Hunt Hippo, Croc & Plains Game in Chiawa GMA, Zambia

The Zambezi River has shaped some of Africa’s most legendary hunting country. Flowing through vast wilderness areas and remote valleys where wildlife still moves freely across the landscape, it provides the perfect setting for an authentic African safari.

This 7-day Hippo Hunting Safari and Crocodile Hunting Safari takes place in Zambia’s renowned Zambezi Valley, one of the premier destinations for Hunting in Zambia. Known for healthy populations of Nile crocodile, large pods of hippo, and an abundance of plains game, this free-range concession offers hunters the opportunity to pursue some of Africa’s most iconic species in their natural environment.

Days are spent glassing riverbanks for mature crocodiles, stalking hippos feeding along the shoreline, and pursuing kudu, waterbuck, and bushbuck between dangerous game hunts. The diversity of the area ensures that no two days are ever the same.

For hunters seeking more than simply a trophy, the Zambezi Valley delivers the type of experience that has drawn sportsmen to Africa for generations. The sounds of hippos echoing across the river after dark, fresh elephant tracks along sandy banks, and the constant possibility of encountering dangerous game create an atmosphere unlike anywhere else on the continent.

Safari Overview

7 Days / 8 Nights | 1 Hunter × 1 Professional Hunter

Experience one of Africa's classic river safaris in Zambia's legendary Zambezi Valley. This hunt combines the pursuit of Nile crocodile and hippo with opportunities to add a variety of plains game species, creating a diverse hunting experience in one of Africa's last truly wild regions.

The Zambezi River supports exceptional populations of both crocodile and hippo, offering hunters realistic opportunities at mature trophies while enjoying some of the finest river hunting Africa has to offer. Between dangerous game hunts, hunters may also pursue additional plains game species available on quota within the concession.

Daily Rates — US$9,000

Dip & Pack Services — US$1,500

Hunting License — US$500

Additional Costs (Optional) 

Observer — US$350 per day

Rifle Rental — US$50 per day

Ammunition — US$10 per round 

This safari focuses on two of Africa's most iconic river species. Hunting is conducted along the Zambezi River and surrounding floodplains, where experienced professional hunters use a combination of glassing, stalking, and patient observation to locate mature trophy animals. A variety of additional plains game species may also be hunted during the safari. Please refer to the trophy fee schedule below for available species and applicable trophy fees.

Nile Crocodile
Trophy Fee: US$5,000

Hippo
Trophy Fee: US$4,000

Additional Plains Game
Available according to quota and trophy fee schedule.

Why Hunt Zambia?

For experienced African hunters, Zambia represents the Africa of decades past. Vast wilderness areas, free-range concessions, and relatively low hunting pressure combine to create an experience that feels increasingly difficult to find elsewhere on the continent.

Unlike more developed hunting destinations, much of Zambia remains wild and untamed. Wildlife moves naturally across enormous landscapes, and hunts are dictated by animal behaviour, weather conditions, and the skill of the hunting team rather than fences or artificial boundaries. It is this unpredictability that many hunters find so rewarding.

The Zambezi Valley is one of Africa's most respected hunting regions and has long attracted hunters seeking authentic free-range safaris. The combination of vast wilderness, low hunting pressure, and abundant wildlife creates the type of experience that many hunters imagine when planning their first African safari.

Zambia has earned a reputation as one of the continent's premier destinations for Dangerous Game Hunts, with the Zambezi Valley playing a major role in that legacy. In addition to exceptional hippo and crocodile hunting, the region is also renowned for Buffalo Hunting in Zambia, attracting sportsmen from around the world in search of challenging and rewarding fair-chase hunting opportunities.

For hunters seeking a genuine wilderness safari rather than a managed hunting property, Zambia continues to offer one of the most authentic hunting experiences remaining in Africa. 

The Hunting Concession

This safari takes place in Zambia's famed Zambezi Valley, one of Africa's most productive and exciting river hunting regions. Dominated by the mighty Zambezi River and a network of floodplains, riverine forests, and thick bushveld, the area provides ideal habitat for both hippo and Nile crocodile.

The concession is entirely free-range, allowing wildlife to move naturally through the landscape. Days often begin with the sounds of hippos calling from the river below camp, while fresh tracks in the sand reveal the movements of wildlife that passed through during the night. Along the riverbanks, mature crocodiles can often be seen basking in the morning sun before slipping silently back into the water at the first sign of danger.

The Zambezi Valley is renowned for its exceptional wildlife densities and remains one of the last places where hunters can experience a truly wild African safari. Elephant, buffalo, and a variety of Plains Game Hunts opportunities are regularly encountered during the course of a safari, adding to the sense that you are hunting in one of Africa's great wilderness areas.

Whether pursuing a trophy crocodile along the riverbanks or carefully approaching a mature hippo feeding near the shoreline, every day in the Zambezi Valley offers a genuine free-range hunting experience shaped by wildlife movement, river conditions, and the natural rhythms of the African bush.

What to Expect on the Hunt

Hippo and crocodile hunting are unlike most other African safaris. Success often depends on patience, observation, and the ability to take advantage of brief shot opportunities when they present themselves.

Most days are spent working the river system, searching for mature crocodiles along sandbanks and exposed shorelines or locating hippos feeding close to the water's edge. Once a suitable animal has been identified, the hunt becomes a careful exercise in positioning, shot placement, and timing.

