Mozambique, located on the southeastern coast of Africa, is a country of captivating beauty, from its extensive coastline and pristine archipelagos to its vast, rewilding national parks. While it has faced challenges, it’s increasingly emerging as a significant destination for both tourism and regulated hunting.

Mozambique: The Country

• Geography and Location: Mozambique boasts a long coastline along the Indian Ocean, stretching over 2,500 km. It shares borders with Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe, South Africa, and Eswatini. The country is characterized by coastal lowlands, central plateaus, and highlands in the west. Major rivers include the Zambezi, Limpopo, and Save.
• Capital City: Maputo.
• Population: Approximately 33.6 million (2023 estimate).
• Language: Portuguese is the official language, a legacy of colonial rule. However, numerous indigenous languages are spoken, including Makhuwa, Tsonga, and Sena.
• Currency: Mozambican Metical (MZN).
• Climate: Predominantly tropical, with a rainy season from November to March and a dry season from April to October. Coastal areas are generally hot and humid, while inland areas can be warmer during the dry season.
• Economy: Mozambique’s economy has significant potential, particularly with vast natural gas reserves. However, it faces challenges including high levels of poverty, inequality, and a persistent insurgency in the northern province of Cabo Delgado, which has impacted economic development and displaced a large population. Despite these issues, the government and international partners are working on peacebuilding and economic recovery.
• Culture: Mozambique’s culture is a vibrant blend of indigenous African, Portuguese, and Arab influences. Music, dance, and art play a significant role.

Wildlife in Mozambique

Mozambique’s wildlife populations suffered significantly during the civil war (1977-1992) and subsequent poaching. However, extensive conservation efforts, including the establishment and rehabilitation of national parks and transfrontier conservation areas, have led to a remarkable comeback for many species.

• Key Wildlife Areas:
  • Gorongosa National Park: Often called “Africa’s Lost Eden,” Gorongosa has undergone an incredible restoration. It’s now home to impressive numbers of herbivores like waterbuck, impala, wildebeest, zebra, and buffalo. Predator populations (lion, leopard, wild dog, cheetah) are also recovering. Recent aerial counts show over 110,000 animals in 60% of the park (2024 data).
  • Limpopo National Park: Part of the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Conservation Area (which includes South Africa’s Kruger National Park and Zimbabwe’s Gonarezhou National Park), it’s a critical area for elephant, buffalo, and various plains game. Wildlife reintroductions have boosted populations.
  • Niassa Special Reserve: One of Africa’s largest protected areas, located in northern Mozambique, offering vast wilderness and home to elephant, lion, leopard, sable, and various antelopes. It’s a key area for large tuskers.
  • Maputo Special Reserve (Maputo National Park): A unique coastal reserve known for its elephants, hippos, and diverse birdlife, bordering the Indian Ocean. It’s undergoing a significant rewilding and tourism development.
  • Bazaruto Archipelago National Park: A marine park off the coast, famous for its pristine coral reefs, dugongs, turtles, and diverse marine life.
  • Zinave National Park: Also part of the Great Limpopo TCA, Zinave is seeing a strong recovery, with no major poaching incidents recorded and the re-establishment of a breeding population of white rhinos.
• Iconic Species:
  • African Bush Elephant: Populations are recovering in various parks, particularly in Niassa, Limpopo, Gorongosa, and Maputo.
  • Lion: Found in Gorongosa, Niassa, and some hunting concessions.
  • Leopard: Present across many protected areas.
  • African Buffalo (Cape Buffalo): Significant herds, especially in Gorongosa and hunting concessions in the Zambezi Delta.
  • Hippopotamus and Crocodile: Abundant in rivers and lakes.
  • Antelopes: A wide array of species, including sable, nyala, kudu, impala, waterbuck, bushbuck, reedbuck, and many more. Mozambique is particularly renowned for its nyala, a beautiful spiral-horned antelope.
  • Wild Dog (African Painted Dog): Present in some areas, a highlight for conservationists.
  • Marine Life: The coastline and islands boast incredible marine biodiversity, including dugongs (one of the last strongholds), whales, dolphins, sharks, and a multitude of reef fish.
• Birdlife: Mozambique is a rich birding destination, with over 760 recorded bird species, including many migratory and endemic birds.

