ca. 500,000+
up to 2,000 lbs.
ca. 50+ inches
Varies by Destination
Spot and Stalk
Rifle, Muzzleloader, Archery
7+ days
Lodges and African Tented Safari Style
Moderate
Varies by Destination
* Information may vary. Please refer to our terms and conditions page and/or call for the latest details on prices and conditions.
Cape buffalo hunting is one of the most thrilling and iconic experiences in African big game hunting. As a member of the Big Five, the Cape buffalo is known for its size, strength, and unpredictable nature, making it a challenging and rewarding hunt for any serious hunter.
Standing 60-65 inches tall at the shoulder and weighing between 1,400 to 1,800 lbs, the Cape buffalo is the largest and most formidable of the African buffalo species. This species is not confined to just the Cape of Good Hope; Cape buffalo hunting opportunities exist across southern and eastern Africa, in countries such as Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Zambia, South Africa, and Uganda.
Since 1985, The Hunting Consortium has specialized in offering exceptional Cape buffalo hunting experiences across Africa. We understand that Cape buffalo hunting is more than just pursuing a trophy; it’s about encountering the wilderness, experiencing the thrill of the chase, and respecting the grandeur of one of Africa’s most formidable game animals.
Through The Hunting Consortium, your Cape buffalo hunting adventure is tailored to meet your specific needs. Our extensive experience allows us to craft hunting safaris that match your goals, whether you’re seeking a classic, traditional Cape buffalo hunt in Tanzania or a seamless safari in South Africa. We pride ourselves on offering only the highest quality Cape buffalo hunts in prime areas, with access to the best operators and concessions.
Our commitment to ethical and sustainable Cape buffalo hunting practices ensures that every hunt not only provides an unforgettable adventure but also contributes to the conservation of these magnificent animals and their habitats.
From the dense bush of Zimbabwe to the open savannahs of Tanzania, Cape buffalo hunting offers a variety of landscapes and challenges, making every hunt unique and engaging.
If you dream of Cape buffalo hunting in Africa, The Hunting Consortium is your gateway to this unparalleled adventure. Our expertise, combined with access to prime hunting locations, guarantees an exceptional Cape buffalo hunting experience.
The Hunting Consortium has been a leader in Cape buffalo hunting since 1985, offering an unmatched level of expertise and insight into this thrilling pursuit. With decades of experience arranging African safaris, we have developed a network of the finest operators and hunting concessions across southern and eastern Africa.
Bob Kern, the founder of The Hunting Consortium, owned safari companies in both Tanzania and South Africa, providing firsthand knowledge of the prime hunting regions for Cape buffalo. Our staff, including Rob Kern, has personally hunted in every area offered and frequently visits these concessions to maintain up-to-date information. This hands-on approach allows us to guide you through the complexities of Cape buffalo hunting, from choosing the right operator to selecting the best season and location.
When you choose The Hunting Consortium for your Cape buffalo hunting adventure, you benefit from our deep connections within the African hunting community. We know every operator we recommend, ensuring that you hunt with the most experienced professionals in the industry. Our extensive knowledge of Cape buffalo behavior, habitat, and hunting techniques guarantees a successful and unforgettable safari.
We offer over 20 different options for Cape buffalo hunting in various countries, providing experiences ranging from traditional East African safaris in Tanzania to seamless hunts in South Africa. Our commitment to quality and ethical hunting practices has led to a nearly 100% success rate on our Cape buffalo hunts. The Hunting Consortium’s expertise and dedication make us uniquely qualified to craft the perfect Cape buffalo hunting experience for you.
Cape buffalo hunting offers diverse experiences across Africa, with each country presenting its own unique challenges, environments, and trophy qualities. Understanding these differences is key to selecting the right destination for your Cape buffalo hunting adventure.
Known for its superb infrastructure, South Africa is an excellent choice for those seeking an accessible and well-organized Cape buffalo hunt. The best areas are located around the Greater Kruger area. While some buffalo are found on private ranches, the highest trophy quality and larger herds are typically in these prime concessions. Hunters in South Africa can expect a success rate of nearly 100%, with some trophies reaching over 45 inches in spread. Combining Cape buffalo hunting with various plains game species adds versatility to the safari.
