Guys, this year I was planning on a possible short tuskless/buff hunt to Zim in September to cure the elephant itch for a while.
It was going to be a short notice type of hunt based upon quota available with a couple guys I know in Zim towards the end of the season.
However, since then I drew a very hard to get Nevada Elk tag which I need to dedicate my time and energy into, thus delaying any trip to Africa until 2014.
The other news is I have received permission from the little princess that I can go ahead and go after a bull ele because of some outstanding behavior I have exhibited lately.
Trust me, I cannot keep this up forever.
That being the case does anyone have any suggestions as to what area in Zimbabwe and the best timing.
I have a pretty strong desire to hunt the really wild area in the Zambezi Valley once in my lifetime and this would seem to be the appropriate time. However, I am not sure which areas those might be.
I have been in Charara and around Gache Gache a bit but that is the extent of my personal knowledge of Zimbabwe other than Vic Falls.
Also, due to owning my own (small) business, I really cannot book a hunt longer than 14 days.
I have some of my own ideas as to where and with whom but suggestions from you guys that know a lot more about Zimbabwe than I will be well received and appreciated.
In addition, I would not be against (actually want)to have a travel buddy who might want to go along, so if anyone is looking for the same kind of thing let me know and we can work out a schedule that works equally. Travelling alone sucks - at least for me. A good looking gurl would be a plus but not required.shit, can't ruin my good behavior status just yet

Thanks

Rory

In a word? Dande!! Which means, Buzz! Charlton McCallum Safaris.

http://www.cmsafaris.com/

yea, Buzz is right up there at the top of the list. I need to get this thing going so I can start making those dastardly payments
Some personal info from someone about the Dande area would be cool
you keen to go along Todd? I'll show you how to shoot

Maybe. I already have a buffalo hunt booked for Moz with Tim Herald for August of 14. I doubt I'll be in a financial position to do another trip to Zim next year as I've got a Bull ele booked this December with Buzz as well. I could look at 15 however!

Early season would be best for an ele bull. Jines or Rob Jolly can fill you in better as they have made multiple trips during that time frame. Mac Jenkins did an early hunt with Buzz this year also and did very well. My original intent was to go this past April, but events caused me to push the hunt to later. We are hoping to get some rains before I show up in an attempt to hunt the area when it's green and possibly some early bulls will come back over from Moz.

Dande is a great DG area. Not a lot of PG, but DG is awesome.

Aaron has a couple of places he can send you as well that are known for big ele bulls. Malapati for one. Talk to him about what he can do for you.

can't go wrong with CM if you want to go to the valley...

FR,

I have hunted in Dande (the DSA and Dande East) on multiple occasions. If you do a search, I have filed hunt reports on each of my hunts. While the hunt reports are just my boring ramblings, they do include a lot of pictures of the area, the camps, the people, etc.

I am clearly biased, but I do not see how someone could go wrong with CMS. Try to find a negative hunt report on them, I have never seen one. If you have any specific questions I would be happy to try and answer them.

How about the Chewore area? Anybody with info there?

R

quote:

Originally posted by Todd Williams:
Early season would be best for an ele bull. Jines or Rob Jolly can fill you in better as they have made multiple trips during that time frame.

Dande is a great DG area. Not a lot of PG, but DG is awesome.

What months do you consider early season?

Also, not much interested in plains game anymore. Its all DG in Africa for me from now on

March, April, May for early season.

For Chewore, contact Dave Fulson as that is Chifuti's area and he is the exclusive booking agent for them.

FR:

There is a DVD on a safari in Dande. I can't rememebr the name. It is not a good DVD in the least. HOwever, it does give an idea of the terrain, animals, etc . Outdoor Visions is selling it as I recall.

I've hunted Chewore South with Chifuti Safaris the past two seasons. I took Ele both years and Carl took a nice bull as well.

As Todd said, Safari Classics is the exclusive U.S. booking agent for Chifuti, so Dave can answer all your questions. A bit of advice is to book early if you want specific time and/or PH. We really enjoyed Len Taylor as our PH in 2011 and Alan Shearing came over from CM Safaris after our Chifuti PH Owen Lewis was killed by a wounded buff last season. Ivan Carter is a partner in Safari Classics.

Off tomorrow with Beau for two bull Ele in the Caprivi of Namibia with Karl at Ndumo Safaris. Confidence is high and I expect good things with Karl as well.

All good recomendations. I'd add Gavin Rorke to the list, though.

If you go to Chewore in 2014, please leave a 50 + pounder for me since I won't be there until June! Good hunting on the elk and elephant.

quote:

Originally posted by LionHunter:
I've hunted Chewore South with Chifuti Safaris the past two seasons. I took Ele both years and Carl took a nice bull as well.

As Todd said, Safari Classics is the exclusive U.S. booking agent for Chifuti, so Dave can answer all your questions. A bit of advice is to book early if you want specific time and/or PH. We really enjoyed Len Taylor as our PH in 2011 and Alan Shearing came over from CM Safaris after our Chifuti PH Owen Lewis was killed by a wounded buff last season. Ivan Carter is a partner in Safari Classics.

