Lion, Leopard & Buffalo Safari in Niassa
Booking Season: 2026
Hunt Difficulty: Difficult
Designed by Hunters, for Hunters
Located within the remote Niassa wilderness, hunters stay in comfortable safari camps positioned close to active hunting areas. Accommodation includes en-suite facilities, hot and cold running water, comfortable beds, daily housekeeping and laundry services. Camps operate on solar power and generators and provide satellite internet access, creating a comfortable base from which to experience one of Africa's last great free-range hunting destinations.
This safari takes place within a vast 550,000-hectare free-range concession in Niassa Province, northern Mozambique. The area forms part of one of Africa's largest remaining wilderness ecosystems and supports healthy populations of lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant and a variety of unique plains game species. The unfenced hunting area offers an authentic fair-chase experience in remote bushveld, woodland and riverine habitat.
| Fence Type: | Free-range |
| Nearest Airport Name: | Pemba Airport (POL) |
| Nearest Town Name: | Marrupa |
| Transfer From Airport: | Yes |
| Air Charter Available: | Yes |
Niassa Province in northern Mozambique is home to some of Africa's most remote and productive lion hunting terrain. This safari offers hunters the opportunity to pursue a mature wild lion across vast unfenced wilderness areas while experiencing authentic Hunting in Mozambique. Conducted within one of the continent's largest hunting concessions, the safari combines traditional hunting methods, experienced dangerous game professional hunters and exceptional free-range terrain.
As one of Africa's classic Lion Hunts, this safari provides access to healthy lion populations, remote wilderness and a genuine fair-chase dangerous game hunting experience. Hunters may also add a trophy buffalo, creating a traditional African dangerous game safari.
Trophy Included: 1 x Exportable Lion
Additional Species: Add a Cape Buffalo, NO SIZE LIMIT to the safari for US$5,500
Roosevelt Sable, Niassa Wildebeest, Hartebeest, Zebra, Warthog and More
Duration: 18 Hunting Days
Location: Niassa Province, Mozambique
Hunt Method: Baiting and Blind Hunting
Trophy Included: 1 x Exportable Lion (Trophy Fee Included)
Hunter/PH Ratio: 1x1
Observer Rate: US$375 per Person per Day
Airport: Pemba
Rifle Hire Available
Safari Cost Breakdown
Day Fees: US$63,000
Lion Trophy Fee: US$20,000
Additional Fees: US$3,950
Total Safari Cost: US$86,950
Niassa Province is widely regarded as one of Africa's last true hunting frontiers and is particularly well known for Lion Hunting in Mozambique. Covering vast areas of unfenced bush, the region supports healthy populations of lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant and a variety of unique plains game species.
Hunters searching for a genuine free-range lion hunt will find few destinations that match the scale and wilderness of Niassa. Low human population density, vast concessions and healthy wildlife populations combine to create an authentic safari experience. The region is also recognised as one of Mozambique's leading destinations for Dangerous Game Hunts.
Mozambique’s hunting season runs from April to end of November. Temperatures from April through to September vary from 0°C to 15°C in the morning and the evenings and up to 20°C to 30°C during the day.
From September through to November the temperatures can reach the high 40’s at midday. The best months for hunting in Niassa are from August through to the end of November. The reality is when safari hunting in Niassa, there is not a “best time” to go, it’s a privilege any month of the year.
Lion hunting in Niassa is highly regulated and conducted under strict quota systems designed to support sustainable wildlife management. Only a limited number of lion tags are issued each season, making opportunities highly sought after. The vast scale of the concession, healthy lion populations and low human density make Niassa one of the most respected destinations for Lion Hunting in Mozambique.
On this 14-day Lion hunt, you can add a variety of Plains game (only pay for the trophy fee).
A few of the favorites when hunting in Mozambique are (but not limited to), Niassa Wildebeest (US$ 5 500), Lichtenstein Hartebeest (US$ 3 250), Johnsons Impala (US$ 1400), Roosevelt Sable (US$ 5500) and of course a specialty on any safari, a Warthog (US$ 800). For the tiny ten collectors, Niassa offers numerous small antelopes: Sharpes Grysbok (US$ 2500), Red Duiker (US$ 2500) and Blue Duiker (US$ 2 750).
