Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know before your Zimbabwe hunting safari with Rosslyn Safari's - from hunting regulations to getting here, health advice and what to pack.
What types of hunting experiences does Rosslyn Safaris offer?
We offer premium bow and rifle hunting experiences for leopard and plains game in Zimbabwe. Our hunts are designed for both seasoned and novice hunters, accompanied by experienced and licensed Profession Hunters at all times.
What should I expect from a bow hunting safari?
Our purpose-built bow hunting blinds include ground, pit, and tree blinds, designed for comfort and optimal shot placement. Shots are typically within 25 yards, allowing for great photo opportunities as well.
For a more challenging experience there are plenty of opportunities to stalk your animals. All hunts are guided by a licensed Zimbabwean Professional Hunter.
How does a typical day of bow hunting unfold?
- Morning & Evening: Spot and stalk hunting for specific species. On some late afternoons you may return to the blind for certain species depending on the time of year.
- Midday: Waterhole stakeout as animals come to drink. A full picnic lunch is provided in the blind, along with snacks and drinks.
- Leopard hunts: Early mornings spent checking baits, with afternoons at waterholes for plains game before settling into the leopard blind.
What should I keep in mind for a successful bow hunt?
- Use quiet clothing - cotton or wool in the blind, no synthetic fabrics that rustle.
- Practice shooting at 20-40 yards before arrival for confidence.
- Hunt timing: May to early November is ideal, outside the main rain season.
- Moon phases matter - full moons can affect animal daytime activity at waterholes
- We suggest purchasing an African animal shot placement book - shot placement on African species differs significantly from North American game.
What should I expect from a rifle hunting safari?
Our rifle safaris offer a free-range hunting experience across diverse terrain in Zimbabwe, guided by a licensed Professional Hunter to ensure ethical and successful hunts.
How does a typical day of rifle hunting unfold?
- Morning: Start early - 5:00 to 06:30 AM depending on the season. The cool morning hours are the most productive
- Midday: Rest in the shade or return to camp for lunch and a siesta
- Afternoon: Continue hunting once temperatures cool. Late afternoon is excellent for waterholes and open feeding areas.
Rifle rentals are available for those who prefer not to travel with their own firearm.
What is the best time of year for hunting?
The best hunting period is May to early November – outside the main rain season. The dry season concentrates wildlife around waterholes, making for exceptional hunting and game viewing conditions.
Can I book a hunt if I am also planning a non-hunting holiday?
Yes! The most common itenerary is to fly into Bulawayo, hunt with us, then travel to Hwange National Park and on to Victoria Falls where you can fly out.
Which airport do I fly into?
You fly into Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport in Bulawayo. Road transfers from the airport to Cawston are approximately 1.5 hours.
Which airlines fly to Bulawayo?
- Airlink and FastJet both fly several times daily from Johannesburg to Bulawayo
- Ethiopian Airlines flies direct into Bulawayo with a short stop in Ndola - this route operates Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday
The most common routing for international guests is to fly into Johannesburg and connect to Bulawayo.
How do I get from the airport to the camp?
Road transfers from Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport in Bulawayo to Cawston Block are approximately 1.5 hours. We can arrange transfers for you – just let us know your arrival details when booking.
Is there a private airstrip on the property?
Yes, it can take a King Air or a Caravan.
Is malaria a risk at Cawston?
Cawston Block is classified as a low malaria risk. We provide mosquito nets over beds from September to May to reduce mosquitoes and other insects from disturbing your sleep.
- Dry season (May-October): Risk is minimal
- Rainy season: Low to moderate risk
Do I need any vaccinations for Zimbabwe?
No specific vaccinations are legally required to enter Zimbabwe unless you are arriving from a yellow fever endemic country – in which case a Yellow Fever Certificate is mandatory.
- Airlink and FastJet both fly several times daily from Johannesburg to Bulawayo
- Ethiopian Airlines flies direct into Bulawayo with a short stop in Ndola - this route operates Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday
Is there a doctor or hospital near the camp?
The nearest medical facilities are in Bulawayo, approximately 75 km from the camp. Mater Dei Hospital and United Bulawayo Hospitals both provide 24-hour emergency care.
We carry a comprehensive first-aid kit in camp and have registered nurse aides resident at Cawston.
What clothing should I bring?
Neutral or darker coloured clothing works best in the bush – olive greens, dark greens and darker beiges. For bow hunters, quiet fabrics are essential: cotton or wool only in the blind.
- Nuetral/darker coloured clothing - olive, dark green, darker beige
- Sturdy walking shoes or boots
- Warm layers for early mornings - May through August can briefly drop below 5°C before warming up beautifully
- Sunscreen and a good hat
- Binoculars
- Your camera
Do I need to bring my own bow or rifle?
You are welcome to bring your own equipment. However:
- Rifles: Available to hire at the camp - no need to travel with your own firearm if you prefer not to.
- Bows: We have two bows available, but you will need to travel with your own arrows.
Just let us know your preference when enquiring and we will make the necessary arrangements.
Is Wi-Fi available at the camp?
Yes, Wi-Fi is available at the camp. That said, we encourage guests to disconnect and fully immerse themselves in the tranquility of the bush – most guests find they naturally reach for their phone less and less as the days go by.
What is the accomodation like?
Accommodation is in a classic tented safari camp thoughtfully built on a rocky hillside. Five tented rooms, each with a private en-suite bathroom, are set among green lawns and shaded by indigenous trees.
The camp features a swimming pool, a superb wooden deck overlooking a waterhole frequented by wildlife, and is connected to mains electricity with a back-up generator. Our organic, field-to-table food is freshly prepared and easily adjusted for various dietary requirements.
What activities are available for non-hunters?
There is plenty to keep non-hunters happy at Rosslyn Safaris:
- Horse riding through the African bush
- Game viewing from waterhole blinds
- Wildlife photography from purpose-built hides
- Conservation research participation
- Day trips to Bulawayo for shopping and sightseeing
- Excursions to Matobo Hills - UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Add-on safari to Hwange National Park or Victoria Falls
Still Have Questions?
We are happy to answer anything not covered above. Get in touch directly and we will get back to you personally.
- Phone / Whatsapp: +263 778 486 493
- Email: info@rosslynsafaris.com