Hunting in Zimbabwe, about 5-6 hours by road from Harare, there is one of the last African earthly paradises where hunting the splendid game of the black continent is still allowed.
Every hunter dreams of immersing himself in the wild African landscapes, and Save Valley in Zimbabwe is one of the most fascinating destinations to make this dream come true. Here we are, surrounded by uncontaminated nature and with hearts full of emotion and expectation, ready for the exciting experience of hunting the Big Five.
The Arrival in Save Valley
After the journey from Harare, we finally arrive in Save Valley. The five- or six-hour journey is an adventure in itself, through landscapes that seem straight out of an African storybook. The main hunting camp, located along the Save River, is an oasis of comfort amidst the wild beauty of the valley. The stilts of the luxurious camp offer a panoramic view that takes your breath away: buffaloes drinking, elephants moving slowly through the trees and lions roaring in the distance.
This magical place, known as the Save Valley, offers the opportunity to hunt all the Big Five, except the black rhino which is particularly protected.
A place rich in history and wild animals
The Save Valley is a perfect destination for hunters suffering from the “Africa sickness”. The abundance of animals makes this valley a dream for hunting lovers, who here can follow in the footsteps of the great hunters and explorers of the past. Pioneers such as Frederick Courteney Selous and Robert Ruark crossed these lands, leaving a legacy of adventure and discovery.
Along the banks and on the islets of the Save river and its tributary Turgwe, where the stilt houses of the luxurious main hunting camp are located, you can spot hundreds of buffaloes, groups of elephants and splendid solitary bearers of excellent ivory. There is no shortage of entire prides of lions and all the most emblematic antelopes of the “plains game”: kudu, nyala, waterbuck, impala and eland.
Exclusive Hunting Experiences
The location of Turgwe Camp allows you to observe the fauna that drinks at dawn and dusk from above the river banks, sitting in front of the fire or from the sofas in the dinette. This camp offers a unique Zimbabwe hunting experience, combining luxurious comfort with the thrill of hunting.
The second camp, located an hour’s drive away in the Arda district, is equally evocative. This tented camp, equipped with all comforts and with private bathroom, overlooks a garden overlooking a small river. This area is renowned for elephant hunting and the so-called “dagga boys”, solitary buffaloes or in small groups of males who prefer densely wooded areas.
The Adrenaline of the Hunt
Tracking a buffalo or an elephant is extremely thrilling. Guided by PH (Professional Hunters) experts, hunters can approach shooting at very short distances, as true Big Five hunting requires. This is an experience that requires strong nerves and precision, offering a mix of adrenaline and respect for nature.
Ethical and Authentic Hunting
Save Valley is an exclusive destination proposed by Montefeltro, which over the years has given excellent results in terms of trophies thanks to ethical and authentic hunting. Sustainable resource management ensures that wildlife continues to thrive, offering hunters the chance to experience unforgettable adventures in one of the last untouched corners of Africa.
An Unforgettable Adventure
The Save Valley is not just a hunting destination, but a journey into the heart of wild Africa. Here, every hunting trip becomes an opportunity to discover the breathtaking beauty of uncontaminated landscapes, experience intense emotions and create memories that will last a lifetime. Preparing your equipment, sharpening your senses and leaving for the Save Valley means immersing yourself in an adventure that promises strong emotions and prestigious trophies.
Luciano’s Triumph: A Day of Dagga Boy Hunting in Save Valley
The sun was just rising over Save Valley, painting the sky in shades of pink and orange, when Luciano and his PH (Professional Hunter) prepared for one of the most exciting days of their lives. The cool morning air was filled with anticipation as the group ventured into the thick brush in search of a “Dagga Boy,” a lone old buffalo known for his cunning and dangerousness.
Save Valley, with its breathtaking landscapes and abundant wildlife, is a place that oozes adventure. Dense forests, meandering rivers and expansive grasslands create a perfect environment for big trophy hunting. Luciano, a passionate and experienced hunter with a deep love for Africa, knew that the day would be memorable.
The Beginning of the Hunt
As they entered the heart of the valley, the group finally spotted a lone buffalo. It was an imposing specimen, with powerful horns and eyes that reflected the wisdom and challenge of many years of surviving the harsh conditions of the savannah. Lucino, with his heart beating fast, took aim, aided by his stick, and fired his express. The shot rang through the air, and the wounded buffalo quickly disappeared among the tall reeds that lined the river.
