Experiencing the thrill of the chase and the adrenaline of the hunt has never been quite as true as when hunting in Tanzania. This untamed African destination provides the best of the best in terms of African hunting destinations: From free-range hunts to unusual species, as well as a true African hunt of old, Tanzania proves tops. And one of the top-rated hunting destinations within Tanzania is the Lunda Nkwambi GCA…Find out more about this diverse hunting destination.
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Key Takeaways
- Tanzania is a prime destination to enjoy African hunting safaris and experience authentic African hunts.
- The country has numerous hunting grounds across the country.
- Dangerous, African plains game, and specialty game options are available on Tanzanian hunting safaris.
- The Lunda Nkwambi GCA is in Western Tanzania and offers hunters a true African hunting experience.
- This game hunting area can be reached by traveling to Dodoma, after which a road transfer of around 3.5 hours will see you arriving at the Lunda Nkwambi hunting grounds.
- Both African plains game and dangerous game can be hunted there.
- This hunting ground offers hunters challenging but rewarding African hunting safaris.
Hunting in Tanzania
For hunters wanting a unique and memorable African hunt, hunting in Tanzania is the ideal choice. Hunting in this sought-after destination may not be the most cost-effective game hunting expedition, but it remains a prime hunting location, offering exceptional quality trophies, world-class safaris and an unrivalled, true African hunting experience.
Hunting in this diverse destination ticks all the boxes for hunting enthusiasts, offering a variety of landscapes, species, hunting methods, and experiences, resulting in a memorable safari with exceptional trophies. The country’s range of landscapes, from the extensive plains of the famous Serengeti to the dense forests of Ngorongoro Crater, offers varied game hunting experiences, challenges, and rewards. Tanzania has strict hunting laws and regulations in place, ensuring fair, ethical, and sustainable hunting practices. A portion of the proceeds from hunting safaris is used to help fund conservation programs initiated to protect wildlife, and adds another reason to enjoy hunting in Tanzania.
A popular area to consider for your Tanzania hunting safari, is Lunda Nkwambi, in western Tanzania.
Hunting Permits & Regulations in Tanzania
Hunting in Tanzania is a dream for many avid hunters. But as with any destination worldwide, rules and regulations must be adhered to:
- Hunting season in Tanzania runs from 01 July – 31 December.
- You require hunting licenses to hunt in Tanzania. These licenses are available as 10,16- or 21-days licenses.
- These licenses are available through the Tanzania Wildlife Management Authority (TAWA)
- You may only hunt animals that are listed on your license, and the license must be in your name.
- All hunters need to be 18 years or older to enjoy a Tanzania hunting safari.
- If your hunt is shorter than the permit period, you still require the relevant permit. For example, if your hunt is 7 days, you will need a 10-day permit.
- All Tanzanian hunting safaris involve a government scout to ensure that there aren’t any laws broken. Once the hunt has been completed, the license is signed.
- If the hunt is cleared, plans will be started for the trophy process.
- Trophy hunting must be completed during daylight hours.
- Hunting from a vehicle is not permitted, and a hunter must be at least 200 yards from the vehicle before firing.
- Using bait for lions and leopards is allowed if the bait is licensed.
- The minimum caliber for a dangerous game hunting safari is a .375
The Lunda Nkwambi GCA
The Lunda Nkwambi GCA (Game Control Area) is a hunting area situated in Western Tanzania. It is renowned for its vast wilderness, perfect for free-range hunting, along with its rich biodiversity and wide range of game species and the exceptional trophy quality. Seen as one of Tanzania’s top hunting areas, the Lunda Nkwambi GCA caters for both African plains game and dangerous game hunting safaris.
Size & Location
Located in Western Tanzania, the Lunda Nkwambi GCA offers hunters over 405 square miles (+-260,000 acres) of free-range hunting grounds. The area is remote, adding to the authenticity of a true African hunt.
Landscape & Terrain
The region includes savannas, woodlands, and river systems, offering hunters the experience of hunting in pristine wilderness areas, in an unfenced, free-range safari. The region supports a wide range of habitats, ensuring that an array of wildlife call the area home and thrive in Lunda Nkwambi.
The terrain at Lunda Nkwambi greatly influences the hunting experience, making it both challenging and rewarding:
- Free-Range Hunting: The area is largely unfenced, so animals roam freely around. This allows hunters to experience free-range hunting at its best and challenges their ability to stalk prey undetected.
- Diverse landscapes ensures multiple habitats where numerous and varied species thrive. This diversity ensures that hunters must change and adapt strategies depending on the terrain and species they encounter and wish to hunt.
- Physically Fit: The terrain varies, from open savannas to dense woodlands, all of which require a hunter to be in good shape and physically fit as they navigate the terrain and stalk their prey.
