Zambia Hunting Safari, big Leopards & Buffalo in Rufunsa
Booking Season: 2025
Hunt Difficulty: Difficult
Designed by Hunters, for Hunters
Hunt Lion with Steven, one of Zambia’s leading outfitters in the Rufunsa GMA in “Old Africa”
If you have been looking for a Free-Range Wild Lion hunt, this is the hunt for you!!!
Zambia does not issue many Lion permits per year, so these Lion hunts are highly sought-after.
This Lion hunt being “free-range” is fully exportable and the USFWS will need the necessary evidence of the long-term benefit regarding wild populations in Zambia. Permit assistance is available.
Trophy Lion hunting in this incredible destination of Zambia is for the handful of “elite” hunters who want to follow in the footsteps of the hunting legends such as Selous, Bell, Pretorius and of course Harry Selby.
If an African Lion hunt has always been your dream, now is your chance to live the dream!!
1 x Lion Hunter 1 x Dangerous Game Professional Hunter
Rifle Rental is available at US$ 50 per day and US$ 10 per round.
**** Observers/companions/husbands/wives or other are welcome to join on this incredible hunting adventure for only US$ 300 per night.
A free-range Lion hunt in Zambia, is a Lion hunt like no other and opportunities are limited.
Calculating hunting costs for Zambia can be complex and often misrepresented, leaving hunters with a “bill of surprises” at the end of the hunting safari.
We have remove the “gray areas” and simplified for ease of reference.
Safari hunting in Zambia is expensive, similar to a hunt in Tanzania. Hunters pay for the experience and privilege, but other factors do substantially escalate the price such as:
It is due to the ongoing commitment, dedication and contributions made by hunters who participate in trophy lion hunting safaris that we can ensure that our wildlife populations are well managed and protected.
Zambia is an enormous country, larger than the state of Texas in the United States.
Over 290 000 square miles, perfect for dangerous game hunting safaris..
Daily Rate/Fees US$ 63 000
Zambia Hunting License Fee US$ 1 500
Vehicle Transfer (both ways) US$ 1 800
Concession Fees US$ 11 000
Dip & Pack of Trophy US$ 2 500
Lion Trophy Fee US$ 20 000
Government Concession Fees & Vat (Included)
Trophy Lion hunting is one of the greatest and most memorable Zambian hunts that can ever be undertaken by those hunters who are willing and able.
This Lion hunt will take place in the Rufunsa GMA which is situated in the lower Zambezi Valley of Zambia. This incredible and remote concession borders the Zambezi National Park. Across the river from the concession is the renowned Chewore Safari Area of Zimbabwe.
Zambia is renowned for unfenced and free-range African safaris. This country is a paradise for those big game hunters pursuing Africa’s dangerous 7. When it comes to a dangerous game hunt, Zambia has it covered.
Rufunsa GMA hunting concession is more than 2000 square miles in size. It is massive. Habitat is typical African vegetation, a mixture of Mopani woodland and thick Jesse bush.
Not only is Rufunsa GMA geared for African big 5 hunts, but this concession has abundant and quality plains game antelope including Sable, Roan, Kudu, Bushbuck, Sharpes Grysbok, Eland and of course big Leopards.
Situated on the confluence of the Zambezi and Luangwa River, this concession is full of Hippo and Giant Crocodiles.
Crocodile and Hippo hunts are immensely popular with the Zambezi River producing monster Croc’s at over 16 feet, snout to tail. Huge Crocodile have been taken on recent Crocodile hunting safaris.
A Crocodile hunt can be added to this Lion hunting safari for an additional trophy fee of US$ 3000 and a Trophy Hippo hunt for a fee of US$3000. Adding a Croc/Hippo or both to this 21-day Lion hunt would be a good option.
Zambia has a history of producing big Cape Buffalo Bulls and Rufunsa is full of mean Dagga Boys, always ready for a fight.
A Cape Buffalo hunt can be added to this safari for a trophy fee of US$ 3500..
The Rufunsa GMA is also very well known for Elephant hunts as the populations in the area are impressive. At the time of writing this listing, earlier today we just received images from this outfitter of three Elephant bulls strolling around, all over 60 pounds.
This just highlights the quality of the animals in Rufunsa. An Elephant, with no size limit can be hunted in Zambia for a trophy fee of US$ 20000.
This 21-day Lion hunting safari really covers the best of Zambia, with all of the Dangerous 7 (excepting Rhino) available. This is quality at the highest level.
