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Summer runs from November to April and has hot, sunny days with daytime temperatures around 86°F (30°C) in the main centres and hotter in the low-lying areas such as the Zambezi Valley, Kariba and Victoria Falls. Summer coincides with the rainy season when afternoon thunderstorms are possible, although the Eastern Highlands experience rain throughout most of the year. Winter days are warm and dry (68°F / 20°C), with a vast drop in temperature at night, and runs from June to August. Winter is the most pleasant time to travel, and is best for game viewing and white water rafting; however this is also peak tourist season and is the busiest time of year.
Altitude and relief greatly affect both temperature and rainfall in Zimbabwe. The higher areas in the east and the highveld receive more rainfall and are cooler than the lower areas. Temperatures on the highveld vary from 54 – 55°F (12 – 13°C ) in winter to 75°F (24°C) in summer. On the lowveld the temperatures are usually 11°F (6°C) higher, and summer temperatures in the Zambezi and Limpopo valleys average between 90 – 100°F (32 – 38°C). Rainfall decreases from east to west. The eastern mountains receive more than 100 cm (40 in) annually, while Harare has 81 cm (32 in) and Bulawayo 61 cm (24 in). The south and southwest receive little rainfall. Seasonal shortages of water are common.
The summer rainy season lasts from November to March. It is followed by a transitional season, during which both rainfall and temperatures decrease. The cool, dry season follows, lasting from mid-May to mid-August. Finally, there is the warm, dry season, which lasts until the onset of the rains.
January 1st to December 31st (all year round). Trophy hunting is allowed throughout the year. However due to the rains, most hunting is conducted between April and October, with June, July and August being the most popular months for hunting safaris.
The importation and exportation of currency into and out of Zimbabwe is governed by the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) in terms of the Exchange Control Act [Chapter 22:05] as read with Exchange Control Regulations Statutory Instrument 109 of 1996 as read with Statutory Instrument 93 of 2017
The importation of any currency into Zimbabwe by travellers is not restricted. This implies that any person can bring in any amount of currency into Zimbabwe. However, all travellers are encouraged to complete a Customs Declaration Form (Form 47) and declare the currency in their possession at the time of entry.
The processed declaration form maybe used:
• To support re-export of any balance of currency (for non-residents) at the end of the visit to Zimbabwe should it exceed the allowed export thresholds which is currently two thousand united states dollars or its equivalent in any other currency including Zimbabwean bond notes and coins.
• For Acquittal of C.D.1 forms in the case of exporters of goods.
• As proof of the source of funds in some instances where proof is required.
The exportation of currency from Zimbabwe is restricted.
Statutory Instrument 93 of 2017 s14….…”the amount of currency that a person who is about to leave Zimbabwe may possess, without authorization in terms of section 22 of the principal regulations in the departure or transit lounge of an airport or other port, is a total of two thousand United States dollars, or its equivalent in any or combination of currencies or in bond notes or coins’.
Please note that the amount of currency that a person who is about to leave Zimbabwe may possess, without authorisation in the departure lounge of an airport or any other port is a total of USD$2000 in any currency or combination of currencies or in bond notes or coins.
The choice of firearms is up to our clients. However, National Parks regulations in Zimbabwe require minimum calibres for certain species.
You will need a rifle of .375 calibre or bigger for the larger thick skinned animals such as Buffalo or Elephant and anything from a .270 upwards for the smaller soft skinned Antelopes.
The temporary importation of semi-automatic weapons or handguns is prohibited. We recommend you bring soft cases for your weapons, gun cleaning equipment and a gun belt with ammo pouches. Depending on what you are hunting, you will need at least 40 rounds of soft points and 20 rounds of full metal jackets.
Please note that all ammunition must be packed and transported in a lockable ammo box placed within your checked luggage and must be declared at check-in. It must not exceed 5kgs in weight and that includes the weight of your ammo box and must not be more than 300 rounds in total.
For clients who are travelling through South Africa – even if only in transit – we recommend they enlist the services of Hunters Support http://www.hunterssupport.com/hunters/ who offer invaluable services such as meet and greet, weapons permits etc. We also strongly advise that all clients check that ALL airlines they are using permit the transportation of Sporting Firearms before booking their flights.
