MOZAMBIQUE: Mozambique Buffalo Hunt With TSALA HUNTING SAFARIS

[TSALA HUNTING SAFARIS]

Good Day AH members.

I want to do this hunting report on behalf of two great guys Rusty from Florida in the US and Fordy from Tasmania , AUS , that has joined us in our area in Southern Mozambique bordering Gonarezhou National Park of Zim.They are not members here on AH but I did ask them to join.The hunt was from 5 to 17 May

I can also give you first hand info that Southern Mozambique is perfectly safe , no issues at all and the surrounding communities are not even aware of the troubles up north.

Fordy did send send me a short review to post here and I have a a short description of the hunt below.

"Here’s a part review

Gday
Well just got back from Mozambique with the guys @ Tsala & let’s just say if you’re looking for a hunt that contains fence’s & guarantee of the need to secure a critter of your desire your looking in the wrong direction as what you’ll get here is the adventure of a lifetime ( that’s from someone who’s travelled to quite a few African countries)

Yes a totally awesome experience with a group of individuals that we clicked/meshed with from the trackers to the PH’s ( Rouan ) that went above what we expected let alone accepted

The emphasis on animals that have fulfilled their role in sustaining the population for the future of these wonderful creatures in the full true sustainable population for many years to come

True conservation is often not observed in hunting areas , but where Tsala is from the anti poaching of the animals to helping the local communities around them with meat & services is a honour to have observed from playing soccer with the school kids & watching those smiles is something to behold all in a part of Mozambique that is void of the troubles that have / are occurring @ present.

Booked again for 2026 in the new hunting camp that was under construction while we were there

Thanks wholeheartedly to the whole Tsala team

Cheers Fordy "

Hunting Review – A Truly Wild hunt with Tsala Safaris in Southern Mozambique

When Rusty, a seasoned hunter from the USA, told his good friend Fordy that he was longing for an “old Africa” hunting experience — the kind you read about in classic safari journals — Fordy that has been to Africa multiple times knew exactly where to go: the vast wilderness of Southern Mozambique with Tsala Safaris.

Nestled along the unfenced border of Zimbabwe’s renowned Gonarezhou National Park, the Tsala hunting area stretches across true, untouched African bushveld — a place where the Big Five still roam free and the spirit of wild Africa remains.

The journey began with high hopes and dusty boots. On day two, Rusty had his first encounter — a beautiful zebra stallion, taken cleanly in the rolling savannah. But it was day three that delivered a memory that will last a lifetime: a magnificent old kudu bull, deep in the mopane thickets, carrying horns over 60 inches — a true once-in-a-lifetime trophy and a testament to the quality of game in the area.

But the heart of Rusty’s safari was the Cape buffalo — his dream quarry. The hunting got serious from day one, tracking fresh sign each morning, navigating rocky ridges, thick riverine brush, and the vast floodplains of the Save River basin. For five long days, Rusty and the Tsala team followed spoor after spoor, often covering nearly 20 miles on foot.

Then, on the fifth day, after four and a half hours of hard tracking and stalking , the team caught up with a small group. With nerves of steel and heart pounding, Rusty made a perfect shot on an old, battle-scarred bull, its bosses worn and thick — the kind of buffalo that defines the term “Dagga Boy.”

From campfire tales to long stalks under the African sun, Tsala Safaris delivered the wild, raw Africa Rusty dreamed of. With expert trackers, ethical hunting, and a landscape that feels like stepping back in time, this was more than just a hunt — it was a soul-stirring experience.

For anyone seeking the real Africa, where the hunt is earned, the moments are genuine, and the memories unforgettable — Tsala Safaris is where you find it.

Rusty and Fordy are both up for a chat any time if someone wants to get more on there perspective of the hunt.

 

[Rare Breed]

Amazing kudu and other animals taken with one of my favorite outfitters and family!!!!!

 

[549]

Fantastic Buff!

 

[ftrovato]

Very nice....Congrats!

 

[Rusty H]

Rusty here from the pics, we truly did have a great trip. Being my first time hunting africa I am so glad we went straight to Mozambique.The animals were all top shelf and plenty of them, so for the old Africa feel head further north .The people at Tsala were first class and put up with our antics, as we DO like to have fun wherever we go.

 

[TSALA HUNTING SAFARIS]

Hi everyone,

We’d like to take a moment to thank the many members of the African Hunting forum who came to Tsala Safaris' defense following the recent parody post. Your support and understanding of what true safari life can be like means a great deal to us.

