Updated: July 2026
Big Game Hunting in Tanzania
Few countries have earned the reputation that Tanzania enjoys among serious African hunters. Vast unfenced hunting concessions, exceptional dangerous game populations and some of the continent's most iconic trophies have established Hunting in Tanzania as one of Africa's ultimate bucket-list safaris. Whether pursuing Cape buffalo through endless miombo woodland, waiting over bait for a mature leopard or tracking one of Tanzania's legendary lions, every hunt is built around authentic wilderness and traditional fair-chase principles.
While the country's famous lion, leopard, elephant and buffalo safaris attract hunters from around the world, Big Game Hunting in Tanzania extends far beyond Africa's Dangerous Game. Magnificent antelope such as greater kudu, eland, sable, roan and waterbuck also thrive throughout Tanzania's renowned hunting blocks, allowing hunters to combine world-class dangerous game with exceptional plains game during the same safari.
This guide explains what defines big game hunting in Tanzania, the species available, the country's hunting regions, licence requirements and practical tips to help you better understand one of Africa's most respected hunting destinations.
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Key Takeaways
• Tanzania is a sought-after game hunting destination, offering prized trophies and unique hunting experiences, harvesting both African plains game and dangerous game species.
• Big game game hunting refers both to dangerous game, such as the Big 5, as well as large antelopes, including the Eland, Kudu, Oryx, and Sable.
• The Lion and Leopard remain desirable trophies to add to any game hunting collection, and the challenge in hunting them adds to the excitement.
• A CITES permit is required to export the Leopard and Lion.
• These two African cats are available to hunt in various regions throughout Tanzania, producing exceptional trophies while making unforgettable memories.
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What is Big Game Hunting and Why is it so Popular?
In layman’s terms, big game hunting refers to the hunting of large wildlife species for trophies, meat, or animal products, such as horns and tusks.
While big game hunting often refers to Africa's Big Five Hunting species, including the iconic Cape Buffalo Hunts, elephant, lion and leopard, it also includes several of Africa's largest and most respected antelope. These species include large antelopes, such as the Waterbuck, Eland, and Kudu. Hunters will be pleased to know that many of these species are available when big game hunting in Tanzania.
Popular Species to Target when Big Game Hunting in Tanzania
Tanzania offers an exceptional variety of big game animals, ranging from dangerous game species such as the Big 5 and Dangerous 7 to a large diversity of large antelopes and plains game species. This, along with challenging hunting methods and diverse landscapes and terrain, ensures that Tanzania is one of Africa’s top destinations for big game hunting safaris.
Big Game hunting in Tanzania includes the following popular species:
- Dangerous Game: Lion, Leopard, Cape Buffalo, Elephant, Hippo and Nile Crocodile
- Other Game and Antelopes: Greater and Lesser Kudu, Roan, Sable, Zebra, Eland, and Waterbuck, amongst others
African Cats: Popular Trophies for Big Game Hunters
When it comes to big game hunting, nothing is as exciting as targeting these African cats! The Lion, known for its courage, aggression, and the ability to take out a man with the swipe of one paw (permanently l might add…) is a majestic member of Africa’s Big 5 and Dangerous 7 and a worthy game hunting trophy.
Also a member of both the Big 5 and the Dangerous 7, is the highly elusive Leopard. Known for its ability to seamlessly disappear into the bush, this cunning and agile cat remains one of the most sought-after trophies in Africa. The Leopard is also known for its incredible aggression and revenge when wounded, be warned…
Legal Requirements & Hunting Regulations
When it comes to a Tanzania hunting safari and specifically big cats, like the Leopard and Lion, strict measures have been implemented to ensure ethical and fair hunting safaris. The hunting of Lions and Leopards remains closely regulated to ensure sustainable populations in the country. To protect younger lions and lionesses, only males over the age of 6 years may be hunted. When it comes to leopard hunting in Tanzania, the leopard needs to meet the minimum size of 51 inches from the base of its tail to the tip of its nose.
Permits & Licenses
Tanzania has three different hunting licenses available, and these are issued by the Tanzania Wildlife Authority (TAWA). Each license allows the hunter to pursue and hunt different species, with the premium license (21-days) including species such as the Elephant, Roan, and Lesser Kudu.
There are three license types available:
• 10-Day License
• 16-Day License
• 21-Day License
Leopards and Lions may only be hunted on the 21-Day premium license. Hunters can choose to each hunt one leopard and one lion, or they can be shared between two hunters, with one dangerous game PH (2:1) on the Tanzanian hunting safari.
The TAWA sets quotas for Lions or Leopards that can be hunted to ensure sustainability moving forward. Trophy fees are based on the size and the quality of the animal, and should a hunter harvest a female or an animal that is below the agreed size, penalties must be paid.
Hunters must obtain CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) permits for exporting lion and leopard trophies. The country enforces strict regulations to prevent the illegal trade of species and to ensure that hunting safaris are aligned with conservation goals and efforts.
Hunting Methods and Restrictions
• Hunting from vehicles, over waterholes, or within 0,6 miles of Tanzania’s national parks or conservation areas is forbidden.
• Baiting for Leopards and Lions is allowed only if the bait animal is legally licensed.
• The use of handguns, automatic, or semi-automatic weapons is illegal.
