 Zambia experienced its first proper safari season in over two years producing results that were both unexpected and rewarding. Zambia is a Lion or Leopard safari destination with Buffalo being peculiar to these trips. If you are considering Zambia, rather look at the quality side of what is on offer instead of the pricing. Although government related fees and operating conditions have made Zambia an expensive destination, Zambia's strong points are big trophies for Lion, Leopard, Buffalo, Africa's biggest Sable along with a desired list of endemic or hard-to-find species. Hunting here is also about choosing the correct admission or Game Management Area (GMA).
Considering the status of Lion hunting south of the equator, Zambia is a very alluring outlook for the hunter who is searching a classical African Lion hunt. The closest in terms of possible quality is Tanzania, although the outfitters are making use of the past glory and sell the trips. Zimbabwe never had Lion (excellent Leopard but you don't often hear of monster Lion). Namibia began to produce appropriate Lion but it has no "fair chase" track record. The situation in the South Africa is also rather grievous. And at last Mozambique might produce a couple of lions but it is not a sure thing.
Most of the 'A' grade admissions produce the typical full maned "bush Lions" and big male Leopard. Sometimes bull headed black-maned Lion were shot in concessions which are not really considered to be Lion country. And if you prepared to encounter a maned kitten which you could see in different TV programs, you will be shocked by the size and might of the Bush Lion manes as they are heavy on the chest but sparse on the shoulder blades, usually running up over the shoulders but not much further.
Leopard hunts are rather expensive if compared with most other countries and you will probably shoot a cat similar in size to what you get elsewhere. But this has a lot to do with the animal you are hunting, Leopards are similar all over and the thing that is different is a hunting method. In Zambia you will go into a remote wilderness area and properly hunt your trophy from start to end, not from a game ranch or with a pack of hounds. If you find the right GMA you also be able to hunt the biggest Sable left in Africa.
Today it is rather difficult to label a GMA "good" or "bad" for cats as there should be at least one decent specimen of each species in each of the 'A' class GMAs. The following have always been good for cats: KAFUE - Lunga Busanga, Mumbwa. LUANGWA - Upper Lupande (not hunted 2003), Lower Lupande.
Zambia has produced some of the biggest Buffalo in the book. If you choose the right time of year and the correct GMA then your chances to cross of paths with a "proper" Buffalo noticeably increase. In general you may expect 40 inches if you are not the one who just wants to shoot a mountain of attitude and muscle.
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