I am wanting to go on a buffalo hunt in 2007. I have not been able to decide were to go. Tanzania and Mozambique are the two countries I have looking at the most, but I have not ruled out Zimbabwe. I have heard quite a bit about hunting in Tanz. and Zim. but not that much about hunting in Mozambique.
I am wanting to know the best route for my first cape buff hunt. I don't have an unlimited supply of money so that is one factor for me, but I have to get back to Africa regardless.
What are the main pros and cons to hunting these different countries?
If you were in my shoes what would you do?

Unlimited supply of money? I wish we all had that. I haven't been to Tanzania, but some friends went last year and shot 3 buff over 42" each. That's what I'd do if I were only after buff. I'll be back from Zim in a month and I'll be able to report on the Buff there. I'm shooting one, though I don't know about the quality in the area I'm hunting.

Mozambique is less expensive than Tanzania - but the hunting is a lot tougher and the game is generally spookier. Camps are also generally less luxurious. - If you go too late in the season, it's hotter than hell and full but full of insect life........

Tanzania tends to have larger game populations, hunting is considerably less taxing. - not always easy, but less taxing than Mozambique - and of course it allows you to take 2 Buff on a 7 day licence which is a bonus....... however, it pays to check exactly what area you'll be hunting. Some places are charmingly described as "adjoining" or "nestling against" the Selous etc...... what this actually means is its a buffer zone - and most but not all buffer zones are not a patch on the Selous proper.........

you also mentioned Zimbabwe. It's a good option and very inexpensive - but you seem to be aware of the problems there, so I won't bother going into that. There are some very good PHs there but be sure you only deal with one of the good guys and avoid the fly by nights like the plague.

If you can afford the higher price of Tanzania I'd recommend that as the better option by far.....

Shakari's post is point on...

First, I have to say I have hunted Tanzania but have not hunted Mozambique. Several of my friends have and I may do a Moz hunt at some point, but mostly to see the country, as it offers much of the game found elsewhere in southern and central Africa. I would ask you what the most important objective to you is at this point.

If I were after the largest buff I could find and wanted to pay more to get the size, I would hunt Tanzania, particularly Masailand or Kigosi. On the other hand if price were an issue but I still wanted to shoot 2 buff, I would choose a block in the Selous. Less expensive, and generally smaller buff...though not always.

Mozambique has a unique history as a Portugese colony and I would like to hunt there to see the country. There are some big buff there (see the buff Wendell Reich has on his website) but generally, I would not pass up a hard bossed 38" head there. Hunts are usually less expensive, camps more rustic and the game not as plentiful as some other African countries because of the poaching and civil war that ended a few years back...but it would be an adventure! One of my good friends hunted the Marromeu Swamps and the hunting was tough, wet, slimy, grueling and rewarding! His buff shot out in the swamps may not be the biggest but he earned it.

It all depends on what you want...I would call Wendell, Adam Clements or Mark Young who posts here and ask them some questions about the logistics but whatever you do and wherever you go...buff hunting is a thrill you will never forget!

I guess I should have said (IMO) the best of Mozambican hunting is for the Elephants - but unfortunately the US F&WS won't issue import licences for the ivory.

Whatever you want to hunt there, if you're not very fit and willing to work very hard for your trophies, I'd strongly suggest you go elsewhere.

Now it's my turn to add that Bwanamrm's comment about Tanzanian Buff is absolutely spot on. - Selous has far more, but usually smaller Buff than Masailand. If you opt to hunt Masailand, I'd suggest you only consider a 1x1 hunt and if you can stretch your hunt to 10 days rather than 7 it would be a bonus. People either love or hate Masailand, mostly because of the Masai..... personally, I love it!

You might want to talk with Mark or Adam about the Mahenge hunts they are booking for next year. Inexpensive and from the video of Saeed's hunt looks pretty good.

Consider that the best hunting in Moz is up north near Tanzania and Zimbabwe. The swamp hunts are just that. If you like mosquitoes and water you will be right at home. Lots of these hunts are done by South African PH"s by jumping across the border in a charter and using a ATV to manuver in the water. The northern hunts are proper Mopane forest hunts where you will be much more comfortable both while hunting and in camp.In my opinion the swamp hunt would have to come with a big discount. Elephant are another matter and you go where the big ones are period.

I did a Moz. swamp hutn in 05 & while it was na experience, it is one I woul;d not do again. If you can get into a camp near the Moz./Zim. border it might be worth the slight cost diff.

We do about 30 Buffalo hunts a year in Mozambique. Most are in the swamps but some in the forest and some on the grassland. It may not be the thing for everyone, but we are sold out every year and also have delivered a 100% success over the last 10 years. Some hunters have been back 5 times or more. So if you want to know more about Moz, please ask me - we spend the whole hunting season there - every year! It is truly wild and wide open with a large selection of free ranging game - a wonderful hunting destination.

Sorry I did not post sooner. I have been out of town.
You all have given some good advice in which I appreciate. I am leaning more toward the Tanzania hunt for this trip and maybe moz. for the next trip. Thanks again.

Don't forget to consider what else you could take. Liscence restrictions and geographic locations could limit what plains game you could take in addition to the buff.