Big Game Hunting with Wicker Safaris Ltd.

Mozambique – formerly known as Portuguese East Africa – is rapidly developing as a hunting destination. The country offers vast, untamed wilderness areas, a growing hunting industry and an increasing number of opportunities for hunters seeking an authentic African big game safari.

The hunting takes place in Coutada 14, an impressive hunting concession covering approximately 135,000 hectares. Together with Coutadas 10, 11 and 12 and the Marromeu Game Reserve, the area forms part of a continuous wilderness of more than one million hectares. Here, the wildlife roams freely under excellent natural conditions, while extensive efforts are made to manage the game populations and combat poaching.

The African buffalo is the primary game species. The total population in the wider area is estimated at more than 20,000 animals, while between 2,000 and 6,000 buffalo are found in Coutada 14, depending on the season. The annual quota is limited to 50 buffalo, helping to maintain a strong and sustainable population.

The hunting day begins early in the morning, when guests leave the camp in all-terrain Argo vehicles. Once game or fresh tracks have been located, the hunt continues on foot. Hunters should be prepared for several hours of stalking through terrain that can often be demanding. Buffalo are frequently taken at very close range, making the hunt both intense and exceptionally exciting. Hunting normally continues until nightfall, and lunch is often enjoyed out in the field.

In addition to buffalo, there are excellent opportunities to hunt species such as sable, nyala, waterbuck, bushbuck and crocodile. The area is one of the few places where free-ranging populations of several of these species can still be encountered, sometimes in large herds. Smaller antelope species such as suni, oribi, red duiker and blue duiker have also attracted increasing interest among hunters in recent years.

Elephant and leopard hunts can also be arranged. Hunters wishing to combine buffalo hunting with leopard, elephant or several of the area’s attractive antelope species are advised to book a 14-day hunting safari.

The camp is designed as a traditional big game camp with a simple and authentic atmosphere. It is not a luxury camp, but it offers all the necessary facilities. Guests are accommodated in private chalets with their own toilet and shower. There is also a communal dining area, bar and firepit, where the day’s experiences can be shared after the hunt.

Coutada 14 has been operated by Toni Wicker since 1994. Many years of restrictive hunting quotas, focused wildlife management and continuous anti-poaching efforts have produced remarkable results. Today, the area stands out as one of Mozambique’s most interesting hunting destinations for experienced hunters seeking big game hunting in a vast, continuous and authentic African wilderness.