Zimbabwe 15.5% VAT on game fees

Kelly G

Kelly G

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Received invoice from last Cape Buffalo hunt in Zimbabwe, there is a 15.5% VAT tax on trophy fee.
Having taxidermy work done at Collette's in Bulowayo. In past VAT tax on trophy fees only apply to non exported animals.
Is this a new Zimbabwe policy?
 
I've always seen 2-4% VAT on anything exported. Curious to hear more. Can you post the invoice with private info redacted?
 
1TROPHY FEES
Buffalo
15.5% VatUSD 7,000.00USD 7,000.00
USD 1,085.00
TOTAL TROPHY FEESUSD 8,085.00
2%Incidentals
ZTA levy on trophy feesUSD 8,085.00USD 161.70
 
The 15% VAT is new for 2026. Outfitter’s are still learning how it needs applied. I haven’t heard of applying it to Trophy fees though. Really unfortunate for Zimbabwe because it makes it less competitive compared to Mozambique and Zambia pricing now.
 
TTundra said:
I've always seen 2-4% VAT on anything exported. Curious to hear more. Can you post the invoice with private info redacted?
Click to expand...
The VAT was previously a mostly fixed fee on the accommodation only portion of daily rate. I’ve always seen the 2% daily rate and 4% on trophy fee quoted as government levy not VAT.
 
375Fox said:
The VAT was previously a mostly fixed fee on the accommodation only portion of daily rate. I’ve always seen the 2% daily rate and 4% on trophy fee quoted as government levy not VAT.
Click to expand...
Yes same. That's what's I've always known

My 2027 quote includes the new VAT, 15.5%but on my day rates. Not the trophy fees. TFs say 4% gov levy.
 
375Fox said:
The 15% VAT is new for 2026. Outfitter’s are still learning how it needs applied. I haven’t heard of applying it to Trophy fees though. Really unfortunate for Zimbabwe because it makes it less competitive compared to Mozambique and Zambia pricing now.
Click to expand...
I agree. Zambia is definitely looking more likely if this continues. Same for Moz and especially since I can bring a rifle there vs using camp ones in Zim.
 
I see in the news Zimbabwe is again trying to float its own currency and get away from US dollar. World Bank seems less than skeptical. Zim trillion dollar notes should do well ... in the airport shops as tourist souvenirs.
 
Adam Stevens said:
I agree. Zambia is definitely looking more likely if this continues. Same for Moz and especially since I can bring a rifle there vs using camp ones in Zim.
Click to expand...
Just keep in mind Mozambique gets expensive trying to get trophies out. It’s a two part export then full dip and pack at South African pricing. Zimbabwe and Zambia are direct export.
 
375Fox said:
The 15% VAT is new for 2026. Outfitter’s are still learning how it needs applied. I haven’t heard of applying it to Trophy fees though. Really unfortunate for Zimbabwe because it makes it less competitive compared to Mozambique and Zambia pricing now.
Click to expand...
Im sure creative financing will come into play as this does have an impact on the competitive edge Zim has
 
375Fox said:
Just keep in mind Mozambique gets expensive trying to get trophies out. It’s a two part export then full dip and pack at South African pricing. Zimbabwe and Zambia are direct export.
Click to expand...
Also took two years to get trophies out of Moz from ‘24
they are just now arriving in RSA
 
375Fox said:
The VAT was previously a mostly fixed fee on the accommodation only portion of daily rate. I’ve always seen the 2% daily rate and 4% on trophy fee quoted as government levy not VAT.
Click to expand...
Agree, wow that hurts!!! I’m glad i am in Moz the next two years after this year Namibia although my elephants will be non exportable versus Zim
 
My recent quotes for 2029-2030 show
15.5% on Daily, transportation, dip pack, taxidermy. Non exported animals.
Exported animals 4%


Making Nambia look a lot better in terms of cost
 
Rare Breed said:
Agree, wow that hurts!!! I’m glad i am in Moz the next two years after this year Namibia although my elephants will be non exportable versus Zim
Click to expand...
Mozambique VAT is 16%. Zimbabwe’s new VAT on full daily rate unfortunately just made it comparable instead of a better value.
 
Kelly G said:
Received invoice from last Cape Buffalo hunt in Zimbabwe, there is a 15.5% VAT tax on trophy fee.
Having taxidermy work done at Collette's in Bulowayo. In past VAT tax on trophy fees only apply to non exported animals.
Is this a new Zimbabwe policy?
Click to expand...
Zim instituted this in early March after the shows and didn’t consult any Outfitters. Most have been trying to fight it with the Zim government and the response has been along the lines of “our neighbors charge X we should too”. IMO it’s doing exactly as @375Fox said and making Zim less competitive or a draw for many hunters. Not sure where your previous hunts were, but for example in South Africa the VAT applies on trophies not exported.

To your original point some Zim outfitters have eaten the cost on previously booked hunts or refused to add it. Others have only applied it on certain portions of the hunt like Day Rates or Trophy Fees only (in addition to the 2% & 4% VAT/Gov Levy), and some have applied it across the board on everything. Doesn’t seem to be a standard plan or consensus.
Did your outfitter not discuss the new 15.5% VAT with you before the hunt started or did they just add it to your final invoice? Who was the outfitter?
 
gregrn43 said:
Does every African country charge this tax for hunts?
Click to expand...
It’s pretty common everywhere in world unfortunately. European VAT is 20-25% depending on country. However, some countries it’s more standard to have built into price others it’s more standard as an additional charge. US sales tax is very low in comparison.
 
375Fox said:
It’s pretty common everywhere in world unfortunately. European VAT is 20-25% depending on country. However, some countries it’s more standard to have built into price others it’s more standard as an additional charge. US sales tax is very low in comparison.
Click to expand...
ok
The outfitter we're using in south Africa has never mentioned anything about a tax. There is so much I don't know about hunting out of the country.
 
375Fox said:
Mozambique VAT is 16%. Zimbabwe’s new VAT on full daily rate unfortunately just made it comparable instead of a better value.
Click to expand...
Thanks! When I bought my hunts I just saw the totals which was covered in “fees”. Curious if I am understanding everyone correctly why does the vat run so high for non exportable versus exportable? Am I understanding that correct please?
 
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