The post, while written in jest, came from two fantastic hunters and even better blokes—Rusty and Fordy—who enjoyed a truly wild and memorable safari with us in southern Mozambique. The story and post ( Tsala Beware ) was their way of sharing laughs and memories from the trip, but we realise that humor doesn’t always translate well online without context.

In reality, these guys hunted hard, covered serious miles on foot, and had a proper adventure—tracking buffalo through rough country, taking an incredible 60" kudu, and soaking up the raw, untamed beauty of the bush. They left as friends and part of the Tsala family.

Fordy, in particular, has a wealth of experience and knowledge on bullet performance, having done extensive field testing over the years. His input would be a real asset to the AH community should he choose to share some of it here.

At Tsala Safaris, we value authenticity, friendship, and a good laugh around the fire—but above all, we’re here to give our clients the best possible experience in wild Africa. Thanks again to everyone who’s shown support. We hope to welcome more of you to our camp in the future—with or without your own tea supplies!

Warm regards,
Rouan & the Tsala Safaris Team

 

[CBH Australia]

Rusty and Fordy are both up for a chat any time if someone wants to get more on there perspective of the hunt.

View attachment 685926

Fordy, up for a chat. Sounds like the bloke I was just talking to who wanted to update me on his trip, and he loved it.

He is another friend I have made through forums and shared many conversations with. He is a wealth of knowledge and has spoken of many of his experiences and projectile evaluations from necropsy he has done on culled animals.

While we haven’t met in person the Bucket hat seems to be his trademark look.

He is a Bundy Rum enthusiast and introduced his visitors to the equally superb Bundaberg Ginger Beer soft drink.

Welcome to the forum @Fordy

I spoke with. @Rusty H just before they traveled over. Sounds like a good guy and was shown around down under by Fordy .

Keen to hear more on your adventures with @TSALA HUNTING SAFARIS

 

[Rare Breed]

Hi everyone,

We’d like to take a moment to thank the many members of the African Hunting forum who came to Tsala Safaris' defense following the recent parody post. Your support and understanding of what true safari life can be like means a great deal to us.

The post, while written in jest, came from two fantastic hunters and even better blokes—Rusty and Fordy—who enjoyed a truly wild and memorable safari with us in southern Mozambique. The story and post ( Tsala Beware ) was their way of sharing laughs and memories from the trip, but we realise that humor doesn’t always translate well online without context.

In reality, these guys hunted hard, covered serious miles on foot, and had a proper adventure—tracking buffalo through rough country, taking an incredible 60" kudu, and soaking up the raw, untamed beauty of the bush. They left as friends and part of the Tsala family.

Fordy, in particular, has a wealth of experience and knowledge on bullet performance, having done extensive field testing over the years. His input would be a real asset to the AH community should he choose to share some of it here.

At Tsala Safaris, we value authenticity, friendship, and a good laugh around the fire—but above all, we’re here to give our clients the best possible experience in wild Africa. Thanks again to everyone who’s shown support. We hope to welcome more of you to our camp in the future—with or without your own tea supplies!

Warm regards,
Rouan & the Tsala Safaris Team

My sincere apologies to Ford then…my bad! I missed the parady part and thought he was serious so missed the joke

 

[Fordy]

Gday fellas

Let’s take 2 on tsala lol
A bit more of those antics will come out as we are what we are but I hope we can also step back reset & start again & please forgive my writing skills as there not very good

I’m not here to cause issues & apologies for the way it went down but I’ll also be myself as we were on our trip above but I’ll just be a little reserved this time with a bit more detail in one post & not leave or hope to not leave the the post with a negative opinion & laughter all around

Moving on
& let’s start from the beginning

I had been given a few names from a mate as basically I’d lost touch on the African safari scene after nearly 20 odd years of travelling over there & who done what & where
I Had a lot of conversations with Rouan & a lesser degree Jo & Brandon ( Brandon’s Murphy now ) & from the start always welcomed & nothing was a concern or trouble

I had a good feeling with tsala as Rouan gave me enough to get my interest sprung back into getting a trip organised for my mate who was the main aim of this trip & a potential elephant hunt following that with another dear mate of around 40 years who has wanted to hunt elephant since he was 14 & who’s now 60 & for the life of me I’m still @ a loss why he wants to go with me ‍as some of you guys seen I can be a total idiot lol .
well you’ve seen nothing yet as wait till Rouan shows you lot the camo shirt that I had to wear on a hunt to secure the elusive impala

So back & forth we went & originally it was South Africa then moz came into our conversations one day & hmmm the rest is history & before too long the plane was taking off from Tassie ( & I remind people to check pockets before entering security screening points @ airports as this muppet had been shooting just before we left checking the velocity of a prototype pill that i decided to use instead of the ones that were previously planned & loaded all locked away for trip
Yes was loading bullets only hours before the first plane trip as the prototype pills were only received some 2 days prior & the initial results of these pills had me going hmmm don’t waste this opportunity & more on those if anyone would care to listen to this nut job @ a latter date but in the rush I left a empty 375shell in my trousers )

