Actual Concession/Coutada/Campfire Operator, Zim or Moz

[COSA]

It is a bit confusing which outfit runs each parks concession, campfire area, or coutada (Zim or Mozambique). Seems like there are several safari companies advertising hunts in the same location, and many (reputable from what I have researched) based out of SA, and possibly not licensed PH’s in Zim. I also have been told these areas go up for bid every 5 to 10 years? Am I over researching this/how do I best sort through this?

Specifically looking for a Croc/hippo or Croc/Buff hunt, and looking at Kariba, the River, or Cahora Bassa. Thanks for the advice from those more experienced.

 

[COSA]

Also, would love to hear recommendations for some of the “lower profile” operators that may not be on TV or media. A bit ironic I am asking this on here…

 

[C.W. Richter]

It is very common for a PH from country X to cross over to Y and hunt alongside a PH from Y. I've hunted in all 3 countries with PHs from each present at times. Ask for every involved PHs name and then you can check their license status online. A PH offering a hunt in country Y does not need to be licensed there, so long as they have a licensed PH present during the hunt. Those areas are on the N. border of Zim, so nothing to do with RSA or Moz. They'll use a local PH and their concession. 'Happens all the time.

 

[C.W. Richter]

I recall a Cosa hunting with Mark Sullivan a few years back...Is it you?

 

[BRICKBURN]

Many Outfitters will sell another’s quota.
PH’s without a license in Zimbabwe can not act as a PH. They are guests, just like you.

There are Outfitters from RSA that own concessions in TZ and Moz. They have to have PH’s with PH licenses in those countries.
There is nothing wrong with your research to ensure you have a legal hunt.
There are some shady operators. It’s your job to differentiate.

 

[COSA]

Thanks for the response. Not me with Mark Sullivan.
I think that is exactly what I am trying to sort through. I would prefer to hunt with one PH, from the actual operator and licensed in that country.

 

[C.W. Richter]

and there are PHs from Zim that own or owned lands (former sugar estates) across the border in Moz, so they may have homes there, etc. and have good relations with licensed PHs there as well. Some may be licensed in both countries. I once hunted with a PH licensed in both RSA and Zim (born in SA but lived in Zim.) It's fairly common along the borders...

 

[Gemsbok45]

I have no preference and have never hunted with this outfit but I lived there and have hunted most of the areas in Zim. I would say Mokore safaris.They hunt in both countries. Drivable to hunt both. Border can be a hassle. Have your papers in order. The 20 paper clipped to your passport is helpful but before you start I don’t condone it. I think CMS has the same thing going on. Both outfits are excellent.

 

[C.W. Richter]

i live in 1 state, but have licenses in 2 others just across a couple of rivers. people ask me about it, but i've done business there for over 30 years. it's no different. occasionally I'll have to use someone with a license i don't have. it's just good business. often a hunter that's comfortable with one PH will have them tag along to points unknown (neighboring countries) as a goodwill ambassador, with a gun, radio and vehicle!

 

[AjFourie]

Hi Cosa

I hope you are well, We can help you! I'll send you a Dm.

 

[mark-hunter]

PH’s without a license in Zimbabwe can not act as a PH. They are guests, just like you.

This we know.
What I wonder is - where is economy in all this?
This generally means that client will pay for two PHs, one to escort him around and other, Zimbabwe licensed PH.

 

[C.W. Richter]

They're both in business. From my experience the primary PH essentially collects his finder's fee or commission off of the pre-arranged, discounted rate of the PH in country. Then he makes more when they hunt back in his country.

 

[Kevin Peacocke]

PH's are very commonly seconded to Outfits and shared between them, even the larger companies. In fact this was the case on all but one of my last four hunts, the PH was not a permanent employee. On the one hunt the owner was the PH and he enjoyed that hunt as much as we did, totally relaxed.

 

[buck wild]

To answer part of your question, I know that Dalton and York Safaris, whom has gotten quite a bit of good press on AH lately to include myself, are the sole outfitters for the North and South Omay on Lake Karibe, Zim. It is a million acres +- Campfire area. The area is INFESTED with hippo and croc and they also offer buffalo. That is only one I can speak about with personal knowledge.

 

[Tokoloshe Safaris]

There are some great Zimbabwe Safari Companies most operate by the letter of the law.

Recently we conducted a buffalo hunt on a concession not leased by our company. Unknown to us another Safari company was sharing the concession with us, but not the camp. Their hunting party consisted of 2 foreign hunters, 2 PHs from another country (not licensed in Zimbabwe) and a Zimbabwe PH to keep in legal. The 2 foreign PHs spent their days "roaring" around the concession in 2 Land Cruiser and were in violation of several Zimbabwe laws.

My recommendation is if you want to hunt in country X book and hunt with a Safari company from country X, using PHs from country X. It makes little sense to me to pay for the same services twice. I realize that there will many that will disagree, so be it.

In the last couple of years their was a scam being ran by a Safari operator outside of Zim who was operating semi legally with foreign clients. At the end of the day it cost the client literally hundreds of thousands due to the fact that his foreign operator who also supplied foreign unlicensed PHs had never paid the trophy fees! He is no longer in business.

We operate a small company and we are located at Milibizi, Zimbabwe at the start of Lake Kariba. It is a 3 minute walk from your air-conditioned room to one of our 2 "large" boats. Within a short period of time you will be looking at hippo and croc, then it is just a matter of finding the right one.

If you book with us obviously there are no commission fees and we will offer you are best price possible.

It is a bit confusing which outfit runs each parks concession, campfire area, or coutada (Zim or Mozambique). Seems like there are several safari companies advertising hunts in the same location, and many (reputable from what I have researched) based out of SA, and possibly not licensed PH’s in Zim. I also have been told these areas go up for bid every 5 to 10 years? Am I over researching this/how do I best sort through this?

Specifically looking for a Croc/hippo or Croc/Buff hunt, and looking at Kariba, the River, or Cahora Bassa. Thanks for the advice from those more experienced.