In order to expedite the Temporary Import of your weapons in to Zimbabwe please print the Temporary Import Permit below in QUADRUPLICATE. You will need to give these forms to the Customs Officials when you declare your weapons and ammunition.
On arrival in Zimbabwe (any of the international airports) your firearms will either come out on the conveyor belt or will be carried in, individually and placed next to the conveyor belt. Once you have all of your luggage it is then advisable to unlock everything and have your completed Temporary Firearms Import Permit in hand, prior to proceeding to customs.
You will then need to proceed to the “Red Route – Something to Declare”. You will need to provide the Customs Official with the Temporary Import Permit and open gun cases, ammunition boxes and luggage (if requested) for inspection, clearance and stamping of paperwork. If all of these steps are taken it should expedite this process.
NB Please note that you need to state the EXACT number of rounds on these forms as they are counted and have to be in order.
Please note on departing Zimbabwe – you will need to do this process in reverse PRIOR to check-in. They will need to double check the serial numbers, rounds of ammunition (taking into account those used on safari) and they will keep a copy of your Temprary Import Permit. This is VERY important as it is then logged as leaving the country.
Please also be aware (your travel agent I am sure will advise you of this) that SAA is now charging for the carriage of sporting firearms. The details of this can be found here.
Should clients wish to hire firearms for their hunt – we have the following firearms available, all with Leopold & Zeiss scopes:-
MAKE CALIBRE
DAKOTA .416 REMINGTON
C.Z. .30-06
C.Z. 0.375
C.Z. .416 RIGBY
It is VERY important to advise us of any allergies or medical conditions that we need to be aware of prior to your hunt.
Consult your physician well in advance of your safari regarding their suggested inoculations and medications.
To be on the safe side, we suggest that you only drink bottled water.
It is crucial that you obtain malaria prophylactics before entering Zimbabwe, as almost all hunting areas are based within Malaria Areas. When purchasing these, please tell your doctor or pharmacist which areas in Zimbabwe you intend visiting. Start your course at least 24 hours before entering Zimbabwe and continue taking the pills for 6 weeks after leaving the country. If you suffer from side-effects, try taking your malaria prophylactics after dinner, as this usually minimises the effect of the symptoms.
Precautionary measures that you can take to prevent contact with mosquitoes are:
– Sleeping under a bed net or in a room/tent with mosquito proofing (remember to keep the flaps zipped at all times)
– Spraying your accommodation with insecticide
– Making use of a mosquito-repelling lotion or stick
– Wearing long-sleeved clothing, long trousers and socks when outside at night.
We would suggest bringing a supply of aspirin, anti-diarrhoea, laxatives, etc. just in case.
In addition, if lion or leopard is on your trophy list, cough syrup or cough drops are a good idea. These animals are hunted from a blind and absolute silence is required.
We strongly encourage all of our clients to take out the following insurance policies for their hunts with their own Insurance Brokers:
This policy should cover your trophies against theft and damage whilst still in the country of your hunt as well as theft and damage during shipping and provide the necessary funds to re-hunt the damaged or stolen animal(s).
This policy should insure your firearms and accessories for theft and damage worldwide from your date of your departure to the date of your arrival at home.
The following packing list is more than sufficient for your safari, as laundry is done on a daily basis. This list should include the clothes worn to and from Africa. In terms of colours, dark/olive green and brown are best for hunting . Hunting involves tracking wary animals in thick cover, therefore special attention should be paid to the quietest clothing and footwear possible.
3 pairs long or short pants (or a combination of longs and shorts)
3-4 shirts (long or short sleeve or a combination)
2 pair of light, soft soled hunting shoes (well broken in!)
1 pair of old tennis shoes for hunting hippo/crocs or fishing
1 hat – preferably wide brimmed with neck sun protection
4-5 pairs of underwear
4-5 pairs of quality socks
1 jacket
1 pair of light weight gloves
1 sweater or sweat shirt and sweat pants to wear in the evenings
1 small flashlight with extra batteries
2 cameras (to have a spare just in case)
1 pair of quality binoculars
1 kit of personal toiletries (incl. shampoo, sunscreen, medications, etc.)
