Wearing camouflage in Zimbabwe?

[WestCo]

I've read and heard things both ways on this topic. Just trying to figure out what the bottom line is for wearing camo while hunting in Zimbabwe? Any useful info is greatly appreciated.

 

[CAustin]

Interesting question to me as well. I'm sure we have some folks on here who have hunted Zim that can help us! PHs what do you think?

 

[Desperatezulu]

'Officially' you're not allowed to wear camo - in practice, not such a big deal. My advice would be to avoid wearing it in public, i.e. when you arrive at the airport. Once you're in your camp or concession, there's no-one around who will mind and your PH in fact may be wearing camo too!
I would suggest avoid military style camo patterns just in case. Realtree and the like should be fine.

 

[375 Ruger Fan]

I hunted with PH John Sharp in May 2015. On his website he states that camo is technically illegal but everyone wears it. When John picked me up in the Bulawayo airport, he was wearing camo shorts. So, I don't think it's a big deal, but I personally make it a point to not wear camo in the airports and around town. In the bush, not a problem. I also remember reading something about not wearing camo in Namibia, but again it was for public places such as the airport.

I Googled and found the actual law on the books in Zim and the key word that might be subject for interpretation is camo uniform.
https://www.unodc.org/res/cld/docum.../criminal_law_codification_and_reform_act.pdf

So it's sort like those old Dirty Harry movies: "Do you feel lucky"

32 Unlawful possession or wearing of camouflage uniforms

(1) In this section— “authorised person” means— (a) a member of the Defence Forces, the Police Force, the Prison Service or any other uniformed force of the State; (b) a member of a military force of a foreign State who is— (i) on attachment to any force referred to in paragraph (a) under an arrangement made between the Government and the government of that foreign State; or (ii) present in Zimbabwe, with the approval of the Government, in the course of his or her official duties; “camouflage uniform” means any article of wearing apparel made of material carrying military-style camouflage markings.

(2) Subject to subsection (3), any person who unlawfully possesses or wears any camouflage uniform shall be guilty of unlawfully possessing or wearing a camouflage uniform, as the case may be, and liable— (a) to a fine not exceeding level five or imprisonment for a period not exceeding six months or both, in the case of unlawful possession of a camouflage uniform; or (b) to a fine not exceeding level six or imprisonment for a period not exceeding one year or both, in the case of unlawful wearing of any camouflage uniform.

(3) Subsection (2) shall not apply in relation to— (a) an authorised person to the extent that the person possesses or wears a camouflage uniform that has, on or after the 18th April, 1980, been supplied to him or her, or authorised for his or her use, by the force of which he or she is a member or to which he or she is attached; or (b) the possession of a camouflage uniform as an exhibit in a museum administered by the State or in terms of the National Museums and Monuments Act [Chapter 25:11]; or (c) any person or member of a class of persons exempted from this section by the Minister by notice in writing to that person or by notice in the Gazette, as the Minister thinks fit, to the extent that such person or member possesses or wears camouflage uniform in accordance with the terms and conditions of such exemption.

 

[Bruce]

Zimbabwe jails are NOT where any of us want to be... why risk it? Just wear normal bush clothes. Camo is for Chuck Norris and his buddies????

 

[375 Ruger Fan]

Zimbabwe jails are NOT where any of us want to be... why risk it? Just wear normal bush clothes. Camo is for Chuck Norris and his buddies????

Bruce, totally agree with you. Somebody asked me about what camo pattern they should bring with them on safari. I told them it wasn't that critical as the trackers will be in brown khaki or green, the game scout will be in green and the PH will likely be in khaki or green.

 

[petrusg]

Zimbabwe jails are NOT where any of us want to be... why risk it? Just wear normal bush clothes. Camo is for Chuck Norris and his buddies????

+1

 

[cpr0312]

Zimbabwe jails are NOT where any of us want to be... why risk it? Just wear normal bush clothes. Camo is for Chuck Norris and his buddies????

+ 2

Definitely no worth the risk

 

[Royal27]

I told them it wasn't that critical as the trackers will be in brown khaki or green,

Or bright blue, or who knows what other color.

Camo is WAY overrated IMO and as others have said def don't wear it in public just to be safe.

 

[Petrus Geldenhuys]

Zimbabwe jails are NOT where any of us want to be... why risk it? Just wear normal bush clothes. Camo is for Chuck Norris and his buddies????

True that

 

[UKHunter]

I would say to avoid wearing it at the airport and in towns, etc. Police road blocks are a regular occurrence and they are always looking for a reason to fine you.

 

[Nyati]

As a general rule in Africa, avoid camo. Specially military camo.

I do wear a realtree camo jacket, but only while hunting.

 

[thriller]

The benefit does not outweigh the potential cost, lighter tans/ darker khaki blends in well, along with shades of green. I never Felt the need for camo when I was over there.

 

[ActionBob]

Or bright blue, or who knows what other color.

Camo is WAY overrated IMO and as others have said def don't wear it in public just to be safe.

We had a local guy with a couple days on an elephant hunt who was in a purple shirt and a bright pink hat! Fortunately when driving through the bush a thorn grabbed his hat and we picked it up on the way back after dark

I took and used a camo rain jacket as that is what I have. But the real tree type camo and only wore it in the bush. The PH had that discussion with me.

 

[Upton O. Good]

Zimbabwe jails are NOT where any of us want to be... why risk it? Just wear normal bush clothes. Camo is for Chuck Norris and his buddies????

Wear darkish green, brown, whatever the PH suggests. Why risk it when it is totally unnecessary. Came is overrated in most Africa settings and situations.

By the way, if you travel any distance by roadway, there is an excellent chance you're going to get stopped by a road block. It is a bit unnerving with all of the assault rifles in the hands of folks who know fully well you are another rich American. Don't give them any reason to make a "special attention" situation develop.