Here’s what’s important to me:
- Large, continuous property (not multiple small properties added together to appear bigger)
- Free-range preferred, or if fenced then no internal fencing
- Fair-chase hunting on foot with self-sustaining herds
- Scenic and wild-feeling environment
- Comfortable but authentic accommodations
- Mild weather for hunting
- Experienced PH with a strong reputation and track record on Cape buffalo
I’m open to South Africa, Zimbabwe, Namibia, or other Southern African countries if they offer a better overall experience.
Could those of you with experience please share your thoughts on:
- Best countries/regions for this style of hunt
- Outfitters or concessions that match these criteria
- Typical pricing ranges for a Cape buffalo hunt that meets these requirements
- Best time of year for weather and scenery
I’d really appreciate hearing from those who have hunted in similar conditions. Recommendations backed by first-hand experience are especially valuable.
We all (I mean most of us) count our buffalo in single-digit numbers. I personally hunted only one. So, our experience is limited. I wish I had hunted buffalo in all countries, multiple times, but financially and time-wise for me, this is impossible. So, my advice, will be limited. I hunted in Caprivi, northeastern tip of Namibia, and I am more than happy with the experience. But what is great for me does not mean it will be great for you. And with one buffalo, I am hardly an expert.
But, passing this route searching for buffalo for me, I can give some different guidelines that may help.
I think that you should answer this question first.
In what type of terrain do you want to hunt buffalo?
Longer shot at flood plains, or Savannah, or bush? This is a different hunt!
When you determine that, then focus your research in that direction, and shorten the list to several reputable outfitters. On YT - There are many hunts on buffalo in the bush, and many hunts on buffalo on the flood plains of the Zambezi delta in Mozambique, or Caprivi.
So compare them, and then decide your preference.
Pricing South Africa.
Buffalo cow, South Africa - you can get for 4.000 USD, buffalo bull 10-15.000 USD.
In South Africa, sometimes they charge by inch of horn, up to 36 inches, you can get for less than 10.000 USD
Other countries:
No fence, communal land or govt concession, consider 15.000 USD to 20.000 USD, for buffalo bull. Could be more. Day rates for DG hunts in such areas go high, while trophy fees are reasonably low. So, the total price will depend on how many days you book. And in my opinion, the minimum days to book is as per the recommendation of the outfitter. You can book more. But if you shoot your buffalo first day, what will you do for next 9 days? Have extra money for some plains game of opportunity
Trophy exportability:
If the export of trophies is important, then those above are rough pricing guidelines.
If experience is priority (not a trophy on the wall), then non-exportable, own-use buffalo can be found much cheaper in wild areas. Sometimes up to 50% less. But those offers do not come regularly; they pop up from time to time in irregular intervals.