When is the best time to hunt the Kilombero Valley?

The low lying areas of the Kilombero Valley are often waterlogged, thus making access to the greater part of this are inaccessible for a great part of the year. For buffalo hunting September and October would be the best time to hunt here, as most of the burned grasses would have started growing and most of the area will be easily accessible.

Should you be cat hunting, this would be best before the burning commences, thus August and early September.

What calibre rifle should I bring?

If hunting dangerous game, the minimum legal calibre would be a 375. For buffalo, a well placed shot with a 375 and a well constructed bullet will work every time. I do prefer one of the 416s for buffalo, but be sure that you can handle it well.

For the plains game, especially in Masailand, a nice flat shooting 300 calibre rifle is ideal.

Often times it is best to bring 2 rifles along. Your preferred dangerous game rifle, as well as a nice flat shooting rifle for plains game.

What distances will I be shooting?

As with all dangerous game, the old saying applies… “Get as close as you can, and then get 10 yards closer”.

The Kilombero Valley with its varied terrain will offer many different situations, so it is tough to predict how far your shots will be! They could be 30 yard shots in the miombo woodlands, or possibly up to 200 yards at a waterbuck or reedbuck in an open grassland. Thus prepare yourself for the different situations. Having a good variable power scope is the answer. Something in the 3-9X class would be ideal. Also something to bear in mind if you are cat hunting, is a scope with a bigger objective lens will allow you to see better in the low light conditions that you may encounter.

For Masailand, one can prepare yourself for some longer shots in the wide open terrain. Here 200 yard shots could be seen as the norm. Plans are always made to try and narrow the distance, but sometimes it is just not possible. A higher power scope on your rifle will help you to make these longer range shots easier.

What clothing should I bring?

Most of your regular safari clothing will serve you just fine in Tanzania. I prefer olive green type safari clothing, but camouflage can also be worn. 

For those of you that are hunting cats, please be aware that some of the synthetic materials can be very “noisy” when sitting in a blind. Rather wear a fleece type sweater than a noisy waterproof type jacket…

Laundry is done on a daily basis, so there is no need to overpack. Also, the charter flights getting you to these remote areas may have a weight restriction, so please bear this in mind when packing.

For a detailed packing list, please see the allotted page.

What will the weather be like?

The temperatures in Tanzania are very moderate.

In the Kilombero Valley, one can expect temperature ranges from the lower to mid 70s in the mornings, warming to the mid 90s through the day. Rains here will generally start towards mid-November.

In Masailand one can expect temperatures in the lower to mid 60s in the. morning, warming up to the mid 80s during the middle of the day. One can expect rains here from mid-March through to May, and then again from November through to mid-January.

Will there be electricity in camp?

All of our camps are supplied with solar powered electricity, or back-up generators. Electricity is supplied in 220 V and by means of a “Type G” plug socket. Three rectangular prongs

What currency does Tanzania use?

The official currency of Tanzania is the Tanzanian Shilling (TZS). Although US $$ and €€ currency can be freely traded.