Photos: Blackpowder Cape Buffalo in Mozambique

For the past 20 years—since the end of Mozambique’s Civil War—the hunting industry has quietly been building back the southeast African nation’s wildlife resources, which had been nearly wiped-out during the long hostilities. With the blessing of government and local community leaders, but with no real assistance from them, outfitting companies have built infrastructure, organized aggressive anti-poaching patrols and set up an economic engine that benefits local folks with meat, jobs and schools. No matter how animal-rightists argue, here’s proof that hunting is providing genuine help and hope in this desperately poor region.

As a result, Mozambique has emerged as a premier safari-hunting destination for Americans and other visitors. In camps scattered about the country (comparable to the land-mass of the eastern U.S. from upstate New York to south Florida, and west as far as Indiana), hunters are finding great hunts that are also great values. It’s a tremendous conservation success story, a model that truly works when allowed to do so.    

Welcome to Mozambique, Mike and Louise McMichael! After a trans-Atlantic journey capped by an 11-hour drive over dirt two-tracks, the husband-and-wife duo behind PowerBelt Bullets are happy to start their adventure with Mutemba Safaris.

First up for the hunters—Cape buffalo. Hostile looks when disturbed are really just a hint of their volatile nature—what many call Africa’s most dangerous animal. Worth noting—our hunters are going after these bad actors with single-shot muzzleloaders.

Before you get to the adrenalized part, you have to find and track the buffalo. Dusty roadways come under much scrutiny. Outfitter Wayne Wagner and his trackers expertly read the signs, and what’s really amazing is how sharp they are at judging how many hours it’s been since the tracks were made.

Were the muzzleloaders up to the task? Judge for yourself …

The heavyweight 480-grain steel-capped PowerBelt Safari slug knocked the big bulls for a loop.

Along the way are many other inhabitants, including a curious cheetah, an animal not often seen in forested zones like Mutemba’s concession near the infamous Crooks Corner, where South Africa, Zimbabwe and Mozambique come together.

Also rife with plains game, the area hosts an unusual concentration of handsome, spiral-horned nyala. Dudley and Stephanie McGarrity take a moment to enjoy her success on a record-class bull taken with a Bergara Premier Stalker in 6.5 Creedmoor.

The best campfire tale came from partner Dan LaFond (l.) who faced a long, tense, hair-raising ordeal before finishing off his prize bull.

Exceptional kudu are present as well. Also relying on accurate Bergara Premier Stalker rifles, John Zent and Dan LaFond got to see firsthand how effective the little 6.5 Creedmoor can be even on 750-pound bulls.

Exceptional kudu are present as well. Also relying on accurate Bergara Premier Stalker rifles, John Zent and Dan LaFond got to see firsthand how effective the little 6.5 Creedmoor can be even on 750-pound bulls.

The wildlife on Mutemba’s Mozambique concession is drawn by plentiful water, thanks to wells and improvements to natural pans made by Wayne Wagner and his partners.

“On the sticks”—PH Clayton Wallis and hunting partner Dan LaFond—strike the pose often so repeated in any safari’s fondest memories.

The big adventure comes to a close, as the hunters pass through a nearby village at the start of the long trip home.