Hunt Free-Range Hippopotamus in Namibia

 

2026 / 2027

 

Hunt Free-Range Hippopotamus in Namibia

 

Only - $11,750

 

TROPHY FEE INCLUDED:

• 1 Exportable Hippopotamus Trophy Fee

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THIS SAFARI INCLUDES:

• 6 Full Hunting Days
• 1 Travel Day
• 1×1 Professional Hunter
• 1 Free Observer
• Luxury Tented Camp Safari Accommodations
• Arrival Day and Final Night Lodging
• All Meals
• Beer, Wine, and Spirits
• All Hunting Licenses and Permits
• VAT on Lodging / Daily Rates
• VAT on Trophy Fee
• Field Preparation of Trophy
• Transportation of Trophy to Local Taxidermist / Dip & Pack Agent
• Transportation During the Hunt
• Round Trip Airport Transfers

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EXTRAS:

• Additional Hunting Days – $450 / Day
• Additional Observer – $250 / Day
• Rifle Rental – $75 / Day
• Dip & Pack
• Taxidermy
• Trophy Shipping
• International Airfare
• Before and After Hunt Accommodations
• Gratuities
• Personal Expenses

 

This 6-day free-range Hippopotamus safari takes place in Namibia’s Caprivi region, an exceptional big game destination characterized by rivers, grasslands, reed beds, and natural Hippo pools. The concession is completely free-range and supports strong numbers of hippopotamuses along with a wide variety of other African big game.

Your safari is conducted 1×1 with an experienced professional hunter and includes one observer. Hunting is generally conducted by boat and on foot, with your PH searching the river systems and Hippo habitat for a mature trophy. The package includes six full hunting days, arrival and final-night lodging, luxury tented camp accommodations, meals and beverages, licenses and permits, airport transportation, trophy fee, VAT, field preparation, and transportation of your trophy to the local taxidermist or dip & pack agent.

 

About the Hippopotamus

The Hippopotamus is one of Africa’s largest and most recognizable big game animals. Mature bulls are enormously powerful, heavily built animals with massive heads, thick bodies, and formidable canine teeth. Despite spending much of their time in rivers and pools, hippos regularly leave the water to graze and can travel considerable distances across land, particularly during the night and early morning hours.

This Caprivi concession provides ideal Hippo habitat with river systems, grasslands, high reeds, and multiple pools. Strong hippo numbers allow your PH to carefully evaluate animals and look for an appropriate mature trophy rather than simply taking the first animal encountered. Hunting a free-range Hippo combines time on the water with careful observation and stalking. When conditions allow, the preferred method is to locate a mature bull out of the water, adding an exciting spot-and-stalk element to the safari.

 

 

The Hippopotamus Hunting Area in the Caprivi

The safari takes place in Namibia’s Caprivi region on an exclusive free-range hunting concession. The area has been hunted by this operation for approximately 12 years and provides natural habitat for hippos and a broad range of other African wildlife. The terrain is predominantly flat and includes high reeds, tall grass, two river systems, and several natural Hippo pools. These waterways and surrounding grasslands create excellent habitat for large concentrations of hippopotamuses.

The Caprivi is a unique ecosystem with significantly more water and vegetation than much of Namibia. In addition to hippos, the concession supports strong concentrations of Buffalo, Elephant, Crocodile, Chapman's zebra, Red Lechwe, and other wildlife. Lions, large Buffalo herds, and elephants may also be encountered while traveling through the hunting area.

 

 

Hippopotamus Hunting Methods

A typical hunting day begins early with coffee and breakfast before you and your PH head out into the concession. Much of the hunt is conducted using a boat to travel the river systems and search the surrounding pools, reed beds, and grasslands for mature hippos.

Your PH will spend time observing different groups and evaluating individual animals before deciding which Hippo offers the appropriate trophy opportunity. Whenever possible, the preferred method is to locate a mature Hippo out of the water and continue the hunt using a spot-and-stalk approach.