This country is regarded as one of the top destinations for Cape buffalo hunting, offering exceptional trophy quality and value. Hunts here take place on government and tribal land concessions, including areas like Matetsi and the Zambezi Valley. Zimbabwe boasts large buffalo populations, often numbering over 100 animals. Trophies typically range from 37 to 45 inches, and the hunt is characterized by thick bush and challenging terrain.
Considered the pinnacle of Cape buffalo hunting, Tanzania offers the most traditional East African safari experience. The country’s vast blocks, from the Selous Game Reserve to Masailand, provide diverse landscapes and some of Africa’s most sought-after trophies. Tanzania is one of the few places where the dream of taking a 50-inch buffalo is still a reality. Though it is a more expensive option, the quality and potential of Cape buffalo hunting in Tanzania are unmatched.
Known for stunning landscapes and well-managed hunting areas, Namibia offers a rewarding Cape buffalo hunting experience. Hunts here usually take place in the Caprivi Strip, rich in wildlife diversity. While Namibia is not known for the largest trophies, it provides an exciting, fair-chase adventure. The country’s strict conservation policies ensure buffalo populations are sustainably managed.
Mozambique is renowned for Cape buffalo hunting, particularly in the Zambezi Delta, where hunters can encounter herds of hundreds, if not thousands, of buffalo. While they may not grow as large as those in Zambia or Zimbabwe, the sheer numbers and untamed environment make this destination exceptional. Mozambique also offers combination hunts with species like sable and nyala, adding more depth to the Cape buffalo hunting experience.
Zambia’s Luangwa Valley is famous for its superb trophy quality. Here, we have taken buffalo close to 50 inches, showcasing the country’s potential. Flexible options range from short, specific Cape buffalo hunts to longer safaris that include species like sable antelope.
Each country offers a unique approach to Cape buffalo hunting, featuring diverse environments and hunting methods. At The Hunting Consortium, we draw on our extensive experience to help you select the destination that perfectly aligns with your Cape buffalo hunting goals and preferences.
Cape buffalo are widely distributed across the savannahs and woodlands of sub-Saharan Africa. This species is known for its resilience and adaptability, allowing it to thrive in various habitats, from the dense forests of Mozambique to the open plains of Tanzania. Understanding the distribution and current population status of Cape buffalo is crucial for hunters seeking the best locations for a successful hunt.
Cape buffalo are found in significant numbers across several African countries. Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Namibia, Uganda, and South Africa represent some of the most prominent hunting destinations for this formidable species.
In Tanzania, they roam the vast expanses of the Selous Game Reserve and the rugged terrains of Masailand. Zimbabwe boasts large buffalo populations in areas like Matetsi and the Zambezi Valley, while Zambia’s Luangwa Valley is renowned for its superb trophy quality. Mozambique’s Zambezi Delta is home to enormous herds, providing one of the wildest hunting experiences on the continent.
In South Africa, buffalo hunting is primarily focused around the Greater Kruger area, which offers both wild and managed populations.
The current population of Cape buffalo is estimated to be in the hundreds of thousands across Africa, thanks to effective conservation programs and sustainable hunting practices.
Populations are particularly robust in countries like Tanzania and Mozambique, where hunting concessions contribute significantly to wildlife management and local economies. In Zambia and Zimbabwe, conservation efforts within hunting areas have maintained healthy populations, resulting in consistent success rates and high trophy quality.
Cape buffalo hunting plays a vital role in wildlife conservation and habitat management. By regulating hunting quotas and enforcing strict conservation policies, countries like Tanzania, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe have successfully balanced hunting with ecological preservation.
The revenue generated from hunting not only funds anti-poaching efforts but also supports local communities, ensuring that wildlife and their habitats are protected for future generations. The Hunting Consortium is dedicated to promoting ethical hunting practices, ensuring that every hunt contributes to the long-term sustainability of Cape buffalo populations.
The Hunting Consortium’s Cape buffalo hunting itineraries are flexible and tailored to your goals, whether you aim for a focused 10-day Cape buffalo hunt or an extended combination safari spanning 14 to 21 days for dangerous game or multiple species collection. The following is a sample itinerary that can be adjusted based on location, travel logistics, and the species included in your hunt.
