Embark on the ultimate African adventure with, where the pursuit of majestic elephants & Lions, honors tradition, respects nature, and supports conservation. Our mission is to deliver unparalleled hunting experiences, guided by expert trackers across the wild heart of Africa. Every hunt is a story of skill, reverence, and legacy—crafted for those who seek the extraordinary. Join us in the savanna, where your journey becomes part of Africa’s timeless narrative.
I’m Gorge Garibay, your guide to the untamed heart of Africa. With roots in Texas and a passion for the wild, I lead our elite team with Danie Apppelgryn at Santuario Hunting to deliver unrivaled elephant hunting adventures. Our mission? To craft legendary experiences where skill, respect, and conservation converge. Join me in the savanna to chase the extraordinary and etch your name in Africa’s timeless saga.
I know what you might be thinking—‘Hunting? Africa? That’s intense!’—and you’re right, it is. But it’s not about just chasing a trophy. It’s about immersing yourself in a tradition as old as humanity, where every step teaches you something about the land, the animals, and yourself.
Africa’s wilderness, of Zimbabwe, is one of the last places on Earth where you can experience nature in its rawest form. You’ll track game with expert guides who know the land like their own heartbeat, learning to read spoor, anticipate movement, and respect the balance of the ecosystem.
Think about the stories we’ll bring back. Sitting around a campfire under a sky exploding with stars, swapping tales of the day’s hunt, the close calls, the moments that made your heart race. You’ll feel alive in a way that’s hard to find in everyday life. And it’s not just the hunt—Africa’s beauty will steal your breath. Imagine watching a herd of elephants lumber across the horizon or a cheetah sprinting in a blur of speed. These are moments that change you.
Now, I get it—there’s a lot to consider. Cost, safety, ethics. Let’s talk it through. Responsible hunting in Africa is tightly regulated, supporting conservation and local communities. The fees we pay fund anti-poaching efforts and protect habitats. As for safety, we’ll go with reputable outfitred who prioritize our well-being, with decades of experienc guiding people like us. And yeah, it’s an investment, but what’s worth more than an experience you’ll carry forever?
This isn’t just a vacation It’s a challenge, an adventure, a chance to push your limits and come back with stories that’ll make everyone jealous. So, what do you say? Let’s head to Africa, track the wild, and live a story worth telling. Are you in?”
With Gorge Garibay from Texas USA and Danie Appelgryn from Africa Outfitters bringing you to Zimbabwe’s untamed wilderness with Santuario Hunting. Our expert team makes your elephant,Lion and Leopard hunt effortless—flights, permits, and luxe savanna camps seamlessly arranged. Our craft thrilling, ethical hunts that honor Zimbabwe’s majestic herds and conservation. Join me to stalk the world’s largest game and forge your legend in Africa’s wild heart.
Gorge and Danie root and authority as an outfitters build trust, tailored for Zimbabwe’s allure.
Santuario Hunting and Zimbabwe’s premier elephant hunting, exclusivity and Travel Simplicity Santuario handles logistics (flights, permits, camps), making Zimbabwe accessible.
Santuario has Ethical Stresses conservation and respect for Zimbabwe’s wildlife, aligning with regulated hunting practices.
How Santuario Hunting Makes Zimbabwe Travel Easy: Based on general outfitter practices and Zimbabwe-specific hunting insights from web sources.
• All-Inclusive Packages: Santuario likely arranges
• Flights: To Bulawayo or Victoria Falls International Airport, major hubs for Zimbabwe hunts.
• Transfers: Road transfers (e.g., 2-hour drive from Bulawayo to Shangani or 70 km from Victoria Falls to camps) or 4x4 vehicles to hunting concessions.
• Permits: CITES tags ($200 per elephant) our hunting permits, ensuring legal, exportable trophies (30-70 lb bulls)
• Accommodations: Luxury telodnear Hwange, Zambezi Valley, or Beitbridge East, with chef-prepared meals and open bars.
• Expert Guidance: Gorge Garibay and Danie Appelgryn professional hunters (PHs) with high success rates (near 100% in top concessions) manage
• Spot-and-stalk or track-and-follow hunts on foot, using .375+ caliber rifles.
• Pre-hunt scouting for elephant activity, ensuring optimal trophy opportunities (e.g., 50 lb+ bulls in Beitbridge East, with 90 lb+ possible).
• Conservation and Community: Santuario’s hunts likely fund anti-poaching and local communities, with non-exportable hunts providing meat and resources to locals, simplifying ethical concerns.
• Season and Timing: Hunts run February to November, with September-November ideal for tracking elephants near water sources in Zimbabwe’s dry season.
Sample Logistics (Based on Industry Norms)
• Arrival: Fly into Bulawayo or Victoria Falls, met by PHs, and driven to camps (e.g., 3-star tented camps on the Bubi or Limpopo River).
