Hunt Giant Crocodile and Hippo in Zambia
1 x Hunter 1 x Dangerous Game Professional Hunter US$ 19 500
8 x Nights in Zambia, and 7 full days of incredible Game Hunting
*** Observers welcome on this dangerous game hunt at US$ 350 per day
“Aquatic” Hunting Safaris in Zambia
If you have never been on a Crocodile or Hippo hunt, this is an incredible opportunity to hunt in Africa, using the “the Old Ways” in one of the most sought-after big game hunting destinations in the world. The Zambian landscape is wild, untamed and unspoiled with big game hunts taking place in some of the most remote and spectacular wildlife conservation areas in all of Africa.
African hunts to this destination are more costly than similar specie hunts in South Africa or Namibia or compared to Crocodile hunting in Mozambique. These countries are just not as “desolate” and “void” of human activity and development. Zambia is real, Free-Range hunting. No -High fences!!
When on a hunt in Zambia, it costs money to manage remote camps, operate in a country with limited infrastructure and of course the hunting season is shorter limiting number of hunting safaris. Government costs are also higher than other destinations as hunting licenses and concession fees need to be paid in order to protect Zambia’s wildlife paradise.
Local communities benefit directly from all hunting safaris and as such assist with anti-poaching and community development initiatives with the intent on protecting game and ensuring big game hunting remains viable.
You are not just on a Hippo and Crocodile hunt in Zambia, you are directly contributing to protecting wildlife for future generations.
Crocodile & Hippo Hunt Price Inclusions:
Daily Rate/Fees US$12 000
Zambia Hunting License Fee US$ 1 500
Vehicle Transfer (Return) US$ 2 000
Government Concession Fees US$ 3 000
Dip & Pack of Trophies US$ 1 000
Total cost of this Dangerous Game Hunt is US$ 19 500
Trophy Fees are payable at the end of the Hunting Safari.
Trophy Fees are also due not only for a successful hunt, but if animal is wounded or lost.
Rifle Rental available at US$ 50 per day and US$ 10 per round.
- Crocodile Trophy Fee (US$ 3 750)
- Hippo Trophy Fee (US$ 3 750)
As on any Free-Range Hunt, no size limit applies.
While a hunt in Zambia costs on the up side, it remains more cost effective compared to hunt in Tanzania, or a specialty hunt for Bongo, Forest Elephant and Dwarf Buffalo in Cameroon.
Considering the hunting destination and experiences, this Croc and Hippo hunt is exceptional value for money. You will not find it listed on any other platform, but at Game Hunting Safaris.
Ready to go hunting in Zambia?
Crocodile and Hippo hunts are subject to strict quota and populations are closely monitored. This principal ensures top quality trophies and sustainable utilization of wildlife resources.
Hunting in Zambia, Rufunsa GMA
This Crocodile and Hippo combination hunt will take place in the Rufunsa GMA, situated in the lower Zambezi Valley. The concession borders the Zambezi National Park and just across the river is the renowned Chewore Safari Area of Zimbabwe.
The Zambezi River as you can guess is jam packed with plenty of Hippo’s and Giant Nile Crocodile. Crocodile populations along the Zambezi are estimated at between 150 000 and 200 000 and are some of the healthiest in Africa.
Rufunsa GMA is more than 2000 square miles in size, with vegetation being typical Mopani woodland and thick Jesse bush, perfect for Free- Range Big Game hunting.
Not only is Rufunsa geared for dangerous game hunts for, but the thick vegetation delivers some quality plains game antelope such as Kudu, Bushbuck, Eland and Sharpes Grysbok.
This concession having been under hunted in recent years is also very well-known for Leopard hunting, producing enormous cats.
On the Zambezi River, catch and release Tiger Fishing safaris are available producing absolute giants.
The Zambian Outfitter on this “Aquatic Hunting Safari”
Steven has a wealth of dangerous game hunting experience and operates in numerous territories within Zambia. Hippo and Crocodile hunts are a favorite, along with other Big 5 hunts for Elephant, Lion and Leopard. Cape Buffalo hunts are also conducted by this outfitter producing some huge Dagga Boys.