Hunters looking to maximise their time in Mozambique have the opportunity to add a Cape Buffalo to this safari for an additional US$5,500 trophy fee. With no size limit restrictions, this option allows hunters to pursue one of Africa's most respected dangerous game animals while already operating in prime buffalo habitat.
A Cape Buffalo hunt adds a completely different dimension to the safari. While lion hunting focuses on patience, baiting and careful shot placement, buffalo hunting is an active pursuit that often involves tracking herds on foot through thick bush and riverine habitat. The combination of lion and buffalo remains one of the classic African dangerous game hunting experiences.
For hunters interested in a true Dangerous Game Hunt, the opportunity to pursue both species during the same safari represents exceptional value and makes full use of the extensive hunting area available within the Niassa concession.
Hardus and his team specialise in free-range dangerous game safaris within Mozambique's Niassa region. Their hunting approach combines experienced professional hunters, skilled local trackers and traditional safari methods developed specifically for operating in large wilderness concessions.
In addition to lion hunting, the team also conducts buffalo, leopard and plains game safaris while maintaining a strong commitment to ethical hunting practices and wildlife conservation.
Lion hunting success rates can vary from season to season and are influenced by weather conditions, lion movements and hunting effort. Mature lions are elusive, primarily nocturnal and often cover large territories.
Through careful management, extensive pre-baiting and experienced tracking teams, Hardus and his operation have historically achieved excellent success rates on mature male lions within the concession.
Baiting is a traditional method of hunting Lions in Niassa. This process includes baiting areas where Lions may likely be. Trail cams are used and when a suitable male is spotted, a temporary blind will be built 50 to 75 yards away.
When the Lion returns to the bait, wait until he is in position and take the shot.
Mozambique requires a minimum legal calibre of .375 for dangerous game hunting. Hunters should ensure rifles are properly sighted-in after international travel and use quality ammunition suitable for lion hunting.
Understanding proper Lion Shot Placement is equally important. Lions can present unusual body positions when approaching bait sites, making patience and shot discipline essential.
Bow hunting enthusiasts may find few opportunities in Africa that compare to the scale and wilderness of Niassa. Subject to current regulations and permit approvals, this safari may offer the opportunity to pursue dangerous game with a bow or crossbow in one of the continent's last great free-range hunting areas.
Most hunters travel via Johannesburg before connecting to Pemba, Mozambique. Airlink offers regular flights between Johannesburg and Pemba and accommodates travelling hunters with firearms.
From Pemba, hunters may choose between a road transfer to camp or a charter flight arranged through the outfitter. While road travel is possible, many hunters prefer the charter option due to the remote location of the concession. Charter flights should be arranged well in advance and are subject to availability.
Accommodation is provided in comfortable safari camps positioned throughout the concession, allowing hunters to remain close to active hunting areas. Luxury safari tents feature en-suite bathrooms, hot and cold running water and comfortable beds, providing an ideal balance between wilderness atmosphere and modern comfort.
Camps operate on solar power and generators and offer satellite internet access, dining facilities and all the amenities required for an extended safari. All camps have their own solar systems or generators for power supplies as well as high speed satellite internet and all other necessities required to make for a comfortable stay. Some camps have regular cell network and data capabilities if you wish to bring your mobile phone, but when hunting remote Niassa a Satellite phone is recommended.
A valid firearm permit is required before you arrive in Mozambique, which Hardus and team will arrange.
They will need a scanned color copy of your passport, a color copy of a passport size photograph in Jpeg format, US Citizens, a copy of the customs form 4457, or a copy of the firearm license, proof of travel itinerary, details such as: home address, contact numbers, email etc. If you are going to travel through South Africa and overnight, you will need to complete a SAPS 520 form on arrival. Each hunter is allowed a maximum of three firearms to Mozambique, with a maximum of 100 rounds per firearm.
Mozambique Hunting License
Lion Pre-Baiting Costs: US$2,500
Transport of Trophies to the Nearest Exporter
Rifle Import Permit: US$350
Hunting License Fee: US$350
Road Transfers to and from the Landing Strip: US$750
Lion quotas within Niassa are limited and allocated annually. Hunters interested in this free-range lion safari are encouraged to enquire early regarding current availability and quota status. For additional information regarding this Lion Hunt in Mozambique, please contact the Game Hunting Safaris team or the outfitter directly.
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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