Taking on the “Black Death” of African big game is a goal for game hunting enthusiasts the world over. While the Cape buffalo (Syncerus caffer caffer) is found in many regions of the African continent, hunting safaris in Zambia provide some of the best safari hunting experiences with impressive trophies to boot.
Hunting in Zambia
This south–central African country finds itself landlocked by other countries also offering excellent game hunting opportunities. However, hunting in Zambia provides both semi–arid and tropical climate zones as well as multiple prime areas for hunting African big game, setting the scene for some outstanding safari hunting expeditions!Zambia’s tropical climate and rainy season that runs from November to April can affect access to some of the hunting areas.
The dry season is divided into two. A “cool” season from May–August where temperatures average 75º–85º F and a “hot” dry season from September-November, where daily temperatures start at 100º-110º F.
Hunting safaris in Zambia are available all year, but May–October is the suggested game hunting time due to the cooler weather and lower chance of being affected by rain.
When hunting in Zambia, you’ll find yourself on a safari hunting trip in Game Management Areas (GMA’s). These 36 areas were created by the Zambian Wildlife Authority (ZAWA) and operate as privately owned ranches and conservancies. Some are fenced while others aren’t. Known as concessions, some of these GMA’s can cover over 100 square miles.
Of the regions available for hunting in Zambia, Cape buffalo hunts are most popular in and concentrated around the Luangwa Valley and the Kafue region.
The Cape Buffalo as a Game Hunting Target: The Meanest of African Big Game Trophies
To say that the Cape buffalo is a tough animal is an understatement. Weighing between 900-1,900 pounds and standing 3.3–5.6 feet at the shoulder, this behemoth of the bovine family is a large and in-charge game hunting animal! With a skin that can be 2 inches thick, you’ll have your work cut out for you taking down this monster!
These African big game animals situate themselves in large herds broken down into smaller groups like females and calves, young males, and old males who no longer challenge for breeding or dominance. Like with other animal species, the buffalo herd is led by a senior female matriarch followed by those junior to her in age and dominance. The main herd groups can number in the thousands, especially during migrations or when in search of water.
Buffalo mainly calls areas of scrub-type woodland home, and consumes large quantities of both food and water. In fact, these game hunting gems can down 9 gallons of water in less than 10 minutes! When it comes to the senses, buffalo lack great eyesight and smell, but have a brilliant sense of hearing which can impact your hunting approach while hunting in Zambia.
Buffalo Hunting in Zambia
- The Luangwa Valley is considered a stronghold for buffalo populations when hunting in Zambia.
- A buffalo hunt is usually 7 days unless you are targeting other African big game or plains species as well. These hunts involve a lot of tracking and checking of watering holes which is done from the vehicle.
- All hunting in Zambia must be done during daylight hours and no hunting is allowed from a vehicle, furthermore, you may not discharge your rifle or bow if you are within 250 yards of your vehicle.
- No pregnant females or females with a calf are allowed to be hunted. To tell the difference between male and female buffalo when game hunting is to look at the horns and the “boss” or horn base. Females have smaller horns and don’t possess a boss, they are also smaller than males but not by a great amount.
Why Is The Buffalo Seen As The Most Dangerous African Big Game To Hunt?
While the buffalo may be one of the biggest targets on the plains when it comes to game hunting, they also possess an attitude to match. It has been known that if a buffalo calf or other herd member is attacked by lions or another predator, the rest of the group will storm in as a defense. Buffalo are known to kill lions in such situations either with their horns or through trampling an unfortunate lion caught underfoot.
Buffalo can be fiercely protective of their females and calves and are deceptively fast. This African big game can charge at speeds of 35mph. And having a creature of over 1,000 pounds move at that speed should put things into perspective when it comes to the danger they can pose to those on a hunting safari! The most dangerous buffalo are the “dugga boys” getting their name from “dugga”, an African word for mud. When hunting in Zambia, you’ll likely be looking for an impressive trophy and these are the ones most sought after, for both their size and horns. But, they pose the biggest risk too. These are the “old boys,” often over the age of 10 years, and possess a mean streak like no other.
And this is why you need your shot placement to be as accurate as possible, as an injured buffalo, especially the dagga boys, will charge, with bone-chilling consequences if not handled correctly. The buffalo is responsible for the deaths of more hunters than lions, crocodiles, and other dangerous African big game, don’t become a statistic.
Meeting your maker through a buffalo goring might be one way to go, but it won’t be pleasant. Rather practice caution and prioritize accuracy when enjoying a buffalo hunting safari.
Buffalo Hunting Safaris in Zambia: Hunting Methods
Zambia lends itself to a lot of walking while game hunting and buffalo hunting in Zambia is no exception. While spotting can be done from the vehicle, the actual tracking and hunting are done by foot through the plains. As mentioned before, buffalo require large quantities of water, so watering holes will be the prime spot for tracks and tracking during your hunting safaris. Buffalo also visit salt lick areas and these can also be a good source for spotting and tracking.
