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 riverfront chalets overlooking the Zambezi River. Each chalet features a private en-suite bathroom together with the amenities expected on a premium dangerous game safari.
The terrain consists of Mopane woodland, thick Jesse bush, riverine habitat, and sections of open savannah typical of Zambia's Lower Zambezi Valley. Conditions vary throughout the concession, creating a diverse and challenging environment for tracking dangerous game on foot.
| Fence Type: | Free-range |
| Hunting Ground Size: | 520000 ha |
| Nearest Airport Name: | Kenneth Kaunda International Airport, Zambia |
| Nearest Town Name: | Rufunsa |
| Transfer From Airport: | Yes |
| Air Charter Available: | Yes |
American and international hunters looking for authentic Elephant Hunting in Zambia will find few areas that rival the scale and wilderness of the Rufunsa Game Management Area. Covering more than 2,000 square miles in the Lower Zambezi Valley, this free-range hunting area forms part of one of Southern Africa's most respected wilderness ecosystems, offering opportunities to pursue mature elephant bulls in truly wild and unfenced country.
Bordering the Zambezi National Park and supported by healthy wildlife populations, Rufunsa has earned a reputation as one of Zambia's premier Dangerous Game Hunting destinations. In addition to elephant, the area supports healthy populations of Cape Buffalo, Leopard, Hippo, and Nile Crocodile, making it one of the few regions where hunters can experience a traditional African safari in vast free-range hunting country.
US$ 63,500 All-Inclusive
Hunters researching Hunting in Zambia often compare the country to neighboring Zimbabwe, and for good reason. Both destinations offer exceptional elephant hunting, experienced professional hunters, and vast free-range hunting areas. Where Zambia differs is the scale of its wilderness, lower hunting pressure in many concessions, and the opportunity to hunt across enormous areas of unfenced country in regions such as the Lower Zambezi Valley.
This safari takes place in the renowned Rufunsa Game Management Area. Bordering the Zambezi ecosystem and supporting healthy populations of dangerous game, Rufunsa has become one of Zambia's most respected elephant hunting destinations.
Hunters comparing Elephant Hunting in Zimbabwe with Zambia will find that both countries offer outstanding opportunities. Zambia, however, remains particularly attractive to those seeking a traditional wilderness safari where tracking, distance covered on foot, and time spent in remote hunting areas form a central part of the experience.
Total Safari Cost: US$63,500 All-Inclusive
Covering more than 2,000 square miles in Zambia's Lower Zambezi Valley, the Rufunsa Game Management Area is one of the country's largest and most respected free-range hunting areas. Bordering the Zambezi ecosystem and lying opposite Zimbabwe's renowned Chewore Safari Area, Rufunsa offers the scale, habitat diversity, and wildlife populations that serious dangerous game hunters seek.
The area is characterized by Mopane woodland, thick Jesse bush, river systems, and open savannah habitat. These varied environments support healthy populations of Elephant, Cape Buffalo, Leopard, Hippo, Nile Crocodile, and a wide range of plains game species.
While this safari is centered around Elephant Hunting, many hunters choose to add additional species during their stay in Rufunsa.
The Rufunsa region is particularly well known for its healthy buffalo populations, excellent crocodile habitat along the Zambezi waterways, and strong numbers of Hippo throughout the river systems. Hunters interested in extending their safari may also wish to explore opportunities for Buffalo Hunting in Zambia, Hippo Hunts, or Crocodile Hunts available within the area.
Beyond dangerous game, the concession supports excellent populations of Kudu, Eland, Bushbuck, Sharpe's Grysbok, and other sought-after antelope species. Hunters interested in adding plains game to their safari can also learn more about Plains Game Hunts, including opportunities for Kudu Hunts and Wildebeest Hunts across Africa.
For those wishing to spend additional time in the Zambezi Valley after the hunt, the area is also renowned for world-class catch-and-release Tiger Fishing, offering a relaxing way to extend an already memorable safari.
Steven operates across several of Zambia's most respected hunting areas and has built a reputation around conducting authentic free-range safaris based on traditional fair-chase principles. From the Lower Zambezi Valley and Rufunsa to the wetlands of Bangweulu, the Luangwa Valley, and the vast Kafue ecosystem, his hunting areas showcase the remarkable diversity that has made Zambia one of Africa's most unique hunting destinations.