Steven has a wealth of dangerous game hunting experience and operates in numerous territories within Zambia, depending on the target species.
As can be expecting when hunting in Zambia, outfitters only hunt free-range animals. This is not a fenced off area, but remote Africa where game traverses freely.
Steven, in addition to Rufunsa GMA hunts the areas of South Luangwa, Bangweulu Swamps and Kafue GMAs for species such as Cooksons Wildebeest, Defassa Waterbuck, Lichtenstein Hartebeest, Sitatunga and of course the Kafue and Black Lechwe.
The hunting lodge is situated on the banks of the Zambezi River and consists of newly erected permanent chalets. Each chalet has its own on-suite bathroom with all the modern amenities that can be expected on a quality safari in Zambia, not only hot water and flushing toilets.
There is a central dining and outdoor (Lapa) entertainment area with wonderful views of the river. The hunting lodge and facilities are all secluded, extremely comfortable and your private chef will prepare delicious African delicacies.
With fresh water fishing for Tiger and other species available, nothing will beat a freshly caught Nile Perch, prepared by your private chef and grilled over the open flame and Mopani coals. This is why we hunt in Africa to bank these incredible experiences.
WI-FI is available for those needing to check in with the outside world.
This lower area of Zambezi boast some of the densest population of Lions in all of Zambia. In Zambia, Lions are threatened due to a loss of habitat, hence the low number of tags being issued by the Government.
Lion hunts in Zambia are being booked far in advance due to this limited availability and the popularity of these hunts.
Only adult males of over six years of age can be hunted and Lion hunts are not legally allowed to take place at night.
Lion Hunting Method: Lion hunting in Zambia done by using the baiting method. This method involves dragging a carcass through the bush thus leaving a scent trail which can be followed.
The bait is hung in a tree, high enough to discourage scavengers such as Hyena and Jackal, but low enough to entice your Lion.
Lion hunting will require patience and experience which will be provided by your dangerous game PH who has plenty experience producing big cats.
Lion shot placement is going to have to be accurate and “on the money”. A wounded Lion is serious business.
Dangerous game hunting in Zambia requires a minimum legal caliber of a .375 loaded with 300 grain tips.
A Lion is classified as a “soft animal” and as such good quality expanding bullets will work exceptionally well.
If you are considering adding a Cape Buffalo hunt or Elephant to this safaris, something a little bigger such as a .426 Rigby, .458 or 500 Nitro would be recommended.
For a Hippo or Crocodile hunt, the .375 fitted with quality optics will work perfectly.
Your international flight will land at Kennith Kaunda International Airport in the capital city of Lusaka.
A popular route is to fly via Oliver Tambo International Airport in South Africa using a dependable airline such as Airlink which is affordable, on time and has facilities available for transporting firearms. If you are importing your personal firearm/’s remember to advise the airline in advance.
Included in this trophy Lion hunting quoted cost are return transfers to and from Kennith Kaunda International by road. This road transfer will take approximately 5 hours either way.
A private charter plane can be arranged with the outfitter reducing the travelling time to Rufunsa to approximately 40 minutes. The cost of this charter if the option is exercised can be offset against the road transfer cost.
The followed will be requirements when arranging the Visa into Zambia:
A Yellow fever vaccination certificate is a requirement. Zambia is a malaria area and taking precautions are essential. Your local physician will be able to assist with the vaccination and prescription.
Ensuring you have had a tetanus shot in the last ten years is also recommended, better safe than sorry.
On a hunting safari in Africa, it is always wise to ask your medical practitioner for a general antibiotic. There is always a bug of sorts you seem to get, such as a cold, flu, or something similar when on long international flights.
While this Lion hunt is going to action packed all the way, there may just be some time available to enjoy a few additional hunting opportunities while in Zambia.
This concession is well known for producing excellent plains game hunts:
Game hunting in Zambia takes place between the months of May to December.
May to August would be preferable as these are the cooler months. Even the season were to be extended, the summer and spring months are incredibly hot and humid.
For any additional information required regarding this Lion Hunt in Zambia, contact our team at Game Hunting Safaris, message Steven directly using the quick link icons provided.
Please note that terms, conditions and price are subject to change without notice and rates at the time of the hunt will apply
Needing assistance with firearm permits and international travel services, or good taxidermists? View our affiliated companies
View Affiliated Services
