Hunting Safaris in Zambia

We hunt in the Luangwa Valley, the Kafue Flats and the Bangweulu Swamps, in governmental conservation areas and large privately owned ranches.

Hunts are based in serviced grass-thatched lodges and tented camps, with the season running from 1 May to 31 December. Stone Hunting Safaris has been guiding hunters in Africa since 1998, and we take care of the permits, camps and logistics so you can focus on the hunt.

Hunting Season 1 May to 31 December.

Map of Africa with Zambia highlighted
Zambia, ZM
12:16 AM Oct 17, 2026
weather image
74
°F
Sunrise: 5:31 AM
Sunset: 5:58 PM

The Hunting Experience

Hunting areas

Hunting takes place in the Luangwa Valley, the Kafue Flats and the Bangweulu Swamps, in governmental conservation areas or large privately owned ranches, depending on the required species.

Clients are accommodated in serviced grass-thatched lodges that provide all meals and a laundry service.

Upper Lupande concession

Our main hunting concession in Zambia is Upper Lupande, covering 1,250 square kilometres. It borders two national parks, South Luangwa and Nsefu, and is teeming with game, with thriving lion and leopard populations and one of the highest buffalo populations in Zambia. It is also one of the top areas in the country for hunting big elephant bulls.

Climate

Zambia’s climate is generally sunny and pleasant. Winters are cool to mild. November to March can be warm to extremely hot, with temperatures of up to 40ºC.

Planning your safari

Travelling, accommodation and meals

Please make provision for all accommodation and travel expenses before and after your safari. Upon your arrival in Zambia, you will be welcomed by our staff at the nearest port of entry to the hunting area and transported to the camp/lodge by either air charter or ground transport. Depending on the required species and hunting areas, you will be based in a serviced grass-thatched lodge or tented camp. Linen and basic toiletries are provided. All meals, drinks and a laundry service are provided.

Customs, visas and insurance

Customs clearance is operative at your port of entry into Zambia. Zambia requires a passport valid at least 6 months beyond your departure date and depending on your country of origin, a visa. Insurance for personal effects, luggage and trip cancellation as well as medical casevac is strongly recommended. A visa can be obtained at the airport on arrival. There is also a $20 departure tax when leaving Zambia.

Currency & Spending money

The local currency is the Zambian Kwacha. Cash is preferred. It is customary to tip staff in recognition of good service, a guideline for tips would be approximately $1,000 to $1,500 per week.

Health and Safety

Fully equipped medical kits and telephone or radio communication are available in case of an emergency. Zambia is a high-risk malaria area – consult your doctor or travel clinic and take the necessary precautions. Always carry your travel documents, travellers’ cheques and cash on your person or ask the outfitter to keep it in safe custody.

Permit and Firearms

Documentation

Certain species require permits, which must accompany the hunting party.

Arms and ammunition

A gun permit is required for Zambia. Once a hunt is booked, we will get all the necessary gun permits and clear your firearms on arrival.

Packing list

The following is recommended

  • Binoculars, camera, flash, film
  • Hat, sunglasses
  • Comfortable walking shoes, natural fibre socks
  • Step-down converter (220 – 110 volt)
  • Raincoat
  • Ammo belt
  • Long trousers, a tracksuit or sweater and warm weather resistant jacket
  • Lightweight cottons and linens in natural coloured clothing (laundry service daily)
  • Anti-malaria medication (if applicable), prescription drugs, personal toiletries, sun-block
  • Trophy Tags

Packing, dipping & shipping of trophies

An import and export CITES permit for Appendix I and an export CITES permit for Appendix II animals are required for each shipment. Field preparation of trophies are done in camp and transported to a shipping agent designated by the outfitter. Clients will be put in touch with the shipping agent to discuss their requirements and arrange for the payment of services. Clients should have sufficient trophy tags and full shipping instructions handy and should make sure that their skinning instructions are clearly recorded in the outfitter’s hunting register.

Zambia Hunting Safari FAQs

The Zambian hunting season runs from 1 May to 31 December.

We hunt in the Luangwa Valley, the Kafue Flats and the Bangweulu Swamps. Depending on the species you are after, your hunt will take place in a governmental conservation area or on a large privately owned ranch.

Our main hunting concession in Zambia is Upper Lupande, covering 1,250 square kilometres. It borders two national parks, South Luangwa and Nsefu, and is teeming with game, with thriving lion and leopard populations and one of the highest buffalo populations in Zambia. It is also one of the top areas in the country for hunting big elephant bulls.

You will stay in a serviced grass-thatched lodge or a tented camp, depending on the hunting area and species. Linen and basic toiletries are provided, along with all meals, drinks and a daily laundry service.

Our staff will meet you at the port of entry closest to your hunting area and take you to the lodge or camp by air charter or by road. Accommodation and travel before and after your safari are your own responsibility, so please plan for these when you book.

That depends on your country of origin. Where a visa is required, you can get one at the airport on arrival. Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your departure date, and there is a $20 departure tax when you leave Zambia. We also strongly recommend insurance for luggage, personal effects, trip cancellation and medical evacuation.

Yes. Zambia requires a gun permit, and once your hunt is booked we arrange all the necessary permits and clear your firearms when you arrive.

Zambia is generally sunny and pleasant, with cool to mild winters. From November to March it can be warm to extremely hot, with temperatures reaching 40ºC, so pack light natural fabrics as well as a warm jacket for the cooler mornings and evenings.

Yes, Zambia is a high-risk malaria area. Please consult your doctor or a travel clinic before you travel and take the necessary precautions. Fully equipped medical kits and telephone or radio communication are available in camp in case of an emergency.

Tipping staff for good service is customary, and a good guideline is around $1,000 to $1,500 per week. The local currency is the Zambian Kwacha, and cash is preferred.

Trophies are field prepared in camp and sent to a shipping agent chosen by the outfitter. We put you in touch with the agent so you can discuss your requirements and arrange payment. Each shipment needs an import and export CITES permit for Appendix I animals and an export CITES permit for Appendix II animals. Bring enough trophy tags and full shipping instructions, and make sure your skinning instructions are recorded in the hunting register.

More hunting destinations

Ready to Hunt in Zambia?

Tell us which species you’re after and when you’d like to travel, and we’ll put together a hunt that suits you.