Wild Lion Hunting in Mozambique, Niassa Region
Booking Season: 2026
Hunt Difficulty: Difficult
Designed by Hunters, for Hunters
When it comes to big game hunting, nothing says big game quite like targeting the king of the jungle, or in the case of Africa, king of the bushveld! The African lion (Panthera Leo) is a prized member of Africa’s Big 5 and Dangerous 7 and shooting a lion is often seen as a rite of passage for many hunters. Lions are found throughout sub-Saharan Africa and are a prized and sought-after game hunting trophy. Weighing around 330-570 pounds, a lion’s habitat can range from thick bush to dry thorn forests, and even open plains. The hunting season in Mozambique runs annually from 01 April to 30 November, with the best time for Mozambique hunting safaris being from April to September. Expect to see and experience Africa at its best, as Mozambique’s hunting safaris take you to the Africa of old, with plenty of animals, diverse vegetation, and the feel of a true game hunting experience!
Lion hunting in Mozambique produces some great game hunting trophies, with the best hunting areas including the Marromeu Complex as well as the Niassa Reserve. Lion hunting in Mozambique can also take place at night, under artificial lighting, increasing the excitement of this hunt tenfold!
Lion hunting in Mozambique only allows the targeting of lions over their main breeding age, at around 6 years old and these hunting safaris usually form a 21-day hunting adventure in this popular hunting destination. African lions are classified as “vulnerable” according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature.
Shot Placement while Lion Hunting in Mozambique
Mozambique hunting safaris targeting this mighty predator usually see them hunted by bait. Baiting involves hanging bait in a tree, just high enough that it can still be reached by the lion, but out of the way of other scavengers. A scent trail is created before the bait is hung by a vehicle dragging the carcass across the bush. A temporary hide is then built, and the hunters lie in wait for the animal to come and feed. Tracking and a walk-and-stalk approach may be used in some instances, but the main method of lion hunting in Mozambique is baiting.
Lion hunts are both exciting and challenging! Shot placement knowledge and correct application when firing the first shot is vital for the hunter to survive the lion hunting safari. Lions, when wounded or highly annoyed are extremely dangerous, so make that first shot count and drop it in its tracks! There is no real “best shot” when it comes to lion game hunting safaris, but rather a series of shot placement options that will differ according to the conditions, the distance between the hunter and the kill zones, as well as the angles.
Shot placement options when lion hunting in Mozambique can include: The Broadside Shot When taking the broadside shot, the hunter is looking to hit the lion hard straight into the heart resulting in a quick and humane kill. When the lion is standing broadside, the heart will sit just behind the lion’s front leg, just above the elbow joint. The broadside shot on a lion is one that the PH will suggest is taken, if appropriate. Quartering away from the Hunter When on your lion hunting adventure, it may be facing away from you. In this instance, shot placement would be where the root of the tail joins the body. This is not a shot that your PH will suggest you take due to a small target and the associated risk. Quartering towards the Hunter When the lion is quartering towards the hunter, the lion will be facing the hunter at a slight angle. The perfect shot will be aimed at the base of the lion’s neck where it meets the shoulder. The bullet will go through into the heart and lungs of the lion and will be deadly. The Fleeing Shot This shot placement is not what your PH will recommend as a first shot, only as a follow-up. If the lion has been wounded due to a poorly placed first shot and is facing away from you, this shot severing his spine can be taken which will cripple the lion. The Frontal Shot The African lion has a broad chest resulting in a large target area. This shot will be recommended by your PH. A perfectly placed bullet in this position will hit the heart and lungs and will be humane and deadly.
What Caliber Rifle is Used for Lion Hunting in Mozambique?
The legal requirement for an African hunt targeting lions is a .375 caliber. A .416 Rigby or a double rifle like a 470NE or 500NE are good choices when lion hunting in Mozambique and soft expanding tips will work well. Other options for a lion hunting safari include a .458 or a .458 Lott. Either way, when lion hunting, use a rifle with which you are familiar and comfortable and which has good stopping power on your lion hunting adventure.
When it comes to lion hunting in Africa, Mozambique delivers one of the last true frontiers of free-range, wild-lion tracking. This isn’t fenced-in game or farmed genetics, this is real Africa. Big, open terrain. Remote concessions. And apex predators that rule the bush with zero compromise.
For experienced hunters chasing the ultimate big cat, Mozambique offers raw opportunity, unmatched authenticity, and the kind of experience that puts legacy in your trophy room.
Mozambique is a top-tier lion hunting destination, period. With over 120 hunting concessions and a deep-rooted conservation culture, it provides a vast, natural habitat where lions roam free and hunt by instinct.
Here’s why Mozambique matters:
This is where you go if you’re serious about lion hunting in Africa, no shortcuts, no staging, just straight-up predator pursuit in its purest form.
These areas aren’t just beautiful, they’re purpose-built by nature for lion hunts. The bush is thick, the pressure is low, and the cats are out there. It’s your job to earn the shot.
Lion hunting in Mozambique is all about fair chase. You’ll rely on traditional tracking, baiting, and long hours of patient, tactical bush work.
Patience, preparation, and presence of mind are everything. These hunts aren’t guaranteed—and that’s exactly why they matter.
To ethically and effectively bring down a lion, serious firepower is required.
Shot placement is critical. This isn’t a volume game, it’s a precision encounter. Front shoulder or slightly quartering-away shots are preferred for maximum penetration and safety.
The lion hunting season in Mozambique runs from April to November, with the best months between May and August. These are the dry season windows, lower grass, easier tracking, and higher predator movement.
Night-time bait checks, early-morning tracks, and long, hot days in blinds are standard. Bring discipline and bush stamina, it’ll pay off when the right male finally steps into frame.
Game Hunting Safaris offers custom-curated lion hunting packages designed for success, comfort, and ethical adventure. Here’s what you can expect:
Expect 21-day hunts for lion, often paired with Cape buffalo or leopard for a classic dangerous game trifecta.
Lion hunting in Mozambique operates under CITES and DINAF regulations, ensuring every hunt contributes to conservation funding and anti-poaching initiatives. Quotas are strictly limited, and permits are monitored to ensure long-term sustainability.
Ethical lion hunting supports rural communities, protects the species through managed population control, and provides income that secures vast swathes of wilderness from illegal encroachment.
Lion hunting in Africa is the pinnacle of big game hunting. Mozambique gives you the land, the freedom, and the chance to pursue lions as they were meant to be hunted—wild, wary, and unbending. If you’re ready for the real deal, we’ll guide you from first step to final roar.
Don’t just chase lions, hunt them where it still matters. Mozambique is calling.
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