LAKE KARIBA SPECIES
PLAINS GAME
HUNTING PLAINS GAME IN LAKE KARIBA
Hunting plains game in Lake Kariba offers an unforgettable adventure amidst Zimbabwe’s diverse landscapes. The region is home to an array of sought-after species, such as kudu, impala, zebra, and wildebeest, each providing its own unique hunting challenge. With a blend of open plains, dense bush, and the proximity to Lake Kariba’s waters, the area is ideal for spot-and-stalk hunting, immersing hunters in the heart of Africa’s wilderness. Whether tracking the majestic kudu or stalking a herd of zebra, hunters can expect an authentic and thrilling experience in one of Africa’s premier hunting destinations.
Known as the “Grey Ghost of Africa,” the kudu is one of the most sought-after plains game species. It is famous for its majestic spiral horns, excellent camouflage, and elusive nature. With a graceful build and a grayish-brown coat marked by white stripes, the kudu thrives in Limpopo’s bushveld. It is a challenging hunt due to its keen senses and ability to disappear silently into dense cover.
KUDU
TRAGELAPHUS STREPSICEROS
Often called the “poor man’s buffalo,” the blue wildebeest is a strong and resilient antelope known for its muscular build, shaggy mane, and curved horns. It has a dark grayish-blue coat with faint stripes and thrives in open savannah and bushveld. Wildebeest are tough animals, capable of absorbing well-placed shots, making them a challenging and rewarding hunt.
BLUE WILDEBEEST
CONNOCHAETES TAURINUS
One of the most abundant and popular plains game species in Limpopo, the impala is a graceful, medium-sized antelope with a reddish-brown coat, white underbelly, and distinctive black markings on its tail and legs. The males have lyre-shaped horns, making them a prized trophy. Known for their agility and speed, impalas are a challenging hunt, often found in herds across savannahs and woodlands.
IMPALA
AEPYCEROS MELAMPUS
A distinctive and iconic plains game species, the zebra is known for its black-and-white striped coat, which provides excellent camouflage in the bush. Strong and resilient, zebras are highly alert and difficult to stalk, often found in herds on open plains and grasslands. Their tough hide and durable build make them a challenging and rewarding hunt, with their unique pelts being highly prized as trophies.
ZEBRA
EQUUS QUAGGA
A large and robust antelope known for its shaggy coat and distinctive white ring around its rump. Typically found near water sources, waterbucks rely on these areas for survival. Males have impressive, forward-curving horns, making them a sought-after trophy. Their thick, oily hide produces a strong scent, which acts as a natural predator deterrent. Waterbuck are alert and challenging to hunt due to their wariness and preference for dense cover.
WATERBUCK
KOBUS ELLIPSIPRYMNUS
DANGEROUS GAME
HUNTING DANGEROUS GAME IN LAKE KARIBA
Hunting dangerous game in Lake Kariba is the pinnacle of adventure, demanding skill, courage, and a deep respect for Africa’s wild heart. The region offers thrilling opportunities to pursue some of the continent’s most formidable species, including Cape buffalo, crocodile, hippopotamus, and leopard. Stalking a massive buffalo through the thick bush or waiting for a crocodile along the lake’s edge requires focus and determination. With experienced guides and well-regulated hunting areas, Lake Kariba provides an adrenaline-packed, ethical hunting experience that immerses hunters in the raw beauty of one of Africa’s most iconic landscapes.
A prehistoric and formidable predator, crocodiles are known for their massive jaws, powerful bite, and tough, scaly skin. Typically found in rivers, lakes, and wetlands, they are skilled ambush hunters, lying in wait for prey to come close. With a stealthy approach and incredible strength, they are a challenging quarry, especially due to their aggressive nature when threatened. Crocodiles are often hunted for their tough hides and prized trophies, with the Nile crocodile being one of the most sought-after species in Africa.
CROCODILE
CROCODYLIDAE
Known for its massive size and powerful jaws, the hippopotamus is one of Africa’s most dangerous and territorial animals. Despite spending much of its time submerged in water, the hippo is a fast runner on land, capable of reaching impressive speeds. They are highly protective of their territory, especially around rivers and lakes. Hippos are herbivores, but their aggressive nature and strong territorial instincts make them a formidable challenge for hunters. They are a prized trophy due to their unique size and the excitement they bring to the hunt.
HIPPOPOTAMUS
HIPPOPOTAMUS AMPHIBIUS
One of Africa’s most formidable and dangerous game species, the Cape buffalo is known for its massive build, thick horns, and aggressive temperament. Often seen in large herds, buffaloes are highly intelligent and unpredictable, making them a challenging and thrilling hunt. Their horns form a continuous “boss” across their foreheads, a key identifying feature. Revered as part of Africa’s Big Five, the Cape buffalo is a prized trophy, known for its strength and resilience in the wild.
CAPE BUFFALO
SYNCERUS CAFFER
HONARABLE MENTIONS
A massive, social mammal with thick grey skin and large, curved tusks. Often found near water sources, it is known for its intelligence and strong family bonds, as well as its impressive memory and ability to communicate over long distances.
ELEPHANT
LOXODONTA
A solitary, elusive predator with a golden coat and distinctive black spots. Often found in dense forests and grasslands, it is known for its stealth, agility, and ability to carry prey up into trees to protect it from scavengers.
LEOPARD
PANTHERA PARDUS
A highly prized trophy species with a sleek black coat, contrasting white facial markings, and impressive curved horns. Known for its aggressive nature when threatened, making it a challenging and rewarding hunt.
SABLE
HIPPOTRAGUS NIGER