Off tomorrow with Beau for two bull Ele in the Caprivi of Namibia with Karl at Ndumo Safaris. Confidence is high and I expect good things with Karl as well.

best of luck to you and your SIL, Mike and give my best to Karl- will see him in Oct.
FR, it seems Chifuti and CMS are your best Zim bets in the Valley...

Thanks, Jerry. We depart SFO around 3:00 p.m.

Cm Safaris is always a good option in the Valley, so is Chifuti. Another option would be an auction hunt in Sapi. I guided my father onto a 60lb bull there a few years ago. I have not hunted elephant there since, but know people who have and have had good success. Trophy expectations are 45lbs+ ( depending on your fitness ) I have just returned from a 3 day buff hunt there and saw some very nice tracks. Terrain is generally flat. Not many roads, so lots of walking is inevitable. I would not hesitate to take someone there for an ele bull hunt.

quote:

Originally posted by Thierry Labat:
Cm Safaris is always a good option in the Valley, so is Chifuti. Another option would be an auction hunt in Sapi. I guided my father onto a 60lb bull there a few years ago. I have not hunted elephant there since, but know people who have and have had good success. Trophy expectations are 45lbs+ ( depending on your fitness ) I have just returned from a 3 day buff hunt there and saw some very nice tracks. Terrain is generally flat. Not many roads, so lots of walking is inevitable. I would not hesitate to take someone there for an ele bull hunt.

Thanks Thierry
I asked the question a few weeks ago about the auction areas and did not get much feed back. Maybe if you have time you can send me some details.
I can still walk all day and prefer to do so, cruisers will give you hemorrhoids

quote:

Originally posted by lavaca:
All good recomendations. I'd add Gavin Rorke to the list, though.

Gavin sold his Dande North concession interest to Buzz and Myles, although perhaps he still controls another area.

FR,

If you want to hunt with some of the best in Zim you might consider Sengwa Research with Mokore Safaris. I consider Neil and Gary Duckworth to be top of the heap for young PH's in Zimbabwe or anywhere else for that matter. I've had many happy clients with them. They learned elephant hunting the proper way from their Dad Barrie that has killed hundreds of elephants. Early season Mar/Apr and late Nov would be best .

Gary tells me early season Mar/Apr and late season Oct/Nov would be best for ele, hunts are conducted by traditional tracking and that Sengwa's terrain is moderate so not too physically demanding. Expectation should be for 40# with much bigger possible witnessed by the 60#er they took this year.

I've had a relationship with the Duckworths since Barrie and I exchanged snail mail in preparation for a first safari because there was no e-mail. You won't do better than these folks.

Mark

What is the general opinion, Dande East or Dande North or is it when you go with CM you hunt both? I noticed there are several camps. Is there a preferance?

thanks

Rory

Fullroar
Be happy to discuss our Chewore hunts anytime. The lower Zambezi, no matter which outfit you decide on, is a great dangerous game destination with strong elephant populations!

quote:

Originally posted by Full Roar:
What is the general opinion, Dande East or Dande North or is it when you go with CM you hunt both? I noticed there are several camps. Is there a preferance?

thanks

Rory

I have never hunted in Dande North. If it is early season, either the Dande Safari Area or Dande East. If it is not early season, the Dande Safari Area. My guess is that Dande North is very similar hunting wise to the DSA but someone else may be better positioned to comment.

Hi Rory,

Did you get my pm?

[/QUOTE]
I have never hunted in Dande North. If it is early season, either the Dande Safari Area or Dande East. If it is not early season, the Dande Safari Area. My guess is that Dande North is very similar hunting wise to the DSA but someone else may be better positioned to comment.[/QUOTE]

Thanks for the help Mike
Ok, I had to go back and look at the limited map I have of the areas in Zim. No where on the map does it say Dande north or east, so I am assuming these are campfire areas (Gureve?) on either side of Dande Safari Area that does show on the map, adjacent to Chewore and above Doma. Map is probably dated a bit. Could someone clarify

Also, it would seem that Hurungwe Safari Area adjacent to Mana pools would be a good area. Any info out there from someone who has hunted or guided this area? I hunted the Hurungwe campfire area and shot a tuskless out of it a few years ago but never got close to Mana Pools

What does Chete Safari Area have to offer-the reason for this question is Russel Caldecot in Vic falls had recommended it several years ago as at that time there were apparantly a lot of problem elephant in the Binga area and had a lot of elephant traveling thru the area, at what times of the year I dont know.

sorry for all the stupid questions

quote:

Originally posted by Thierry Labat:
Hi Rory,

Did you get my pm?

I sent you a PM Thierry - nice to hear from you

R

Try this map out:

http://www.cmsafaris.com/zimba...s-rates/zimcamps.htm

You will see three dark area, Dande North, Ward 11 and Dande East. You can click on each of those areas and it will tell you what is in the area and where the area is specifically located.

