Has anyone hunted buffalo in the "Greater Kruger Area". Experiences and recommendations

[Mopani]

What happened in Zimbabwe?

I only wanted to point out that not every hunt in a remote, undeveloped area is perfect. The subject here is Greater Kruger.

 

[Stephen Ausband]

I also hunted with Ernest Dyason of Spear Safaris in the greater Kruger area. I had taken buffalo bulls on previous hunts (in Zimbabwe and SA). This time Ernest secured permits for 2 buffalo cows for my nephew and myself. (Pretty similar hunt to hunting herd bulls, but less expensive.) The camp was tents on a dry river bed. There were hyenas, leopards, and elephants nearby every night. (Hyenas and a leopard right IN the camp, in fact.) We saw plenty of lions, and we heard them every night. There were lion tracks in the river bed below our tents. I was very pleased, as was my nephew. After the buffalo hunts, we moved to another of Ernest's camps near the Zim border for plains game. While in Kruger, we saw no other hunters and no photo-snapping tourist safaris. We hunted 3 days there, seeing lots of animals every day, before taking the 2 old, dry cows out of a herd of about 200 buffalo. Lions were hunting the same herd at the same time, adding a lot to the cool factor. My experience is limited to just three Africa trips, but I think greater Kruger is a very special place.

 

[Foxi]

Thank you for this report.
What time of year were you there?

 

[Stephen Ausband]

Thank you for this report.
What time of year were you there?

Mid-late April. I think May would actually be better.

 

[No Promises]

My PH runs buff hunts in Kruger. I’m booking for 2026.

Prices were 15k for old worn down bull, 18k for a large dominant bull & 24k for unlimited size. 10 day hunt, day rates included. Plains game can be added at another concession he owns very close to Kruger.

Shot a fine buff in July (not @ Kruger) along with lots of other stuff.