ZIMBABWE
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FOREWORD:
Zimbabwe has
had some serious upheavals over the past several years. Recently in 2003, there
has been a listing by the US Government of about 77 high level figures in
Zimbabwe who Americans are forbidden to deal with. In most cases these are
government figures, not Safari operators, but you should pay attention to make
sure you are not dealing with a banned individual. Please speak with us to
verify this before you begin your search for a Safari. In terms of the country
itself, Zimbabwe, (formerly known as Rhodesia), sits on the northern tip of
South Africa. In size it is slightly larger than our own state of Montana. It
has a population of 11,000,000 people. Its northern border along Zambia is the
famed Zambezie River, which is the source of Victoria Falls. It is bordered
easterly by Mozambique and westerly by Zambia and Botswana. The climate of this
country is semi-tropical (although droughts can occur) and its rainy season is
November to March, with cool dry winters between April and October, which is the
prime safari period. It is primarily high plateau, with mountains in the east.
The official language is English and about 80% of the population can read and
write the English language. However there are a number of tribal dialects, with
the principal ones being Shona and Sindebele. In 1965 it first tried to declare
its independence from the UK, but it was not until the guerilla uprisings that
the first elections took place in 1979. Independence finally came in 1980.
Considered to be a republic, it in fact is governed by Robert Mugabe, who has
controlled the country for nearly 20 years. His land redistribution policy which
was designed to keep him in power, encouraged squatters to claim vast private
ranches and private game concessions, and to evict the actual owners, often
forcibly and with violence in some cases. This led to a massive exodus of
foreign investment and capital and a huge slide in the Safari business. However,
those safari operators on government land with government concessions, had no
such problems, and private ranches in remote areas also escaped the problems.
Today the Safari business has been injured, but it is still very viable. In many
areas the safari business continues with no changes and the result of the chaos
has been that prices have tumbled somewhat, and openings abound. This makes
Zimbabwe the most economical country in Africa for the hunting of dangerous
game, including the Big 5. While it is generally safe to hunt this country, it
is vital to book your hunt with well established Safari operators and through an
agent who has spoken at length with the Safari operators about their particular
areas. Today we know that these PH�s we use still live there with their wives
and children, they still send their kids to school, and their wives go freely to
market. That is what we look for, as well as good game areas and quality
operations. We also expect our operators to meet you at the airport and to
shepherd you throughout your safari, and to return you to the airport as well.
Prudence however in where you go, especially at night and in large cities, is
wise. Please feel free to talk to us about safety, if it is a real issue in your
mind. No-one can guarantee your safety on any hunt anywhere in Africa, but we
think the evidence is that many Safaris are taking place every day, and with
care you too can have a great safari. We do however urge you to start a course
of anti-malarial prophylaxsis approximately two weeks PRIOR to your safari. Also
please note it is illegal to wear camouflage in Zimbabwe. We hope Zimbabwe will
continue to furnish good safaris for years to come. Listed below are our
preferred safari operations.
HUNT # 158: ZIMBABWE
This is a long time safari operator and PH, who has
handled some of the best known and respected hunters around, including Craig
Boddington. This PH has hunted Tanzania, Zambia, Mozambique and of course his
beloved Zimbabwe. We have actually watched his former clients walk up to him and
his Dad, just to say hello and pay their respects. Typically they shake hands,
hug one another, slap one another on their backs and act like they have just
rediscovered their long lost favorite uncle! Clearly, people who regularly
safari deliberately choose to show this operation a good deal of respect. Of
particular interest is that he acquired in 2002, a brand new area that
has gone unhunted for some time. It is situated near Kariba, between two
non-hunting National Parks, so it acts as a funnel between them. We expect
excellent Elephant, Lion and Leopard to be taken here, and are excited about the
prospects! The prices for this new concession are listed separately
below. His primary concession areas lie along the Zambezi Escarpment and
Valley. He also has a huge buffalo herd in his concessions, accordingly gets an
enormous allotment of around 70 buffalo a year! There is abundant water here and
plenty of buffs, with the result that we were able to get a price that we
believe is the BEST PRICE IN AFRICA FOR A BUFFALO- $9000 for 1x1; $8000 for 2x1 for 2007! The best buff was 46½, with 5 others over 43½!
