ABOUT THE AREA
Mozambique
CV Safaris is proud to offer three amazing destinations in Mozambique. Each of these areas is huge, covering vast tracts of unspoilt land. Each area is unique and offers our clients an amazing diversity of species from monster Nile crocodiles on the Zambezi River, to Cape buffalo & plains game in the Zambezi Delta to Leopard & plains game in the rugged and remote bushveld region of Tete province near the border with Malawi and Zambia.
Mozambique
For the best hunting area in Africa for Big Nile crocodiles and Hippo, look no further than the famous Zambezi River near the town of Tete! The 200 km stretch of water we hunt is renowned for producing monster crocs! We have taken two crocs of 17 ft plus, and several 15 to 16 footers and a couple just shy of 15 feet. This is a special place.
Crocodile hunting is underrated by most hunters. For all the right reasons, hunting for giant crocs is a firm favourite amongst the CVS PH’s! The big old crocodiles we target have been around for a very long time (50 years+) and have survived by being cunning, shy, and super elusive making them extremely challenging to approach. Younger crocs are easy to spot and get close to, the big old males are a different story altogether! Several of the crocs we have hunted have contained human body parts or clothing and jewellery. When these crocs grow old and big, most have tasted human flesh.
Motorboats are used to cruise the expansive 200 km stretch of river to search for crocs. On some days you may cover up to 120 kilometres of river frontage. After breakfast we head out for a full day on the water. A packed lunch is enjoyed somewhere on the river in a shady spot on the boat or on an island. We always aim to be back in camp before sunset because of the risk of colliding with hippos and unseen sand banks in the dark.
The islands and sand banks change constantly due to fluctuating water levels. Getting a good shot is no easy feat. A tiny target (brain/spine) sometimes at long range requires acute marksmanship. Shots are either taken from the prone position or from an adjustable shooting rest. This is a unique hunt which tests the hunter in many ways and may involve wading or crawling in shallow water or on sand banks or waiting patiently for hours and possibly days (always hidden) on end for a croc to reveal itself enough for a kill shot.
There is no margin for error and accurate follow up shots are vitally important. We recommend a 375 H&H or 338 with premium ammunition. A 300 Win Mag will do the trick but the bigger the calibre and the bullet the better because these enormous creatures can take a pounding. A few too many movements by the croc after the first shot may result in it vanishing into the murky depths of the Zambezi for good.
Fly into Tete from Johannesburg followed by a 10-minute drive to a fabulous restaurant on the banks of the Zambezi River for a hearty lunch and an ice-cold beer. From here you’re done with vehicles until the end of your safari and a 30-minute boat ride upriver takes you to the splendid tented & grass thatched camp on the banks of the Zambezi.
Set under the shade of large riverine trees this awesome camp is comfortable, the food is great, and the setting is unforgettable. The individual accommodation tents contain two double beds, and each tent has its own bathroom with toilet, shower and basin. Laundry is done daily.
Hearty safari meals are served in the grass/thatched dining area, whilst early morning coffee, and evening drinks are served around a crackling campfire overlooking the Zambezi River. This is a malaria area, and prophylactics are advised. Contact us now to secure your dates for an incredible hunt on the Zambezi. This is a super fun trip!
Zambezi Delta
Looking for a large variety of species and insane wildlife populations? Look no further than the Zambezi Delta on the central east coast of Mozambique. This is an epic destination which has received recognition and accolades for accomplishing one of the best wildlife “comeback” stories in Africa thanks to sustainable hunting, stout anti-poaching programs and community benefits.
The abundance of game is astounding, and your safari will be one to remember. The diversity of life, from butterflies and insects to birds and mammals is unmatched!
For the true adventurer and hunter, this destination is for you, and we would love to take you there! Species on offer include Sable (the largest herds in Africa), Nyala, Chobe Bushbuck, Cape Buffalo, Waterbuck, Common Reedbuck, Lichtenstein Hartebeest, Selous Zebra, Warthog, Bushpig, Oribi, Suni, Red Duiker, Blue Duiker, Livingstone’s Eland, Hippo and Crocodile.
Buffalo hunting may involve trekking into the swamps via the means of an Argo or a highly specialized imported swamp vehicle. Chances are you will get wet because wading through channels to approach spectacular herds of buffalo is standard on each hunt. This is an experience that will not be forgotten. At certain times of the year buffalo are found on the flood plains and in the forests. You will see massive herds of sable, waterbuck, zebra and buffalo. All the species listed are plentiful and success rate across the board is high.
There are three hunting camps in the concession, all located under canopies of large trees in the cool forests. One is an old permanent structured Portuguese safari camp with a historic atmosphere. The tented main camp comprises 10 traditional canvas safari tents all with 2 beds, good lighting and private bathrooms with hot and cold running water.
