing to this as everyone wants to hunt the Zambezi valley due to its reputation for DG. Expanding the valley's bounders can indeed help sell hunts. That said, if locals and well respected PH's call it the Valley, I will not dispute it.

 

[TTundra]

I was in the same position and booked with Wayne at @NYAMAZANA SAFARIS . Great reports and able to get into the Save for buffalo later this year. Wayne has been excellent in answering any questions.

 

[Kevin Peacocke]

Just to flesh this out a bit, I think that an owner/PH operated camp is fine if there is also a manager in the picture to look after all the nuts and bolts of running the place leaving the PH free to attend solely to the clients. Or if it is a larger outfit the clients are allocated their own PH who is free of the rest of it. We once hunted a place that was clearly not doing well financially, and our PH was also camp manager, mechanic, etc and consequently run off his feet.

 

[Mark A Ouellette]

We once hunted a place that was clearly not doing well financially, and our PH was also camp manager, mechanic, etc and consequently run off his feet.

Been there, done that, never again no matter how low the price!

 

[uplander01]

Makore Safaris

 

[pimes]

… Buffalo/PG hunt I think you have to look more in the east/south east parts of Zimbabwe = Save Valley (you find a lot about in this forum) - Eastern Lowlands= Bubye Valley (Dave Langerman) - Nuanetsi (Richi Schultz) both areas with abundant PG (Kudu, Eland, Impala, Bushbock , ++ and possible to hunt for Nyala!!!) if Sable is on your list you have to look in the western areas of Botswana (Matetsi and lot of other areas with renowned PH‘s)

 

[aminkus]

Hello just stumbled on this thread, i am looking for Elephant and Buffalo in zim?
Any suggestions as to who as to who i should hunt with in Zim?

 

[zephyr]

Roger Whittall Safari
Butch Coaton Safaris

 

[TTundra]

Hello just stumbled on this thread, i am looking for Elephant and Buffalo in zim?
Any suggestions as to who as to who i should hunt with in Zim?

Contact Wayne @NYAMAZANA SAFARIS

Fantastic PH and incredible hunts

 

[Killo]

Roger Whittall Safaris
Humani
PH Peter Wood

 

[375Fox]

Hello just stumbled on this thread, i am looking for Elephant and Buffalo in zim?
Any suggestions as to who as to who i should hunt with in Zim?

Charlton McCallum safaris in Dande or Nyakasanga. When you look at outfitters in Zimbabwe I’d identify who is just buying quota vs who holds hunting rights to areas and I’d prioritize those that hold the leases and invest back into the areas they hold.

Are you looking for an elephant bull or a tuskless? If a bull what size ivory are you looking for? That will really affect the area and possibly outfitter choice.

 

[Mtn_Infantry]

Hello just stumbled on this thread, i am looking for Elephant and Buffalo in zim?
Any suggestions as to who as to who i should hunt with in Zim?

What's your budget? Are you looking to hunt a specific area or looking for a certain size Ele? Trophy, non trophy, tuskless? Is Ele or Buffalo more of the priority for you?

Some outfitters in different areas below that might offer a good starting point
Zambezi Valley Area - Dalton & York Safaris, and CMS (as mentioned by @375Fox )
Save Valley - Whittall Safaris or Duckworths
Bubye Valley Conservancy - Pete Fick or John Sharp
Matetsi (block dependent) - Richard Cooke or Guav Johnson might be some good options

This list could go on and on, need some more context. As mentioned above, not all outfitters own the blocks, some just buy quota, or occasionally hunt in a specific area.

 

[aminkus]

What's your budget? Are you looking to hunt a specific area or looking for a certain size Ele? Trophy, non trophy, tuskless? Is Ele or Buffalo more of the priority for you?

Some outfitters in different areas below that might offer a good starting point
Zambezi Valley Area - Dalton & York Safaris, and CMS (as mentioned by @375Fox )
Save Valley - Whittall Safaris or Duckworths
Bubye Valley Conservancy - Pete Fick or John Sharp
Matetsi (block dependent) - Richard Cooke or Guav Johnson might be some good options

This list could go on and on, need some more context. As mentioned above, not all outfitters own the blocks, some just buy quota, or occasionally hunt in a specific area.

you are asking all the right questions.
The number one priority is a trophy exportable bull. I am not focused on weight per say but quality of the hunt and the hunting experience has to be what i have spent my life reading about.

Buf is very much my number 2 desired trophy but if a good track appears i will not hesitate to take one too........ But big old Ele bulls are my top priority.


As far as area goes i do not care..... i want to walk, stalk and look at a lot of Bulls before taking the one of my dreams

 

[Mtn_Infantry]

you are asking all the right questions.
The number one priority is a trophy exportable bull. I am not focused on weight per say but quality of the hunt and the hunting experience has to be what i have spent my life reading about.

Buf is very much my number 2 desired trophy but if a good track appears i will not hesitate to take one too........ But big old Ele bulls are my top priority.


As far as area goes i do not care..... i want to walk, stalk and look at a lot of Bulls before taking the one of my dreams

Most PH's are going to target old bulls. Certain outfitters and PH's are better known for their elephant hunting (Buzz at CMS for instance), while others are known for buffalo or cats.

Body size can vary widely depending on the area. The biggest bodied bulls will typically be along the Botswana border. The ivory there tends to be a little heavier, and you'll see thicker, and many times shorter ivory (even though it's heavier). With the increased chance at higher weights, normally comes increased costs.

The Zambezi Valley has a lot of elephants, and the ivory there typically tends to be longer and thinner. IMO they have a lot of really pretty, but a heavy bull is a lot of work. The Zambezi Valley also holds some of the highest populations of tuskless elephants. These have relatively cheap trophy fees, so if the idea of a multi elephant safari appeals this is a great place where you can add a tuskless to a trophy bull for a few thousand more since your daily rates are already paid. The Zambezi also holds some good buffalo hunting as well as good PG (relative for DG areas), and has some great fishing opportunities. One day I'd REALLY like to hunt the Zambezi myself.

My preferred outfitter doesn't have buffalo in his area. I've personally taken buff with him, BUT it was a full days ride and relocation to another outfitters area to hunt their left over quota due to us tagging out in his area very early in the hunt.