Zambia is a vast country of more than 290,000 square miles (751,000 km 2), half of which is pristine wilderness inhabited by some of the most diverse wildlife in Africa. What makes Zambia so distinct from other African hunting destinations is the zoning of land areas around the national parks as game management areas. The free movement of animals between the parks and the game management areas ensure a reliable supply of superior trophies. Altogether, national parks and game management areas represent about 33 per cent of Zambia's total land area, and nearly two-thirds of this is game management area, totalling over 63,320 sq miles (164,000 km 2). The diversity of terrain includes river valleys, Kalahari Bushveld to the southwest, plateau woodlands throughout the interior, as well as swamps and extensive flood plain savannahs thereby providing one of the most exceptional and exciting selection of trophy animals, (35 species), to be found in a single African country.

The safari hunting season extends throughout the dry season from the cool, dry months of May through July to the dry, hot months of October and into November. By late November, when the first rains fall, safari camps close; roads turn to mud and become impassable, streams start to flow again and cut off entry into many of the hunting areas. Dutiful wildlife scouts remain behind to police the area for next year's hunting season. Rains continue into April and by late May safari camps are reopened.

HUNTING AREA: KASONSO
This area is 2,094 km² in extent. Kasonso's eastern boundary borders onto the Kafue National Park allowing the game to migrate unhindered. Owing to the varied habitats of Kasonso, a diverse specie list can be offered. It is the only area in Zambia where Red Lechwe, Yellow Backed Duiker and Blue Duiker occur simultaneously. Sitatungas are hunted in the permanent swamps areas, while the plains host healthy populations of the Big Cats.

CAMPS
Hunters & Guides camps are comfortably made from natural materials. Each sleeping unit has en-suite bathroom facilities. The centrally-located dining room allows one to relax while listening to the days hunting chatter around the open campfire.

GENERAL INFORMATION

FIREARMS
Elephant and Hippopotamus, rifled and nitro proofed loading firearms of a calibre not less than 9.5 mm (.375), chambered to take a nitro express cartridge.

Eland, Buffalo, Kudu, Leopard, Lion, Sable and Zebra, rifled and nitro proofed firearms of a calibre not less than 7.6 mm (.300), chambered to take a nitro express cartridge. Other game animals, shotgun or rifled and nitro proofed breach loading firearms of a calibre not less than 6 mm (.243), chambered to take a nitro express cartridge.

All specified birds, shotgun or rifled and nitro proofed breach loading firearms of a calibre not less than 5.5 mm (.22), chambered to take a nitro express cartridge.

There can be little doubt that the best all round rifle for Zambia is that of the .375 calibre, however a .416 or similar heavy calibre is a good choice for Buffalo and a .300 would be ideal for Plainsgame. The most important thing is to be familiar with the gun you are using with a good degree of accuracy at ranges of up to 200 metres. Buffalo, Lion and Leopard are usually taken at under 100 metres.

Maximum permitted ammunition importation to Zambia is 100 rounds per rifle and 200 rounds per shotgun. Depending on guns to be used, it is recommended that the following ammunition is brought into Zambia: Large calibre - 20 solid and 50 soft nose; Medium calibre - 50 soft nose; Shot gun - 200 rounds, No 4 or 6.

Handgun and bow hunting is permitted in Zambia for non-dangerous species, this excludes Lion, Leopard, Hippo and Buffalo unless prior permission has been obtained from the Minister of Tourism. Prior application for firearm imports have to be made. These applications will be handled through our office. However correct serial numbers must be supplied well in advance to avoid disappointment of refusal by the Zambian authorities.

HUNTING LICENCES AND EXPORT OF TROPHIES

Although all Government areas fees and safari licenses are included in our daily rate, to simplify matters all animal licenses have to be purchased separately either before or on arrival in Lusaka. It is therefore important to decide, prior to arrival, which trophies are to be hunted. Additional licenses cannot be purchased from camp and may result in the loss of a hunting day to purchase licenses in Lusaka.