Introduction
Experience the thrill of dangerous game hunting in Mozambique within the legendary Cahorra Bassa region, home to the Nhenda and Mulinje concessions. This remote and unspoiled wilderness offers exceptional hunting opportunities for Cape buffalo, leopard, elephant, hippo, and crocodile. Guided by expert professional hunters, you’ll combine authentic walk-and-stalk safaris with the comfort of a luxury lodge overlooking the African bush.
Big Game Hunting in Africa
Big game hunting in Africa is widely regarded as one of the most thrilling and adventurous experiences for hunters worldwide. The continent has rightfully earned its reputation as a premier destination for dangerous game safaris, offering the ultimate test of skill, courage, and endurance.
Each year, hunters from around the globe travel to South Africa and other iconic destinations to pursue legendary species and experience the adrenaline-filled challenges these hunts provide.
At the heart of dangerous game hunting are the legendary Big Five — lion, leopard, elephant, Cape buffalo, and rhinoceros. Successfully hunting these species is considered the pinnacle of African big game hunting, demanding patience, precision, and profound respect for wildlife.
All dangerous game hunts in South Africa are conducted under strict regulations and are designed to uphold ethical hunting practices and sustainable wildlife management. Experienced outfitters like Bowker Safaris ensure that every safari adheres to responsible hunting principles, balancing the thrill of the hunt with the long-term conservation of Africa’s ecosystems.
For those seeking the ultimate challenge, hunting dangerous game represents one of the most exhilarating experiences in modern big game hunting. It requires skill, focus, and perseverance, making it a truly unforgettable African safari adventure.
Beyond dangerous game, Africa also offers an abundance of plains game species, including kudu, impala, blesbok, eland, and many more. This incredible diversity enriches the overall safari experience, giving hunters even more opportunities to create lasting memories on their African adventure.
Table of Contents
Dangerous Game Species in Mozambique
Cape Buffalo Hunting in Mozambique
The Cahorra Bassa concessions are world-famous for Cape buffalo hunting, offering herds numbering in the hundreds. Hunters can expect true low-fenced, free-range conditions with challenging stalks through thick mopane bush.
Hunting Cape buffalo is often the starting point for many big game hunters embarking on their dangerous game safari. These hunts offer the opportunity to select a mature Cape buffalo with the desired horn shape and spread, ensuring a high-quality trophy that reflects the hunter’s personal goals and preferences.
Leopard Hunting
The rocky ridges and riverine thickets of Nhenda and Mulinje provide excellent leopard habitat. Hunting is conducted with baits and blinds, carefully managed for sustainable trophy quality.
Elephant Hunting
For those seeking the ultimate challenge, elephant hunting in Mozambique remains one of Africa’s most traditional big-game pursuits. Only mature bulls are targeted under strict quotas.
Hippo and Crocodile
The Cahorra Bassa Lake system allows unique opportunities to hunt hippo and crocodile, often in combination with dangerous game packages.
Crocodile hunting is considered one of the most unique and challenging dangerous game hunts.
Hunting Methods
- Walk-and-stalk is the primary method for buffalo and elephant.
- Baited blind hunting is used for leopard.
- Spot-and-stalk on riverbanks for hippo and crocodile.
- Hunts are fully guided by licensed professional hunters with decades of experience in Mozambique. Tracking and stalking are the usual methods for hunting elephants and Cape buffalo, requiring skill and patience.
The Cahorra Bassa Hunting Lodge
After the day’s hunt, relax in a fully serviced safari lodge featuring:
- Spacious en-suite chalets with hot water
- Daily laundry service
- Swimming pool and viewing deck
- Dining area and lounge with bar
- Traditional Mozambique-style cuisine prepared fresh daily
Guests consistently praise the exceptional quality of the food served at the lodge, often noting that they enjoy some of the finest meals of their entire hunting trips here. Many hunters highlight how the combination of world-class cuisine and comfortable accommodations greatly enhances the overall hunting safari experience.
The lodge itself is thoughtfully designed to balance comfort with an authentic wilderness atmosphere. Overlooking the breathtaking Cahorra Bassa ecosystem, it offers sweeping views, tranquil surroundings, and a relaxing retreat after an adventurous day in the field. From gourmet dining to well-appointed accommodations, every detail is crafted to ensure guests enjoy a memorable and rewarding African safari.
Best Time for Dangerous Game Hunting in Mozambique
Hunting Season – Mozambique
- Season Dates: End of April to 15 October
- Best Time for Combination Hunts:
- September & October are ideal for combining your safari with Tigerfishing
Best Time for Dangerous Game Hunting
- Buffalo: June – October (dry season, best tracking conditions)
- Leopard: May – September (cooler months, stable baiting conditions)
- Elephant: July – October
- Hippo & Crocodile: Year-round (best visibility in the dry season)
- Buffalo: June – October (dry season, best tracking conditions)
- Leopard: May – September (cooler months, stable baiting conditions)
- Elephant: July – October
- Hippo & Crocodile: Year-round, with best visibility in dry season
Travel and Logistics
- Arrival: International hunters fly into Johannesburg or Maputo, then connect to Tete, Mozambique. From there, it’s a charter or road transfer into camp.
- Rifles & Permits: Our team assists with firearm import permits and customs clearance.
- Visas: Available for most nationalities upon arrival, but pre-arranged visas are recommended.
