ZIMBABWE: Zimbabwe Concessions

[Jumbo]

Hi all, I am planning my 2014 hunt for Buffalo in Zim and am looking for some info from those who have recently been hunting there.

I am trying to ascertain which concessions/areas are worth looking at, and which are not. there are lots of reports of some areas being heavily(read "Over") hunted, others being densely populated with human habitation.

I am looking for an area with good mature bulls and an opportunity for a great experience.

Any input on worthwhile PH's/companies will also be appreciated. I have done lots of homework so far and am slowly making progress in narrowing things down, but any input will be appreciated and added into the mix!

 

[hank]

Jumbo,
Just got back from Zim a month ago. 5 of us took buffalo from the Northern Hwange/Matetsi/Deka area. These bulls are all 38-41 inches. They are not wide bulls but all are huge dugga boys with heavy bosses. I will post pics of 3 of the bulls that I have when I get time to figure out how to attach them.

 

[Buff-Buster]

Nice bulls Hank! Who did you hunt with? Outfitter/PH?

 

[gi jane]

Greetings Jumbo!
You will love Zim.. My dad and I used Africa Hunting Safaris operated by Ron Oliver. We booked with him for four hunts. I highly recommend his operation. If you need the email or any other info PM me. I know he has a lot of successful clients that have hunted in Matetsi and some other areas. He's a good guy in my opinion. Good luck! I hope soon the Save Valley will be up and running again for hunting because it is spectacular there. As far as PH's go, there are a few I know. Glenn Stockil from Shangaan Hunters, Craig Robinson from Sango Safaris and Pete Barnard (spelling). I had Glenn as my PH for four hunts but also got to know Craig and Pete whilst I was in camp. Very professional and excellent PHs. Never a bad experience.

Cheers,
Jane

 

[drew416]

Let me echo GI Jane.
Craig Robinson of Sango Safari's is the man to see about Zimbabwe .sangosaf@gmail.com .He is in a much better position to inform you of what the best area/concession's are. The best area may not be available either as it all has to do with how many permits Zim National Parks Dept issue.
You may have left your run a bit late. Don't be surprised if 2014 is fully booked, you might have to try for 2015?
I know in May/ June there were many herds of trophy size bulls in the Bubye Valley. Despite the large number of mature bulls available, National Parks Dept has increased the trophy fee on Buffalo bulls for 2013-2014 hunts. They may also have increased the quota and issued more permits? Buffalo are the favorite trophy at the moment and everyone wants one- hence the increased trophy fees.
Just contact Craig, he'll set you on the right path. He will line you up with something, even if it's not with him, he will just help you. That's the kind of guy he is.




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[gi jane]

For sure Craig will work his ass off for his clients. I must also say that Glenn and his team will as well. Regardless Jumbo, you will be in good hands if you can connect with one of these fine gentlemen.. Again, just PM me if you have any questions. Please keep us updated!! I wish you a safe and successful adventure!
:thumb::thumb::thumb::thumb:
Jane

 

[gi jane]

Just one more thing, if you have to overnight in JoBerg my favorite place to stay was the Afton House. Their staff will meet you at the airport and make sure you are set. From weapons transport (paperwork), customs, sleep, dinner (amazing steaks) and transportation. I promise every little detail will be taken care of for you if you choose to stay with them. I am sure many on this forum are familiar with Afton House.

 

[Jumbo]

Jumbo,
Just got back from Zim a month ago. 5 of us took buffalo from the Northern Hwange/Matetsi/Deka area. These bulls are all 38-41 inches. They are not wide bulls but all are huge dugga boys with heavy bosses. I will post pics of 3 of the bulls that I have when I get time to figure out how to attach them.

I would certainly be very happy with any one of those three bulls. I just hope the whole experience was as it should be!

 

[Jumbo]

More options

Hi guys,
Has anyone hunted with Doma, or Terry Fenn?

What is the feeling about the Chete concession at the moment?

 

[joester]

Two PHs in Zim whom I would reccomend highly are John Sharp in the Bubye or Barrie Duckworth in the Save. Legends both, I took a nice bull with Barrie last month.

 

[KWALATA SAFARIS]

Mokore safari's(Barry) -and his sons also have an area in Moz Coutada 9 if I am not mistaken and a good buff area

 

[Mike70560]

Mokore safari's(Barry) -and his sons also have an area in Moz Coutada 9 if I am not mistaken and a good buff area

Very few buff on Coutada Nine, Great plainsgame area though. Mokore has been trying to import buffalo in to the concession but governement red tape has stopped them so far.

I did kill a 49" buffalo on Nine, it was the only one we saw.

 

[Wheels]

Very few buff on Coutada Nine, Great plainsgame area though. Mokore has been trying to import buffalo in to the concession but governement red tape has stopped them so far.

I did kill a 49" buffalo on Nine, it was the only one we saw.

If there was only one buff on nine then that's the buff to have. Would you post a picture for us. Congrats.

 

[joester]

I'd love to see a pic as well, congrats! I hunted last month on Coutada 9 with Barrie - buffalo are quite limited there, but the plainsgame was superb! So many big Kudu, reeedbuck, monster watrhogs, and many others.

 

[gi jane]

Hopefully they will be able to hunt in the Save again. It's amazing there.

 

[KWALATA SAFARIS]

Very few buff on Coutada Nine, Great plainsgame area though. Mokore has been trying to import buffalo in to the concession but governement red tape has stopped them so far.

I did kill a 49" buffalo on Nine, it was the only one we saw.

Guess I was mistaken then.....

Shit 70560 hopefully there is still a 50" or possibly a 48".....

I know that there has been some respectable buff taken of there not sure with regards to quota, also check with Simon Rogers just across the lake from us bordering Dande in the Mozambique side IMO the best area across the board in Moz... This would include buff,pg,cats...

My best always.

 

[Mike70560]

Not to hijack the thread but......

 

[Wheels]

Mike, unbelievable trophy. Having a buff where the rifle fits between the tips is really special......maybe someday I will be as fortunate. Thanks for allowing us to ogle.

 

[KWALATA SAFARIS]

Awesome 70560, I'll settle for an area with few buff any day if the possibility exists of hammering a bull similar to this in fact I would sacrifice an area with herds of 300 buff to hunt an area with the slightest possibility of connecting with such a bull as this one.

A once in a lifetime indeed OR maybe you're just lucky????

Either way I'd settle for some of it ...

My best always

 

[gi jane]

Impressive!! Holy heck!!