Situated on the east coast of Africa, Tanzania is a country alive with diverse fauna and flora, varied landscapes, and assorted ecosystems, making it the perfect destination for dangerous game hunting in Africa. Learn more about hunting the Big 5 in Tanzania, background information about hunting licenses, best locations, and more.

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Key Takeaways

• Situated on Africa’s eastern coastline, Tanzania is a country rich in fauna and flora, and a sought-after game hunting destination.
• It is renowned for its array of species to target when hunting in Tanzania, including African plains game, dangerous game, African cat, and specialty species.
• Hunting licenses are required when hunting in Tanzania and these include a general (10 day), major (16 day), and premium (21 day) hunting license.
• An additional dangerous game license is required when hunting the Big 5 in Tanzania.
• Hunting the Big 5 in Tanzania sees four of the Big 5 being eligible to hunt.
• Except for the rhino, the lion, leopard, elephant, and Cape buffalo can be harvested when hunting in Tanzania.
• While not a cheap destination to enjoy a Big five game hunting safari in, Tanzania offers hunters a unique African hunting experience, in untamed wilderness featuring magnificent trophies.

Tanzania:  A Sought-After Destination

While not the most cost-effective game hunting destination that Africa has to offer, Tanzania is most definitely one of the most sought-after destinations, offering world-class hunting safaris, exceptional quality trophies, and an unrivalled experience when hunting in Africa. If you as a hunter are searching for a destination in which to enjoy hunting the Big 5, Tanzania should be one of your top choices.

Tanzania’s range of landscapes, from the extensive plains of the famous Serengeti to the dense forests of Ngorongoro Crater, offer varied game hunting experiences and challenges. The country has strict hunting laws and regulations in place, ensuring fair, ethical and sustainable hunting practices. This includes specific permits for dangerous game and hunting the Big 5 in Tanzania, which helps fund conservation programs initiated to protect wildlife.

Tanzania’s well-developed tourism infrastructure supports hunters with access to experienced guides, quality accommodation, and necessary permits, while the range of international airports has the country well-connected for any hunters worldwide wishing to enjoy big 5 hunting in Africa.

Hunting Regulations in Tanzania

As with any hunting destination worldwide, local laws and regulations need to be adhered to. As these may well change with short notice periods, it is best to always check with your local outfitter.

• The official hunting season for Tanzania is annually from 1 July – 31 December, but it has been extended in the past.
• Hunting licenses are required to hunt in Tanzania. The hunting licenses are either 10, 16, or 21-day and depend on the type of game species you will be targeting.
• You may only hunt animals that are listed on your license, and the license must be in your name.
• All hunters need to be 18 years or older to enjoy a Tanzania hunting safari.
• If your hunt is shorter than the permit period, you still require the relevant permit. For example, if your hunt is 7 days, you will need a 10-day permit.
• All Tanzanian hunting safaris involve a government scout to ensure that there aren’t any laws broken. Once the hunt has been completed the license is signed.
• If the hunt is cleared, plans will be started for the trophy process.
• Trophy hunting must be completed during daylight hours.
• Hunting from a vehicle is not permitted, and a hunter must be at least 200 yards from the vehicle before firing.
• Using bait for lions and leopards is allowed if the bait is licensed.
• Observers wishing to hunt will need to upgrade to a hunting client with all relevant permits and licenses, if they are 18 years or older.
• The minimum caliber for a dangerous game hunting safari is a .375

Hunting in the Big 5

While Tanzania hunting safaris tick all the boxes in terms of game species with African plains game, specialty game and African cats, it is, in fact, the big 5 game hunting opportunities that get hunters’ hearts beating just a little bit faster.

Not only is the area home to the lion, leopard, and Cape buffalo, but elephants are also available when hunting in Tanzania. A reminder when big 5 hunting, the rhino is not available on Tanzania hunting safaris.

The Lion (Panthera leo)

 When it comes to hunting the Big 5, the king of the jungle (or African bush in this case!), is something worth pursuing. For those seeking adventure, big 5 hunting in Tanzania, and targeting this cunning, dangerous African cat is most certainly a bucket list item. A reminder that no lion under the age of six years may be targeted when big five game hunting in Tanzania.