Taking that Perfect Shot
The best-recommended shot placement for buffalo is the heart/lung shot and although the minimum caliber for game hunting targets like buffalo is .375, moving up to .416 or .458.
Wounded buffalo are known to run off (if not charging you!) and tracking a wounded buffalo is not going to be fun. Animals that are wounded on these hunts or during any hunting safaris in Zambia can be charged at full price, even if they aren’t tracked down and killed by the hunter.
Buffalo are known to bellow loudly when dying, so keep your ears open for this sound after you’ve taken your shot, as it is one of the most common ways to gauge your success.
Planning Your Buffalo Hunting in Zambia
Paperwork and Permits for Hunting in Zambia
Passports and Visas
- Foreign visitors to Zambia are required to have a valid passport that will remain valid for 6 months after their return home, the passport must also contain 3 blank pages on entry into Zambia.
- No visa is required for US tourists or visitors staying less than 90 days.
Hunting Licenses and Requirements for Hunting Safaris in Zambia
- All foreigners on hunting safaris in Zambia are required to hunt with a registered outfitter who has been granted hunting rights for the area.
- Individual licenses are required for all game hunting visitors.
- Hunting licenses are granted for a specific area and the specific species to be hunted.
- The minimum number of days for a hunt will depend on the species and is regulated by the government.
- The minimum license for a buffalo hunt is 7 days
- Your hunting permit must be issued before the hunt starts.
- When hunting in Zambia, hunters are required to carry their GMA access permits and originally issued hunting licenses at all times.
Health Checks and Precautions
- When hunting in Zambia, remember that like other tropical areas, malaria is a real threat. Take precautions by using anti–mosquito measures like repellants, wearing clothing that covers as much skin as possible, and using mosquito nets or aerosols.
- Cholera is a disease that breaks out over time across Africa, including countries like Zambia. Ways to avoid it on hunting safaris in Zambia include sticking to bottled water or water that you know has been purified, drinks made with boiled water like tea or coffee are considered safe as well as bottled carbonated beverages as long as you don’t add ice. Check online resources for news on cholera outbreaks and the severity thereof.
- When game hunting in Zambia, there’s almost a requirement for you to walk through bush areas which could be home to ticks. Treating your boots and clothing with permethrin (0.5%) or purchasing clothes that have already been treated can go a long way to deter ticks and keep you from developing tick bite fever. As an extra measure use a repellant that is registered with the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) and contains DEET or lemon eucalyptus oil, this can also help with repelling mosquitos.
- When it comes to vaccinations the United States CDC recommends ensuring that both measles and polio vaccines are up to date.
- Always check online sources for news regarding health-related issues when hunting in Zambia. Animal-to-human infection outbreaks can occur and while these are usually in rural areas, it’s best to be cautious.
Bringing your Weapons for Hunting Safaris in Zambia
Limitations And Allowances
- Hunters are limited to 3 rifles per person.
- While Zambia does not have restrictions regarding ammunition, airlines don’t allow more than 11 pounds total.
- All ammunition must match the rifles.
- Semi–automatic, automatic, handguns, and military-style weapons are prohibited.
- The minimum ammunition requirements for big game, like buffalo is .375.
The License Process
- Applications must be submitted 4 months before your arrival.
- Details required from you include:
- Personal information like name/surname, birthdates, and addresses.
- A copy of your passport and date and place of issue.
- Serial number, type, caliber, and make of the firearms.
- Caliber and quantity of ammunition (charged at $2 per cartridge)
- Information of your entry and exit ports, including dates of arrival and departure.
- A copy of proof of ownership and a US Customs 4457 form are required.
Traveling to Zambia and your Game Hunting Destination
When planning the travel routes for your hunting safaris in Zambia, it’s wise to remember that your flight will include layovers and at least 2 connection flights in some cases, as direct flights to Zambia aren’t available from most foreign countries. If you’re going to be traveling with your firearms and ammunition you need to be aware of any regulations or requirements for weapons at airports where you’ll have a layover or changing flights.
Cape Buffalo Trophies: Immortalizing This African Big Game Species
Anyone knows the best part of a hunting trip is the memories and keepsakes that remind you of your experiences, and having a buffalo trophy as a reminder of hunting in Zambia will no doubt be a brilliant way to preserve those memories.
Buffalo don’t require CITES permits and the regular import/export documents and clearances will apply. The best trophy mount styles suited to this African big game beast include the European or skull mount, as well as the head or shoulder mounts.
Buffalo Hunting in Zambia: A Dream Game Hunting Experience
Hunting safaris in Zambia offer the best experiences for game hunting in the naturally wild African bush. It is a top destination for African big game and plains species alike, with reserves and accommodation available at high standards catering to the game hunting tourism market.Be sure to contact us for your hunting safaris in Zambia and let us help check off it your game hunting bucket list. The exceptional quality of buffalo trophies, combined with excellent accommodation and hunting conditions, makes a buffalo hunting safari in Zambia a great game hunting safari experience.
If you enjoyed this article, read more about Cape buffalo and Zambia, as well as a recent African hunt targeting the Cape buffalo.
Author: A. Baker