Zambia is a popular destination for game hunting in Africa. Its abundant and diverse wildlife species, and the opportunity to hunt in vast, untamed wilderness areas are major drawcards to enjoy a Zambia hunting safari. The country is divided into many Game Management Areas (GMA), private reserves, concessions, and conservancies, with one of these being the famed Nkala GMA.

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Key Takeaways

• Zambia is a sought-after game hunting destination for both dangerous and African plains game species.
• It is renowned for its vast wilderness areas, allowing hunters to experience an authentic African hunt of old.
• Zambia is known for its well-managed hunting industry, where hunting and conservation work hand-in-hand to ensure the continuation of the species and renewal of habitat for future generations.
• The Nkala GMA is a popular hunting concession in central Zambia, sharing a border with the famous Kafue National Park.
• This area has been free from hunting for 6 years and is 180,000 acres of prime hunting ground just waiting to be explored.
• The Nkala GMS boasts an array of species, including both dangerous and African plains game.

Zambia: A Popular Game Hunting Destination

A landlocked country in central Africa, Zambia is a 290,587 square mile gem just waiting to be discovered! It is home to large wilderness areas, with an abundance of game species to harvest.

Zambia has grown in popularity as a game hunting destination and remains a popular option when hunting in Africa due to:
• Hunting in Zambia remains closely regulated to ensure the sustainability of species.
• Hunting and conservation go hand-in-hand in this hunting mecca, with proceeds from hunting (including hunting licenses and trophy fees) put into conservation projects, anti-poaching initiatives, and community development projects.
• The community benefits for those in a GMA are vast, including employment opportunities, infrastructural development such as roads, schools, and healthcare clinics. 
• It offers hunters the opportunity to target the area’s rare and endemic species that are great trophies, such as Kafue Lechwe, Black Lechwe, and the Zambezi Sitatunga.
• Many of Zambia’s hunting concessions take hunters back to the Africa of old, with large, unfenced hunting regions that offer exceptional trophy specimens in a wild and untamed hunting destination.
• Zambia offers quality African plains game and dangerous game trophies, with four of the Big 5 species (Cape Buffalo, Lion, Leopard, and Elephant) being available to hunt.

Zambia’s Hunting Areas

Zambia’s hunting areas are broken down into roughly 36 Game Management Areas (GMA) and privately owned concessions and conservancies.

The GMAs are community-owned land areas managed in partnership with the Zambian Wildlife Authority (ZAWA) and act as buffer zones around Zambia’s 20 National Parks. These GMAs support regulated hunting activities and conservation efforts, with local communities involved and represented by community representatives that co-manage wildlife and receive a share of hunting revenues.

In contrast, privately owned concessions and conservancies in Zambia are private areas set aside for hunting and are often unfenced, allowing hunters a different African hunt than those experienced in GMAs.

The Nkala GMA

Size & Location

The Nkala GMA is found in the Namwala District, in Itezhi-Tezhi, central Zambia. It is situated on the eastern border of Zambia’s oldest national and largest park, the Kafue National Park, with the region being home to an abundant and diverse range of wildlife species in the 180,000-acre concession.

Terrain & Vegetation

Hunting in this unfenced concession is challenging, with the terrain and landscape affording hunters many testing moments. The landscape is varied, incorporating areas of mixed savanna grasslands that allow for the easy spotting of game, while marshy regions provide a hospitable habitat for animals such as the Sitatunga that thrive in marshy conditions. Dense vegetation, including mixed deciduous thickets and forests, as well as Kalahari woodland vegetation, provides the perfect backdrop and camouflage for wildlife; while the waterholes remain a flurry of activity, with an array of both birds and animals frequenting them.

Species to Consider when on a Zambia Hunting Safari in Nkala

Nkala is renowned for its large diversity and abundance of wildlife in the region. Most notably, four of Africa’s Big 5 are available to hunt, with only the rhino not being available to harvest. There are only two places worldwide where legal rhino hunts can be arranged, and those are Namibia and South Africa.

Speaking of the Big 5, one of the trademark species of the area is its large Cape Buffalo herds that roam freely. Aptly referred to as “Africa’s Black Death,” the Cape Buffalo is an aggressive, stubborn, and cunning adversary, and makes for a challenging and testing Zambia hunting safari.

Nkala has a decent-sized population of both Leopards and Lions, resulting in the region being a prime destination for hunting African cats in Zambia, while Elephant hunting on the concession is also popular.

Completing the dangerous game offering in Nkala are the remaining members of the Dangerous 7, namely the Nile Crocodile and Hippo. These two are often hunted together, with Nkala sporting large populations of both species. The area has many rivers and marshy areas, providing the perfect habitat for these species.

