Crocodile Hunting in Mozambique
Hunting the Monsters of the Macarau
The Macarau River in Mahimba Game Area is home to one of the highest densities of large crocodiles in all of Africa. This relatively small tidal tributary of the Zambezi River is abundant with food and cover for crocodiles, making it an annual breeding ground that attracts dozens of monster bull crocodiles from all parts of the river. This concentration of monster crocs makes for some of the most unbelievable crocodile hunting you will ever experience.
Crocodile Trophy Expectations in Mozambique
Mozambique is known for excellent crocodile hunting in its various waterways, but our area is especially exceptional. The Macarau River in Mahimba not only holds an amazing concentration of crocodiles but also amazing size potential. If you are looking for a true monster crocodile, this part of Mozambique is one of the best places in Africa to do so.
Monster 14ft+ Crocodiles
Early in the hunting season, during the crocodile breeding period from August through mid-September, your chances of shooting a 14ft crocodile are very high, with the potential for a 15ft+ monster crocodile not unrealistic. Hunters can expect to see numerous trophy crocodiles while floating down the river, along with dozens of other crocs on a daily basis.
That being said, after the breeding period is over, many of the large male crocodiles migrate to places unknown farther upriver in the main channel of the Zambezi River. In light of this, trophy expectations during the second half of our hunting season should be more realistic.
Affordable Croc Hunting Options
We offer crocodile pricing on a sliding scale to account for this variation in trophy size and also to offer hunters who are on a tighter budget a more affordable opportunity to shoot a crocodile and enjoy the same experience. Download our brochure to review these options.
Crocodile Hunting Methods
Crocodile hunting at Mahimba is done exclusively in a spot-and-stalk manner as opposed to traditional baiting and blind hunting for crocodile. Depending on the conditions and the current/tide of the river, a typical day of croc hunting will either entail traveling to certain areas where our team has previously scouted shooter crocs and stalking through the area on foot, or we will stay in the boat with the engines off and drift in the current until a promising croc is spotted on the riverbank ahead, then stalk in on foot. Either way, we find this style of crocodile hunting to be as exciting as it gets.
Spot & Stalk Crocodile Hunting in Mozambique
Creeping through the semi-coastal jungles of Mozambique along the Macarau River is unlike any other type of crocodile hunting you will experience. The mangrove-covered forest floor crunches beneath your feet as you walk beneath towering trees that are hundreds of years old. Hippo tracks are littered throughout the mud, and Samango monkeys watch nervously as you intrude into the forgotten shadows. Even when you do not pull the trigger, each journey into these forests comes with a host of exciting sights, sounds, and experiences.
Setting up for the shot & pulling the trigger
When you find the crocodile you are after, the process at Mahimba is still different than crocodile hunting in other parts of Africa. The Macarau River is a tidal, brackish river which means the water levels change drastically on a daily basis. This affects how and when the crocodiles come out of the water, as well as how we handle taking a shot.
If the tide is still going out when you get on a croc, you will often have to wait for the water levels to drop to create more margin between the sleeping croc and the water’s edge to ensure a safe shot. The muddy banks are extremely slippery, and you don’t want to leave any chance for your croc to slip into the murky waters never to be seen again.
Finally, when all factors are in your favor, you take your shot and hope that it lands true.
Crocodile Shot Placement
Shot placement is crucial to a successful crocodile hunt. Since crocodiles do not float once they die (like hippos do), your first shot has to anchor the croc where it lies or it will go into the water and be gone for good.
Brain Shot vs. Neck Shot
There are two options for shot placement on crocodiles: a brain shot, or a neck/spine shot. On our crocodile hunts in Mozambique, we exclusively take neck shots. A brain shot on a crocodile often causes the croc to shake its tail and thrash around from nerve reactions, even though it is stone dead. With the slippery mud on the Macarau River, this movement can possibly cause the crocodile to slide off the bank and into the water even with a perfect brain shot. For this reason, we prefer to take a neck shot that accomplishes the same goal but without causing any added movement from the croc after the shot. A neck shot on a crocodile also typically has a slightly larger margin for error due to the size of the spine in comparison with the brain, plus, it will not damage the skull of the crocodile which is important for hunters who wish to keep the skull as a trophy.
Executing the Perfect Shot
Taking a shot at a crocodile can come with a lot of pressure and nerves, but thankfully, you have the luxury of time on your side. Crocodile hunting is slow and methodical from start to finish, and the shot is no different. With our Bog death grip shooting rest and calm, experienced Professional Hunter talking you through the shot, we will set you up for the highest possible chance of success on your crocodile hunt at Mahimba Safaris. There is no better feeling than seeing that crocodile lying dead through the scope after making a perfect shot!
Whether you choose this hunt a standalone or as an add-on to your Cape buffalo hunt, crocodile hunting in Mozambique is an adventure that we encourage every hunter to experience at least once in their lives.
