Cape Buffalo cow "trophies" can sometimes be had for cheaper prices.

An acquaintance of mine was involved as a PH working for an outfitter in a Selous concession and catering mainly for Italians. His quoted prices were far better than a lot I had seen. The reason? They took a higher proportion from their quota, meaning the trophies were probably lesser standard. No first hand knowledge of how their operation went.

Another way they can be cheaper is outfitters whom split a licence with 2 bulls and instead sell it as a 2x1 short buffalo hunt.

South Africa is also more expensive simply due to supply and demand. A lot of demand and limited supply means much higher prices.

End of season specials for unused quota can be a way to get cheaper prices. I missed out on a very cheap cape buff trophy - simply never saw a good enough one to shoot - by doing a cow elephant hunt in the Zambezi. The hunt was bought at an SCI auction - immediately after it was turned it - and I had the opportunity to take additional cow elephant or a cape buff trophy - by just paying the buff trophy fee. Would have been $7500 for a seven day cow elephant and cape buff hunt, if I had taken a buffalo as well.