Hunting Zimbabwe Information

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Hunting Zimbabwe
Given the prevailing political, economic and human rights situation in this country, as a hunter or traveler, one may be tempted to avoid Zimbabwe altogether.

This country, formerly known as Rhodesia, was once one of the most prosperous countries in Africa while under rule of the British Empire. After gaining its independence and, even more so under the rule of Robert Mugabe, this prosperity has come to an abrupt end.

In the last ten years, the policies enacted by Robert Mugabe against white Zimbabweans, including the redistribution of agricultural land, have brought on a rapid and devastating economic collapse. As a result, famine has become a driving force among the Zimbabweans and has led to significant poaching. According to some sources, these activities have led to the disappearance of 70 to 80% of the game in some areas.

Surprisingly, tourists and hunters continue to visit Zimbabwe. To date, there have been no incidents involving foreign tourist or foreign hunters. In addition, most of the safari operators continue to offer hunts in Zimbabwe and Zimbabwe continues to be an important hunting destination.

The current situation will not last forever and the continued presence in the bush and in the hunting areas of the hunting structures such as the: camps, lodges, vehicles, and more, as well as the presence of hunters, PH's, trackers, game scouts, etc... all may help to slow the effects of poaching... even though for many of these poachers, poaching is a matter of survival.

It is likely that one day soon Zimbabwe will again be the peaceful and beautiful hunting destination that it had been for decades though this return to normalcy may take several years.

Zimbabwe, as is the case for other countries in Africa, has no access to the sea. Zimbabwe is bordered to the east by Mozambique, to the south by the Republic of South Africa, to the west by Botswana, and to the north by Zambia.

Zimbabwe is home to an Elephant population estimated at 100,000 animals, with a threshold at 50,000, mostly in the Zambezi Valley. Hunting of Elephants is allowed.

Lion and Leopard hunting are also allowed. Lions and Leopards are hunted exclusively with bait and can be found in almost all areas. Zimbabwean Leopards are well known for their size. It is worth mentioning that among the cats, Cheetah hunting is also permitted.

There are also large herds of Buffalo (Syncerus Caffer Caffer) in Zimbabwe and so this country offers the possibility to hunt four of the renowned "Big Five"...

Zimbabwe is also home to a ...