Most of his buffalo will run from 37½ to 42½, and that is very good indeed. His
prime buffalo area is 20,000 square kilometers and he has three camps there,
spread out widely. Accommodations are either stone chalets or tents and thatched
roofs, with good sleeping and bathing facilities, good food and plenty of
willing camp helpers, trackers and skinners. This is a first class operation run
by a very experienced PH, and all of it in a game rich area. Normally you will
fly into Harare (it has the easiest gun clearance), but if you prefer, you can
fly into Victoria Falls. Then depending on where you are hunting, you will
either drive two hours from Harare or take an air charter from Vic Falls. On
the buffalo packages the air charter cost is included!! On the regular hunts
and packages the cost of the charter is extra. Butch hunted buff here in 2003
and was into them daily. He took a very nice buff (see picture).
He also took a
handicapped hunter with him in a wheelchair. That gentleman got a bunch of
plains game; a civet; a huge hyena and had a great trip. He was carried
physically into the field for buff- but unfortunately it did not work
out-however the hunt was still a big success and the efforts put forth to help
this gentleman were inspiring to say the least! These are a class bunch of guys!
Butch's Cape Buffalo
2007 BUFFALO SPECIAL!!: Seven days - 5 days hunting. 2 hunters per PH: $8000. 1 On 1: $9000!! This price includes your charter fee from either Harare or Victoria Falls to your camp and back; it includes the trophy fee for one buffalo and an impala; it includes the dipping and packing (field prep) of your trophies, and of course guiding, meals and lodging. Extras are gratuities and the shipping and processing of the trophies. Check with us as to the availability of this hunt.
LEOPARD/BUFFALO COMBO: Hunt is 14 days with a daily rate for 1X1 hunting of $700 (total $9800), plus your trophy fees (assuming success) of $2000 for the buff and $3000 for the leopard. Additional game allowed on the 14-day hunt includes, a buffalo cow, crocodile, bushbuck, Duicker, Eland, grysbok, impala, klipspringer, kudu, sable, zebra and warthog. See the trophy fee sheet for the prices on each of these animals. You will have dipping and packing, transfers from Harare, air rescue insurance, gov�t tax levy and Cites for an additional cost of about $4000.
Butch's picture - 8 wild elephants
7 DAY BUFFALO HUNT: You pay $650/day, 1X1. Trophy fee is
$2250. Total is $6,800, plus the charter and the sundry costs.
10-DAY ELEPHANT SPECIAL : He has at present only a
couple of these available. The price is $750/day for the daily rate and a trophy
fee of $10,000. This is an extremely reasonable elephant hunt with an area that
produces good success and good bulls. Grab it early!
10 DAY BUFFALO HUNT: You pay $700 / day 1X1, plus the
trophy fee of $2250. ON this hunt you can also take bushbuck, duicker, grysbok,
hyena, impala, klipspringer, kudu and zebra and warthog. You pay for them at the
trophy fee price, attached. This hunt give you more time and a better selection
of trophies than does the Special Buffalo hunt. You will have to pay all of the
charges listed in the hunts above, which will add about $2000 for the government
levy, the packing, the transfers, etc.
21-DAY LION/LEOPARD SAFARI: Inquire about availability.
You pay a $900/day daily rate ($18,900), the trophy fees for lion $4500 and
leopard $3000, and for any extra animals taken, of which the list is extensive.
You will have all the various fees and levy and transfers and packing for
about another $5000.
28 DAY BIG FOUR SAFARI: This is the big un! Lion,
leopard, cape buffalo and elephant. This is one of the most reasonably priced
safari of its kind and it is done by a PH who has many years experience and an
excellent hunt area. The price is $975/day, with trophy fees as follows: Buffalo
(2 allowed) $2250 each, elephant $10,000, leopard $3000, lion $4500. Hippo and
croc are also available, along with the usual plains game. (Total $47,050 for
one each of the big 4.) The various dipping, packing, transfers, insurance,
government levy and CITES should run approximately $5000.
OBSERVERS: Costs vary slightly from hunt to hunt, but
assume a very reasonable $50 to $60/day!
TERMS: A 50% payment of the daily fees is required to
reserve a hunt. The balance of the daily fees is due 60 days prior to the
hunt-no exceptions. If you cancel a hunt at least 6 months in advance you will
be refunded in full, less a 10% charge. If cancelled in less than 6 months it
may be possible to forward you deposit to another date or year, at the
discretion of the Safari company-otherwise it will be forfeited. If you can sell
the hunt, that may be your best solution, even if you must discount it. We may
be able to assist you in such a situation.
