Why Are Lions Hunted in Africa?

When it comes to big game hunting, hunting lion in Africa is always a favorite choice for hunters focusing on dangerous game animals. The reality is that when planning an African safari trip, the hunter is spoilt for choice in terms of African destinations, facilities, and additional available huntable species.

Lions are hunted in Africa to generate sufficient cash flow to protect the species from poachers. Big game hunting safaris generate billions of dollars annually in revenue. Lions are poached due to the ever-increasing demand from Asian countries for their skins, claws, teeth, and bones. Only mature lions older than six years are legally allowed to be hunted.

[DYNAMIC-BLOGTABLEOFCONTENT]

Which African Destination Has The Most Lions?

The highest population of “wild” lions is found in Tanzania, followed by Zimbabwe. South Africa has more lions than Zimbabwe, however, most are bred in captivity for “canned” lion hunting.

Is Canned Lion Hunting Legal in South Africa?

At present it is still legal to conduct “canned” lion hunts in South Africa. Rightly or wrongly, due to pressure from the international front, the South African government has announced that it plans to ban lions being bred in captivity to be hunted. There is, however, no specific time frame in this regard, and hunting lion in South Africa continues till today.

Hunting lion in Africa is based on “fair chase.” This means that trophy hunters and their professional hunters conduct the big game hunting safari in areas that are large enough to allow the free-range dangerous game animals an opportunity to escape. There are no fences.

The Top Three Lion Hunting Safari Destinations in Africa

Tanzania

• While exceptionally expensive, Tanzania is the number one lion hunting safari destination due to the high quality of service, facilities, and the number of lions that inhabit this beautiful country. Tanzania has a remarkable history of producing world-class and memorable big game hunting safaris.
• Lion hunts take place from Selous to Masailand. Tanzanian lions are renowned for the quality of their manes, while the maneless lions in the south of Tanzania have a fearsome reputation for showing little or no fear of humans. The hunter will often become the hunted!
• A minimum 21-day hunting license is required to hunt lions in Tanzania.
• Famous Tanzanian big game hunters include Frederick Courtney Selous and Harry Selby. Hunting in Tanzania certainly is a luxury and a privilege for those fortunate enough to enjoy an African big game safari in this number one ranked destination.

Mozambique

• Mozambique is certainly one of the top three destinations for hunting lion in Africa, with Mozambique still classified as mostly wild and untouched. In Mozambique, a lion hunting safari can be conducted at night using artificial light.
• The Niassa province in the northern areas is famous for producing quality lion hunting trophies. A big game safari for lion hunting in Mozambique has a minimum time frame of 14 days and can be extended to 21 days.
• When lion hunting in Mozambique, check with the outfitter regarding the availability of other dangerous and plains game. Buffalo hunting in Mozambique is also a favorite activity when big game hunting and Mozambique regularly produces old “dagga boys” over 44-inches.

Zimbabwe

• Zimbabwe has an abundance of lions, perfect for any African big game safari. Matetsi is the most popular destination of choice for hunting lions in Zimbabwe due to the abundance of wildlife, including elephants, buffalo, and numerous species of plains game.
• When booking your big game hunting safari in Zimbabwe, ensure that your professional hunter and outfitter are registered with SOAZ (Safari Operators Association of Zimbabwe). Only residents may operate in Zimbabwe.
• Hunting in Zimbabwe is highly recommended. However, be sure to plan your Africa hunts with a reputable outfitter and booking agent because, in recent years, the Zimbabwe hunting industry has been tarnished a little due to corruption, problems with permits, etc.
• Zimbabwe professional hunters are some of the best trained in Africa, with qualifications taking a minimum period of two years.

The pie chart below indicates the number of wild lions within reserves within our top three African lion hunting destinations, showing solid lion populations of approximately 18,000 individual animals.

Care to read some personal experiences of dangerous game hunting, and specifically lion hunting? Read more about a recent lioness hunt or lion hunt here.