As can be expecting when on a safari in Zambia, Steven follows the principals of “fair chase” and ethical hunting. No short cuts, only hard hunting.
The hunting areas in addition to Rufunsa GMA include South Luangwa, Bangweulu Swamps and Kafue GMA’s where other specialty antelope such as Cooksons Wildebeest, Defassa Waterbuck, Lichtenstein Hartebeest, Sitatunga, Kafue and Black Lechwe are also available.
Service delivery by this team of professionals will supersede any of your wild expectations, they know how to deliver a dream African hunt.
Lodgings while Hunting in Zambia
The hunting lodge is situated on the banks of the Zambezi River and consists of three newly erected permanent chalets. Each chalet has its own on-suite bathroom with all the modern amenities that can be expected when on a quality safari.
There is a central dining and outdoor entertainment area with phenomenal views of the Zambezi River where you can cast a line for some of the fresh water species from the banks.
The hunting lodge is secluded, extremely comfortable and your private chef will prepare African delicacies and local delicacies.
If you have not enjoyed a Hippo backstrap cut, grilled over the open flames and a bed of Mopani coals, now is your chance.
On our recent Hippo hunt in Namibia, we had the same dish prepared by our chef. It was absolutely amazing. Do not be in too much of a rush as the Hippo meat must hang to bleed for a few days. Grilled Crocodile tail is quite a treat, and your chef will have the perfect recipe.
WI-FI is available for hunters needing to be in contact with the outside world.
Crocodile Hunting
Crocodile hunts are far more challenging than people think. Crocs in the Zambezi River grow to over eighteen feet meaning that while they may have small prehistoric brains, they do not get over 100 years of age by being stupid, or slack. You will need your wits about to you when ambushing this Apex predator.
The crocodile hunting method will be by traversing rivers, waterways and estuaries looking for a suitable Bull Crocodile. Once a suitable trophy has been spotted, it will be “game on” to stalk this monster. Crocodiles have incredible senses, not only sight and hearing, but can feel vibrations in the ground.
Perfecting Crocodile shot placement is going to be important as you do not want your trophy crocodile slipping back into the riverways and lost forever.
When shooting a Crocodile that is on an embankment, in many cases the tail will still remain in the water, making it a little of a gamble in terms of judging size. In many instances Croc tails, due to fighting etc. have been “bitten off”. There are many Crocodiles is this area, do not shoot the first one you see, unless the Croc is so huge, that you cannot say “no”.
We were fortune enough to have recently been Crocodile hunting in Mozambique and took two nice trophies averaging 15 feet. A Crocodile hunt is highly recommended, and they make incredible trophies. The stress ensuring the shot is perfectly placed is a little hectic, as there is no room for error.
Hippo Hunting
A Hippo hunt is a lot of fun, exciting and very dangerous. We had the privilege of going Hippo hunting in Namibia and the safari delivered beyond expectation.
Shooting a Hippo while in the water may be an option, but in the dry season finding one on land is the ultimate challenge. These guys are huge with massive tusks and have incredible bite force. Hippo tusks are not used for feeding, but for battle over mates and territories. They are armed and dangerous. You ready to take on 7 500-pound armed tank?
Your Hippo trophy will be covered in scars and battle wounds from continuous fighting, hence the incredibly thick skin on their backs and upper torse. Contrary to belief, they are not round and fat, but packed with muscle and bone. Do not underestimate this Hippo hunt.
Hippo Shot Placement, like with a Crocodile hunt is critical. A poor shot will see the Hippo either charge, or dash back to the safety of the water. Only a bullet to the brain, straight between the eyes will stop a charging Hippo.
Rifles and Ammunition of this Dangerous Game Hunt
A .375 equipped with good quality optics and 300 grain quality ammo will get the job done. On both the Croc and Hippo hunt, it is going to be vital to penetrate either the brain or chest cavity.