All went smoothly all the way
Qantas & ABF we’re a total breeze & way better than years ago so I hold hope we’ve turned the corner on bad experiences travelling with firearms in Aussie

Met Rouan with an handshake & hug after getting an easy ride through customs with the help of rifle permits. Com & off for our trip which started basically there on the antics that were ahead of us

Packed his Toyota Hilux probably 5 times & it was little digs @ ea other in a great little bit of banter ea way but the issue was my rifle case but shhh Rouan can’t hear that

The rest I’ll have to post more as we go especially the river cruise as that was pretty cool but I need to entertain my guests as rusty & his wife only have a week left in Tasmania ( Tassie as a few of us call it which is a little island state @ the bottom of Australia) before they leave for their home back in Florida

Overall a magnificent trip /experience we had & one I know more will eventuate as you know you’ve met a special family that gives as good as it gets & really the animals are just the icing on the cake

Cheers Fordy

 

[Fordy]

My sincere apologies to Ford then…my bad! I missed the parady part and thought he was serious so missed the joke

Gday rare breed
all cool this side of the ditch
Cheers

 

[Beck]

I spy a sako brown bear

 

[Fordy]

Gday beck

I spy a sako brown bear

Keen eyes hmmm

It Needs a little tunning as it failed to make contact with a critter of it’s own

Ooops that’s this muppets fault as this pic shows the return journey from looking for a hippo with nothing

we saw hippo but my cuppa tea is shooting them out of the water not in but lookout next year as new camp will be up & running & around 15 minutes from hippos so a nice stroll from camp overlooking the flats of the save river will be some cool time spent chasing one on land especially a pill around 2700 impact out of that sako should put a bend in him lol

Cheers

 

[Rare Breed]

Gday fellas

Let’s take 2 on tsala lol
A bit more of those antics will come out as we are what we are but I hope we can also step back reset & start again & please forgive my writing skills as there not very good

I’m not here to cause issues & apologies for the way it went down but I’ll also be myself as we were on our trip above but I’ll just be a little reserved this time with a bit more detail in one post & not leave or hope to not leave the the post with a negative opinion & laughter all around

Moving on
& let’s start from the beginning

I had been given a few names from a mate as basically I’d lost touch on the African safari scene after nearly 20 odd years of travelling over there & who done what & where
I Had a lot of conversations with Rouan & a lesser degree Jo & Brandon ( Brandon’s Murphy now ) & from the start always welcomed & nothing was a concern or trouble

I had a good feeling with tsala as Rouan gave me enough to get my interest sprung back into getting a trip organised for my mate who was the main aim of this trip & a potential elephant hunt following that with another dear mate of around 40 years who has wanted to hunt elephant since he was 14 & who’s now 60 & for the life of me I’m still @ a loss why he wants to go with me ‍as some of you guys seen I can be a total idiot lol .
well you’ve seen nothing yet as wait till Rouan shows you lot the camo shirt that I had to wear on a hunt to secure the elusive impala

So back & forth we went & originally it was South Africa then moz came into our conversations one day & hmmm the rest is history & before too long the plane was taking off from Tassie ( & I remind people to check pockets before entering security screening points @ airports as this muppet had been shooting just before we left checking the velocity of a prototype pill that i decided to use instead of the ones that were previously planned & loaded all locked away for trip
Yes was loading bullets only hours before the first plane trip as the prototype pills were only received some 2 days prior & the initial results of these pills had me going hmmm don’t waste this opportunity & more on those if anyone would care to listen to this nut job @ a latter date but in the rush I left a empty 375shell in my trousers )

All went smoothly all the way
Qantas & ABF we’re a total breeze & way better than years ago so I hold hope we’ve turned the corner on bad experiences travelling with firearms in Aussie

Met Rouan with an handshake & hug after getting an easy ride through customs with the help of rifle permits. Com & off for our trip which started basically there on the antics that were ahead of us

Packed his Toyota Hilux probably 5 times & it was little digs @ ea other in a great little bit of banter ea way but the issue was my rifle case but shhh Rouan can’t hear that

The rest I’ll have to post more as we go especially the river cruise as that was pretty cool but I need to entertain my guests as rusty & his wife only have a week left in Tasmania ( Tassie as a few of us call it which is a little island state @ the bottom of Australia) before they leave for their home back in Florida

Overall a magnificent trip /experience we had & one I know more will eventuate as you know you’ve met a special family that gives as good as it gets & really the animals are just the icing on the cake

Cheers Fordy

lol…I’m getting used to your sense of humor and am looking forward to the rest of your report!!!

