When it comes to big game hunting, lion hunting in Africa is always a favorite choice for hunters focusing on dangerous game. The reality is when planning an African safari, the hunter is spoilt for choices in terms of destinations, facilities, and additional available species.
Why are lions hunted in Africa?
Lions are hunted in Africa to generate sufficient cash flow to protect the species from poachers. Big game hunting generates billions of dollars annually in revenue. Lions are poached due to the ever-increasing demand from Asian countries for their skins, claws, teeth, and bones. Only mature lions older than six years are legally allowed to be hunted.
Which African destination has the most lions?
The highest population of “wild” lions is found in Tanzania, followed by Zimbabwe. South Africa has more lions than Zimbabwe, however, most are bred in captivity for canned hunting.
Is canned lion hunting legal in South Africa?
At present it is still legal to conduct canned hunts in South Africa. Rightly or wrongly, due to pressure from the international front, the South African government has announced it plans to ban hunting lions bred in captivity. There is, however, no specific time frame in this regard, and hunting lions in South Africa continues till today.
Hunting lions in Africa is based on fair chase. This means trophy hunters and their professional hunters conduct the hunting in areas large enough to allow the free-range animals an opportunity to escape. There are no fences.
The Top Three Lion Hunting Safari Destinations in Africa
Tanzania
• While exceptionally expensive, Tanzania is the number one lion hunting safari destination due to the high quality of service, facilities, and the number of lions that inhabit this beautiful country. Tanzania has a remarkable history of producing world-class and memorable big game safaris.
• Lion hunts take place from Selous to Masailand. Tanzanian lions are renowned for the quality of their manes, while the maneless lions in the south of Tanzania have a fearsome reputation for showing little or no fear of humans. The hunter will often become the hunted!
• A minimum 21-day hunting license is required to hunt lions in Tanzania.
• Famous Tanzanian hunters include Frederick Courtney Selous and Harry Selby. Hunting in Tanzania certainly is a luxury and a privilege for those fortunate enough to enjoy an African safari in this number-one ranked destination.
Mozambique
• Mozambique is certainly one of the top three destinations for lion hunting, with Mozambique still classified as mostly wild and untouched. In Mozambique, a lion hunt can be conducted at night using artificial light.
• The Niassa province in the northern areas is famous for producing quality lion trophies. A big game safari for lions has a minimum time frame of 14 days and can be extended to 21 days.
• When in Mozambique, check with the outfitter regarding other dangerous and plains game availability. Buffalo hunting in Mozambique is also a favorite activity and Mozambique regularly produces old “dagga boys” over 44-inches.
Zimbabwe
• Zimbabwe has an abundance of lions, perfect for any African safari. Matetsi is the most popular destination of choice for hunting lions due to the abundance of wildlife, including elephants, buffalo, and numerous species of plains game.
• When booking your big game hunting safari in Zimbabwe, ensure that your professional hunter and outfitter are registered with SOAZ (Safari Operators Association of Zimbabwe). Only residents may operate in Zimbabwe.
• Hunting in Zimbabwe is highly recommended. However, be sure to plan your Africa hunts with a reputable outfitter and booking agent because, recently, the Zimbabwe hunting industry has been tarnished a little due to corruption, problems with permits, etc.
• Zimbabwe professional hunters are some of the best trained in Africa, with qualifications taking a minimum period of two years.
The pie chart below indicates the number of wild lions within reserves within our top three African lion hunting destinations, showing solid lion populations of approximately 18,000 individual animals.
Contrary to the opinions of the “anti-hunters” and “greenies,” lions are not endangered in Africa, and hunting lions in Africa contributes to conservation and is promoted by fair-chase, legal, ethical, and sustainable hunting.
