Buffalo hunting

View 358 hunts

358 hunting trips from 124 outfitters starting from $3,190

358

hunting trips

$3,190

starting from

124

outfitters

About Buffalo hunting

Cape buffalo aren't known as “Black Death” without reason. The Zulu people of South Africa call a Cape Buffalo an “Inyati” as a sign of respect for its strength and hunters say that if your first shot is a bad one, the next 14 will only annoy him even more. A wounded Buffalo hunt can make for an exciting hunt and in some instances end in a deadly experience. This is the most enthralling dangerous game hunt where shot placement is critically important. This is likely to be your hunt of a lifetime, a bucket list hunt for most hunters and for some Buffalo hunting becomes an addiction. Buffalo make great shoulder mounts as each animal has their own characteristic markings, some with broomed off horns, torn ears and battle scars.

Where to hunt Buffalo

Known as “Black Death”, this animal’s reputation precedes it. Buffalo are the only members of the cattle tribe which occur naturally in Africa. The Cape Buffalo is the most common and largest of the three African species, found in the savannas of Southern and East Africa. The smaller Dwarf (Forest) Buffalo being a resident of the predominantly forested areas of Central and Western Africa and the Western Savanna Buffalo a native of Western Africa. Cape Buffalo can be hunted in Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Namibia, South Africa and Mozambique. Dwarf Buffalo are available for hunting in the Cameroon and Central African Republic. The Western Savanna Buffalo in the West African countries of Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Central African Republic and Benin.

South Africa 240 hunts

Zimbabwe 30 hunts

Tanzania 30 hunts

All countries (10)

Price distribution

Cape Buffalo prices range significantly from an all-inclusive game ranch hunt in South Africa to a full blown 7 day traditional East African safari. A typical Cape Buffalo 5 to 10 day package hunt cost will range from $9,000 - $20,000. Often the lower end prices are for management bulls or small territories. Best you research your hunt thoroughly to find the hunting conditions that most suit your needs and take note of the excluded extra costs involved in the hunt. On the bigger open territories of Namibia, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Tanzania and Mozambique, the buffalo package prices range from $12,000 - $20,000. Cape Buffalo can also be bought for a trophy fee and added to a dangerous game daily rate ranging from $600 - $1200 per day. Western Savanna Buffalo hunts sell for approximately $10,000 and a Dwarf Buffalo hunt for around $15,000 - $ 20,000. Keep a look out for cancellation and end of season clean-up hunts.

$48,938

$97,876

$146,814

$195,752

When to hunt Buffalo?

Cape Buffalo may be hunted all year round In South Africa and Zimbabwe. In Namibia, for instance, hunting is closed in January and February, and in Mozambique the season is open from April 1 to November 30. The best months for hunting Buffalo are the dry autumn months, especially when the grass is short and water becomes scarcer. In areas where tracked and hunted on foot, the drier the conditions the better.

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Hunting methods

A traditional Buffalo hunt on foot is never an easy hunt, requiring a certain level of fitness to track these animals, especially when hunted in free range areas, swampy or hilly terrain. This can often be a very challenging hunt as these animal can cover so much ground. The standard procedure is to rise early in the morning and search for fresh spoor and dung along the roads. Once found, you take off on foot following the tracker(s). Make sure you take ample water and energy bars as you could be in for a long hike. Buffalo often rest up in heavy thickets, this makes for a difficult and dangerous approach. The swirling wind in these situations often gives you away and many Buffalo are shot in close proximity due to the thick bush. When hunting in the swamps, their presence is often given away by the presence of cattle egrets. Wading through the water and reed beds can be quite tiring in these hot and barmy conditions.

Rifle Hunting 349 hunts

Stalking 323 hunts

Bow Hunting 202 hunts

All methods (16)

Meet your guides

Check out what outfitters have to say about their properties and hunting experience with them!

Strauss Jordaan/Wiaan van der Linde

South Africa

9.9

28 reviews

We own and operate some of the very best and largest hunting areas across Africa and have been a leader in the industry since 1982. Our massive and top-quality hunting areas, luxurious camps and lodges and our highly experienced Professional Hunters and friendly Staff will ensure a hunting experience of a lifetime!! We mainly operate in 6 countries namely South Africa, Zambia, Tanzania, Namibia, Zimbabwe & Botswana. It's more than just your biggest trophy, it's your greatest memory!

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Rob Birch

South Africa

9.7

5 reviews

Our privately owned hunting area is 25 000 Acres in one block with the a Boutique Lodge on site and a further 100 000 Acres of private concessions areas are available within an hour's drive of the preserve. Located in the mountains that form the interface between Valley Bushveld and Karoo veld types, are some of the most varied hunting areas in South Africa - from open Karoo plains to densely wooded mountain valleys with grass topped plateaus.

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Bush TV

Check out an amazing footage from outfitters and landowners properties.

Big Buffalo herd

Big Buffalo herd in a mud pool

Buffalo herd run

Buffalo herd running in the bush

Cape Buffalo Herd

Beautiful Buffalo Herd

Wide Dagga Boy

Wide Dagga Boy at McDonald Safaris

Grazing Buffalo

Old Buffalo carelessly grazing at Chapungu-Kambako Safaris

Water Buffalo

Water Buffalo slowly trodding away

Water Buffalo stare-down

Water Buffalo staring without any fear

Water Buffalo lying down

Water Buffalo lying down on the edge of a river

Heavy Water Buffalo

Big and heavy Water Buffalo walking calmly

Big Water Buffalo

Big Water Buffalo behind thick bush in Australia

Monster Buffalo

Monster Buffalo with huge bosses!

Buffalo itch

This Buffalo has a itch that needs to be scratched!

Big Buffalo

Big Buffalo staring at the trail-camera

Buffalo herd

Healthy Buffalo herd at Eland Safari

Buffalo rolling in mud

This is how the name Dagga Boy came about! Buffalo rolling in the mud

Dagga Boys

Two Dagga Boys standing in a river

Water Buffalo

Large group of Buffalo taking a swim. That's why they're called WATER buffalo!

Cautious Buffalo

Very cautious Buffalo approaching a water hole

Northwestern Buffalo

How cool is this Northwestern Buffalo drone footage from the Cameroon Savanna!

Buffalo Niassa Mozambique

Always an impressive sight watching a herd of buffalo coming in to drink. Exclusive footage from one of our listed outfitters in Mozambique

Dagga Boy

"Dagga boy" is name used for large old Buffalo bulls that have been kicked out of the herd and spend almost all day wallowing in Mud. And that is exactly what this Buffalo did!

Buffalo swim

When it gets really hot in the Limpopo Province, even Buffalo wants to cooldown and take a swim.

Why hunt Buffalo?

Are the meanest and one of the most fearsome animals to hunt as you often hunt them on their terms in thick bush where they have the advantage. They say they give you that look as if you owe them money. Facing down a Buffalo on foot is one of the biggest adrenalin rushes you will ever get. No matter what size calibre rifle you use, that first shot is vital to avoid a confrontation with a wounded Buffalo. Many a wounded Buffalo have got the better of a pursuing hunter. Generally, you can breathe a sigh of relief when all goes well and your first shot is true but one mistake and all hell can break loose. Even with firepower and technology on your side this is truly a man verse beast hunt. Always remember to take an insurance shot before approaching a supposedly dead Buffalo. Most Buffalo give a death bellow which may encourage some of the other “Dagga Boys” in the herd to return and support their fallen companion, so be on the lookout when approaching your dead Buffalo.