For many, the dream of hunting dangerous game in Africa is just that: A Dream. But for those fortunate enough to realize the dream, a land of diverse hunting destinations and opportunities awaits.
African game hunting safaris take many shapes and forms. From a traditional beginner hunt such as an African plains game adventure with impala to specialty night hunts targeting, amongst other species, honey badgers, hyenas, and leopards, or even onto the mega dangerous members of Africa’s Big 5 and Dangerous 7, Africa is a continent alive with a thrilling and diverse wildlife population.
Africa’s dangerous game hunting consists of the most deadly and dangerous animals to target on an African hunting safari. These include the notorious Big 5, namely the African elephant, lion, leopard, elephant, and rhino, with the hippo and Nile crocodile making up the final numbers of the Dangerous 7. Every member of Africa’s Big 5 and Dangerous 7 will not think twice about attacking and killing any member of the hunting party should they feel threatened or afraid. In fact, some, like the Nile crocodile, will be happy to take you out just to pass the time of day…
But, without a doubt, the pinnacle of dangerous game hunting is Africa’s king of the jungle (or bushveld in this case!), the mighty African lion. For many game hunting enthusiasts, the successful hunting of this majestic beast is a rite of passage in the hunting world and therefore a sought-after African game hunting trophy.
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The African Lion: Facts & Stats
At A Glance
Scientific Name: Panthera leo
Male Lion weight: 330-575 pounds
Lioness weight: 270-400 pounds
Range: sub-Saharan, Southern & Eastern Africa
The African lion is an apex predator that enjoys a range of habitats across the African continent, including open plains, thick bush, and even dry thorn forests. Lion hunting is dangerous, exciting, and an adrenaline adventure second to none, but is also certainly not for the faint-hearted, ill-prepared, or novice, African hunter. Hunting lions in Africa requires skill, precision, patience – and exceptional shot placement!
The African lion is the continent’s largest cat, and weighs around 330-575 pounds, while a lioness tops the scales at 270-400 pounds. A male can reach up to 10 feet from the tip of his nose to the end of his tail. Although the lioness is smaller than her male counterpart, she is a formidable partner in crime and renowned for her aggression and superb hunting skills.
Hunting Habits
One of Africa’s apex predators, the African lion is a dangerous and cunning killing machine. Armed with a set of razor-sharp claws, combined with 30 pearly whites (sharp as a surgeon’s blade!), the lion is ready and able to enjoy its prey. Skilled in the art of camouflage, this carnivore feasts on a variety of African prey, including wildebeest, impala, Cape buffalo, giraffes, and zebras. They also nibble on smaller prey such as mice, rats, tortoises, and even snakes.
The truth is, that the male has very little to do with the hunting of prey, and it is a task that is rather left to the female of the species, the lioness. Lionesses are, without a doubt, the better hunters of the pair. Not only do they reach speeds that are around 30% faster than those of their male counterparts, but their agility, intelligence, and strength see them rated as one of the top African predators.
While the top three lion hunting destinations include Tanzania, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique, lion hunts are undertaken throughout the African continent.
Permits & Status
The International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) lists the status of the African lion as vulnerable.
A CITES permit is required to hunt the African lion.
Destinations
Lion hunts in Africa are available throughout the continent, including South Africa, Mozambique, Tanzania, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Botswana, and Cameroon. Let’s closely examine each destination and what makes it unique for lion hunts.
South Africa
South Africa’s hunting season runs the entire year, but the best time to enjoy hunting lion is during the drier winter months (June, July, and August). The grass in the veld is shorter, allowing the hunter an easier time spotting this apex predator. The winter season also ensures fewer critters, such as ticks and mosquitoes, while lion hunting in South Africa.
Hunting lion in South Africa is an unforgettable African big game experience, with popular locations including Limpopo, Northwest, and Mpumalanga provinces. Both males and females are available for lion hunting in South Africa, and the country offers two types of hunting lions, namely canned or free-range lion hunts. Canned lion hunts are, in fact, a rather controversial topic and are now being banned in South Africa, but are still available at the moment, at a lesser price than a free-range hunt.
Canned lions are captive-bred lions that are bred for the purpose of lion hunts and are hunted in a fenced area. Canned lion hunts are coming to an end, with the South African government pulling the plug on these hunting safaris. Read more about canned lion hunting in this country in a blog post entitled Hunting Lion in South Africa: “The Canned Lion” Debate.
Mozambique
Mozambique is renowned as one of the top African destinations to enjoy a lion hunting safari.
The area allows hunters to experience the best that Africa has to offer, with exceptional game hunting trophies available to hunt from 01 April – 30 November. A lion hunt features animals over the age of 6 years of age.
Mozambique offers extra variety in terms of a lion hunt, allowing these majestic beasts to be hunted at night, under artificial lighting. Hunting lions in Mozambique forms part of a 21-day safari, with popular lion hunting areas including the Marromeu Complex as well as the Niassa Reserve.
Tanzania
Tanzania’s hunting season runs from the beginning of July to the end of March, with the quality of the game hunting trophies making it one of the best, if not the best, destination for lion hunting worldwide. To hunt lions in Tanzania, they need to be older than 6 years, and a 21-day hunting permit is required.
From the remote Selous region to Maisaland, the lion hunting in Tanzania is exceptional! The country is famous for its maneless lions in the south, while western Tanzania is renowned for large, trophy black-maned lions.
Namibia
Namibia is a fantastic and diverse dangerous game hunting destination, with the hunting season in the country running from February to November. The peak season for hunting in Namibia is during the drier winter months of June, July, and August.
