Zimbabwe Dangerous Game Hunting Safaris
Cape Buffalo, Leopard and Lion Trophy Hunts – plus hunts for Elephant, Hippo and Nile Crocodile
I operate in the Bubye Valley Conservancy (BVC) in the south of Zimbabwe. This is an incredible hunting area. In the early 90s it was converted from an old cattle ranch into a wildlife haven. It encompasses 850 000 acres and supports lion, leopard, elephant, cheetah and buffalo plus a host of plains animals. We are also the custodians of the 3rd largest breeding herd of black rhino in the world. I have been actively hunting for well over 30 years in Tanzania and every country southwards, and this is arguably one of the finest hunting areas I have encountered.
For a lion hunt you will have access to around 400,000 acres. We have good quality trophies of most animals and our lions are arguably the biggest and best maned cats in all Africa.
Hunting Packages in Zimbabwe – Including the Bubye Valley Conservancy
John operates according to quotas and availability thereof: Depending on the package you have decided on, you may find yourself in a luxury lodge on a private hunting estate, or on the vast state-owned hunting grounds. Areas and locations can be seen on this map.
Lowveld Hunts – Bubye Valley Conservancy
We run 9 different camps, each one exclusive with its own exclusive hunting area around it, seldom less than 100,000 acres. You should never run into any other hunting party.
Several exclusive private hunting camps in the Zimbabwe lowveld are situated in the south east of Zimbabwe on the old Pioneer wagon trail between the famed Tuli Block and the Shashe River. This area is known as the Bubye Valley Conservancy which is privately owned and run. This is the renowned sweetveld region, purchased by Liebigs (later Lemco) at the turn of the 20th century. It is where the ‘Great Hunters’ of the late 1800s came to hunt. Having once been home to the largest and most diverse variety of game to be found in the country, the 850,000-acre hunting conservancy has been restored to its former splendour.
With the recent addition of Elephant and Zimbabwe’s remaining Black Rhino population, your impressions will be much the same as those experienced by Frederick Courteney Selous when he first arrived to hunt here. As far as possible all clients will have their own camps – they are pretty much all of the same standard. They are generally stone under thatch with bathrooms en suite – just different designs with different views. The conservancy is huge with no internal fences and is without a doubt the best all-round hunting area in Zimbabwe – it contains Lion, Leopard, Buffalo, Elephant, Rhino and Cheetah, many more species than on Malangani. You simply will not be disappointed. All species will be hunted in the same area – we will not have to move from place to place thus involving costly air charters.
Private Luxury Safari Camps
Private camps such as these are at the disposal of John’s hunting clients. Most camps, which are fully-staffed, can accommodate parties of four to fourteen guests.
Chamalaya Hunting Camp
Built high on a hill overlooking the western part of the concession, Chamalaya Camp is a comfortable safari camp comprising 3 thatched chalets, all with bathroom ensuite. There is a central dining, bar and lounge area. A fire pit and seating area round off a very functional lodge. Power supplied by 220v generator.
Dyers Hunting Camp
On the eastern banks of the Bubye River, Dyers Camp is an extremely comfortable safari camp comprising of four stone under thatch chalets with twin beds and bathroom ensuite. A central dining and lounge area, also stone under thatch, makes for a great camp. Power supplied by 220v generator.
Fimbiri Hunting Camp
Fimbiri Camp has three double chalets each with a bathroom en-suite and a verandah. The Camp is sited on top of a small hill with a 360 degree view of the surrounding bush. It has a swimming pool and outside bar/fireplace area, as well as an indoor dining and lounge area. Power supplied by 220v generator.
Nengo Hunting Camp
Built literally into the waters of Nengo dam, and serving the north/central section of the concession is Nengo Camp. The two large, comfortable chalets have bathroom attached, electricity, and twin double beds. A stone under thatch dining, bar and lounge area enhances the African feel of the camp. Power supplied by 220v generator.
Ngali Hunting Camp
Ngali Camp is Lemco’s oldest camp in the most game rich section of the concession. The camp is comfortable, comprising of four thatched chalets, each with en-suite bathrooms. Power supplied by 220v generator.
Ripple Creek Hunting Camp
Sited on a rise overlooking Ripple Creek dam, this beautiful camp offers five star accommodation to our clients. The 3 double chalets each have 2 double beds and a western style bathroom attached with bath, shower, basin and toilet. Power supplied by 220v generator.
Samanyanga Safari Hunting Lodge
This beautiful and ultra luxurious lodge, originally intended for photo safaris, serves the South Eastern section of the concession. The thatch chalets with ensuite bathrooms are tastefully decorated and extremely comfortable. With six double chalets, the lodge is ideal for large groups. Set right on the banks of the Bubye River and in the heart of lion country, Samanyanga combines western comfort with African ambience. Power supplied by 220v generator.
About John Sharp – Hunting Outfitter in Zimbabwe
John Sharp is one of the most experienced big-game hunters operating in Southern Africa today, and counts many famous names among his repeat clients worldwide. While adhering to the strict ethics of Fair Chase, John epitomises the authentic ‘Great White Hunter’ of legend. A former pilot, a crack shot and an excellent host, John puts the client at the centre of everything he does.
John Sharp offers a variety of dangerous and plains game hunts in the Bubye Valley Conservancy which is situated in the south-eastern lowveld of Zimbabwe.
All hunts are conducted by John personally or one of his hand-picked P.H.s.
“I never palm off a client on an inexperienced assistant.” he says, but refuses to be drawn into a discussion of other operators’ methods. He is a member of the prestigious African Professional Hunters Association, which has a select membership of around 60 professional hunters. Members of APHA are required to be sworn ‘ethical’ hunters, and to have extensive and continuing experience with dangerous game.
His favourite type of client? “Like-minded hunters – and beginners”, says John. “Although in this game, total beginners are rare – most people who come on a first safari in Africa are at least reasonable shots, and have hunted before. But I enjoy the privilege of guiding and educating a ‘rookie’ in the way of the hunt. My clients will track and stalk on foot with me, learning the techniques of approach and how to behave in a tight situation – and they’ll learn what real hunting is about.”
And does he welcome ladies on a hunt? “The few women who hunt are almost invariably model clients” he admits, “They always make totally sure of a clean shot, they hate to leave a wounded animal to be dealt with. I have no problems with lady hunters – quite the opposite.” But most of the female visitors to John’s camps are companions who come as observers.
John Sharp is one of a rare breed, and his past clients often come back – not because this man will ever guarantee a trophy (“the bush is unpredictable’), but because he lives up to all the legends of the African big-game hunter. As his long-standing friend, author Wilbur Smith writes: “ I have hunted with some of the very best professional hunters presently operating in Africa, but John Sharp is my preferred companion and guide in the hunting field.”
FACING DOWN FEAR touches briefly on my unsettled youth, and how I finally found and began to live a dream. My story ambles from the Orange Free State to Cape Town in South Africa, to Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) and East Africa, experiencing bush life in a wide circle through Tanzania, Zambia, Mozambique, Namibia and Botswana, before finally settling back in Zimbabwe.
These are campfire tales of a few of my adventures along the way, and the people – and dogs – who have travelled with me; stories of a loner, who was able to come and go as the wind called, woven into the tapestry of a life well lived.
I hope that in this memoir I have been able to share what I have learnt; that facing down fear – of danger, of pain, of harm, of loss – can lead to a rich and rewarding life. I hope too that I have shared my love for Africa, its spectacular wild places and its beautiful wildlife – an Africa that I pray we will be able to preserve for future generations.
This has been a labour of love, and I hope you will enjoy your walk with me.
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