The Search for the “Dagga Boy”
Tracking a wounded buffalo is one of the most dangerous challenges in hunting. These animals are known for their resilience and aggression, and a wounded buffalo is particularly deadly. It is not for nothing that one of his nicknames is “Black Death”. Luciano and his PH advanced cautiously, following the traces of blood among the reeds. Every step was full of tension, the silence broken only by the rustling of the plants and the distant calls of the local fauna.
Suddenly, the PH stopped and raised a hand to signal to stop. The buffalo was there, hidden in the reeds, waiting for the right moment to charge. The dagga boy’s eyes flashed with fury as he prepared his attack. Luciano felt a shiver of fear run down his spine, but he remained calm and prepared for what he knew would be a decisive moment.
The Moment of Truth
Without warning, the buffalo charged. Luciano saw the dark and powerful mass advancing towards him with surprising speed. Time seemed to slow as he raised his rifle and aimed. A few meters away from him, in a triumph of adrenaline, fear and determination, Luciano fired a second shot which hit the target in the chest despite the difficulty of hitting in that way a buffalo which usually charges with its head down, protecting itself with its “boss”. “. The buffalo stopped suddenly, collapsing to the ground with a dull thud.
The Emotion of Victory
For a moment, there was only silence. Everyone remained still, fearing that the mammoth wild animal would get up again at any moment for a new charge. His breathing was labored and his heart was pounding in his chest. Then, after the tracker made sure Dagga Boy had finally passed away by touching his eyeball with a twig, a wave of emotions washed over him: fear, relief, and a deep sense of pride. He had faced one of the greatest challenges of the hunt, and emerged victorious. The PH patted him on the shoulder, congratulating him on his accurate shot and his courage.
As the sun rose higher in the sky, illuminating the valley with a golden light, Luciano sat next to his trophy, reflecting on the extraordinary adventure he had just experienced. The Save Valley, with its wild landscapes and intense emotions, had provided another unforgettable story. For him, this was not only a personal success, but a tribute to the ancient tradition of hunting, lived in respect and deep connection with nature.
The African Buffalo: the hunter becomes the prey
African buffalo are responsible for more hunter deaths in Africa than any other animal. These mighty animals, known for their strength and determination, are famous for ambushing hunters who have wounded or shot them, thus turning hunting into an extremely dangerous experience.
Despite their size, buffalo are capable swimmers and often cross deep waters in search of better pastures. This ability to move easily in different environments makes them even more unpredictable and difficult to hunt.
There is an old legend that tells how buffalo tongues can tear off a man’s skin with a single lick. However, this is a pure invention: buffalo tongues are smooth and free of this dangerous characteristic.
African buffalo hunting requires not only skill and courage, but also a deep knowledge of the behavior of these animals, to avoid turning from hunter into prey.
Recommended calibers for Cape buffalo hunting
Hunting African Cape buffalo, also known as Cape buffalo, requires powerful and reliable calibers to ensure a quick and safe kill. Here is a list of the best calibers for this demanding hunt:
375 H&H Magnum: Considered by many to be the minimum acceptable for buffalo hunting, the .375 H&H Magnum offers an excellent combination of power, penetration and recoil management. It is versatile and also suitable for other large species.
416 Rigby: This caliber has a long history of use in African big game hunting. It offers exceptional power and deep penetration, making it ideal for taking down Kaffir buffalo even in difficult situations.
416 Remington Magnum: Similar to the .416 Rigby in performance, the .416 Remington Magnum is a popular choice among big game hunters for its reliability and power.
458 Lott: An improvement over the .458 Winchester Magnum, the .458 Lott offers greater velocity and energy. It is a favorite among professional hunters for its ability to handle extreme hunting situations.
470 Nitro Express: Traditionally used in double-barrel shotguns, the .470 Nitro Express is a classic caliber for hunting big African game. It offers impressive power and good recoil management.
500 Nitro Express: An extremely powerful caliber, the .500 Nitro Express is ideal for those looking for maximum power and penetration. It is especially useful in situations where you need to quickly stop a charging buffalo.
505 Gibbs: This caliber is known for its ability to stop any African animal, including Kaffir buffalo. It offers a combination of high velocity and large projectile mass, ensuring exceptional penetration.
When choosing a caliber for buffalo hunting, it is important to consider not only power and penetration, but also familiarity and comfort with the weapon. The accuracy of the shot and the ability to manage the recoil are fundamental to guarantee an ethical and safe killing.