I'd heard good stuff regarding the Rogers', Dudley & son Clinton: www.tshabezisafaris.com

quote:

Originally posted by MJines:
Try this map out:

http://www.cmsafaris.com/zimba...s-rates/zimcamps.htm

You will see three dark area, Dande North, Ward 11 and Dande East. You can click on each of those areas and it will tell you what is in the area and where the area is specifically located.

Dam-thats exactly what I did not have - thanks

Additional maps for Dande:

http://www.cmsafaris.com/zimba...ates/dande-east.html

http://www.cmsafaris.com/zimba...camps-rates/dsa.html

Mike's link will get you here as well, but the continuation link is easily missed. Hope this helps you.

Dande Safari Area or Dande East early season for sure. The DSA in May if you want to look at numbers. Dande South in March/April if you want to hunt hard, but with the chance of something big coming in from Moz.
I am booked again in the DSA for a bull next June.
I also shot my first bull in Cherwore South so have experience of each area.

I did a bull hunt with Buzz in 2011 in Dande East.
http://forums.accuratereloadin...631094251#6631094251
Early season only in the East for bulls. I liked the area because I hadn't hunted a communal area before, and the exposure to village life was fun and enlightening.
I am going to hunt a bull in the North next April. It is a much wilder area. It's my impression that there is a slight edge in the East for the chance of a bull carrying heavy ivory coming across from Moz to raid crops.
You won't go wrong in either area. You also won't go wrong with CMS.

Two points you cannot go wrong with.

First, any hunt with Buzz for ele will be fantastic.

Second, I shot my first ele in Dande East in 2005 and in the valley, I doubt there is any better place to hunt with the Moz border, etc.

I have been doing a bit of research and talking to a guy in Zim who has access to the areas around Hwange Park. Anyone ever hunted in those areas or know what to expect? Apparantly there are some huge bulls that are in that area
Personal info is appreciated

Rory

Rory,

Those Forestry areas bordering Hwange are very good for elephant and you might shoot a very big elephant late season. The Forestry hunts are fairly expensive but there are lots of elephant and you should see multiple bulls each day. When I hunted there I shared the camp with an elephant hunter looking for a huge bull. In the 3 days I was with him he looked over 64 bulls.

Mark

quote:

Originally posted by MARK H. YOUNG:
Rory,

Those Forestry areas bordering Hwange are very good for elephant and you might shoot a very big elephant late season. The Forestry hunts are fairly expensive but there are lots of elephant and you should see multiple bulls each day. When I hunted there I shared the camp with an elephant hunter looking for a huge bull. In the 3 days I was with him he looked over 64 bulls.

Mark

WANNA GO AGAIN?

Rory,

Too many plans and not enough jingle or I'd be happy to accompany you.

Another good point particularly about Ngamo Sikumi where I hunted is there is a good road system and the walking is very easy. If a big bull's tracks show him entering the bush in one area you can often drive around that area to find out if he is still in that area. If he has not crossed out into another patch of bush you know your not far behind. This saves lots of time.

I know a couple of PH's that are very familiar with these Forestry areas.

Below are two set of tusks from a safari just before I was in Ngamo Sikumi. They are incredibly 76x77 and 78x79.

http://i6.photobucket.com/albu...kttc/th_DSCF0767.jpg

FR,

Get a copy of Buzz's DVD, The Essence of Elephant Hunting. The first hunt (double bull hunt) on that DVD is a hunt in Ngamo Sikumi. That will give you a sense of the terrain and area. As Mark says, generally flat, sandy soil. Lots of mopane flies, mucho mopane flies. Also an area that can be hot or cold depending on the rains and burns. If the rains are late or the area is burned, my understanding is the hunting can be pretty tough. It is sort of a long, narrow area where most of the time is driving the roads looking for tracks crossing out of the park and then tracking them.

Not to try to redirect you, but the guy I am hunting with this year ( same as last year ) in the Caprivi, has a couple elephants left for September time frame.

We easily saw a thousand animals, ( not exagerating here ) in a week, I shot a 65 pounder early in the hunt. If you want more details, I'll be glad to provide, or send you direct to him.

Most of the hunt was cruising the river, spotting candidates, getting off the boat, and stalking. The same from the truck, but the elephant were either on the river, or headed towards it. Last year was Mashi conservancy, this year, Kabulabula & Salambala.

Saw an absolutely stunning buff on the Bots side from the boat one day. All the animals are crossing several times a day, would have loved to caught him in Namibia!

I haven't quite gotten the time to put my report together, but I just got back from Zim forestry land hunting with Brian Van Blerk and shot a 63# bull at Amandulamela camp near Bulawayo. Brian said he would be doing 2 of these next year.

Pretty good price, an area where we were looking at between 8-20 bulls a day, only bull elephant in the area (no cows) and the terrain is not too bad as far as walking.

No buffalo, but the cats are there (albeit we could not get spots on bait...) and the plains game while not numerous was not too bad.