The male lion weighs up to 570 pounds of pure muscle. Muscle is the name of the game and from the tip of its whiskers to the end of its tail, this apex predator is ready for action! One swipe from its large paw is enough to down a man – permanently.

From Selous to Maisaland, lion hunting in Tanzania is exceptional! Western Tanzania boasts large-bodied black-maned lions while southern Tanzania is famous for its maneless lions, who are both fearless and fearsome. The sheer number of lions available for Tanzania hunting safaris, together with the quality of these trophies makes it a prime destination for lion hunting in Africa.

The Elephant (Loxodonta africana)

Tanzania is known as a more expensive, but exceptional game hunting destination and a magnificent location to target the African elephant. Hunting the world’s largest land mammal is no joke, and although they may look docile, an elephant is more than capable – and will – defend itself and its herd against predators and attackers. In fact, there are stories of elephants remembering those who attacked their herd and retaliated by attacking hunting parties long after the fact.

When hunting the Big 5 in Tanzania, you will be pleased to know that the country is home to a large population of elephants found in the southern, central, and western regions. The best locations for targeting elephants include the famous Selous Game Reserve and the swamps in the country’s western region.

The African elephant prefers habitats including forests, grasslands, savannas, and deserts, and is found throughout sub-Saharan Africa, where it is a sought-after game hunting trophy, not only for its tusks but as a member of the Africa’s Big 5.

A reminder that it is only permissible to target elephant bulls, with tusks no heavier than 33 pounds or longer than 59 inches. A 21-day hunt is required for targeting this African Big species.

The IUCN lists the African bush elephant as “endangered” and a CITES permit is required for this hunting safari.

The Cape Buffalo (Syncerus caffer)

Often referred to as “Africa’s Black Death” or “The Widow Maker” the Cape buffalo is a force with which to be reckoned. Known for their aggressive, grumpy, and unpredictable behavior, these members of Africa’s Big 5 even the playing field by doubling back on the hunting party when wounded, ready to even the score, and making the hunter the hunted.

This unspoiled country offers expanses of untamed bushveld, with thousands of animals roaming and inhabiting unspoiled areas, such as the famous Serengeti plains. Amongst these, is the Cape buffalo.

When hunting the Big 5 in Tanzania, keep in mind that the Cape buffalo inhabits areas such as savannas, mountains, floodplains, and swamps. The best time to enjoy a Tanzania buffalo hunting safari is during the dry season, from June to October, when water is less readily available. This makes the animals therefore more likely to be found in or around major water holes or sources.

Free-range Cape buffalo hunting in Tanzania is available in many parts of the country, while some areas are known to produce better game hunting prized trophies. The world’s largest game reserve, the Selous Game Reserve, is home to the Cape buffalo. Other areas renowned for Tanzania buffalo hunting adventures include Masailand, Kizigo, and Western Tanzania.

The Cape buffalo is classified by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) with a status of “least concern.”

The Leopard (Panthera pardus)

The opportunity to hunt the elusive and cunning leopard in Tanzania is a dangerous game hunting adventure that many hunters dream of. To be in a true African wilderness, tracking a cunning, solitary and highly adaptable predator calls for hunters to be on their A-game, for any mistake that they make could see them paying dearly. This nocturnal, agile African cat is alert, with exceptional eyesight and excellent hearing, which not only assists in its hunting but also ensures that it doesn’t become the hunted! 

This African cat is exceptionally intelligent and is famous for being the one of the most dangerous animals worldwide to target on an African hunt. It’s reputation precedes it, but so does the lure of hunting Africa’s most dangerous trophy…

Hunting this Big 5 target is Tanzania remains a sought-after pastime, with hunts being available throughout the region. Popular hunting locations for this stunning predator do include Masailand, as well as the Selous Game Reserve, home to one of the country’s largest leopard populations.

Leopards are classified as “vulnerable” according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature and a CITES permit is required for this African hunt.

Tanzania Hunting Safari Permits & Requirements

Tanzania remains a sought-after game hunting destination, offering hunters a range of hunting adventures to suit their specific hunting objectives. From African plains game to dangerous game species, this region is alive with abundant species, thriving in the African wilderness.

