Zambia is a fascinating country in Southern Africa, offering a rich blend of culture, diverse wildlife, and controlled hunting opportunities. Here’s a comprehensive overview:

Zambia: The Country

• Geography and Location: Zambia is a landlocked country in south-central Africa, bordered by eight countries: Democratic Republic of Congo, Tanzania, Malawi, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia, and Angola. It’s known for its high plateau, significant river systems (including the Zambezi, Kafue, and Luangwa), and vast natural areas. Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, forms part of its border with Zimbabwe.
• Capital City: Lusaka.
• Population: Estimated at around 20.2 million (2023), with a significant portion of the population being young.
• Language: English is the official language, but there are over 70 distinct ethnic groups with various indigenous languages.
• Currency: Zambian Kwacha (ZMW).
• Climate: Tropical, with three main seasons:
  • Hot and wet: December to April (torrential downpours)
  • Dry and increasingly cool: May to August
  • Dry and progressively hotter: September to November
• Economy: Heavily reliant on copper mining, but also supported by agriculture and a growing tourism sector.
• Culture: A multi-party democracy since 1991, Zambia has a rich cultural heritage, with Christianity being the predominant religion. “One Zambia, One Nation” is a well-known motto reflecting national unity.

Wildlife in Zambia

Zambia is a premier safari destination, celebrated for its authentic and unspoiled wildlife experiences. Its vast protected areas, including 20 National Parks and 39 Game Management Areas (GMAs), support an incredible diversity of species.

• Iconic “Big Five” and Other Large Mammals:
  • Lion: Thriving populations, particularly in South Luangwa, Lower Zambezi, and Kafue National Parks. Zambian lions are known for their size and ability to hunt large prey like buffalo and even hippos.
  • Leopard: South Luangwa is considered one of the best places in Africa to see leopards, especially on night drives.
  • Elephant: Abundant in national parks, often seen along riverbanks.
  • African Buffalo (Cape Buffalo): Numerous herds, especially in northern Kafue.
  • Rhino: Rhinoceros were declared extinct in Zambia due to poaching in 1998, though there have been reintroduction efforts for white rhinos.
• Other Noteworthy Wildlife:
  • Hippopotamus: Very common in Zambia’s many rivers and lakes, often seen in large herds.
  • Wild Dog (African Painted Dog): An endangered species, these pack animals are a rare but exciting sight, particularly in South Luangwa and Kafue.
  • Cheetah: Found primarily on the plains of northern Kafue.
  • Antelopes: A wide variety of antelope species, including impala, kudu, bushbuck, puku, and endemic subspecies like the Black Lechwe (thriving in Bangweulu Wetlands), Cookson’s Wildebeest (Luangwa Valley), and Thornicroft’s Giraffe (South Luangwa).
  • Zebra: Crawshay’s zebra, a subspecies with narrow stripes, is found in Luangwa and Kafue.
  • Crocodiles: Common in rivers and lakes.
  • Primates: Vervet monkeys, yellow baboons, and various bushbabies.
  • Birds: Zambia is a birding paradise with over 750 recorded species, including many waterfowl and raptors.
• Unique Wildlife Spectacles:
  • Bat Migration: Kasanka National Park hosts the world’s largest mammal migration annually from late October to early December, when millions of straw-coloured fruit bats migrate from the Congo Basin.
  • Walking Safaris: Zambia pioneered the walking safari, offering an intimate and immersive way to experience the bush and its wildlife.

Hunting in Zambia

Zambia is a popular destination for hunting safaris, operating under strict regulations to ensure conservation and sustainable utilization of wildlife resources. Hunting is generally conducted in Game Management Areas (GMAs) and privately-owned concessions, which often serve as buffer zones for national parks.

• Regulations and Licensing:
  • Hunting is managed by the Zambian Wildlife Authority (ZAWA).
  • Hunters must be at least 18 years old, possess a valid hunting permit, demonstrate firearm proficiency, and have hunting liability insurance.
  • A firearm import permit is required for bringing your own weapons. Handguns and automatic weapons are strictly prohibited.
  • Minimum caliber requirements exist: .375 for dangerous game like buffalo, elephant, and hippo; .300 for leopard and lions; and at least .270 for smaller plains game.
  • Only shotguns, rifles, and muzzleloaders are allowed.
  • Strict rules apply: one specimen per species unless special permission is granted (e.g., for baiting for lion/leopard hunts, with an additional fee).
  • Wounded game is counted as bagged and charged in full.
  • Unauthorized shooting incurs a significant penalty.
  • Hunting of pregnant females or females with young is prohibited.
  • Night hunting, hunting from vehicles (within 250m of a vehicle/boat/aircraft), using dogs, fire, poison, or traps are generally forbidden.
  • Hunting licenses are pre-arranged and non-refundable, specifying the species, quota, and hunting area.
  • Hunters must carry original hunting licenses and GMA permits.
  • Community and conservation levies are often charged, supporting local projects and anti-poaching efforts.
• Hunting Season: Generally, from May 1st to November 30th, coinciding with the dry season when roads are more accessible.
• Hunting Areas: The three main hunting areas are the Luangwa Valley, the Kafue Basin, and the Bangweulu Swamps, each offering unique species and challenges.
• Species Available for Hunting: A variety of game species can be hunted, including African elephant (with specific regulations and quotas), lion (age-based regulations, no female lions), leopard, buffalo, hippopotamus, crocodile, and numerous antelope species. The specific types depend on the hunting area and current regulations.
• Bowhunting: Legal in Zambia since 1993, with specific guidelines.

It’s crucial for anyone planning a hunting trip to Zambia to work with a reputable professional hunting outfitter who is well-versed in the latest regulations and can assist with all necessary permits and arrangements.