• Hunt Duration: 14 days, with package $73,000 for 40-70lb, exportable bull.
• Inclusions: Guide fees, licenses, meals, drinks, trophy care, and airport transfers; excludes airfare, gratuities, and pre/post-safari costs.
Lion Hunt in Zimbabwe - Safari Adventure
Experience the ultimate thrill of a lion hunt in Zimbabwe, a premier destination renowned for its rich wildlife and ethical hunting practices. Set against the stunning savannas and bushlands of areas like Gonarezhou, Matetsi, and Save Valley Conservancy, this safari offers an authentic, fair-chase pursuit of the majestic African lion (Panthera leo).
• Hunt Overview:
• Duration: 14-21 days, tailored to locate and assess mature male lions.
• Methods: Choose between bait and blind—using large baits like buffalo to attract lions, observed from concealed blinds—or track and stalk, tracking fresh spoor on foot through dense vegetation for an adrenaline-pumping challenge.
• Target: Mature male lions (6+ years) with impressive full manes, ensuring sustainable hunting practices that preserve pride stability.
• Equipment: Minimum .375 H&H caliber rifle with soft-point bullets, guided by expert professional hunters (PHs) and trackers.
• Experience:
• Navigate Zimbabwe’s rugged wilderness with skilled PHs, tracking the “king of beasts” in its natural habitat. The hunt tests skill, courage, and respect, with the lion’s roar and potential close encounters adding intensity.
• Stay in comfortable 3-4 star lodges or tented camps, featuring en-suite bathrooms, traditional African cuisine, and stunning views of the savanna.
• Conservation & Ethics:
• Regulated hunts fund anti-poaching, habitat preservation, and local community development. Targeting only older, non-breeding males supports genetic diversity and reduces human-wildlife conflict.
• Complies with Zimbabwe’s strict conservation laws and requires CITES permits for trophy export (note U.S. import restrictions).
• Additional Opportunities:
• Combine your lion hunt with pursuits of Cape buffalo, sable, or plains game, depending on the outfitter’s package.
• Pricing & Booking:
• Starts at approximately $44,634 for a 15-day trophy hunt, including PH fees, trackers, lodging, meals, and trophy preparation. Excludes international flights and additional trophies.
• Book 1-2 years in advance due to limited quotas.
for details and availability.
• Why Choose Zimbabwe?:
• Ethical, free-range hunting with a focus on conservation, avoiding controversial canned hunts. Enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime adventure in one of Africa’s most iconic landscapes.
Immerse yourself in the wild heart of Zimbabwe—book your lion hunt today!
We should mention that leopard hunting is a highly regulated activity in Zimbabwe, requiring specific permits and adherence to strict quotas.
The primary method used is baiting, where hunters set up bait in trees to attract leopards. This method requires patience, as hunters may spend many nights in blinds waiting for a leopard to take the bait.
Our area is the best for leopard hunting in Zimbabwe are typically in the northern and western parts of the country, where the terrain is more rugged and less populated. These areas often have higher leopard populations and offer better chances of success.
Challenges include the elusive nature of leopards, which are nocturnal and highly cautious. Hunters must be prepared for long waits and the possibility of not encountering a leopard at all. Additionally, the terrain can be difficult, with dense bush and rocky outcrops making tracking and stalking challenging.
Regulations in Zimbabwe require hunters to use a minimum caliber of .375 for leopard hunting, and all hunts must be conducted with a licensed professional hunter. There are also strict quotas on the number of leopards that can be hunted each year, and hunters must ensure they have the necessary CITES permits for exporting trophies.
I should also mention the conservation aspect. Leopard hunting in Zimbabwe is part of a broader wildlife management strategy that includes anti-poaching efforts and habitat conservation. Revenue from hunting licenses and trophy fees contributes to these efforts, helping to protect leopard populations in the long term.
In summary, leopard hunting in Zimbabwe is a challenging but rewarding experience that requires careful planning, patience, and adherence to regulations. It’s an activity that contributes to wildlife conservation while offering hunters a unique opportunity to encounter one of Africa’s most elusive predators.
Leopard hunting in Zimbabwe is a highly specialized and regulated activity, offering hunters a challenging yet rewarding experience. Known for its elusive nature, the leopard (Panthera pardus) is one of the most sought-after trophies in Africa, and Zimbabwe is regarded as one of the premier destinations for this pursuit due to its vast, wild landscapes and healthy leopard populations. This overview covers the key aspects of leopard hunting in Zimbabwe, including methods, prime hunting areas, challenges, regulations, and conservation considerations.