1 extra small toiletries kit for the fly camp (if applicable)
Avon Skin So Soft Creme insect repellent (the only thing to repel tsetse flies)
Converter plugs to recharge batteries on the generator to power 110V items such as video cameras.
Electric converter for your 110V appliances. Zimbabwe generator power is 220V and will require a converter.
A few large zip lock bags to keep electronics dust free or dry if on a river
Most nationals require a visa to enter Zimbabwe – Below are all Zimbabwe visas: revised regime with effect from 01 July 2008. If you have any problems or queries please contact your nearest Zimbabwean Embassy or the Buffalo Trails Office for assistance.
Countries whose nationals do not require visas:
Antigua & Barbuda, Aruba, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Botswana, Cayman, Congo (DRC), Cyprus, Fiji, Grenada, Hong Kong, Jamaica, Kenya, Kiribati, Leeward Island, Lesotho, Malaysia, Malawi, Maldives, Malta, Mauritius, Montserrat, Namibia, Nauru, Samoa Western, Singapore, Solomon Island, St Kitts, St Lucia, St Vincent & The Grenadines, Swaziland, Tanzania, Togo, Trinidad & Tobago, Turk & Caicos Islands, Tuvalu, Uganda, Vanuatu, Zambia
Countries whose nationals are granted visas at the port of entry on payment of the requisite visa fees:
Argentina, Austria, Australia, Belgium, Bermuda, Brazil, Brunei, Cook Islands, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Egypt, Finland, France, Germany, Ghana (Gratis), Greece, Hungary, Indonesia, Iceland, Ireland*, Israel, Italy, Japan, Korea (South), Kuwait, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Palau Island, Palestine (State of), Papua New Guinea, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Seychelles, Slovak Republic, South Africa (Gratis), Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Arab Emirates, Uruguay, USA, Vatican, Virgin Islands
Visa fees at the port of entry for Category B nationals are as follows:
Single Entry Visa per person – US$30
Double Entry Visa per person – US$45
Multiple Entry Visa per person – US$55
Valid passport, itinerary, exit ticket, and cash payment are required
Countries whose nationals are required to apply for and obtain visas prior to traveling:
Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Andorra, Angola, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belarus, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Brazzaville, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada*, Cape Verde Islands, Central African Republic, Chad, Chile, China, Columbia, Comoros Islands, Congo (Brazzaville), Costa Rica, Conakry, Cote d’Voire, Croatia, Cuba, Djibouti Republic, El Salvador, Ecuador, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Estonia, Ethiopia, Eyrom, French Guiana, French Polynesia, French West Indies, Gabon, Gambia, Georgia, Gibraltar, Great Britain (UK)*, Guam, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, India, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Korea (DPRK), Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Latvia, Lebanon, Liberia, Libya, Lithuania, Macau, Madagascar, Mali, Marshall Islands, Mauritania, Mexico, Micronesia, Moldova, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Nepal, New Caledonia, Nicaragua, Nye, Niger, Nigeria, Norfolk Islands, Northern Mariana Island, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Principe, Qatar, Reunion, Romania, Russia Fed, Rwanda, Samoa (America), San Marino, Sao Tome, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Slovenia, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Syria, Tajikistan, Taiwan, Thailand, Togo, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Venezuela, Vietnam, Yemen Republic, Yugoslavia
Single Entry Visa per person – US$60.00
Double Entry Visa per person – US$75.00
Multiple Entry Visa per person – US$95.00
For citizens of the following countries, visa fees are as follows:
Canada
Single Entry Visa per person – US$65.00
Multiple Entry Visa per person – US$130.00
Ireland
Single Entry Visa per person – US$75.00
Multiple Entry Visa per person – US$125.00
United Kingdom
Double Entry Visa per person – $95.00
*Visa fees are listed on the visa application form
We ask that all clients familiarise themselves with our terms & conditions as per the below document.
Below is a map of the various hunting and National Park areas of Zimbabwe.
