03 — Cape Buffalo

Cape Buffalo Hunting in Africa

Dagga boys tracked and taken on foot, thick cover, close range, no shortcuts, one of Johan's most-hunted animals.

Inquire about a hunt

Cape buffalo is one of Johan's most-hunted animals, and the truest test of nerve in the bush. Old dagga boys, pushed out of the herd, are tracked on foot through thick cover until the shot is close, and it's earned.

Every buffalo hunt runs in the Save Valley Conservancy, on foot from first light, reading spoor through mopane and jesse until the bulls are found.

25+
years a licensed PH
1
core area: Save Valley
2000
licensed since
METHOD

Dagga boys, tracked on foot

Old bulls pushed out of the breeding herd hold up in thick cover during the day. Trackers work the spoor on foot, closing the distance in jesse and mopane until the bull is judged and the shot is close range, no shortcuts.

Where it happens

ZIMBABWE

Save Valley Conservancy

Trophy dagga boys tracked on foot through thick cover, Johan's core buffalo ground.

Season — Best in the late dry season, when cover thins and bulls concentrate near water. Success varies by area and time of year, check with Johan before booking.

Trophy — Horn spread typically runs 36–42 inch, boss 11–14 inch. Johan only takes mature dagga boys, seven years and older.

From the field

SEE THE FULL GALLERY →
Johan with a Cape buffalo bull
Hunter with a heavy-bossed Cape buffalo bull taken on a free-range safari in Zimbabwe
Johan with a pair of dagga-boy buffalo
Cape buffalo bull down in the mopane

Common questions about cape buffalo hunting

Is Cape buffalo dangerous to hunt on foot?+
It's regarded as one of Africa's most dangerous animals to hunt at close range, which is exactly how it's done here, tracked on foot in thick cover. Johan's approach is fair chase and no shortcuts: close the distance properly, judge the bull, take a clean shot.
What caliber do I need for Cape buffalo?+
A .375 or larger is required for dangerous game. Johan's own rifles and ammunition are available to hire, properly sighted in and ready to go, if you'd rather not travel with your own.
What age and size buffalo does Johan take?+
Only mature dagga boys, seven years and older. Horn spread typically runs 36–42 inch, boss 11–14 inch.
How long is a buffalo safari?+
It depends on what else is on your list, buffalo is commonly combined with elephant or leopard on the same safari. Tell Johan what you want to hunt and he'll put a day count in writing.
When's the best time to hunt buffalo in Zimbabwe?+
The late dry season is generally strongest, but success varies by area and time of year. Johan will advise which area and dates give you the best chance before you book.
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INQUIRE

Tell Johan what you want to hunt.

No price lists, no pressure, a real conversation about the cape buffalo hunt that fits you. Replies usually within a day.

Johan takes on a limited number of hunts each season, some seasons are booked out a year or two in advance.

Email JohanWhatsApp +263 71 222 1402