Zambia Hunting Safari, big Leopards & Buffalo in Rufunsa
Booking Season: 2026
Hunt Difficulty: Difficult
Designed by Hunters, for Hunters
Accommodation is provided in comfortable permanent safari chalets situated on the banks of the Zambezi River, each featuring private en-suite bathroom facilities and modern amenities. After a day in the field, hunters can relax in the central dining area, enjoy excellent meals, and take in the views of one of Zambia's most iconic wilderness regions.
The Rufunsa concession is characterized by classic Lower Zambezi terrain, including mopane woodland, thick Jesse bush, river systems, and pockets of open grassland. These diverse habitats provide ideal conditions for Cape Buffalo and create the traditional free-range tracking experience for which Zambia is renowned.
| Fence Type: | Free-range |
| Nearest Airport Name: | Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (Lusaka, Zambia). |
For many American and international hunters, Buffalo Hunting in Zambia represents one of the last truly traditional dangerous game hunting experiences in Africa. Vast free-range concessions, low hunting pressure, and the opportunity to track Cape Buffalo on foot through wild country combine to create a safari that rewards patience, determination, and good fieldcraft.
This hunt takes place in the renowned Rufunsa Game Management Area within Zambia's Lower Zambezi ecosystem. With access to more than 2,000 square miles of wilderness and healthy buffalo populations, hunters can experience classic African dangerous game hunting in one of the country's most respected safari regions.
For hunters seeking an authentic Dangerous Game Hunt, few experiences compare to following fresh buffalo spoor through mopane woodland and thick Jesse bush in pursuit of a mature Cape Buffalo bull.
Price: US$22,800 (All Inclusive)
Duration: 7 Hunting Days / 8 Nights
Hunter Ratio: 1 Hunter : 1 Professional Hunter
Primary Species: Cape Buffalo
Location: Rufunsa GMA, Lower Zambezi Valley
Observer Rate: US$350 per person per day
Rifle Hire: US$50 per day (ammunition US$10 per round)
Additional Species: Plains game available at listed trophy fees
Buffalo hunting in Zambia is generally more expensive than in destinations such as South Africa or Namibia, largely due to government concession fees, hunting licence costs, remote operating areas, and the logistics required to conduct authentic free-range safaris. These factors contribute to the unique wilderness experience that has made Zambia one of Africa's most respected dangerous game destinations.
Unlike many lower-cost alternatives, a buffalo hunt in Zambia takes place in vast unfenced hunting areas where wildlife moves naturally across the landscape. For hunters seeking a traditional African safari experience, the combination of wild country, low hunting pressure, and genuine free-range hunting conditions often justifies the additional investment.
Daily Rates and Professional Hunter Services — US$10,500
Zambia Hunting Licence — US$900
Return Vehicle Transfers — US$2,000
Dip and Pack of Trophies — US$1,900
Cape Buffalo Trophy Fee — US$4,000
Government Concession Fees — US$3,500
The safari price includes all major hunting costs associated with the hunt. This transparent pricing structure allows hunters to accurately budget for their safari before arriving in Zambia.
This safari takes place in the Rufunsa Game Management Area (GMA), situated within Zambia's renowned Lower Zambezi ecosystem. Covering more than 2,000 square miles, Rufunsa forms part of one of Southern Africa's most productive wildlife regions and borders the Lower Zambezi National Park. Across the Zambezi River lies Zimbabwe's famous Chewore Safari Area, creating a vast wildlife landscape that supports exceptional populations of dangerous game and plains game species.
The terrain is characterized by classic mopane woodland, thick Jesse bush, river systems, and pockets of open country, providing ideal habitat for Cape Buffalo and a wide variety of other wildlife. These free-range hunting conditions allow buffalo to move naturally across the landscape, creating the traditional tracking experience that has made Cape Buffalo Hunts so highly regarded among dangerous game hunters.
Rufunsa is particularly well known for its strong Cape Buffalo populations, low hunting pressure, and authentic wilderness experience. In addition to buffalo, the area supports healthy populations of Kudu, Bushbuck, Sharpe's Grysbok, and other species commonly pursued on Plains Game Hunts. The concession is also recognized for exceptional Leopard Hunts, with many hunters returning specifically to pursue a mature tom leopard in the future.
The proximity of the Zambezi River also creates opportunities for Hippo Hunts and Crocodile Hunting Safaris, while anglers may wish to extend their stay to experience the world-class tiger fishing for which the river is famous. For hunters seeking a traditional African safari in genuinely wild country, Rufunsa remains one of Zambia's most respected hunting destinations.
Steven has extensive experience guiding dangerous game hunts throughout Zambia and operates across several of the country's most respected hunting areas, including Rufunsa, South Luangwa, Bangweulu, and Kafue. His knowledge of Zambia's wildlife, hunting concessions, and seasonal game movements allows hunters to benefit from local expertise developed over many years in the field.
As with all safaris offered through these areas, hunting is conducted according to fair-chase principles in free-range environments where wildlife moves naturally across vast wilderness concessions. In addition to Cape Buffalo Hunts, Steven regularly guides hunters pursuing Lion, Leopard, Sitatunga, Defassa Waterbuck, Cookson's Wildebeest, Lichtenstein's Hartebeest, Black Lechwe, Kafue Lechwe, and a variety of other sought-after African species.
