Crocs are hunted during the dry season when low water levels expose basking banks and make stalking easier. Most safari countries offer year‑round opportunities, but in Mozambique the season runs from May to November and in many areas high water prevents hunting until July. In Tanzania, crocodile hunting is part of the general safari season from July 1 to December 31 and requires a 21‑day licence. Hunters typically wait in a blind over bait placed at the water’s edge; the bait forces the crocodile to leave the water, allowing guides to judge size and enabling a precise brain shot. More adventurous hunters may stalk from shore or use a dugout canoe (mokoro) to approach basking reptiles, though even the slightest vibration can send a crocodile diving.

While the Nile crocodile is not endangered, some African crocodile species are vulnerable or protected. National regulations therefore require hunters to secure permits and adhere to quotas; hunts are often limited to mature males to protect breeding stocks. Trophy fees help fund anti‑poaching patrols and wetland conservation, and meat from harvested crocodiles is usually donated to local communities. In Tanzania, crocodile hunting falls under the Tanzania Wildlife Management Authority’s quota system and must be conducted by professional guides. By combining strict regulation with economic incentives, safari hunting contributes to the maintenance of crocodile habitats and provides livelihoods in remote areas.