While hunting in the Nkala region, hunters are often attracted by the rare and unusual species, including the Defassa Waterbuck, Grant’s Zebra, Puku, and Oribi, all of which make striking additions to any trophy room.

Why is the Nkala GMA Such a Sought-After Hunting Location?

• As of 2025, this concession has not been hunted in for more than 6 years, and is truly an untamed wilderness just waiting to be explored!
• It offers hunters a unique hunting adventure with a selection of terrain and landscapes to test their skills and challenge their senses.
• Hunters can experience an authentic African hunt, with free-range hunting conditions in this large concession.
• The area is alive with a large variety of game, from diverse African plains game to Africa’s Big 5 and Dangerous 7 and has an abundance and a large selection of game species.

What Hunting Methods are utilized when Hunting in Nkala?

Nkala is home to a diverse range of animal species, resulting in different hunting methods being used:
• For dangerous game such as the Lion and Leopard, hunting methods include baiting and hunting from blinds.
• Trophies such as the Cape buffalo see the spot-and-stalk or walk-and-stalk methods being used.
• For the aquatic members of the Dangerous 7, namely the hippo and Nile crocodile, these challenging adversaries are sometimes approached in a traditional canoe called a “mokoro,” or the traditional spot-and-stalk method is used as hunters slowly creep and approach the species undetected along the river banks.

Tourist Attractions in Zambia

Zambia is a land rich in heritage, culture, adventure, and action, making it the perfect destination to enjoy as a single traveller, couple, or family. Check out the range of tourist activities available to enjoy:
• The Victoria Falls, or the “Smoke that thunders” as it is referred to by locals, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to some beautiful waterfalls. The Victoria Falls is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World and is well worth a visit. At 355 feet, these waterfalls are some of the tallest worldwide! For those wanting a bit more adventure, enjoy a helicopter flip over the falls or enjoy a dip in the Devil’s Pool, a natural rock pool formed on the Zambian side of the falls and affording visitors a mesmerizing view over the 355-foot waterfall drop.
• The Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park is the perfect stop for those travelling with children of all ages! It offers wildlife viewing, kid-friendly hikes, playgrounds, picnic areas, and safe, accessible facilities. It is also home to the iconic Victoria Falls and provides breathtaking scenery and photographic opportunities.
• The Kalimba Reptile Park is another popular choice for those traveling with families. Situated near Lusaka, the Reptile Park offers personal encounters with crocodiles, snakes, and tortoises. It ticks all the boxes for both a unique and educational experience and comes equipped with numerous playgrounds, picnic areas, and even a swimming pool to cool off after some exciting reptile experiences!
• For those wanting to see conservation up-close and personal, the Lusaka National Park, with its Wildlife Discovery Centre and elephant nursery, provides a rewarding and interactive experience for young and old. Emphasis is placed on conservation and learning in a fun and interactive manner.
• Enjoy the laid-back experience of slowly winding your way down the Zambezi River for a sunset dinner cruise, with hippos and crocodiles wallowing in the water and lazing on warm river banks providing great opportunities for some excellent photographic shots.
• Sharing its border with the Nkala concession, the Kafue National Park is Zambia’s oldest and largest park. Zambia’s national parks offer some exceptional game viewing, but it is the walking safaris that piqued my interest! This activity allows visitors to experience the African landscape and terrain by enjoying walking safaris in the bushveld. Other activities include night game drives, boat cruises and canoe safaris.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the Nkala Game Management Area located?

The Nkala GMA is in central Zambia and shares its eastern border with the world-renowned Kafue National Park.

Can you hunt within the Nkala GMA?

Yes, while hunting in Zambia, the Nkala GMA is one of the popular concessions offering hunting safaris in the region.

When is Zambia’s Hunting Season?

Zambia’s hunting season runs annually from 01 May to 31 December. Game hunting safaris are best in the dry season, which is from May to October. The dry season sees the animals tending to congregate near waterholes, making them easier targets for hunters, while the shorter surrounding vegetation allows game to be more easily spotted and targeted.

What is the minimum caliber rifle for dangerous game hunting in Zambia?

When targeting dangerous game, the minimum legal requirement is a .375 with a 300-grain bullet.

Conclusion

When considering hunting in Africa, Zambia is one of the continent’s most sought-after destinations, combining an abundant array of species, differing hunting territories, landscapes, and terrain to offer hunters a challenging Zambia hunting safari, while ticking all the boxes of an authentic African hunting adventure. Don’t miss out, take the time to enjoy a challenging reward of hunting in Nkala GMA.