Hello,
a few month ago I went to Mozambique to hunt buffalo. I have to say it was the worst hunt I've been on, so far.The area was poached out and the outfitter was the worst I've every dealted with.

Anyway I shot a croc and caught some nice tigers and that was a good experience.
Everyday in the bush is better then a day in the office and I won't complain


My tracker who was also the local pro-poacher


Rivers were full of tigers.




I just want to make a note for those searching the forum on Mozambique outfitters: I would highly recomment not to book with Johan Smith and Gideon Jacobs of Catunguireni Safaris (also mvunga range safaris). For more infos PM me.


Cheers

Dennis

I've found the Niassa area to be about as good as African hunting gets -- sorry to hear that it's not the same everywhere else in Mozambique.

Sounds like they need to have an open season on poachers.

Thanks for posting.

That's a shame. I found Mozambique to be one of my favorite hunting destinations. It's like I imagine old Africa to be...few villages and roads, abundant game. I guess the entire country isn't the same.

Okay let's hear the details. Why should we avoid this outfitter?

John

quote:

Originally posted by John Weaver:
Okay let's hear the details. Why should we avoid this outfitter?

John

Or rather why did you go with this outfitter? References? AR reports? Cost? etc

Good solid croc by the way. Well done on that.

Seems there are a lot of Moz outfitters that advertise Buffalo hunts but should really just be selling fishing trips with some Crocodile and PG on the side.
Dennis, You have been with AR for some time now. I cant understand how this could happen.

Sorry to hear about the dissapointing hunt. I have also had bad experiences (CAR) but I think your positive outlook is commendable. There is nothing you can do now so remember the good times and move carefully going forward.

Personal recommendations only!

quote:

Originally posted by ozhunter:
Seems there are a lot of Moz outfitters that advertise Buffalo hunts but should really just be selling fishing trips with some Crocodile and PG on the side.
Dennis, You have been with AR for some time now. I cant understand how this could happen.

To make a long story short: A very well known hunter was reference for that hunt and it was very very cheap . It turned out the reference guy lied . I thought I just take the chance as I was in south africa and Zim at the time and it was easy for me to travel there.
I'm not complaining about the experience, Oz. I had some close encounters with a hippo, croc and some good fishing.
The only reason I posted this is to remind others to stay away from Johan Smith and Gideon Jacobs of Catunguireni Safaris.

Dennis

quote:

Originally posted by fairgame:

quote:

Originally posted by John Weaver:
Okay let's hear the details. Why should we avoid this outfitter?

John

Or rather why did you go with this outfitter? References? AR reports? Cost? etc

Good solid croc by the way. Well done on that.

Thank you!
I wish my budget would allow me to go to Niassa (or zambia). But at the moment I have to cut corners and most of the time it works out. All my hunts in last years were great. I love traveling and I love hunting, that's what it's all about.

Those who thought about booking a hunt with this outfitter can pm me.

Here are a few reasons:
-No Game in the area. I saw a two bushbuck tracks and I walked a lot. I saw a few crocs, few baboons, one hippo and elephant tracks. NO other tracks, nothing.
-camp was shit (not a real problem for me)
-I was promised there are guns in camp, the only gun was a .3006 with a total of 10rounds. I took the gun, guide took my camera
-When I arrived in camp there was no ph for the first 2 days
-outfitter left after a few days. left the ph (who has never been to the area before) alone with me. After a few days there was very little food left AND no more beers(!!!)
-outfitter told me "we make a plan" that's it. There was no plan.


Cheers

Dennis

Sorry to hear about your bad experience.
In which area in MOZ exactly did your hunt
take place?

brgds,
Andreas

Hi Andreas,
it took place in Manica province the next town was Guro.

Dennis

quote:

AND no more beers

A complete and utter disaster.

quote:

it took place in Manica province the next town was Guro.

I may be wrong but wasnt Manica up for tender to foreigners wanting to re-establish game there.
The areas I know of are all well poached out and there is no form of authority or conservation in the area.
From what I heard people considering hunting the area were going to have to bring in almost all of the game and then sit on their hands for 10 years waiting for the game to build up whilst fighting poachers.
Sorry to hear about your hunt.
If you want a better outfitter and ph please let me know and I will pass on their details.
I am willing to vouch for them as being legit and able to deliver a great hunt
HQ

quote:

Originally posted by fairgame:

quote:

AND no more beers

A complete and utter disaster.

Andrew, is it wrong to want a beer after you've left camp in the morning and walked all day without seeing a single track?
joke apart, the only problem was that there was no food left and we had to drive to next town (2hours one way) to buy some.

Cheap hunt or not it sounds like you got hosed. Good on you for not being overly negative and sticking to the facts.
Think of all the excercise you got, it was like an expensive fitness camp.

Dennis,

Sorry to hear about your ordeal.

I know Johan and his reputation is finaly catching up with him. Take note that Johan is neither a registered Outfitter or Professional Hunter in South Africa or anywhere else. He has not taken a course any where in his life. His sum total experience of hunting is the last 6 years or so.

Please do the following:

Report Johan and Gideon to AMOS, the Moz Safari operators body.

Ladies and Gents, personal ref. apart, you should realy check with an operator, specialy in Moz. if he have legal standing to hunt there.

These boys are cowboys, and should be avoided at ALL cost.

Thanks Charl!
I did report the guys to Moz outfitters immediately after my return.
I doubt that there activities are 100% legal.


I was not sure if i want to report my bad experience here, but I hope it will keep others from booking with these guys.

quote:

Originally posted by chilcotin hillbilly:
Cheap hunt or not it sounds like you got hosed. Good on you for not being overly negative and sticking to the facts.
Think of all the excercise you got, it was like an expensive fitness camp.

I shot a croc and caught some nice tigers, so it could have been worse My ph was a nice guy and did what he could. I talked to him a few weeks ago. he has hunted that area with two clients and the oufitter didn't pay him a cent. He had to borrow money to buy fuel to drive home.

Leo is a fantastic young man, and tough as nails.

If you want to have some propper fun with Buff in Moz, give me a shout.

Caracal, sorry to hear you had a poor hunt. Sounds like usangu safaris moved to Mozambique

quote:

Originally posted by samir:
Caracal, sorry to hear you had a poor hunt. Sounds like usangu safaris moved to Mozambique

Sam, shit happens :-). After seeing your pics i've decided to hunt with toufic next season, will let you knie how it goes.

Sorry about your hunt but thanks for reporting. The hunt reports on AR are great references on who and who not to book with! Hope your next hunt is your best!

The more I hear about this Mozambique place the less I like about it.

I guess I don't feel so bad now. I booked with Mashambanzue Safaris last year. Got a 41"buffalo on the 10th day. Saw three buffalo. Was supposed to be 100% success on sable and leopard and nothing. Did shoot a bushbuck, suni, common duikers and baboons for bait. Had a good time but think there are better areas.

I hunted with Simon rodger in Mozambique late november this year and was unsuccessful on lion. However, the lodge was very nice, food was good, beer was cold and the ph knew the area well. Simon has his act together. I did see more poaching and native interference than I cared for but it seems like he is working on the problem diligently. I think mozambique will remain very hit and miss as it continues to be a developing or redeveloping hunting destination. You just need to be extra careful in picking an outfit and research the area. Some areas just don't have sufficient game to support hunting.