While this safari focuses on Elephant hunting in Rufunsa, Steven's hunting concessions also provide access to several species found in only a handful of African countries. The Bangweulu Swamps are famous for exceptional Sitatunga Hunts conducted in remote wetland habitat, while the Kafue ecosystem offers opportunities for species such as Defassa Waterbuck, Lichtenstein's Hartebeest, and the region's distinctive Kafue Lechwe.
Zambia is also one of the few destinations where hunters can pursue both Kafue Lechwe and Black Lechwe, two highly sought-after antelope species adapted to the floodplains and swamp systems of the country. These unique hunting opportunities, combined with exceptional Defassa Waterbuck Hunts and other endemic species, continue to attract hunters seeking something beyond the traditional plains game safari.
For hunters considering future African adventures, Steven's hunting areas offer access to some of the continent's most specialized and rewarding hunting opportunities, from remote swamp hunts to classic dangerous game safaris in vast free-range wilderness areas.
Elephant hunting in Rufunsa is a traditional tracking safari conducted on foot through vast areas of Mopane woodland, Jesse bush, and riverine habitat within the Lower Zambezi Valley. Days begin at first light as trackers search for fresh spoor, with the objective of locating and evaluating mature bulls moving through this enormous free-range wilderness.
Elephant movements are influenced by water availability, seasonal conditions, and natural migration patterns rather than property boundaries, adding another layer of challenge to the hunt.
Once a suitable bull has been located, the final approach often becomes a close-range encounter requiring calm decision-making and accurate shooting. Hunters preparing for the safari are encouraged to review our guide to Elephant Shot Placement, as understanding shot angles and elephant anatomy can play an important role when opportunities present themselves at close quarters in thick cover.
While a .375 caliber is the legal minimum in many African countries, experienced elephant hunters often favor larger calibers capable of delivering the penetration and stopping power required for dangerous game hunting under these conditions.
Success is rarely measured by distance alone. Large tracks do not always belong to large-tusked bulls, and hunters may spend hours following promising spoor before deciding a particular animal does not meet their expectations. Patience, discipline, and careful trophy evaluation are therefore as important as physical endurance during the course of the safari. Many hunters also choose to combine their elephant safari with a Leopard Hunting in Zambia opportunity where quota and timing permit, creating a classic dangerous game safari built around two of Africa's most sought-after species.
One of the advantages of this safari is that many of the major logistical costs have already been incorporated into the quoted safari price. The US$63,500 safari investment includes the Elephant Trophy Fee, return road transfers between Kenneth Kaunda International Airport and the Rufunsa concession (valued at approximately US$2,000), professional hunting services, trophy preparation, accommodation, meals, and the support of experienced trackers, skinners, and camp staff throughout the safari.
Hunters wishing to reduce travel time may elect to charter directly into the concession. Charter costs are available on request and can be offset against the value of the included road transfers.
International flights, visa fees (approximately US$50 single entry / US$80 double entry), firearm permit fees (approximately US$250), and any pre- or post-safari accommodation remain the responsibility of the hunter. The outfitter will assist with rifle import documentation and travel logistics before arrival.
Accommodation is provided in comfortable permanent chalets overlooking the Zambezi River. Each chalet features a private en-suite bathroom together with the amenities expected on a premium dangerous game safari.
The camp includes a central dining and entertainment area where hunters can relax after a day in the field while enjoying views across the river and surrounding wilderness. Wi-Fi is available for those needing to remain in contact with home or the office during the safari.
While elephant hunting in Rufunsa is focused on long days tracking game on foot, the camp provides a comfortable base from which to enjoy one of Zambia's great wilderness areas.
Not every elephant hunt is the same.
Some hunters are looking for a quick opportunity at a trophy bull. Others are searching for the challenge of tracking elephant through vast free-range wilderness, covering miles on foot each day, and hunting in areas where wildlife still moves naturally across enormous landscapes.
Rufunsa is built for the latter.
This safari offers far more than a single elephant trophy. From buffalo, leopard, hippo, and crocodile to exceptional plains game and tiger fishing opportunities, the area provides the diversity and scale that many hunters spend a lifetime searching for.
This is a safari for hunters who appreciate wild places, traditional tracking, and the unpredictability that comes with pursuing dangerous game in unfenced country. Success is never guaranteed, but that is precisely what makes the experience so rewarding.
If your idea of an African safari involves genuine wilderness, experienced professional hunters, and some of the most productive elephant country in Zambia, Rufunsa deserves serious consideration.
For current availability or additional information, contact the 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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