Headed To Mateke Hills This Friday. Has Anyone Ever Hunted There?

[TOBY458]

As the title suggests, I’m leaving this Friday to hunt Bull Elephant and Cape Buffalo in an area called Mateke Hills. This is in southern Zimbabwe. I’m told this is a good area for Elephant and would like to know if anyone here has hunted there before. Any experiences and observations would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

 

[Mark Biggerstaff]

Good luck Toby and safe travels.
Can’t wait for a report!

 

[IvW]

Who will you be hunting with?
Campfire area.
Early if elephant is the main target.

 

[ActionBob]

I hunted right on the Limpopo but in Zimbabwe back in November 2014. If I have my bearings right, just South of where you are going. It was a CAMPFIRE unit so villages and people as well as cattle around. But saw elephant everyday. I think 12 was the least and a herd of well over 50 the biggest group. Saw some 60 pound bulls but always on the South Africa side of the river.

Got my elephant of 51/53 on day 9. Got a buffalo day 11 but pure luck. Way more elephant than buffalo. The elephant were crossing the Limpopo at night into Zimbabwe and back into the Park in the morning. Had to get out early to catch them.

 

[TOBY458]

Who will you be hunting with?
Campfire area.
Early if elephant is the main target.

Dalton and York. They said it will be thick this time of year, but supposed to be plenty of elephant. I’ll be hunting non trophy bulls.

 

[TOBY458]

I hunted right on the Limpopo but in Zimbabwe back in November 2014. If I have my bearings right, just South of where you are going. It was a CAMPFIRE unit so villages and people as well as cattle around. But saw elephant everyday. I think 12 was the least and a herd of well over 50 the biggest group. Saw some 60 pound bulls but always on the South Africa side of the river.

Got my elephant of 51/53 on day 9. Got a buffalo day 11 but pure luck. Way more elephant than buffalo. The elephant were crossing the Limpopo at night into Zimbabwe and back into the Park in the morning. Had to get out early to catch them.

Thanks for the info Bob!

 

[Fatback]

Best of luck on your safari. Looking forward to reading about it later.

 

[IvW]

Dalton and York. They said it will be thick this time of year, but supposed to be plenty of elephant. I’ll be hunting non trophy bulls.

Then you will be fine......
Lots of water around as we have been having lots off rain so water will be more readily availible the bush is thick and green.
Movement should be less but it will be a close affair. Buffalo will be difficult.
Good elephant there.
Do they still consider a single tusker(one broken tusk) a non throphy or is it just on lbs?
If a one tusker is allowed I would try for a big one.....they are there......big ones.....they can also be a bit more cocky than other areas....

Good luck!!

 

[AZDAVE]

Have a great trip. Look forward to your hunt report. Travel safe.

 

[TOBY458]

Then you will be fine......
Lots of water around as we have been having lots off rain so water will be more readily availible the bush is thick and green.
Movement should be less but it will be a close affair. Buffalo will be difficult.
Good elephant there.
Do they still consider a single tusker(one broken tusk) a non throphy or is it just on lbs?
If a one tusker is allowed I would try for a big one.....they are there......big ones.....they can also be a bit more cocky than other areas....

Good luck!!

Thanks! They told me that it can be a big mature bull with damaged or broken tusks. Not sure what else factors in with regards to tusk weight, etc. I’ve never shot a bull elephant, just a tuskless cow, so I’m hoping it will be a good experience.
As for buffalo, I’m treating it as a “just in case we run across one” type of thing. If I get the bull elephant, I’ll be happy.

 

[Hunt anything]

Good luck! Waiting on the report.