The river environment makes every day different. Hippo movement, water levels, vegetation, and weather all influence where animals are found and how the final approach is made. Once an appropriate trophy is located, your PH will work with you to get into a safe position and prepare for a suitable shot opportunity.

 

About the Outfitter

This outfitter has hunted the Caprivi concession for approximately 12 years and specializes in free-range African big game safaris. Their approach focuses on providing a complete package with experienced professional hunters, quality accommodations, good meals, personal service, and a genuine free-range hunting experience.

The Caprivi offers a particularly diverse safari experience because of its combination of river habitat, grassland, abundant wildlife, and proximity to some of southern Africa’s best-known natural attractions. The operation places an emphasis on making the safari enjoyable both in the field and in camp.

 

The Hippo Safari Luxury Tented Camp

You will stay in a luxury tented camp, complete with tented rooms with private en-suite bathrooms. The camp combines a traditional African safari atmosphere with a high level of comfort after each day in the field.

Camp amenities include generator power, cell phone service, internet access, and a small bush spa. The lodge and camp area provide a comfortable setting to relax between hunting days and enjoy the surrounding Caprivi wilderness.

 

 

Excellent African cuisine is an important part of the safari experience, with three-course meals served in camp. Beer, wine, and spirits are also included. Evenings can be spent around the firepit enjoying dinner and discussing the day’s hunt before heading back into the concession the following morning.

 

Additional Hunting Opportunities

A variety of additional big game species are present in the concession, including Buffalo, Elephant, Crocodile, Chapman Zebra, and Red Lechwe. The area also supports lions, large Buffalo herds, elephants, and other native wildlife, making the safari a true Caprivi big game experience.

Additional species may be hunted according to current quota availability and the applicable trophy fee price list.

 

 

Trophy Handling and Care

After your Hippopotamus is harvested, the trophy will be field-prepared and placed into the required quarantine process. The trophy normally remains in quarantine for approximately one month before it can be released for transportation.

Once released from quarantine, the trophy is transported to the local taxidermist in Grootfontein. The overall process normally takes approximately two months before the trophy reaches the taxidermist, although timing can vary.

 

Taxidermy

Dip & pack, taxidermy, and international trophy shipping are not included in the safari price. The outfitter normally works with Casper’s Taxidermy in Grootfontein after the required quarantine period.

 

Getting to the Caprivi

You may arrive through Katima Mulilo, Namibia, or Kasane, Botswana.

If arriving in Katima Mulilo, you will be met at the airport and transported by road directly to camp. Hunters arriving in Kasane will be transported by road either by crossing the Chobe River or by driving through Chobe National Park. Airport pick-up, drop-off, and road transportation are included, and no charter flights are required.

The location also provides an excellent opportunity to add sightseeing before or after your safari. Optional visits to Victoria Falls or Chobe National Park can be arranged separately.

 

The Hippopotamus Hunting Season

This free-range Hippopotamus hunt is available from March through November.

 

The Best Time to Hunt

The entire March through November season is recommended for this Hippopotamus safari.

 

Recommended Firearms and Rental Rifles

The minimum required caliber for this hunt is .375.

This outfitter offers rental rifles in .375 H&H.

Rifle rental is $75 per day. Hunters planning to rent a firearm should advise the booking agent in advance so the appropriate rifle and ammunition can be arranged.

 

Deposit Policy

A 30% deposit is required to book this safari. The remaining balance is due before the safari begins. Accepted payment methods include check and wire transfer.

If no Hippopotamuses are found during the safari, a $2,500 refund will be provided.

 

Cancellation Policy

The deposit will be refunded if the hunt is cancelled at least six months before the safari begins. If the hunt is cancelled within six months of the scheduled safari, the deposit is non-refundable unless a replacement hunter is found. A $150 fee is payable directly to the booking agent for any rescheduled hunt. Hunts moved to a subsequent year will be subject to that year's pricing.

 

EXCLUSIONS: International airfare, before and after hunt accommodations, additional hunting days, additional observer fees, rifle rental, dip & pack, taxidermy, trophy shipping, gratuities, and personal expenses.

 

HUNT # NA-TC-Hippo