Buffalo Hunting
Cape buffalo hunting in Zimbabwe & South Africa
Cape buffalo are widely considered the most sought-after of all dangerous game species in Africa. While many hunters may pursue elephant or lion only once, buffalo hunts have a way of drawing hunters back time and time again. With their power, unpredictability, and sheer presence, a Cape buffalo hunt is one of the most thrilling and authentic experiences Africa has to offer.
Though buffalo may appear calm when grazing in herds, they are known for their aggression and cunning when threatened or wounded — capable of charging without warning and even circling back on their own tracks. We encounter them throughout Southern Africa, often in herds of varying sizes. In Zimbabwe’s renowned Matetsi concession, herds can reach over 1,000 animals.
Buffalo are large, rugged animals, with mature bulls weighing between 500 and 1,000 kg (1,100–2,200 lb). While both sexes have horns, bulls display the iconic deep curl and solid boss, while cows typically lack the boss but may have a wide spread. Buffalo are primarily grazers, requiring daily access to water, and prefer thick bushveld during the day.
The minimum legal caliber for buffalo hunting is .375, which is highly effective with proper shot placement. Many hunters opt for soft-point bullets for their initial shot to avoid over-penetration and reduce risk to other animals in the herd. As always, your Professional Hunter will guide you on the best choice of firearm and ammunition.
Areas of buffalo hunting
Buffalo Hunting in Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe is home to some of the most impressive wild, free-range buffalo hunting in Africa. Our primary areas — including the Gonarezhou Safari Areas and Matetsi Units — offer vast, unfenced hunting terrain ranging from 200,000 to 300,000 hectares. These concessions consistently produce high-quality bulls, with average horn spreads exceeding 40 inches. Exceptional trophies are not uncommon, including a remarkable 50-inch bull taken in 2012.
Buffalo Hunting in South Africa
In South Africa, buffalo are primarily hunted on large fenced game ranches ranging from 1,000 to over 15,000 hectares, as well as in select reserves near Kruger National Park. Due to veterinary regulations protecting domestic cattle, only disease-free buffalo may be hunted. These herds are carefully managed — quarantined, tested, tagged, and registered. South Africa offers excellent opportunities for high-quality trophy bulls, with a 38-inch horn spread typically marking the distinction between non-trophy and trophy animals.