Hunting permits are required when hunting in Tanzania and are available through the Tanzania Wildlife Management Authority (TAWA) but your hunting outfitter will sort this for you. If you are considering hunting the Big 5 in Tanzania, there is an additional dangerous game hunting permit that is also required. This permit is also available through the TAWA, but again, your hunting outfitter will assist.

The choice of license that you will have will depend on which species you are targeting during your Tanzania hunting safari, with three options being available, namely a 10, 16, or 21-day hunting license. You may find that your hunt itself may be shorter (for example 7-day African plains game hunt) versus the actual license of 10-days that you will be required to purchase.

Tanzania hunting safaris are accompanied by a government game scout. This is to ensure that no hunting laws are broken, as well as to validate your license and keep an accurate record of what was harvested, wounded or lost.

After the hunt is completed, the hunter will need to sign the hunting license. Once cleared by the local game authority, the trophies may be removed from the area and allows for a trophy export certificate, ensuring that all trophy fees and trophy handling has been paid.      

Hunters should note, in addition to license fees, trophy fees and other government fees are charged.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a big 5 hunt?

A big 5 hunting safari refers to the five most dangerous and challenging animals for a hunter to target on foot. When hunting the Big 5, the hunt will include the African elephant, lion, leopard, Cape buffalo, and rhino.

Which animals make up Africa’s Big 5?

Africa’s Big 5 species consists of the rhino, leopard, lion, Cape buffalo and elephant, and are seen as Africa’s most dangerous animals to hunt on foot.

Which members of the big 5 can be hunted in Tanzania?

When hunting the Big 5 in Tanzania, the lion, leopard, Cape buffalo and elephant can be hunted, although elephant hunting in Tanzania is subject to more stringent regulations. Rhino hunting in Tanzania is illegal, with legal rhino hunting only taking place in South Africa and Namibia.

Do I require a permit to hunt in Tanzania?

Yes, hunting permits are required. These permits are issued by the Tanzania Wildlife Management Authority (TAWA) and are divided into three different categories, namely regular 10, 16, and 21-day hunting permits.

Can I hunt rhino in Tanzania?

No, rhino hunting in Tanzania is illegal. Rhino hunting safaris can only be legally undertaken in Namibia and South Africa.

Does Tanzania allow night hunting?

No night hunting in Tanzania is undertaken, it is illegal. All hunting in Tanzania needs to occur during daylight hours. This includes 30 minutes before sunrise and 30 minutes after sunset.

Are Cape buffalo dangerous to target when hunting the Big 5?

As one of Africa’s Big 5, the Cape buffalo has earned its spot as being one of the five most dangerous animals to hunt on foot. Cape buffalo are extremely dangerous, not only due to their size and physical power but also their horns which serve not only to protect them but are also used to attack threats. The Cape buffalo is cunning, very aggressive, and is even known to double back on hunting parties and attack them from behind!

What is the most dangerous member of the Big 5 to hunt?

While many hunters consider the leopard to be the most dangerous, it is largely agreed that the Cape buffalo ticks the boxes as the most dangerous Big 5 species to hunt. Known for its largely unpredictable nature, aggressive and grumpy attitude, this 2,000-pound wall of muscle is not to be messed with. In fact, its nicknames of “Africa’s Black Death” and “The Widow Maker” reference its killing ability.

What rifle is required to hunt dangerous game in Tanzania?

When hunting the Big 5 or other dangerous game, a minimum of a .375 is required.

Conclusion

Dangerous game hunting in Tanzania is a thrilling and exciting safari hunt! Whether you are tracking lion through the Selous or hunting Cape buffalo in the Maasai concession, hunting the Big 5 in Tanzania is worth every bit of blood, sweat and tears shed. Visit Tanzania for an unforgettable big five game hunting experience.

A Tanzania hunting safari is an unforgettable event, with the memories of the hunt staying with you long after you’ve wiped the African dust from your favorite hunting boots. Can you afford to miss out?

Check out the latest Tanzanian hunts on offer.

Author: B. Hershensohnn