- River Systems & Water: The region is home to rivers and waterholes, and while it is great that wildlife may concentrate around them during the dry season, it also means that hunters may have some difficult terrain to navigate near water, including slippery or wet river banks or areas.
- The terrain and landscapes allow natural cover and camouflage for the wildlife, challenging the hunter’s ability to both spot and stalk the animal undetected. This not only increases the challenge but ultimately increases the rewards of a successful hunting safari.
Available Species
The landscape, terrain, and ecosystems of Lunda Nkwambi support a variety of both dangerous and African plains game species. The area is home to 70% of Tanzania’s huntable species.
Species on Lunda Nkwambi include:
- African Plains Game: Greater and Lesser Kudu, Roan, Sable, Eland (Livingston’s and Patterson’s), Grant’s Gazelle, Lichtenstein’s and Coke’s Hartebeest, Puku, Chobe Bushbuck, Kirk’s Dik-Dik, Gerenuk, Steenbok, and more.
- Dangerous Game: Hippo, Lion, Leopard, Cape Buffalo and Nile Crocodile
Hunting Methods
Hunting in Tanzania generally favors the traditional walk-and-stalk hunting methods, allowing hunters to experience a true African hunt, using their stalking skills to close in on their prey. With this free-range hunting area, a hunter’s skills are tested to the limit, offering great challenges but also immense rewards in hunting grounds that are considered exceptional, offering a wide array of species, quality trophies, and a testing hunt in varying conditions….what more can a hunter want from an African hunting safari?
Why Consider a Tanzanian Hunting Safari in this GCA?
- The area is renowned for its exceptional trophy quality, for both African plains game and dangerous game species.
- Lunda Nkwambi offers vast areas of untamed wilderness, the perfect backdrop for experiencing a true African hunt.
- The area boasts diverse habitats where a wide range of species thrive.
- These diverse habitats and landscapes test a hunter to adapt to varying conditions, ensuring a challenging safari with great rewards.
- Tanzanian hunting safaris utilize highly professional and experienced Professional Hunters (PH), guides, trackers and other staff, ensuring a positive and pleasant African hunting safari.
Traveling to Lunda Nkwambi
Hunters wishing to hunt in Lunda Nkwambi should land at either Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam or Kilimanjaro International Airport.
Hunters then depart from one of the two airports, using Precision Air, and land in Dodoma. Upon arrival in Dodoma, a final road transfer of around 3 ½ hours will see hunters arrive at the hunting grounds.
There is one last option, namely a chartered flight departing either Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam or Kilimanjaro International Airport, touching down directly in Lunda Nkwambi. This option is obviously more expensive but allows a shorter travel time to the hunting grounds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are you allowed to hunt in Tanzania?
Yes, hunting is allowed in Tanzania, with the official hunting season running annually from 01 July – 31 December.
Can I hunt big game in Tanzania?
Yes, Tanzania is home to many big game species, including members of the Big 5, including the Lion, Leopard, Elephant, and Cape Buffalo. Large antelope and other plains game species are also seen as big game, and these include antelopes such as the Greater and Lesser Kudu, Eland, Oryx, and Waterbuck, amongst others.
Do I require a permit to hunt in Tanzania?
Yes, hunting permits are required. These permits are issued by the Tanzania Wildlife Management Authority (TAWA) and are divided into three different categories, namely regular 10, 16, and 21-day hunting permits.
Does Tanzania allow night hunting?
No night hunting in Tanzania is undertaken, it is illegal. All hunting in Tanzania needs to occur during daylight hours. This includes 30 minutes before sunrise and 30 minutes after sunset.
Which animals make up Africa’s Big 5?
Africa’s Big 5 species consists of the Rhino, Leopard, Lion, Cape Buffalo and Elephant, and are seen as Africa’s most dangerous animals to hunt on foot.
What is the most dangerous member of the Big 5 to hunt?
While many hunters consider the leopard to be the most dangerous, it is largely agreed that the Cape buffalo ticks the boxes as the most dangerous Big 5 species to hunt. Known for its largely unpredictable nature, aggressive and grumpy attitude, this 2,000-pound wall of muscle is not to be messed with. In fact, its nicknames of “Africa’s Black Death” and “The Widow Maker” reference its killing ability.
What rifle is required to hunt dangerous game in Tanzania?
When hunting the Big 5 or other dangerous game, a minimum of a .375 is required.
Can I hunt dangerous game on Lunda Nkambi?
Yes, members of Africa’s Big 5 can be hunted on the GCA, including the Lion, Leopard, Elephant, and Cape Buffalo.
Conclusion
Lunda Nkwambi hunting block remains a choice destination for those hunters wanting a unique and unforgettable hunting adventure. Offering hunters a classic, free-range African hunt in one of Tanzania’s most popular hunting areas, the combination of the area’s size, trophies, biodiversity and professional management teams makes hunting in Lunda Nkwambi a must for serious hunters wanting a new challenge.