Hunting Methods
• Baiting: The most common and effective method for leopard hunting in Zimbabwe is baiting. Hunters place bait (typically impala, kudu, or zebra carcasses) in trees along paths frequented by leopards. The bait is hung high enough to avoid scavengers like hyenas but low enough for the leopard to reach. Once a leopard is confirmed to be feeding on the bait (often via trail cameras), a temporary blind is constructed nearby, and hunters wait for the leopard to return, usually at dawn or dusk. This method requires extreme patience, as hunters may spend multiple nights in the blind without success.
• Hunting with Hounds: A less common but thrilling alternative is hunting with hounds, which is permitted in Zimbabwe under special conditions. This method involves tracking the leopard with trained dogs and is often more physically demanding and adrenaline-fueled. It is particularly suited for hunters seeking a more active pursuit.
Prime Hunting Areas
•Our area Located near Victoria Falls, this area is renowned for its rugged terrain and high leopard density. It borders Hwange National Park, allowing for natural wildlife movement and offering excellent trophy quality and Its vast size (over 750,000 acres) and varied terrain, including granite hills and riverine forests, make it a prime location.
Challenges
• Elusiveness of Leopards: Leopards are nocturnal, solitary, and highly cautious, making them difficult to track and hunt. Their keen senses and ability to remain undetected in dense bush or rocky terrain add to the challenge.
• Patience and Persistence: Baiting requires long hours of waiting in blinds, often for multiple nights, with no guarantee of success. Hunters must be prepared for the mental and physical demands of this waiting game.
• Terrain and Environment: Our Zimbabwe’s hunting areas can be rugged, with dense vegetation and rocky outcrops that make tracking and stalking difficult. Additionally, the presence of other dangerous game, such as lions and elephants, requires hunters to remain vigilant.
Regulations and Permits
• Permits and Quotas: Leopard hunting in Zimbabwe is strictly regulated. Hunters must obtain a special leopard hunting permit, and the country adheres to an annual quota system under CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species).
Zimbabwe’s export quota for leopards is 500 per year, making it one of the most accessible destinations for leopard hunting.
• Firearm Requirements: The minimum legal caliber for leopard hunting is a .375 rifle, though many hunters prefer faster-shooting .30 caliber rifles with expanding bullets for better shot placement. Precision is critical, as a wounded leopard is extremely dangerous.
• Professional Hunter Requirement: All leopard hunts must be conducted with a licensed professional hunter (PH) who is experienced in tracking and managing dangerous game. This ensures safety and adherence to ethical hunting practices.
Conservation and Ethical Considerations
• Sustainable Hunting: Leopard hunting in Zimbabwe is part of a broader wildlife management strategy that includes anti-poaching efforts and habitat conservation. Revenue from hunting licenses and trophy fees directly supports these initiatives, helping to maintain healthy leopard populations.
• Community Involvement: Many hunting areas, such as the Save Valley Conservancy, involve local communities in conservation efforts. Hunting fees contribute to local economies, incentivizing communities to protect wildlife rather than resort to poaching or habitat destruction.
Conclusion
Leopard hunting in Zimbabwe is a mentally and physically demanding pursuit that requires patience, skill, and respect for the animal. The country’s vast, wild landscapes and well-managed hunting areas offer some of the best opportunities to hunt this elusive predator. However, success is never guaranteed, and hunters must be prepared for the challenges posed by the leopard’s cunning nature and the rugged terrain. With strict regulations and a focus on conservation, leopard hunting in Zimbabwe not only provides a thrilling adventure but also contributes to the long-term preservation of the species.
We offer a wide range of hunting and fishing gear including firearms, fishing rods, lures, and much more. Our products come from top brands in the industry and are tested by our team to ensure their quality.
Legality: Hunting without permits is illegal and carries severe penalties. Verify the laws in the specific region.
• Ethics: Only hunt where it’s sustainable and regulated. Illegal hunting harms conservation efforts.
• Conservation: In some areas, regulated hunting contributes to wildlife management, but leopard populations are threatened globally—proceed with respect for their role in ecosystems.
• Danger: This is not a casual activity. Leopards can kill or seriously injure hunters, especially if mishandled.
ONE EXAMPLE OF TRAVEL GUIDE: We Start From Texas to Zimbabwe for an Elephant Hunting Safari
Embark on an unforgettable adventure from Texas to Zimbabwe, a premier destination for ethical elephant hunting safaris in regions like the Zambezi Valley, Hwange, or Gonarezhou. This guide covers flights, travel logistics, and essential tips to help you plan your trip seamlessly.
Flight Options from Texas to Zimbabwe
There are no direct flights from Texas to Zimbabwe, so you’ll need to book connecting flights with one or more layovers. Major airlines like Qatar Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, Emirates, and Kenya Airways operate flights from Texas to Zimbabwe, typically routing through hubs like Doha, Addis Ababa, Dubai, or Nairobi.
Below are key details:
• Departure Airports in Texas: The main airports are Dallas/Fort Worth International (DFW), Austin-Bergstrom International (AUS), and Houston George Bush Intercontinental (IAH). DFW and IAH offer the most international flight options.