The central dining area is set off to one side just beyond the campfire pit. The dining room is furnished with a refrigerator, good lighting and a large dining table for breakfasts and dinners. Lunches are normally enjoyed in the field. Off to one side there are comfortable couches and a coffee table. Samango monkeys and Red Duiker frequent the camp daily adding to the ambiance.
Due to the large quota that must be taken annually hunters will not have exclusivity of the camp and the area. Due to the size of the area your hunting experience is never compromised. Hunters always get along and have a great time in camp.
The third camp is small and exclusive. It is a permanent structured lodge just a few miles from the main camp. It looks over a pan (open area) in the forest where sometimes you will enjoy sightings of waterbuck, reedbuck, warthog and more. This intimate lodge needs to be reserved specifically and well in advance.
The best time to hunt the delta is from July until the end of November. 7- or 10-day buffalo and/or plains game hunts can be booked. This is a malaria region and prophylactics are advised. Ideal calibres are 300-win mag for plains game and 375H&H for cape buffalo. There are camp rifles available which are suited to hunting the pygmy antelope species.
Hunters will fly to Beira from Johannesburg, followed by a 1-hour charter flight in a helicopter.
Tete Mountains
This is Wilderness personified. A four- and half-hour drive from the town of Tete gets you to a remote wilderness camp in a truly wild part of Mozambique near the Malawi and Zambian borders.
This is a massive concession which spans +- 1 million acres. It is protected by the fact that Tsetse flies still occur here which prevents livestock from entering the area. Stout anti-poaching programs are paying off and this area is certainly getting better each year. Hunts typically unfold here from June/July onwards through to October. The rugged mountains and landscape make for excellent leopard habitat which is why these cats are our primary focus here.
We have taken several good Tom Leopards over the years, and we have also failed, however failing has been the exception not the rule. Leopard hunting is never a sure thing regardless of where you are hunting. Buffalo, Elephant and Lion tags are available, as well as a variety of plains game species including Kudu, Waterbuck, Chobe Bushbuck, Lichtenstein Hartebeest, Impala, Sharpe’s Grysbok, Common Bush Duiker, Bushpig and Warthog. General plains game species are not prolific here and you can drive for hours without seeing any wildlife. This is partly because of the vegetation and tall grass especially early in the season before the grass it is burnt. If you like to hunt hard, this is the place for you!
The leopard hunting is good, and the cost is certainly great value for money. The odds of succeeding in taking a leopard are 65% based on previous safaris.
The West African style safari camp is set along a beautiful river and is constructed from grass, reeds, palm leaves and other natural materials. The camp is perfectly adequate and more than comfortable. The ambience is fantastic! Each room is furnished with two beds, mosquito nets, ample lighting and all the basic amenities one requires. Each room has its own bathroom with a fantastic shower (hot and cold running water with great pressure), basin and flush toilet.
The dining area and campfire are located right on the river. Delicious hearty meals are prepared by skilled ‘bush chefs’ (including amazing homemade breads), whilst a well-trained waiter serves snacks and drinks around the fire. After a full breakfast we head out all day with a packed lunch and usually return after dark. After a quick shower and few drinks around the fire dinner is served in the thatched dining room.
Best time to hunt here is from June onwards, until November. We advise our clients to focus primarily on leopard and be ready for opportunities presented on plains game they may encounter. Bushbuck, Waterbuck, Kudu and Baboon are the most common general species one sees. This is a malaria region and prophylactics are advised. We will provide you with references and a detailed packing list.
SPECIES
What to hunt in Mozambique
Mozambique Species List
June/July through end November is the best time to hunt the Zambezi Delta.
June through end August is best time to hunt Leopard near Tete
Mozambique species include Big Nile Crocodiles, Hippo, Elephant, Lion, Leopard, Nyala, Chobe Bushbuck, Cape Buffalo, Waterbuck, Common Reedbuck, Lichtenstein Hartebeest, Selous Zebra, Warthog, Bushpig, Oribi, Suni, Red Duiker, Blue Duiker, Livingstone’s Eland, Olive Baboon, Red Duiker, Kudu, Lichtenstein Hartebeest, Impala, Sharpe’s Grysbok, Common Bush Duiker.
Where you’ll stay
Zambezi River: Set beautifully on well-watered gardens, under the shade of big riverine trees, this awesome camp provides breathtaking views and ambience of the Zambezi River.
Zambezi Delta: There are three hunting camps in the concession, all located in the sand forests.
Tete Mountains: The comfortable safari camp is set along a beautiful river and made from all natural materials.
June through to November.
Travel : Fly into JHB and spend a night at a hotel. Next day commercial airline flight to Tete, arrive at midday and drive 3.5 hours to main camp or 40 min to River camp. Return to Tete town after safari and fly to JHB and out.