Client Information
Mazunga Safaris hunts out of the Bubye Valley Conservancy (previously called the Lemco Safari area) which is 850,000 acres in extent and is situated in the South West part of Zimbabwe. The Bubye Valley Conservancy is one of the few areas in Zimbabwe where one is likely to encounter the ‘big five' during the course of a hunt. The property also has a healthy population of wild dog, which are considered as an endangered species throughout Africa.
Zimbabwe is a landlocked country in Southern Africa and is well known for its excellent hotels, infrastructure, and facilities and for the openness and friendliness of its people. The climate is warm and wet during summer (November to March), with cool, dry winters, between April and October. The best months for hunting are over the dry period.
Our Camps
We currently operate 7 camps with guest accommodation comprising thatched rondavels/chalets. Bathrooms are ensuite, with hot and cold running water and flush toilets. All rooms are furnished with beds with inner sprung mattresses. Daily laundry is part of the service and ironing is done using a flat coal heated iron. The rooms are well lit by either 12 volt or electrical generator. A wide range of wholesome meals are prepared by talented chefs at each camp. Our menus include items such as game fillets and game bird casseroles. Imported wine is served with lunch and dinner, and all drinks are covered by the daily rates. If you have any particular dietary preferences, please let us know.
Please note: Zimbabwe use a 220v electrical system so U.S. based hunters using a 110v system must bring adapters.
Clothing and Equipment
Daytime temperatures are warm throughout the year so we recommend light tan clothing. However, during the winter months (May to mid August), nights can get quite chilly, so a warm jacket is essential. Walking is an integral part of hunting, so please make sure you have comfortable, well worn-in walking shoes. Other items that are important are a pair of binoculars, a knife, a reliable camera (plus batteries) and plenty of film, sunglasses, suntan lotion and a good hat. Please note that it is illegal to wear camouflage clothing in Zimbabwe.
Health and Safety
All of our camps are in malaria areas therefore we strongly advise that you start a course of anti-malarial prophylactics at least two weeks prior to your arrival. MARS (Medial Air Rescue Service) provide a highly professional evacuation service in case of medical emergencies.
Firearms and Ammunition
We leave the particular choice of firearms 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 not prohibited and ammunition up to a weight of 11kgs and not exceeding 300 rounds may be brought into the country. 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.
Trophy Preparation and Shipping
The skinners in the camps are taxidermy trained and your trophies will be expertly caped and field cured in camp. We will also arrange the packing, crating and export of your trophies with a professional shipping agent. The dipping and dispatch of your trophies is an additional cost dependent on the number of trophies assigned for export.
Access
Bubye Valley Conservancy is best accessed via Bulawayo, which is a mere three hour drive away, on tar paved roads. For those clients preferring to
charter, the Conservancy has three well maintained airstrips which will put the hunter in close proximity to his lodge of choice. Charters between Bubye Valley Conservancy and any one of the three international airports in Zimbabwe or from Johannesburg or Polokwane in South Africa can be arranged.
Memberships
Mazunga Safaris is registered with the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority – Operators Licence No. 0062. We are also fully paid up members of the Safari Operators Association of Zimbabwe (SOAZ).
