"We are the longest standing concessionaire in Mozambique and have had the lease on Coutada 11 since 1992 – over the years, sound Game Management practices and Antipoaching programs, have contributed to making this area one of the best free-roaming game lands in Africa today. Coutada 11 is virtually at carrying capacity for most species. "

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ZAMBEZE DELTA SAFARIS

That’s Zambeze with an “e” at the end. Not to be confusing, but that’s the Portuguese spelling for Zambezi, and ZDS’s main concession is Coutada 11. Coutada is Portuguese for “hunting area,” vast tracts of land set aside for wildlife during Portuguese rule, now maintained by safari operators working with the Mozambique government.

Located near the mouth of the Zambezi and adjoining the Marromeu Reserve, Coutada 11 is 2000 square kilometers of wild Africa, comprising a mix of miombo woodland, sand forest, tropical savanna, swamp, and floodplain. The area holds 21 huntable species, ranging from a fine selection of the Tiny Ten to four of the Big Five. In between, key species include Lichtenstein’s hartebeest, Livingstone’s eland, nyala, sable, Selous zebra, waterbuck, and more.

I’ve been fortunate to hunt this area regularly for 20 years. I’ve hunted every available species, have no desire to “improve” any of my animals. Basically, I have no reason to keep going back.

Yet I do, for three reasons:

1. The buffalo! I’ll never tire of hunting them, and this area holds the greatest concentration I’ve seen, more than 20,000 by last aerial survey, perhaps the highest density of Cape buffalo on the continent. There are places with potential for bigger bulls, but I love getting into the big herds. Early on, it was essential to go into the swamp, a different hunt. Still there and still fun, but as buffalo have continued to increase, more buffalo roam the woodlands and savannas.

2. The people! Under the strong leadership of Mark Haldane, ZDS has developed an amazing team of PHs and camp staff that all work together to ensure a fantastic safari experience. The main camp, Mungari, isn’t fancy. It’s a traditional African tent camp, but it’s comfortable and cozy, for me almost a second home that I enjoy returning to.

3. The conservation! Established in Coutada 11 in 1992, ZDS has the longest tenure of any concessionaire in Mozambique. In 1992, after the long civil war, they started with almost nothing, few buffalo, almost no sable…or much of anything else. The incredible wealth of wildlife you will see daily on this safari is the product of 30 years of wise management, dedicated anti-poaching, and extensive community development…almost wholly supported by hunters and the hunting community.

Two of the best-known conservation projects, in conjunction with the Cabela Family Foundation, are the wildly successful reintroduction of lions, followed by the reintroduction of cheetahs. I’ve bounced around Africa for nearly 50 years. I’ve seen a lot of Africa, but I’ve never seen a slice of wild Africa like this. I keep going back because I see it getting better every year.

I’m happy to consider the entire ZDS team as friends, and proud they are members of our CBEO family.

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