INDEMNITY: there is no liability on behalf of the safari
company and its employees and agents, including Butch Manasse Outdoor
Adventures, for any loss, damage, accident or injuries while you are on safari.
DAILY RATES: (you must add on the trophy fees)
vary with the concession:
Regular concessions:
7 Day BUFFALO: 1 on 1: $650. 2 on 1: $550/day. Dipping
and packing approx. $250.
10 Day BUFFALO: 1 on 1: $700/day; 2 on 1: $600/day.
Dipping and packing approx. $450.
14 Day LEOPARD/BUFFALO: 1 on 1: $700/day. Dipping and
packing approx. $650. ELEPHANT/BUFFALO: 12 DAYS. 1 on 1: $700/day.
Dipping and packing approx. $650.
ELEPHANT: 18 DAYS. 1 on 1: $875/day. Dipping and packing
approx. $800.
NEW Concession:
7 Day BUFFALO: 1 ON 1: $650/day. 2 ON 1: $550/day.
10 Day BUFFALO: 1 ON 1: $700/day. 2 ON 1: $600/day
14 Day LEOPARD/BUFFALO: 1 ON 1: $700/day.
21 Day LION/LEOPARD: 1 ON 1: $900/day.
28 Day BIG FOUR: 1 on 1 $975; 2 on 1 $$780/day.
"Too Close!"
SAMPLE TROPHY FEES:
Buffalo bull: $2000, cow $600; Croc $1750; Eland $1100;
Elephant $10,000; Hippo $2000; Impala $200; Impala bait $50;Kudu $850; Leopard
$3000; Lion $4500; Sable $2250; Waterbuck $2000, Zebra $800, Warthog $250,
Grysbok $200, Bushbuck $600, Klipspringer $450.
NOTE: Normally in Zimbabwe, if you wish to add
animals you may do so from the trophy fee list. However be aware that on the
shorter hunts the list of allowed animals is more restricted. Contact us for the
written materials that explain exactly what is allowed. For example, you can
take a second buffalo on the 10 Day Buff hunt, but not on the 7 day hunt. Sable
are allowed on the 21 day lion hunt and on the 14 day leopard/buff hunts, but
not on most of the other hunts.
SUNDRY CHARGES to add to DAILY RATE HUNTS-- COMMON TO
ALL ZIMBABWE HUNTS :
Mandatory medical/air rescue $100/person.
A 2% governmental tax levy.
The CITES fee if harvest made: $150.
Observers: $160/day
Round trip Air charter: 6 passenger plane: $2200 split
among the number of passengers.
Dipping and packing fees.
Trophy fees.
Shipping of trophies.
TO BOOK OR FOR DETAILED INFORMATION CALL 1-307-637-5495
HUNT # 25: ZIMBABWE
AND BOTSWANA
This
Zimbabwe safari operator has fifteen different and varied areas that he
hunts. This operation is among the very largest safari operations in
the country of Zimbabwe. This safari company has added some
choice game areas in Botswana, bordering the famed Okavango Delta and
Moremi Game Reserve. The operation has at least eight highly
qualified and experienced PH on its roster. Each of their 15 areas
offers a different experience, different terrain, different camps and
offer different species. It is far beyond the purpose of this website
to detail each area and concession, but we will briefly touch upon
them. Please request our written materials for full explanations. Their
first area is located in the extreme northwest corner, a relatively
short drive from Victoria Falls. This area is divided into a number of
concessions held by various operators, but it is generally referred to
as the Matetsi Area. Also this
particular operator has additional access, in the form of rights to hunt on a
huge private ranch. It is an area with about 90% success on elephant bulls in
the 45 pound to 60 pound class (best hunted at end of dry season in Sept/Oct.,
or in March/Apr.). It has good buffalo with about 95% success on animals in the 39½
to 42½ range. It has excellent success on big lions, (about 75% success on males
and 100% on female lions). It has near 100% success on all plains game from
Sable, Impala to Eland. Leopard here is usually around 50% due to the number of
lions who do not tolerate them. There are some nice waterbuck too, with success
pushing 90% and the Sable are exceptional in size and success. Free airport
pickup from Vic Falls to this concession, which saves you money. The second
concession area is in South-Western Zimbabwe.
