Elephant Hunting in Africa
A free-range, fifteen-day elephant safari in Zimbabwe's Deka Pool and Deka Tail, tracked on foot until the ivory is right.
Inquire about a huntElephant is Johan's particular passion, and the reason his safaris run fifteen days instead of the standard ten. More time in the field means the right bull, not the first one, judged on foot before you're ever within range.
Every elephant Johan takes is hunted free-range in Deka Pool and Deka Tail, on Zimbabwe's government hunting quota. No high fences, no put-and-take, genuine wild country tracked the way elephant hunting is meant to be done.
Tracked on foot, on the spoor
Trackers read the spoor from first light, and Johan judges the bull on ivory and age long before you're in range, no bait, no blinds. Extra days in the field exist for exactly this: passing on a young bull rather than settling.
Where it happens
ZIMBABWEDeka Pool & Deka Tail
Free-range elephant country on the edge of the Zambezi system, Johan's home ground for the heritage hunt. Best from March.
Season — Deka is best from March. In other areas Johan hunts, the season runs later, August into September.
Trophy — Tusks in Deka typically run 40lb+ a side, expect 50lb+, the biggest taken to date weighed 74lb. Zimbabwe's export minimum is 25lb a side; other areas Johan hunts typically produce 30–35lb bulls.
From the field
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Common questions about elephant hunting
How long is an elephant safari with Johan?+
What caliber do I need for elephant?+
How does trophy export work for elephant ivory?+
When's the best time to hunt elephant in Zimbabwe?+
What size tusks should I expect?+
“Three weeks in Zimbabwe with Johan was one of the most memorable trips we have ever taken. He is skilled, experienced and knowledgeable, but also patient, easy to be around, and genuinely enjoyable company in camp and in the field. As a non-hunter, I appreciated how willing he was to explain the bigger picture, hunting, conservation, and the role local communities play in living with wildlife. Johan has also assembled a great team; Admire, Philip and the crew were a big part of what made our time so special, and I always felt safe and welcomed. I would highly recommend Johan to anyone looking for an excellent PH in Zimbabwe.”
Tell Johan what you want to hunt.
No price lists, no pressure, a real conversation about the elephant 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.