For hunters seeking an authentic Zambian safari experience, Steven's experience across multiple ecosystems and dangerous game areas provides valuable insight and professional guidance throughout the hunt.
Accommodation is provided in a comfortable hunting lodge situated on the banks of the Zambezi River. Hunters stay in permanent chalets with private en-suite bathrooms and the modern amenities expected on a quality African hunting safari.
A central dining and entertainment area overlooks the river, providing a relaxed setting to unwind after a day in the field. Hunters can expect excellent meals, comfortable accommodation, Wi-Fi access, and an authentic safari atmosphere within one of Zambia's most scenic wilderness regions.
Cape Buffalo hunts in Rufunsa are conducted using the traditional track-and-stalk approach. Fresh spoor is located early each morning before hunters and their professional hunter begin tracking on foot through the concession. Depending on buffalo movement and conditions, this may involve several hours of walking through mopane woodland, thick Jesse bush, and riverine habitat in search of a mature bull.
Tracking Cape Buffalo is one of Africa's classic dangerous game hunting experiences. As the distance closes, hunters must remain alert and prepared, particularly when following buffalo into thicker cover where visibility can be limited. Patience, discipline, and good communication with your professional hunter are critical to success.
Shot placement is of vital importance on any Cape Buffalo hunt. The preferred shot is generally broadside, approximately one-third of the way up the shoulder, allowing the bullet to reach the heart and lungs. A wounded buffalo can be exceptionally dangerous, which is why your professional hunter will carefully guide every shot opportunity and recommend waiting for the correct angle.
Before arriving in camp, hunters should familiarize themselves with buffalo anatomy and understand the correct shot angles for dangerous game. Our Cape Buffalo Shot Placement Guide provides additional information on shot placement, bullet selection, and the realities of hunting one of Africa's most respected animals.
As the old saying goes, it takes one bullet to kill a Cape Buffalo and several more to convince him of that fact. When it comes to buffalo hunting, there is rarely such a thing as too much gun.
International hunters will typically arrive via Kenneth Kaunda International Airport in Lusaka, Zambia's primary international gateway. Many hunters choose to connect through Johannesburg, South Africa, before continuing on to Lusaka with their firearms and hunting equipment.
Included in the safari price are return road transfers between Lusaka and the Rufunsa concession. The journey generally takes approximately 5 hours each way, depending on road conditions. For hunters wishing to reduce travel time, a private charter flight can be arranged, reducing the journey to approximately 40 minutes.
International hunters will generally require the following documentation when applying for entry into Zambia:
Visa requirements can change periodically, so hunters should confirm current entry requirements with the nearest Zambian embassy or consulate before travelling.
A valid Yellow Fever vaccination certificate may be required depending on your country of origin and travel route. Zambia is also a malaria area, and hunters should consult their physician regarding suitable preventative medication before departure.
Ensuring that routine vaccinations such as tetanus are up to date is recommended before travelling to Africa. Many hunters also carry a general antibiotic prescribed by their physician, particularly when undertaking long international journeys and remote wilderness safaris.
Cape Buffalo hunting is physically demanding and often involves covering significant distances on foot while tracking game through challenging terrain. Arriving well-rested, hydrated, and in reasonable physical condition will help ensure you get the most from your safari experience.
While Cape Buffalo remains the primary focus of this safari, hunters may have the opportunity to pursue additional plains game species during the hunt, subject to available time and quota. Rufunsa has long been recognized for producing quality trophies and offers excellent opportunities for several sought-after African antelope species.
Popular additions include Kudu Hunting (US$3,000), Eland Hunts (US$4,500), and the opportunity to pursue one of Africa's most impressive antelope species, a mature Roan Antelope (US$7,500). These species are encountered within the same free-range wilderness environment that has made Rufunsa one of Zambia's most respected hunting concessions.
Additional trophy fees apply to any animals harvested and should be discussed with the outfitter prior to the safari.
Buffalo hunting in Zambia takes place during the country's regulated hunting season, which generally runs from May through December. Many hunters prefer the cooler months between May and August, when temperatures are more comfortable and tracking conditions are often at their best.
Cape Buffalo quotas in Zambia are strictly controlled and limited to ensure sustainable wildlife management and the long-term health of buffalo populations. Hunters interested in securing a buffalo safari are encouraged to book well in advance, as available quota is often limited.
Not all Cape Buffalo hunts are created equal. Some are remembered for the trophy, while others are remembered for the entire experience. This safari offers the opportunity to hunt free-range Cape Buffalo across a vast wilderness concession where success is earned through tracking, patience, and good fieldcraft rather than luck.
Rufunsa remains one of Zambia's most respected dangerous game areas, combining healthy buffalo populations, experienced professional hunters, comfortable accommodation, and genuine fair-chase hunting conditions. The area's proximity to the Lower Zambezi ecosystem creates the type of wild setting many hunters imagine when planning their first African safari.
For hunters interested in experiencing authentic Hunting in Zambia, this safari delivers everything that has made the country famous among dangerous game enthusiasts. Long days in the bush, challenging tracking conditions, quality buffalo bulls, and the opportunity to hunt in truly wild country combine to create a safari experience that will be remembered long after the hunt is over.
If any further information is required re this Buffalo Hunt in Zambia, please contact our team at Game Hunting Safaris.
Please note that terms, conditions and price are subject to change without notice and rates at the time of the hunt will apply
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