With shot placement being so important, the target area on both animals for the brain shot is small. There is no room to miss. On the Crocodile hunt, if you are not going for the frontal brain shot, the side brain shot will need to penetrate the thick skull will be “above the smile behind the eye”.
With a Hippo out of water and at close range, a heavier calibre rifle may be considered. Something like a .416, 458 or 500 Jeffery. At close quarters, a good quality double such as a 500 NE will work well. You will need stopping power.
If you are planning on bringing your own rifles and not renting, just take two. Three rifles are allowed to be temporarily imported when hunting Zambia.
Like on a Cape Buffalo hunt, when Hippo hunting there is no such thing as too much gun.
Traveling to hunt the Rufunsa GMA in Zambia
International hunters booking this Croc and Hippo Combo hunt will enter Zambia via Lusaka and land at Kennith Kaunda International Airport.
A popular route is to fly via Oliver Tambo International Airport in South Africa using a airline such as Airlink which is affordable, on time and have facilities available for transporting firearms. It would be suggested to send rifles straight to Zambia.
Included in the hunting safari cost is a return transfer from Kennith Kaunda International by road. This trip will take approximately 5 hours.
A private charter can be arranged with the outfitter reducing travelling time to Rufunsa to approximately 40 minutes. The Charter flight cost can be offset against the allocated price of the transfer and cost estimates are approximately US$ 5000.
These charter costs due change on a regular basis with the ongoing fluctuations of fuel costs.
Included in the ” Aquatic Hunting Adventure”
- Full Board and Accommodation
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Services of skinners, trackers, camp staff and professional hunter
- Field Prep of Trophies
- Cold beverages and alcohol in moderation (if you are particular with alcoholic beverages, stop at the duty free on the way in)
Safari Hunting Exclusions:
- Air charter fee (if considered as an option, offset cost against road transfer)
- Rifle permit fee (US$ 250, the outfitter will arrange and send through paperwork)
- Any pre or post safari accommodation
- International Flights
- International Shipping of Trophies
- Taxidermy
- Zambian Visa Costs (Single entry US$ 50 and double entry US$80)
Visa Requirements when Hunting in Zambia
The followed will be a requirements when arranging the Visa into Zambia:
- Passport
- Proof of Payment
- Photocopy of Passport
- Two Visa application forms and two passport sized photos stapled to the top right-hand corner
- Letter of invitation from the outfitter after booking and confirming the safari
- Flight itinerary and a copy of your ticket
- Self-addressed prepaid envelope for return of your passport
Health and Requirements on the Crocodile and Hippo Hunt
A Yellow fever vaccination certificate is required. Zambia is a malaria area and taking precautions are essential. Your local physician will assist, it really is not that much of an issue to obtain the prescription.
Ensuring you have had a tetanus shot in the last ten years is also recommended, better safe than sorry.
When hunting in Africa, it is always suggested to ask your local medical practitioner for a general antibiotic. One always seems to get a cold, or flu or similar when travelling long international flights.
Additional Plains Game Hunts while on Safari
While this Crocodile and Hippo hunt is going to keep you busy, you may find a little time to squeeze in some plains game hunting.
The Rufunsa GMA is well known for producing excellent trophies and a few of the popular species are (trophy fee):
- Kudu Hunting (US$ 3000)
- Eland Hunts (US$ 4500)
- One of Africa’s largest antelope, Roan hunting (US$ 7500)
Hunting Season in Zambia
Game hunts in Zambia take place between the months of May to December. May to August would be preferable as these are the cooler months and the drier season. In the wetter months the concessions fill with water making access even more of a challenge.
Note, Quota for Crocodile and Hippo hunts is very limited!!
If you have any queries relating to this Hippo and Crocodile hunt in Zambia, contact our team at Game Hunting Safaris, or message Steven directly using the quick link icons.
To check availability, insert preferred dates and “Request to Book”. Steven will revert.