• Destination Airports in Zimbabwe:
• Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport (HRE) in Harare is the primary hub for most international flights and ideal for accessing hunting concessions in the Zambezi Valley or Gonarezhou.
• Victoria Falls International Airport (VFA) is closer to Hwange National Park, a popular hunting area, and is about 11 miles from Victoria Falls town. A shuttle to town costs around $24.
• Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport (BUQ) in Bulawayo is suitable for hunts near Matetsi or Matobo Hills, about 14 miles from the city center.
• Flight Costs:
• Cheapest: One-way flights start at $607 (Qatar Airways, from Texas) and round-trip deals as low as $720 (Qatar Airways, RwandAir).
• Average: Round-trip flights from Dallas to Zimbabwe range from $1,133 (January, cheapest month) to $1,978 (June, most expensive). From Austin, expect $1,875–$2,080.
• Premium Options: Business Class tickets with Qatar Airways or Ethiopian Airlines offer enhanced comfort for long-haul flights (18–30 hours), with prices starting at $2,735 from major U.S. cities like Washington, D.C., to Harare.
• Flight Duration: The fastest one-way flight from Texas to Zimbabwe takes about 24 hours 40 minutes, with total travel time (including layovers) averaging 26–30 hours. For example:
• Dallas (DFW) to Harare (HRE): 26–30 hours with layovers in Doha (Qatar Airways) or Addis Ababa (Ethiopian Airlines).
• Austin (AUS) to Victoria Falls (VFA): 28–32 hours with 1–2 stops.
• Booking Tips:
• Book Early: January is the cheapest month to fly (average $1,133), while June is priciest ($1,978–$2,080). Book 2–3 months in advance for international flights to secure the best rates.
• Flexible Dates: Use tools like KAYAK or Google Flights to compare prices across a range of dates. Flexible travel dates can save up to 23% on fares.
• Layover Cities: Common layovers include Doha (Qatar Airways), Dubai (Emirates), Nairobi (Kenya Airways), or Johannesburg (South African Airways). Check visa requirements for layover countries.
• Airlines with Flexible Policies: Qatar Airways, Emirates, and RwandAir offer flexible cancellation policies, ideal for hunters with uncertain schedules.
Sample Flight Deals (as of February 2025, subject to change):
• Qatar Airways: Dallas (DFW) to Harare (HRE), round-trip, $1,221 (1 stop in Doha).
• Ethiopian Airlines: Houston (IAH) to Victoria Falls (VFA), one-way, $761 (1 stop in Addis Ababa).
• Kenya Airways: Austin (AUS) to Harare (HRE), one-way, $675 (1 stop in Nairobi).
Travel Logistics for Your Hunting Safari
• Visa and Entry Requirements:
• U.S. citizens need a visa to enter Zimbabwe, available on arrival ($30 for single entry, $45 for double entry) or online via the Zimbabwe e-Visa portal. Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your arrival date.
• No quarantine is required upon entry to Zimbabwe or return to Texas.
• For hunting, secure a CITES permit for exporting elephant trophies, arranged through your outfitter.
• Ground Transportation:
• From Airports: Taxis, kombi minibuses, or pre-arranged transfers by your hunting outfitter are available. For example, a shuttle from VFA to Victoria Falls costs ~$24. Rental cars are available at HRE, VFA, or BUQ for self-driving to hunting concessions.
Major roads are well-maintained, connecting Harare, Bulawayo, and Victoria Falls to rural hunting areas.
• To Hunting Areas: Most outfitters include transfers from the airport to camps in areas like Hwange, Matetsi, or Gonarezhou. For remote areas, expect road transfers (e.g., Victoria Falls to Hwange, ~2 hours) or chartered light aircraft for Mana Pools or Zambezi Valley.
• Weather Considerations:
• Hunting Season: February to November, with September–November ideal for dry conditions and better visibility.
• Climate: Rainfall ranges from 0.1 inches (June, driest) to 7.5 inches (January, wettest). November offers warm temperatures (average 71.6°F), perfect for hunting. June is cooler (59°F), so pack layers.
Duration: 5–14 days, with 10-day hunts common for trophy bulls.
• Inclusions: Professional hunter (PH), trackers, lodging (luxury lodges or tented camps), meals, drinks, trophy preparation, and airport transfers (e.g., from Bulawayo or Victoria Falls).
Zimbabwe’s concessions,offering chances for bulls with 60-90 lb tusks occasionally larger. Success rates are high (100%),
Duration: Typically 14-21 days, due to the complexity of locating and evaluating a suitable mature male lion.
• Trophy: Targets mature male lions (7+ years), often solitary or displaced from prides, with impressive manes. Trophy quality is determined by age, mane fullness, and body size. Lionesses may also be hunted in specific circumstances, though less common.
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