I'm looking to set up my first buffalo hunt for summer 2012. Everything I've read on these forums is honestly mind blowing. I don't know if this is a good idea or not, but I figured I would focus my efforts on the outfitters at the Eastern outdoor show in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. I'll be flying up this weekend to have a look around.

What I'm looking for is a 7-10 day hunt for an older, hard-bossed bull who still has both horns. That's my personal definition of 'good/trophy'.

I would like plains game, wingshooting, or fishing available as well in case the buffalo is found early in the trip. From what I understand, Zimbabwe plains game may not be as plentiful as in Mozambique or Zambia. I'm not interested in S. Africa hunts. Been there twice for plains game only, ready for another country.

Even trying to describe as this makes my head spin. I would greatly appreciate any positive experiences you all have had with buffalo hunts in Zambia, Zimbabwe and Mozambique.

Thanks.

I don't know that I would concentrate most of my booking efforts and research on the Harrisburg show...Many of the outfitters you might want to consider have gone home already. My experience with that show was that it was mainly ranch PG hunts (I know that is a generalization) as far as the African outfitters are concerned.

Certain areas of Zim have good Buff and pg. Zambia or Mozambique offer some extraordinary safari experiences, and great hunting, just more expensive. Like Tim said, most all of the top outfits have gone home already, but you should have no problems booking a hunt for 2012 as long as you don't wait too long. Most of we agents are already booking 2012.
Good hunting,
David

USMC,

Please drop in and visit us at our Booth 6408.
We would love to go over a few options with you.

Regards,

John

USMC
Zimbabwe certainly has numerous areas which have great buffalo and PG options. The Save Conservancy is a prime example and would compete if not better most areas in Africa. I have been lucky enough to Hunt Zim, RSA, Moz, Botswana, Zambia and Namibia and my honest opinion is that the Save wins hands down as an all round destination. Please dont get me wrong, all of these countries have great areas and outfits and if you choose wisely I am sure you will enjoy whichever destination you pick. It is just my opinion that The Save offers a large variety of plains game and good quality DG with superb operators at extremely competitive prices.

USMC:

I've sent you a p.m.

There's nothing the matter with the Pennsylvania show, but it is limited in that many of the better organizations are back in Africa. I'd not be in a hurry to buy anything, but I'd certainly kick every tire.

That said:

The above posts give good advice, particularly about finding fair deals for what you are looking in Zimbabwe.

As for me, for buffalo, I'd go to Zim, Mozambique, Zambia, Tanzania, Namibia or Tanzania with a dozen or so P.H.'s (or through their booking agents) who regularly post here (including the above), or gladly and confidently relying upon the recommendations of the folks who I've met through AR at Dallas, at fun U.S. hunts or big bore shoots that we've arranged or by visiting each others homes and families.

Saeed has provided us Africaphiles a great asset. Search, read, send p.m.'s to other members, go to DSC in the winter, find an AR shoot and plan to have the time of your life humping up and down for a good bull... that is, until you book for your second buffalo or an elephant or a leopard.....

Don't rush it. The process of selecting your trip and getting ready for it is a third of the fun... followed by the safari... and then the fond memories enhanced by a big bull on the wall.

quote:

Originally posted by Tim Herald:
I don't know that I would concentrate most of my booking efforts and research on the Harrisburg show...Many of the outfitters you might want to consider have gone home already. My experience with that show was that it was mainly ranch PG hunts (I know that is a generalization) as far as the African outfitters are concerned.

I think Tim gives some good advice.

I was at the Eastern Sportsmans show yesterday. There are loads of outfitters from RSA and only a few from Zim. Two I would recommend you seek out and talk to are Dudley Rodgers from Zim and Mabal'Engwe safaris who hunts in Matetsi which is also in Zim. The rep. from Magal'Engwe posts on AR as Tim416. If you talk to Tim, tell him I was the guy talking to him about the non exportable Bull elephant hunt. Sorry, but I don't know the booth number of either, but you could look it up on the website for the show.

What Judge G said....

You might want to contact Martin Pieters, martinpieterssafaris.com, who posts here. His concession on Lake Kariba is excellent for buffalo and he takes some monster drop horned old bulls there. He also has excellent fishing for tiger fish, bream and several other species. PG is a little less common there but a good representative bag is still possible. Another option is the Lemco conservancy, good buff, excellent PG and big Florida strain black bass in the numerous reservoirs.

465H&H

Agree. Although I should promote Zambia for your money you cannot beat a good area in Zim.

The hunt reports well illustrate the better operators.

You can find that in Zim, Save Conservancy. Or Mozambique on the shores of the Zambezi, and Lake Cahora Bassa.

I PM'd you some info.

Call me if you have any questions.

Take a look at this hunt it is really an incredible opportunity: Caprivi Buffalo

quote:

Originally posted by USMC-1812:
I'm looking to set up my first buffalo hunt for summer 2012. Everything I've read on these forums is honestly mind blowing. I don't know if this is a good idea or not, but I figured I would focus my efforts on the outfitters at the Eastern outdoor show in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. I'll be flying up this weekend to have a look around.

What I'm looking for is a 7-10 day hunt for an older, hard-bossed bull who still has both horns. That's my personal definition of 'good/trophy'.

I would like plains game, wingshooting, or fishing available as well in case the buffalo is found early in the trip. From what I understand, Zimbabwe plains game may not be as plentiful as in Mozambique or Zambia. I'm not interested in S. Africa hunts. Been there twice for plains game only, ready for another country.

Even trying to describe as this makes my head spin. I would greatly appreciate any positive experiences you all have had with buffalo hunts in Zambia, Zimbabwe and Mozambique.

Thanks.

I hunted buffalo and plains game in the Save Conservancy in Zimbabwe last August with Mokore Safaris. There were plenty of buffalo and the plains game was extremely abundant. I think the Save would be a top choice and Mokore is a great outfit among a number of good operators in the Save. It's also easier and cheaper to get to than some areas as you can drive and don't need an air charter.