Buffalo costs in different areas

[wesheltonj]

Simple answer is demand. Most folks want to relive Roosevelt, Hemingway, etc. and that’s going to be East Africa, and the government of Tanzania knows it. The government sets the trophy fee rate that they want to receive. Some outfitters mark it up more than others. And some mark up licenses too. For example I was quoted it was 10k price increase for the premium plains game. My outfitter told me this summer the license is 5k increase.

The outfitter has to pay for the concession, make improvements, payroll, etc.

I shopped outfitters very carefully. The range from the ones I shopped ranged from $85,500 to $56,100. Most were in the 60k - 70k range. Same number of days and same animals and same general area. Sure some may be better than others, but everything I shot will make Rowland Ward.

 

[Doug3006]

The trophy fee, as others have pointed out, doesn’t provide much value. The trophy fees on Caprivi hunts are typically high. When you factor in the other costs, like travel and day rates, the Caprivi hunts are pretty competitive.

 

[Green Chile]

I’d suggest looking at worldwide trophy adventures website. Select Cape buffalo. I’m not recommending them, but it’s a good reference on pricing for a lot of countries. Zimbabwe and delta areas in Mozambique offer the most economical wild buffalo hunts.

I do this several times a week looking at various rates/trends for different species and different locations. It's a great resource even if you don't book with them.

I also agree with your recommendation on looking at Uganda for multiple buff. Singles are expensive but multiples are much more reasonable and they have more scrum cap bulls there compared to other areas where you rarely see one. That's just a good sign of maturity and older bulls being present.

 

[Andrew62]

I do this several times a week looking at various rates/trends for different species and different locations. It's a great resource even if you don't book with them.

I also agree with your recommendation on looking at Uganda for multiple buff. Singles are expensive but multiples are much more reasonable and they have more scrum cap bulls there compared to other areas where you rarely see one. That's just a good sign of maturity and older bulls being present.

When I hunted Uganda, I did something I thought I would never do, I took the WTA 'group hunt'. Instead of going over on my own, there were 6 hunters, 3 guides, so we hunted 2x1. Trust me, so far as buffalo go, this is NO problem. Thankfully, the guy I hunted with was on his first ever hunting safari so I had a good person to hunt with. By taking the group hunt I saved 12k over going alone, which allowed me to take a 2nd buffalo for 5k I believe it was.

 

[Green Chile]

Yes, I almost booked the group hunt with Tim Herald and would still consider it. There are also cancellations to watch for. I know some guys who have done that with great results easily seen on the Youtube videos.

 

[Andrew62]

Yes, I almost booked the group hunt with Tim Herald and would still consider it. There are also cancellations to watch for. I know some guys who have done that with great results easily seen on the Youtube videos.

That’s exactly the trip I took. I also took Jackson’s hartebeest, and I believe the oribi is a bit different there

 

[grand veneur]

When I hunted Uganda, I did something I thought I would never do, I took the WTA 'group hunt'. Instead of going over on my own, there were 6 hunters, 3 guides, so we hunted 2x1. Trust me, so far as buffalo go, this is NO problem. Thankfully, the guy I hunted with was on his first ever hunting safari so I had a good person to hunt with. By taking the group hunt I saved 12k over going alone, which allowed me to take a 2nd buffalo for 5k I believe it was.

A good option. I am also currently trying to do a buffalo hunt with the same option in the northern Karamoja/Uganda, but our agent has not been able to get six clients together yet. In my opinion it want not work for January 2026.

 

[mark-hunter]

When I hunted Uganda, I did something I thought I would never do, I took the WTA 'group hunt'

Pardon my European ignorance, but what is the WTA group hunt?

 

[Andrew62]

Pardon my European ignorance, but what is the WTA group hunt?

Worldwide Trophy Adventures, they offer hunts world wide, and they sometimes offer group hunts to make it a bit more affordable.

 

[Green Chile]

Worldwide Trophy Adventures, they offer hunts world wide, and they sometimes offer group hunts to make it a bit more affordable.

Used to be Cabela’s booking agency, now WTA.

 

[Rafiki]

I used WTA on my first ever buffalo hunt. No issues, good outfit. Haven't used them on subsequent hunts but that is because I've made friends over there and I make my own arrangements.

 

[Green Chile]

I make my own Africa plans but have used WTA for many other trips/hunts. No regrets.

 

[Sika98k]

I sense a movement in the firmament as a lot of fingers type in World Wide Trophy Adventures !