A CITES permit is required to hunt lions in Namibia, with the Zambezi region (formerly Caprivi Strip) and the northern part of the country, near Etosha, being the most popular locations to enjoy lion hunting.
Zimbabwe
The sheer numbers of lions in Zimbabwe make the destination a sought-after one, and it is renowned as a rich and diverse wildlife destination. Due to the abundance of wildlife throughout the area, lion hunts are undertaken throughout the country.
Lion hunting safaris are not allowed to be enjoyed at night, and these dangerous game hunting safaris are however allowed 30 minutes before sunrise and continued to 30 minutes after sunset.
Lion hunting in Zimbabwe happens throughout the year, with the best hunting season happening midyear, in the drier winter months.
Zambia
Zambia’s Luangwa Valley is renowned as an African big game hunting location and is home to elephants, crocs, hippos, and the lion. A lion hunting safari usually takes 18 days using the baiting method.
The best time to engage in a hunting safari is during the region’s dry season which runs from June through to October. The country doesn’t allow night hunting or hunting under artificial lights.
Botswana
Botswana provides game hunters with an exciting and enthralling dangerous game hunting destination, with the country’s hunting season running from the beginning of April to the end of September.
Botswana’s habitat is perfect for this apex predator, combining an arid region (Kalahari Desert), as well as grassy plains and lush vegetation in the country’s Okavango Delta.
Once again, a CITES permit is required for lion hunting in Botswana.
Cameroon
Although lion hunts are legal in Cameroon, their quotas and permits have been drastically reduced in recent years. Lion hunting in Cameroon is seen as being quite a challenge, and these majestic mammals are known to be extremely difficult to bait.
The best location for lion hunting in Cameroon is in the north of the country, and only lions that are older than 6 years may be targeted on a lion hunt.
Lion Hunts in Africa: Methods & Shot Placement
Lion hunting in Africa is a thrilling, dangerous, and exciting African big game hunting safari! Nothing beats the feeling of stalking this king of the jungle…until you realize that he has turned the tables and is now stalking you! And yes, this is known to happen, so constant vigilance is key!
Lions are generally hunted in two main ways during an African big game hunting adventure:
Baiting
Baiting involves hanging an animal from a tree, just high enough off the ground to discourage other predators or would-be thieves, but still keep the interest of your hunting target. African plains game generally used as bait includes the impala, wildebeest, zebra, and even hippos.
Prior to hanging the bait, a scent trail is established by dragging the carcass across the bush.
A hide is built from which the hunter and PH will lie in wait for the lion to start feeding on the baited meat.
Spot and Stalk
Lion hunting in Africa requires patience, persistence, and some good walking boots. Once a lion track is spotted and the tracker determines that it is a fresh one, the hunting party will set out on foot to track this apex predator. The walk can take the hunting party through several miles of bushveld, savannas, and grasslands, so be prepared.
In some African countries, hunting lions with hounds is practiced. Speak to your local African outfitter for further information.
When it comes to shot placement, do your homework and ensure that you are properly prepared for this dangerous game hunting safari. Know the anatomy of your Learn more about shot placement for a lion hunting safari in this blog post: “Shot Placement, The Pressure, and The Pinnacle Moment.”
What Caliber Rifle Should I Use for My Lion Hunt?
When it comes to dangerous game hunting in Africa, the legal requirement for lion hunting in Africa is a .375 caliber.
Other rifles that will get the job done well are a .416 Rigby or a double rifle like a 470NE or 500NE are good choices, while other hunters may prefer something like a.458 or a .458 Lott. When on a lion hunt, use a rifle with good stopping power and one that you are comfortable and familiar with. Be sure to use premium-grade ammunition.
Mounting Options For Your African Lion Trophy
immortalize your game hunting trophy into a mount. There are various mounting styles available to suit your budget and taste, but I must admit that, in my opinion, the King of the African Jungle looks amazing as a full-body mounting option!
Full-Body Mount
This utilises the entire lion, including the legs, body, and head to create a lifelike representation of the entire predator. This is also the most common of the mounting types for the lion.
Shoulder Mount
Here only the African cat’s head and neck are used for the mount. This compact option is popular and easy to display, where the lion’s facial features, mane and expression are recreated to bring it to life.
European Skull Mount
This mounting option allows for the apex predator’s skull to be cleaned, bleached, and mounted on a wooden plaque, incorporating the lion’s head and paws.
Rug Mount
The lion’s hide is preserved and used to create a decorative and impressive rug. This type of mounting option is often used in hunting accommodations to “set an African scene” and is used purely as a floor covering or wall hanging.
Custom Creations
Should you prefer and your taxidermist is willing, you can work together with them to ensure a one-of-a-kind custom-designed mount. These options can include items such as a specific creative display or a diorama. Ensure that your chosen taxidermist has the necessary experience to bring your vision to life.
Lion Hunts in Africa: The Thrill of the Chase
This is not a hunt for a novice, but rather an experienced hunter with precise shot placement skills, patience, and experience who can handle the pressure this African hunt brings!
The African lion is a fierce, dangerous, and deadly opponent to consider for dangerous game hunting in Africa. One swipe of its mighty paw is enough to take a man down – permanently. African lion hunts allow the hunter the opportunity to challenge this apex predator on its home turf, where the only thing that matters is that exact moment in time: The thrill of the chase, the perfect shot, and the prized lion hunt trophy.
Are you up to the challenge?
Read more about lion hunts in Africa with two enthralling blogs, one hunting a lion and the other a lioness. Read about the targeting of a lioness in “My lion hunting safari” or a lion that was hunted in South Africa in “Dangerous Game Hunting in Africa.”
Author: B. Hershensohnn