While the Zambezi River supports healthy populations of both species, neither hunt should be underestimated. Mature crocodiles are notoriously cautious, while hippos spend much of their lives in and around water, making accurate shot placement essential. For hunters, the challenge and unpredictability are exactly what make these hunts so rewarding.

Additional Species Available for Hunting

While Nile crocodile and hippo are the primary focus of this safari, hunters may also add a variety of African plains game species to their hunt. The Zambezi Valley supports healthy populations of species such as Kudu Hunts, Bushbuck Hunts, waterbuck, impala, zebra, warthog, and several other sought-after plains game animals.

The opportunity to combine dangerous game hunting with additional plains game species adds significant value to the safari and maximises time spent in the field. Available species and trophy fees can be viewed under the "Additional Species" menu.

Please note that certain species are subject to annual quota allocations and cannot be guaranteed. Kudu, waterbuck, bushbuck, and zebra are particularly quota-sensitive and should be requested as early as possible to avoid disappointment.

Your Safari Team & Travel Information

This safari is operated by Russell and his experienced team of professional hunters and camp staff, whose extensive knowledge of Zambia's wildlife and hunting areas helps ensure a safe, enjoyable, and rewarding safari experience. Russell's hunting career began on the plains of Zimbabwe, where he developed a passion for tracking and the African bush from an early age. Over the decades, he has guided hunting safaris across Zambia, Zimbabwe, Uganda, and Botswana, building a reputation for professionalism, attention to detail, and a genuine passion for African hunting.

From your initial enquiry through to your arrival in camp, Russell and his team are available to assist with safari planning, travel arrangements, rifle import requirements, trophy export procedures, and any questions relating to your hunt. Their experience hosting international hunters ensures that the logistics are straightforward, allowing you to focus on preparing for the safari itself.

International hunters should fly into Lusaka, Zambia, where onward travel to the hunting concession in the Zambezi Valley will be arranged. Hunters may choose to travel to camp by road (approximately 6 hours each way – US$1,250 return) or by charter flight (approximately 45 minutes flying time followed by a 45-minute drive to camp – US$2,400 return). While many hunters prefer the convenience of the charter flight, the road transfer offers an opportunity to experience Zambia's countryside before arriving in one of Africa's most celebrated hunting regions.

The Challenge of Hippo & Crocodile Hunting

Many hunters are surprised to discover that both Hippo Hunts and crocodile hunting can be every bit as demanding as some of Africa's more traditional dangerous game safaris. While neither species may cover vast distances across the landscape, both require patience, discipline, and the ability to make the most of limited opportunities.

Much of the hunt revolves around the river itself. Temperatures in the Zambezi Valley can be high, particularly later in the season, and long hours are often spent working riverbanks and shorelines in search of the right animal. Heat, insects, thick vegetation, and constantly changing conditions all add to the challenge, making endurance and concentration just as important as marksmanship.

For hunters pursuing a trophy crocodile, success often depends on identifying a mature animal and getting into position without being detected. Crocodiles spend their lives avoiding danger, and older males can be remarkably wary. A slight movement, changing wind, or moment of impatience can see a trophy animal disappear beneath the surface before a shot is taken. This is one of the reasons experienced hunters regard Crocodile Hunts as one of Africa's most challenging and rewarding pursuits.

Hippo hunting presents a different set of difficulties. Although hippos are frequently encountered, mature bulls rarely present ideal shot opportunities. Water adds another layer of complexity, and accurate bullet placement is essential for a successful recovery. Hunters unfamiliar with the anatomy of these massive animals are encouraged to review our Shot Placement for Hunting Hippo guide before arriving in camp.

Whether pursuing hippo or crocodile, success often comes down to preparation, patience, and confidence when the opportunity finally presents itself. Few African hunts combine such unique challenges with the spectacular scenery and wildlife encounters found along the Zambezi River.

Why Hunters Pursue Hippo & Crocodile

For many African hunters, hippo and crocodile represent something very different from traditional plains game hunting. Both species are closely tied to Africa's great river systems and require specialised hunting methods that cannot easily be replicated elsewhere in the world.

A mature Nile crocodile is one of Africa's most ancient predators. Large crocodiles often spend decades surviving in the same stretch of river, becoming increasingly cautious with age. Locating and successfully hunting an old bull is considered a significant achievement by many experienced African hunters.

Hippos present a different attraction. Despite spending much of their lives in the water, mature bulls are among the most powerful animals found along African rivers. Their size, behaviour, and reputation make them one of the continent's most respected river trophies.

For hunters who have already pursued buffalo, plains game, or other African species, hippo and crocodile offer a unique challenge and a very different safari experience. 

Is This Hunt Right for You?

If you're looking for a challenging and authentic African safari that combines two of the continent's most iconic river species with the opportunity to add quality plains game, this Zambezi Valley hunt deserves serious consideration.

Hippo and crocodile hunting are not high-volume pursuits. They reward patience, careful observation, and the ability to capitalise on brief opportunities when they arise. Combined with the wild scenery of the Zambezi River, abundant wildlife, and a professional team with decades of experience, this safari offers the type of adventure that many hunters remember long after the trophies have been mounted.

For hunters seeking a genuine free-range African hunting experience in one of the continent's last great wilderness areas, the Zambezi Valley remains one of Africa's most rewarding destinations.

To learn more about this safari, discuss trophy availability, or customise a hunt to suit your objectives, contact the team at Game Hunting Safaris. We will be happy to answer your questions, discuss travel arrangements, and help you determine whether this hunt is the right fit for your African hunting adventure.