Hunting in Mozambique

Mozambique has re-established itself as a prime big-game hunting destination, particularly after the civil war. Sustainable hunting is viewed by the government and many conservation organizations as a critical tool for wildlife management and a significant source of revenue for conservation and community development. Hunting is conducted in designated “Coutadas” (hunting concessions) which are leased to private operators.

• Regulations and Licensing:
  • Governing Authority: The National Administration for Conservation Areas (ANAC) through the Ministry of Land and Environment, is responsible for regulating hunting.
  • Permits: Hunters must possess valid hunting permits for each specific species they intend to hunt. These permits are typically arranged in advance by the hunting outfitter. Quotas are strictly enforced.
  • Firearms: A maximum of three firearms is generally allowed per hunter, with a maximum of 100 rounds of ammunition per firearm. Automatic, semi-automatic, and military-grade firearms are prohibited. A valid firearm import permit is required.
  • Minimum Caliber: .375 for dangerous game (buffalo, elephant, lion, leopard) and .300 for general plains game are commonly recommended minimums.
  • Ethical Conduct: Hunting of females, young, or immature animals is prohibited. Wounded animals are considered bagged and fully charged. Fair chase principles are expected.
  • Night Hunting: Generally, night hunting is prohibited, except for specific species like lion, leopard, crocodile, and bushpig, where it might be permitted with artificial light under certain conditions. This is a point of distinction from some other hunting destinations.
  • Community Involvement: Hunting operators often work closely with local communities, providing employment and channeling funds from hunting revenue into community projects, which helps foster a sense of ownership and reduces poaching.
• Hunting Season (2025-2026):
  • The official hunting season in Mozambique generally runs from April 1st to November 30th.
  • The peak season is often considered the drier winter months (July to September), when conditions are more favorable for tracking and animals congregate around water sources. However, hunting can occur throughout the season.
  • For specific big game such as lion, leopard, and buffalo, booking well in advance (1-2 years) is often necessary due to limited quotas and high demand.
• Hunting Areas: Key hunting areas include the Zambezi Delta, Marromeu Complex, and concessions within the Niassa Special Reserve. These areas offer diverse habitats and a wide range of species.
• Species Available for Hunting: Mozambique is renowned for its dangerous game and a wide array of plains game.
  • Dangerous Game: African Elephant (highly regulated with specific tusk size minimums and CITES permits), Lion (age-based regulations, often 6 years or older), Leopard, Cape Buffalo (especially the Zambezi Delta buffalo, known for their size), Hippopotamus, Nile Crocodile.
  • Plains Game: Sable, Nyala (a sought-after trophy), Greater Kudu, Waterbuck, Reedbuck, Common Eland, Hartebeest, Zebra, Impala, Bushbuck, Warthog, Bushpig, Duiker, Oribi, and many more. The specific species available depend on the concession and its allocated quota.
• Bowhunting: Legal and permitted in Mozambique, subject to specific regulations.

Important Considerations:

• Security: While significant strides have been made, the insurgency in Cabo Delgado in the far north remains a concern. Hunters should ensure their chosen outfitter operates in safe, stable regions and stays updated on local security advisories. Most hunting areas are far removed from the conflict zone.
• Reputable Outfitters: It is crucial to choose a licensed and reputable hunting outfitter who adheres to all Mozambican hunting laws and ethical practices. They will assist with all necessary permits, firearm import, and logistical arrangements.
• Conservation Impact: Hunting in Mozambique is framed as a conservation tool. The revenues generated contribute significantly to anti-poaching efforts, habitat protection, and community development, providing an economic incentive for local populations to protect wildlife.

Mozambique offers an adventurous and rewarding hunting experience, combining diverse wildlife with vast, untamed landscapes and a commitment to sustainable resource management.