Buffalo hunting
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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.
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.
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.
Hunting methods All hunting methods (16)
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.
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.
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