This itinerary is a flexible template, designed to accommodate different lengths and types of hunts. Whether a 10-day Cape buffalo hunt or an extended 21-day collection safari, The Hunting Consortium will tailor the experience to meet your goals and preferences, considering any changes in outfitter or hunting area arrangements over time.
Cape buffalo hunting is often just the start of a larger adventure. Many hunters choose to expand their safari to include additional dangerous game and plains game species, creating a more diverse and rewarding experience. The species available for combination hunts depend on the country, terrain, and season, offering hunters a chance to customize their adventure based on personal goals.
Cape buffalo hunts can be combined with other members of the Big Five and other dangerous game species. These hunts require careful planning and adherence to strict regulations to ensure ethical and sustainable hunting practices.
Combining a Cape buffalo hunt with plains game hunting allows hunters to experience the full spectrum of Africa’s wildlife. Many countries offer diverse species that range from large antelope to smaller, more elusive game.
The Hunting Consortium works closely with each client to design a safari that matches their specific goals and preferences. The selection of additional species depends on the hunting area, season, and regulations within the country. Whether it’s a 14-day dangerous game hunting adventure focusing on buffalo, lion, and leopard hunting or a 21-day collection safari adding a variety of plains game hunting, we tailor the itinerary to maximize the experience.
By choosing a combination hunt, hunters not only diversify their adventure but also gain a deeper understanding of the African wilderness and its conservation efforts.
To help you prepare for your Cape buffalo hunting adventure, we’ve compiled answers to some of the most common questions our hunters ask. These FAQs cover everything from planning your safari to what you can expect in the field.
The best time for Cape buffalo hunting generally falls during the dry season, when game is more concentrated near water sources. This period varies depending on the country:
The dry season offers better visibility and access to remote hunting areas, increasing the likelihood of successful encounters.
Cape buffalo hunting is physically demanding and usually involves tracking on foot over rugged terrain. The level of difficulty can vary depending on the country and hunting area. In regions with dense bush or steep hills, hunters should be prepared for several hours of walking each day. For these reasons, we recommend a moderate to high fitness level to fully enjoy the experience. For hunts in more accessible areas, such as certain parts of South Africa, the physical demands might be slightly less, often involving shorter treks or using vehicles to assist in locating game.
Accommodations vary depending on the country and hunting area. Our partners offer a range of options:
Regardless of the accommodation type, attentive staff and comfortable arrangements are standard to ensure your stay is enjoyable.
For Cape buffalo hunting, a large caliber rifle is essential due to the animal’s size and toughness. We recommend a rifle in the .375 caliber or larger, such as:
It is also advisable to use premium, heavy-grain bullets designed for dangerous game hunting to ensure sufficient penetration. Practice shooting at varying distances before the hunt to be fully prepared for different scenarios in the field.
Yes, combination hunts are popular and often add variety to the safari. Depending on the hunting area and season, hunters can pursue additional species such as leopard, lion, sable, kudu, impala, and more. We offer tailored itineraries for multi-species hunts, ranging from 10 to 21 days, to maximize the range of hunting experiences.
The Hunting Consortium prioritizes ethical hunting practices and conservation. We work with experienced professional hunters who know the areas and game populations well. Our PHs will help you assess the age, size, and quality of potential trophies, ensuring that you take mature animals while supporting sustainable wildlife management.
Travel logistics depend on the country and hunting location:
We handle all travel logistics and ensure seamless connections from your arrival in the country to the hunting area.
Preparation is key to a successful hunt. Here are some tips:
After a successful hunt, we will guide you through the process of preparing your trophies for shipment. Our partners in each country handle the field preparation and transport of trophies to licensed taxidermists and shipping agents. We assist in coordinating the necessary documentation to ensure a smooth and legal export process.
Hunting seasons vary by country and are designed to align with game behavior and conservation goals. During the dry season, animals are easier to locate due to limited water sources. In contrast, hunting in the wet season can be more challenging, but it may also offer opportunities for different species. We will discuss your goals and recommend the best time of year based on the species you wish to pursue.
If you have further questions, our team is available to provide detailed information and assist with every aspect of planning your Cape buffalo hunting safari.
