Non Trophy Elephant Hunting 10 x Days Mateke Hills Zimbabwe
Booking Season: 2026
Hunt Difficulty: Difficult
Designed by Hunters, for Hunters
**** Non Trophy Elephant < 30 Pounds of Ivory. Quota is Limited !!
The Mateke Hills, situated in the Mwenezi Province forms part of the famous low-veld region in Zimbabwe. In close proximity, is the Save Valley Conservancy, another sought after hunting area, boasting Africa's big five. The Gonarezhou National Park, a popular tourist destination is situated in the south-eastern low-veld of Zimbabwe. The low-veld region is considered a good hunting area, especially for Elephant, Cape Buffalo and Leopard, following Zimbabwe's CAMPFIRE principles which annually contribute between US$ 25 and US$ 30 million per year.
Total Price: US$ 25 000 (Including Government Taxes)
African Elephants, the world’s largest land mammal, most certainly do not need any form of introduction and Zimbabwe is renowned for its Elephant populations. While the press indicates that Elephant are endangered, the reality is that Zimbabwe is in fact packed with Elephant.
Elephant hunts in Zimbabwe include Trophy, Non-Trophy, Non-Exportable and Tuskless Elephants. Numerous Elephants are hunted on community land, such as Save Valley and Matekle Hills following the “Camp Fire” principals. Zimbabwe is a popular Elephant hunting destination as “big tuskers”, 65 to 90 pounders are successfully hunted.Elephants are classified as an endangered species by the IUCN, CITES permits will be required for this hunt.
This program, established in the 1980’s, is Zimbabwe’s most successful community orientated models of conservation. This initiative empowers local and rural communities, to directly benefit and manage Zimbabwe’s wildlife on communal lands. In Africa, “if it pays it stays”. Funds are then channeled to fund essential projects such as hospitals, schools, roads and infrastructure. This conservation model has directly impacted communities by providing financial incentive models which ensure and promote sustainable land management, thus encouraging residents to view Zimbabwe’s game animals as invaluable resources.
International hunters attending hunting safaris in Zimbabwe thus directly contribute to conservation that sustains rural communities.
Operating since 2013, Storm offers dangerous and plains game hunting safaris in South Africa, Mozambique and Zimbabwe and is highly respected in the hunting fraternity. Loved by clients, with a history of success, Storm will commit 110% to ensure that clients harvest their dream African trophy. In South Africa, Storm offers a wide range of Plains Game and Cape Buffalo, with dangerous game hunts for “Africa’s big four” in Mozambique and Zimbabwe.
Reaching Mateke Hills, you will discover a beautifully designed camp that will immerse you in the essence of the African bush. Lodgings offer a blend of comfort and connection to nature, creating a serene retreat after a hard days Elephant hunting.
A standout feature of your stay is the exquisite cuisine. Each meal is a celebration of African flavors, highlighting local ingredients and culinary traditions. From savory stews to freshly grilled game, dishes are crafted elevate your experience of the region. Dining under a starry sky, with the warmth of a fire and the distant sounds of wildlife, enhances the magic of your evenings.
Mapping out your Elephant hunting safari to the Mateke Hills, Save Valley is a fantastic way to embark on an extraordinary African hunting safari. For this Elephant hunt, you will need to enter Zimbabwe via Bulawayo International Airport, one of Zimbabwe’s primary international gateways. Carriers such as South African Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, and Qatar Airways provide seamless connections through major transit points such as Johannesburg, Addis Ababa, and Doha.
Depending on flight times, it may be more viable to spend a night in Johannesburg if you choose to reach Bulawayo via Oliver Tambo Airport. Airlink is recommended for the return flight to Bulawayo Flights are affordable (+- US$ 400 return), on time and importantly serve "adult beverages". Airlink also has facilities in place for rifles transfers. We would recommend African Sky Boutique Hotel situated near OR Tambo Airport. Management can arrange transfers to and from African Sky/OR Tambo and also assist with any firearm permits. For further information, see our "Affiliated Services" link below.
Elephant hunts in Zimbabwe may be conducted all year round, but the cooler and drier months from early April to late September are preferred.In the warmer months. Insect activity increases, such as pepper ticks which can make the consequences of walking through the brush even more of a challenge. Mosquitoes and other small pests are also far more active in the warmer and wetter conditions. In high temperatures, the risk of dehydration also increases and the importance of maintaining hydration is critical.
A .375 loaded with quality ammunition is the very sensible minimum caliber for a dangerous game hunting safari. Larger rifles such as .404, .458. .458 Lott will get the job done. Double rifles such as a .470,.500, 600 Nitro Express (or even larger) will have stopping power which is needed when Elephant hunting. As a standard rule, hunt Elephant with a rifle that you are comfortable with and can shoot accurately. Understanding Elephant shot placement is critical, especially when taking the frontal brain or side shot. It is all about the angle between the hunter and the Elephants brain to ensure penetration.
There is no limit to the number of firearms a hunter may import in Zimbabwe for game hunting purposes.
Every moment spent tracking and hunting an Elephant in Zimbabwe is filled with excitement and reflection. A Elephant hunt is a journey marked by respect for the wild and a reminder of the intricate relationship between humans and nature. This hunting adventure will linger in your mind long after you’ve left the bush, a vivid memory that encapsulates the thrill of the hunt and the enduring beauty of the African landscape.
If any further information is required re this Non Trophy Elephant hunt in Zimbabwe, contact our team at Game Hunting Safaris, or message Storm directly using the quick links provided.
Should you wish to check availability, submit your preferred dates using the "Request to Book" link and Storm will revert.
Please note that terms, conditions and price are subject to change without notice and rates at the time of the hunt will apply
Needing assistance with firearm permits and international travel services, or good taxidermists? View our affiliated companies
View Affiliated Services
