Zambia is a world class big game hunting destination has it all on offer. From the big 5, to exotic antelope such as the Sitatunga, Sable and Black Lechwe. Zambia is one of Africa’s most beautiful and wild countries.
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A short overview of Zambia
Zambia is a land-locked country in central Africa and is a little bigger than the state of Texas in the USA. While sparsely populated, the highest concentration of residents live near and around its Capital, Lusaka and North-West in the Copperbelt Province.
Zambia was originally known as North-Rhodesia (with Zimbabwe being known as just Rhodesia).
Wildlife is managed by ZAWA (The Zambian Wildlife Authority) and the huge expanse of land in the wildlife estates is more than 30% of the countries land mass. Within Zambia, the land is apportioned into 10 National Parks and 27 GMA’s (short for Game Management Areas). ZAWA was established in 1998.
When we refer to dangerous game hunting in Africa, Zambia a true “Gem” and boasts enormous and quality trophies Leopard and monster Buffalo in the Luangwa River Valley. The GMA’s and the Kafue National Park still contain good populations of wild and full-maned Lions.
Let’s start off by addressing some FAQ’s relating to Dangerous Game Hunting in Africa
What is the big 5 and dangerous 7?
The big 5 in Africa refers to the Elephant, Lion, Buffalo, Rhino and Leopard which all fell into the category of dangerous game hunting. More recently, the Hippo, which kills more people in Africa than any of the above, and the Nile Crocodile have been added and are now referred to as “the dangerous 7 in Africa”.
Is big game hunting legal in Africa?
Yes, big game hunting is legal in Africa with many international hunters wanting to achieve the ultimate hunting goal of harvesting all member of the “dangerous 7 in Africa”. Besides other exotic animals, the same hunter will in total contract also attempt collecting members of the “tiny ten.”
When is the best time of year to go dangerous game hunting in Africa?
The best big game hunting seasons will be in the cooler months, from April to late August.
Is Zambia a malaria area?
Yes, Zambia is a malaria area and mosquito’s kill more than one million people in Africa every year. Consult with your physician and obtain a prescription for malaria prophylaxis.
Does Zambia have Black Rhino Hunts?
While Zambia’s Black Rhino were hunted to the brink of extinction, populations in certain areas are thriving. However, Black Rhino hunting is not allowed.
Black Rhino hunting in Africa can only take place in South Africa and Namibia, however these Black Rhino hunts are strictly controlled and managed.
African big game hunts in Zambia
Hunting safaris in Zambia are thriving with Zambia regularly producing world class trophies for all of the dangerous 7 animals. Compared to other African countries, hunting in Zambia is expensive. These dangerous game hunts cost more, mainly due to the remoteness of the hunting areas and the short hunting season.
Dangerous Game Hunting in Africa and Shot Placement
Before embarking on any African hunt, it is imperative that the hunter thoroughly investigate shot placement to enforce the principals of ethical hunting, which are fair chase and to ensure a quick and humane death.
Shot placement on all members of the dangerous 7 in Africa is quite different and each animal is to be separately studied, including animal anatomy and the shot that your professional hunter will prefer you to take.
What equipment will be needed when embarking on the Dangerous Game Hunting Safari?
The minimum caliber for hunting dangerous game in Zambia is a .375, which if fitted with good optics will be perfect for precise shot placement when hippo or crocodile hunting. The .375 will also work really well on Lion and Leopard.
For the larger game, when considering a heart shot, such as when Cape Buffalo or Elephant hunting, a larger caliber such as a. 416, 458, 505 or a good quality double rifle will get the job done.
Dangerous Game Hunting in Zambia
The below will provide a short overview of the dangerous 7 in Africa species that can be hunted in Zambia, all but excluding Rhino hunting in Zambia which as we know, is not legal.
Crocodile Hunting in Zambia
There are few shots which will anchor a big old Crocodile hunted in Zambia. The most important reason for anchoring this dinosaur on the spot is to ensure the trophy does not slither back into the murky water, gone forever. As such, when Crocodile hunting in Zambia a heart shot is not recommended, except as an “insurance shot.”
A well-placed shot in the brain, or into the spine behind the head will anchor this reptile.
As the crocodile’s brain is well protected, a premium quality bullet from any thirty caliber will do, but using solid or monolithic points would be well advised. As the trophy crocodile is measured from tip of snout to the end of the tail, should this crocodile decide to flop around tail walk back into the water, remember that these waters are infested with all his cousins, aunts and uncles. These guys will gladly rip off the end of the tail, or chew of a foot or do some other nasty damage. The idea is to drop the crocodile on the spot.
When crocodile hunting, remember the bigger the crocodile, the more difficult it will be for the tannery to work the belly of crocodile. So, if your wife is looking for a handbag or shoes, hunting crocodile in Zambia will not be the best destination. For these purposes crocodiles of not be than eight feet should be harvested.
A good trophy crocodile will measure thirteen feet and bigger.
With different packages on offer, Crocodile hunting in Zambia can take place on a minimum seven-day hunt or increase the hunting safari to a twelve-to-fourteen-day hunt and include additional dangerous game species such as Cape Buffalo or Hippo. When it comes to mounting and taxidermy, in my opinion, only a fully mount crocodile will do this worthy adversary justice.