 

[Fordy]

Gday Cbh
Yes that’s the muppet you are talking about

Fordy, up for a chat. Sounds like the bloke I was just talking to who wanted to update me on his trip, and he loved it.

He is another friend I have made through forums and shared many conversations with. He is a wealth of knowledge and has spoken of many of his experiences and projectile evaluations from necropsy he has done on culled animals.

While we haven’t met in person the Bucket hat seems to be his trademark look.

He is a Bundy Rum enthusiast and introduced his visitors to the equally superb Bundaberg Ginger Beer soft drink.

Welcome to the forum @Fordy

I spoke with. @Rusty H just before they traveled over. Sounds like a good guy and was shown around down under by Fordy .

Keen to hear more on your adventures with @TSALA HUNTING SAFARIS

Still doing a bit of that autopsy stuff & what a honour to do in your mates buff & other critters

We’re Well overdue on our 1st bundy together & I’ll then upgrade you to a good bucket hat lol
Cheers mate

 

[Fordy]

Gday
The next part of the journey was just starting to get into the mix for rusty as we entered the room on the first night prior to Kruger as a beautiful zebra floor skin captured his thoughts many a time & one he was eagerly awaiting to see them on the hoof plus the other critters that were talked about

Got to the Kruger gate on opening all smooth & not long up the road & saw a nice bull elephant that gave us the honourable welcome


Had breakfast in Kruger & worked out pretty quickly I should’ve lost a little more weight as the amount Rouan had prepared was totally out of our needs but it was so good found ourselves going back for a little more

Next part was easy

then
got a little interesting on the moz side as I’d done my Evisa & had to give the port of entry which was the pafuri but they had no power ( surprise surprise lol ) & we went through back & forth for a fair while & eventually we got directed to go here

to get my evisa attached to my passport & stamped

Well got there & visa attached but no stamp as needed that to be done @ pufuri but a phone call was made to that boarder & all organised that I would get 2 stamps on way out lol
Oh yes I heard about how time consuming it was to take aussie abroad as Rusty’s visa & stamping of passport went without a hitch

In between the 2 moz boarder stations above we had the pleasure of getting a river cruise thrown in as a extra curriculum activity that wasn’t on the brochure for some fun lol
& Rusty’s first impression was you guys are joking right
But he soon learned no joke this was real

& this song was to be our theme song for this occasion

All went well & a very entertaining trip across the Limpopo
Only a little bit of water bailing was needed on this barge as can be seen in this pic

The next part was navigating the roads of moz again & learned nothing changed in moz as these are still not limits they are CHALLENGES!!! Lol

Arrived @ camp I think around 10 & a bit to eat /drink & try for some well overdue zzzz ( we did nod off a few times as the roller coaster roads were quite therapeutic) & to start a fresh day tomorrow of let’s see what this area has to offer

I’ll update more as time permits but of special note to me was Kruger is a total mess these days & one that I’m saddened by

Cheers

 

[Beck]

Gday beck

Keen eyes hmmm

It Needs a little tunning as it failed to make contact with a critter of it’s own

Ooops that’s this muppets fault as this pic shows View attachment 686328the return journey from looking for a hippo with nothing

we saw hippo but my cuppa tea is shooting them out of the water not in but lookout next year as new camp will be up & running & around 15 minutes from hippos so a nice stroll from camp overlooking the flats of the save river will be some cool time spent chasing one on land especially a pill around 2700 impact out of that sako should put a bend in him lol

Cheers

Which caliber? Must be a .375 or .416 Rigby? Sounds like an awesome camp, I shot a hippo in Mozambique in 2018.

 

[Fordy]

Which caliber? Must be a .375 or .416 Rigby? Sounds like an awesome camp, I shot a hippo in Mozambique in 2018.

Gday beck
this one is a 500 Jeff & a pleasure to shoot even @ these speeds but still plenty left in it but then you’ll get into potential alloy issues & then killing efficiency Plato’s or drops off so no need with that pill to push much faster imo


We had a nice little bit of a water bottle killing session with everyone @ tsala on our days of taking it easy & having fun

only Dylan didn’t like it lol

Yes was extremely impressed with pretty well everything in camp , leaving would be the exception but looking forward to returning & looks like Rusty’s like a bad smell as can’t get rid of him or stop him thinking of Africa
Yes he’s got the disease & was warned lol

Would love to see your hippo if possible please

Cheers