Instead of government land, this concession is private ground
containing in excess of 3/4ths of a million acres, this is an exclusive
concession to this operator! It has the Big Five and such hunts can be
arranged. There are no internal fences. There are a number
of relatively luxurious camps to cater to you. There are huge herds of
buffalo, eland, zebra and other plains game. Success here pushes 100%
on every species of plains game except Bushbuck and Bushpig. It is
normally 100% on buffalo in the 38½ to 42½ class. This is one of the
best concessions in which to take your leopard, as they manage it to
take a limited number of these fine cats. Normally they run 75% or
better on very good leopard. A few lion are allowed to be harvested as
well. There are good Nyala, Bushbuck, Tssessebe, Klipspringer and
Gemsbuck. Normally you fly to Bulwayo and have about a 3 hour drive,
unless you want to charter, in which case you can fly in from any
airport in Zimbabwe. The third area is in the Central Highlands and is known as the
Chirisa Safari Area. This is a pristine area of nearly 300,000 acres and is often considered to be one of the finest areas in Zimbabwe. It
sits on the elephant migration routes between the Zambezi Valley and Hwange
National Park. Obviously elephant here is good, with success typically around
90% on bulls with tusks in the 40 to 50 pound range, and some larger. We suggest
March-May or else Oct. to December. The buffalo herd here is huge, and success
pushes 100%. Like most areas in Africa, size here will average 38½-39½, which is
a nice representative bull. Leopard success here is exceptionally high, in
excess of 75%, and they are often seen during the day. This is a National Parks
area and only daytime hunting is allowed. There are also good lions and success
is in the 80% range. This area has produced in recent years three of the best
lion in the country. Plains game here is heavily preyed upon, so plains game
success is a bit less than in other areas. If you want plains game, it is best
to switch concessions. This area is about a days drive from Harare or Bulwayo,
or you can charter.
The fourth area lies along the shores of Lake
Kariba comprises some 2 million acres and is one of the most wild and most rugged concessions around. It
has superb hippo and croc hunting, with lots of buffalo, leopard and elephant.
There is also good fishing for the famed tiger fish. Elephant here tend to
average around 40 pounds, but success is nearly 100%. Buffalo hunting here
requires a hunter to be fit and the area produces some big buffalo and a success
rate of around 95%. This is a wonderful area for leopard due to its remoteness
and ruggedness. Leopard here tend to be a bit smaller due to somewhat less food,
but they are very respectable and very wild, with success rates around
90%.
We do not recommend this area for lion. Some excellent Kudu in the mid 50½ class
are here along with other good plains game. Lion here is physically more
difficult, but success is about 75%. You must hire an air charter to get
to the area.
DAILY RATES: Again, the variety prevents us from
going to great detail, so please contact us to get the written materials on this
hunt. However, daily rates vary from about $400 per day for the Plains game
hunts, to $600/day on the Leopard hunts, to $950 for buffalo and other species,
to $1100 for lion and $1250 for the Big Four (elephant, buffalo, lion and
leopard). Non-hunting observers are $175/day, children under 10 are free.
SAMPLE TROPHY FEES: Buffalo $2,000; Bushbuck
$600; Croc $2,000; Eland $1,000; Elephant Bull $10,000; Gemsbuck $2,500; Giraffe
$650; Hippo $2,000; Kudu $850; Lion Male $4,500; Female lion $2,750; Sable
$2,750; Tsessebe $700; Waterbuck $1,500; Wildebeest $700; Zebra $850.
NOTE: Not all of the above species can be taken
in all safari areas, nor can all species be taken on all hunts. For example, on
a short buffalo hunt, you are normally not permitted to harvest all species of
plains game. In general the longer the hunt, the more species you are allowed to
harvest. Our materials can provide full details and our planning services will
ease your way.
NOTE: The following items are extra costs above
the Daily Rate: Trophy fees; Dipping, packing and shipping of trophies; 2%
Government levy; CITES tags for elephant, leopard and Croc; Tips, Extra
transfers; Air rescue $100. The cost of the charters varies widely from area to
area depending on flying time and the number of hunters sharing the cost. We
will assist you with those arrangements. Also we can assist in working out
transfers from area to area if different species require it.
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