Lion Hunting in Zambia
Are there still Lions in Zambia?
Yes, there are still Lions in Zambia and population numbers of wild Lions are estimated at over 1200 individuals.
Zambia is home to truly wild, free range black maned, and bad temperament Lions. However, Lion hunting needs a considerable amount of patience. Lion hunting in Zambia is conducted by using the baiting method, so it can become frustrating when numerous cats visit the various baits.
The vast majority of Lion hunting in Zambia is conducted in the Luangwa Valley area which is also a popular big game hunting area. This region of Zambia is known to produce some of the finest dangerous game hunting in Africa, a close second or third to Tanzania.
A black maned Lion is often considered the ultimate dangerous game hunting trophy. Lion hunting in Zambia was only recently opened again in 2017 after being banned for a few years.
Leopard Hunting in Zambia
Zambia is well known for producing top quality Leopard trophies and it is certainly not uncommon to spot a Leopard during daylight hours in certain areas.
We have said it before and it is a well-known fact, pound for pound a wounded Leopard is the most dangerous cat in the world with having a history causing serious bodily harm. It is said that every second a Leopard is on the hunter, equates to a 100 stiches.
Leopard hunting in Zambia is done using the baiting system and hunts are from late afternoon into the night. Leopard hunting with dogs is not allowed in Zambia.
When it comes to Leopard hunting, shot placement is critical and a soft expanding bullet is recommended to affect the most damage. For Leopard hunting, as these cats are considered “soft,” any well-placed bullet from a thirty caliber will get the job done. The hunter needs to understand the Leopard anatomy, as these cats often stretch up to grab bait or lay in strange angles.
Leopard trophy size is measured by taking the measurements of the skull; however, a trophy Leopard is often considered as being a mature male but can weigh in over 200 pounds.
Hippo Hunts in Zambia
This four-ton dangerous game animal is always found at the top of the podium when talking about how many folk are killed annually by members of the dangerous 7 in Africa.
This herbivore, equipped with razor sharp tusks is responsible for killing hundreds of people every year, more than Lions, Leopards, Crocodiles and Elephant. These high numbers are due to Hippo being territorial, accidentally tipping boats over, or people getting between a Hippo and its calf. Hippos are actually not that brave and will generally prefer to flee, choosing the safety of the water.
Hippo shot placement (please add link) is critical as most hippo hunts normally take place when the Hippo is in the water. When Hippo hunting in Zambia, the minimum rifle requirement is a .375.
The older a mature Hippo Bull, just like with the many people we all know, the more miserable and annoyed they are, rather enjoying their own company once kicked out of the breeding pod.
Hippo hunts in Zambia are also becoming a favorite amongst big game sportsman as while they are just as dangerous to hunt on land, Hippo hunts are far more affordable than other dangerous game species.
Cape Buffalo hunting in Zambia
Dugga Boys are plentiful in Zambia and are found in herds that are in the hundreds. Zambia is famous for producing trophy Cape Buffalo with wide spread horns, or classic broken horns, and in some instances, even the “scrum cap” Buffalo, a sought-after trophy by many big game hunters.
Buffalo hunting in Zambia takes place on foot following fresh tracks. When considering buffalo shot placement, the recommended shot would be with the Buffalo standing broadside, straight into the heart and surrounding lung area.
Buffalo hunts in Zambia are always action packed, and the most sought-after hunting areas are in the Kafue Area and Luangwa National Parks, but trophy Cape Buffalo are also available in other areas of Zambia.
Elephant Hunting in Zambia
Elephant hunting in Zambia was heavily affected due to poaching and the hunting market only opened again in 2005. Due to sustainable use of wildlife resources and contributions made by bug game hunters, Elephant populations in Zambia are well recovered and hunters are harvesting some great bulls.
At present, trophies from Elephant hunting in Zambia can still be imported to the USA, but there is pressure from US Wildlife and Fisheries to ban all imports.
Elephant hunting in Zambia is done up close and personal and shots are often fired at a distance of less than 25 yards. A frontal brain, or side brain shot is usually preferred, deployed from heavy caliber rifles such as 416 and 458 Lott. In the heat of the action when Elephant hunting, big caliber double rifles such a 500 NE or 600NE will most certainly come in handy.
How much are trophy fees when Dangerous Game Hunting in Zambia?
African Outfitters in Zambia will quote separately for daily rates vs. dangerous game hunting trophy fees. Each African outfitter has separate overheads, quality of accommodation, meal preference and lodge offerings, so daily rates will always be a variable cost.
Trophy Costs in Zambia (Dangerous Game)
- Elephant: $ 16500
- Hippo: US $ 4000
- Crocodile: US $ 4000
- Cape Buffalo: US $ 4500
- Lion: US $ 45000
- Leopard: US $ 12000
Conclusion: When considering a dangerous game hunting in Africa safari, be sure to explore Zambia, an untamed game hunting paradise has it all covered.
Author: PC van Wyk