- Support: We work closely with Gracy Travel and rifle permit specialists to make your journey seamless.
We also partner with reputable hunting outfitters to ensure a seamless and professional safari experience. Hunting options for Hippo can be tailored to fit the rest of your safari itinerary, providing flexibility and convenience.
Booking Your Hunt and Payment
Booking Your Dangerous Game Safari
Booking is simple:
- Contact us to secure your preferred dates.
- Choose your safari option:
- Package Hunts
- Daily Rates with Trophy Fees
Payment Terms
- Deposits:
- 50% (or more) of daily rates required at the time of booking.
- Outstanding Balance:
- 50% of total daily fees or package payable 30 days prior to arrival in camp.
- Failure to pay will result in forfeiture of the deposit.
- Final Invoice (Trophy Fees & Sundries):
- Balance of invoice (trophy fees and sundries – including shot & wounded animals) payable by prior arrangement.
- Important:
- No cheques accepted.
- All amounts in USD
Why Hunt Mozambique With Us?
- Exclusive access to Nhenda & Mulinje concessions in Cahorra Bassa.
- Proven success on all major dangerous game species.
- Luxury lodge accommodation in the heart of the wilderness.
- Decades of professional hunting experience.
- A perfect balance of authentic African hunting and modern comfort.
Many hunters achieve a lifetime trophy or experience during their safari, and unforgettable moments often happen on these adventures.
Leopard, Crocodile and Hippo Packages
Note – Turn horizontally on mobile to read.
| Package | Days | Tag Fees | Trophy Fee | Extras | Total |
| 5 day / 6 nights crocodile | $3000 | $1500 | $4450 | $2000 | $10950 |
| 9 day /10 nights Crocodile & Tigerfishing | $5400 | $1500 | $6050 | $2000 | $14950 |
| 9 day /10 Nights 4 x Croc Package 2x Trophy & 2 Non trophy | $3500 | $6000 | $9000 | $2000 | $20500 |
| 9 day/10 nights Hippo & Crocodile | $5400 | $3000 | $5050 | $2000 | $19950 |
| 14 day /15 nights Leopard | $15000 | $3000 | $7000 | $3000 | $28000 |
Safari Package Pricing
| Category | Item / Service | Cost (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Included | Daily Rates | Included |
| Professional Hunter (PH) | Included | |
| Accommodation | Included | |
| All Meals | Included | |
| Local Drinks | Included | |
| Camp Staff | Included | |
| Trackers & Skinners | Included | |
| Field Preparation of Trophies | Included | |
| Land Transport within Hunting Area | Included | |
| 1 x Outfitter / PH | Free | |
| Additional Costs | Trophy and Government Fees | Varies by species |
| Rifle Permit (1x) | $350 | |
| Hunting License | $350 | |
| Community Taxes | $200 | |
| Meet & Greet at Tete Airport + Return Transfer to Camp | $500 | |
| Trophies to Exporter | $350 | |
| Pre-Bait for Cat Hunts | $1,000 | |
| VAT | Applicable | |
| Exclusions | Second Rifle Permit | $450 |
| Observer | $250 per day | |
| Professional Cameraman | $250 per day | |
| Transport to and Hotel Accommodation Before/After Safari | Client’s cost | |
| Visa (Client’s responsibility in home & transit countries) | Client’s cost | |
| Rifle Hire | $50 per rifle per day | |
| Ammunition | $8 per bullet |
Extra Animals
- Optional Additions: Extra animals may be added to existing packages (subject to quota availability).
- Mulinje Area (South Banks):
- Certain species can be added to Crocodile, Hippo/Croc, and Leopard packages.
- Hunts in this area are conducted from fly camps, not full camps.
- No guarantee is given for the availability of these species.
- Payment Terms:
- Extra species are only paid for once shot or wounded.
- Fly Camp Costs:
- Every day spent in a fly camp is charged at $250 per day.
Note – Turn horizontally on mobile to read.
| Govt Fee US$ | Trophy Fee US$ | Total US$ | |
| Lion | $10000 | $16000 | $26000 |
| Leopard | $3500 | $14500 | $18000 |
| Buffalo | $1500 | $8500 | $10000 |
| Elephant | $1100 | $16000 | $27000 |
| Hyena | $500 | $3500 | $4000 |
| Sable | $1500 | $4500 | $6000 |
| Bushpig | $500 | $1500 | $950 |
| Warthog | $300 | $650 | $950 |
| Bushbuck, Chobe | $650 | $1350 | $850 |
| Duiker, Grey | $325 | $525 | $850 |
| Grysbuck | $450 | $2300 | $2750 |
| Baboon | $150 | $250 | $400 |
| Kudu | $1100 | $1900 | $3000 |
| Crocodile (trophy 13ft plus) | $1500 | $3500 | $5000 |
| Crocodile ( Under 11 ft | $1500 | $2000 | $3500 |
Dip & Ship
- All trophies are prepared in camp after the hunt.
- Once ready, trophies are collected by our appointed shipper and transported to their facilities in Chimoio or Maputo, Mozambique.
- The shipper will then contact the client directly to reconfirm all shipment details.
- An invoice will be issued directly to the client by the shipper.
- From Mozambique, the trophies are moved to the shipper’s premises in South Africa, and from there forwarded to the client’s home country.
- CITES TAGS – Tags $330 per animal (subject to change) to be paid direct to the shipper