• The minimum caliber for dangerous big game, such as Lions and Leopards, is .375 caliber.
Hunting Season
• Tanzania’s official hunting season runs from 01 July to 31 December.
• Tanzania hunting safaris are only permitted during daylight hours, which include half an hour prior to sunrise and half an hour after sunset.
• It is illegal to hunt at night or use artificial lights.
Tanzania's Legendary Big Cat Hunting Areas
Around one-third of Tanzania is protected through a network of game reserves, hunting blocks and wildlife management areas, creating one of Africa's last great wilderness hunting destinations. These vast concessions provide exceptional habitat for both Lion Hunts and Leopard Hunts, with each region offering its own unique terrain, hunting style and trophy potential.
The legendary Selous ecosystem remains one of Tanzania's most celebrated hunting areas. Renowned for healthy lion and leopard populations, together with outstanding dangerous game, Selous has earned a reputation for producing exceptional trophies in a truly wild and unfenced environment where traditional safari hunting still thrives.
The Rungwa ecosystem is equally respected, particularly for its impressive black-maned lions and mature leopards. In northern Tanzania, the Masailand hunting blocks combine excellent big cat hunting with outstanding plains game opportunities, while the remote western concessions around Maswa and Kigosi have become famous for producing some of the country's largest dark-maned lion trophies.
Regardless of the concession, Tanzania continues to set the benchmark for authentic African big cat hunting. Vast wilderness, experienced professional hunters and carefully managed quotas combine to create some of the finest lion and leopard safaris available anywhere on the continent.
Tips for Leopard & Lion Hunting in Tanzania
• Baiting is a very popular method when Leopard and Lion hunting: The bait is hung just low enough to attract these clever cats, but high enough that it is out of reach of scavengers, like hyenas. Ensure that your blind is well-camouflaged and blends into the surroundings, while allowing the cat to approach it surreptitiously.
• Ensure that you do your homework when it comes to both Leopard and Lion shot placement and know the best angles for each species.
• Be patient and ensure that your first shot hits its mark. Not only will this ensure a quick death for the animal but also avoid wounding very dangerous African cats that are hellbent on revenge.
• When hunting dangerous game in Africa, a minimum caliber of .375 with a 300-grain bullet is required.
• Adhere to hunting regulations, Leopards need to be 4,9 feet from nose to tail, and Lions at least 6 years old.
• Choose a PH and tracking team that is experienced and knowledgeable about the area, local terrain, and Leopard and Lion behavior. Listen to your PH and keep alert throughout the hunting safari.
• Tanzania issues limited big cat hunting permits to control their populations and protect communities. Follow all legal and ethical guidelines for a successful hunt.
• Prepare yourself physically, as both of these hunts are extremely taxing.
• Both species are more active at dusk and dawn, plan your hunting accordingly.
Traveling to Tanzania
While there are three international airports in Tanzania, the main two airports used by hunters are the Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) in Dar es Salaam and Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), located about 30 miles from Arusha.
There aren’t any direct flights from the USA to Tanzania, but there are many options from Europe and the Middle East including Swiss Air, Etihad, flydubai, Emirates, and Air France. South African Airways, Airlink, and Air Tanzania offer flights from South Africa directly to Tanzania.
Frequently Asked Questions
What animals are considered big game in Tanzania?
Tanzania is best known for its dangerous game species, including lion, leopard, Cape buffalo and elephant, but Big Game Hunting in Tanzania also includes iconic plains game such as greater kudu, eland, sable, roan and waterbuck. The combination of dangerous game and premium plains game is one of the reasons Tanzania remains one of Africa's most respected hunting destinations.
What is the best time for big game hunting in Tanzania?
The dry season, which generally runs from June through October, offers the best hunting conditions across most of Tanzania. Vegetation becomes less dense, animals concentrate around reliable water sources and tracking conditions improve, making this the preferred period for both dangerous game and plains game safaris.
Can lion and leopard be hunted on the same safari in Tanzania?
Yes. Many professional outfitters offer safaris that combine Lion Hunts and Leopard Hunts, provided the appropriate government licences, quotas and hunting days are secured. These combination safaris are among Africa's most prestigious dangerous game hunting opportunities.
Why is Tanzania regarded as one of Africa's premier hunting destinations?
Unlike many hunting destinations, Hunting in Tanzania takes place across vast unfenced wilderness concessions where wildlife still behaves naturally. Combined with experienced professional hunters, carefully managed quotas and an exceptional diversity of dangerous game and plains game, Tanzania continues to offer one of the continent's most authentic safari hunting experiences.
Conclusion
There is something about Tanzania that stays with hunters long after the safari has ended. Perhaps it is the sheer scale of the wilderness, the sound of lions calling through the miombo woodland at first light, or the knowledge that every track you follow belongs to truly wild game living exactly as nature intended. Whatever the reason, Tanzania continues to represent the Africa that generations of hunters have dreamed about.
For hunters prepared to invest the time, effort and patience that a true wilderness safari demands, the rewards extend far beyond the trophies themselves. The memories of long days on fresh spoor, experienced trackers reading the ground ahead, evenings around the campfire and the privilege of hunting one of Africa's last great wild places become the stories that are shared for years to come. If that is the type of safari you have always imagined, few Hunting Trips anywhere in Africa can compare with Tanzania.