Hunting Around Zambia's Kafue National Park

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Rhyme of the Sheep Hunter
May fordings never be too deep, And alders not too thick; May rock slides never be too steep And ridges not too slick.
And may your bullets shoot as swell As Fred Bear's arrow's flew; And may your nose work just as well As Jack O'Connor's too.
May winds be never at your tail When stalking down the steep; May bears be never on your trail When packing out your sheep.
May the hundred pounds upon you Not make you break or trip; And may the plane in which you flew Await you at the strip.
-Seth Peterson

30 March 2010, 03:17

Aaron Neilson

Lunga Busanga is Royal Zambezi's area. Its across the Kafue river from Lunga Luswishi. All good areas mentioned by Brett for the most part.

30 March 2010, 04:26

jeff h

quote:
Originally posted by Brett Adam Barringer:
Hunters & Guides Kasanso Busanga, Royal Zambezi Safaris Kasanso Luangwa (I think that's the name, but it's the concession between ProHunt and Hunters & Guides), Swan & Scan Mumbwa, Johnny Duploy just took a block as well, but I don't know the details. Mark Young would know about that.

Brett

Brett how does a guy in Alaska know so much about Africa. I am not being a smart ass.

30 March 2010, 10:12

Manyathelo

Sichifulo and Mulobezi on the south west of the kafue, both used to be fantastic areas; would do a lot of research before i went to either now

30 March 2010, 10:51

ozhunter

Lunga Luswishi is a massive block to the north of Kafue that use to be run by Zim Russ Broom, now a young but respected Zambian.

30 March 2010, 11:41

doclee

Kansoso Busanga is on the Northwest corner of Kafue. Hunters and Guides controls this. Gavin Hume. Excellent area and operator.

30 March 2010, 12:08

BrettAKSCI

quote:
Originally posted by jeff h:
quote:
Originally posted by Brett Adam Barringer:
Hunters & Guides Kasanso Busanga, Royal Zambezi Safaris Kasanso Luangwa (I think that's the name, but it's the concession between ProHunt and Hunters & Guides), Swan & Scan Mumbwa, Johnny Duploy just took a block as well, but I don't know the details. Mark Young would know about that.

Brett

Brett how does a guy in Alaska know so much about Africa. I am not being smart.

I did grow up on Ohio, but never the less.....You want to know what the sad/ridiculous/amazing part is.......that was from memory as I was at the office and couldn't look it up in one of my books.

I guess that's what happens when you obsess about something for the last 15 years (since I was 12). I've also been looking hard for the last 2 years researching where I wanted to do a lion hunt. The final areas were the Kafue, the Rungwa, and the Save. So I learned/memorized all the concessions in those areas, the outfitters that had them, and anything and everything else I could about the areas and outfits. I read LOTS of books, watched LOTS of videos, spoke with LOTS of hunters/PHs/booking agents, looked over LOTS of websites, read LOTS of magazines, and obsessed on AR God only knows how many times a week. I didn't do it to be a know it all I just love this and know I'm young enough and have enough disposable income that I'm going to spend a lot of money over my life, so I might as well own it as well as I possibly can.

Brett

30 March 2010, 19:18

jeff h

quote:
Originally posted by Brett Adam Barringer:
quote:
Originally posted by jeff h:
quote:
Originally posted by Brett Adam Barringer:
Hunters & Guides Kasanso Busanga, Royal Zambezi Safaris Kasanso Luangwa (I think that's the name, but it's the concession between ProHunt and Hunters & Guides), Swan & Scan Mumbwa, Johnny Duploy just took a block as well, but I don't know the details. Mark Young would know about that.

Brett

Brett how does a guy in Alaska know so much about Africa. I am not being a smart ass.

I did grow up on Ohio, but never the less.....You want to know what the sad/ridiculous/amazing part is.......that was from memory as I was at the office and couldn't look it up in one of my books. I guess that's what happens when you obsess about something for the last 15 years (since I was 12). I've also been looking hard for the last 2 years researching where I wanted to do a lion hunt. The final areas were the Kafue, the Rungwa, and the Save. So I learned/memorized all the concessions in those areas, the outfitters that had them, and anything and everything else I could about the areas and outfits. I read LOTS of books, watched LOTS of videos, spoke with LOTS of hunters/PHs/booking agents, looked over LOTS of websites, read LOTS of magazines, and obsessed on AR God only knows how many times a week. I didn't do it to be a know it all I just love this and know I'm young enough and have enough disposable income that I'm going to spend a lot of money over my life, so I might as well own it as well as I possibly can.

Brett

That is impressive! Sounds like your going about it all the right way. That is what I did on my lion. Found the area and wondered how I would pay and low and behold a canceled hunt came up on AR and I went to Locosallie in Masiland. Got a nice lion in 5 days.
Good luck on your quest!!!

30 March 2010, 23:36

BrettAKSCI

Thanks.

Brett

31 March 2010, 01:19

fairgame

quote:
Originally posted by jeff h:
quote:
Originally posted by Brett Adam Barringer:
quote:
Originally posted by jeff h:
quote:
Originally posted by Brett Adam Barringer:
Hunters & Guides Kasanso Busanga, Royal Zambezi Safaris Kasanso Luangwa (I think that's the name, but it's the concession between ProHunt and Hunters & Guides), Swan & Scan Mumbwa, Johnny Duploy just took a block as well, but I don't know the details. Mark Young would know about that.

Brett

Brett how does a guy in Alaska know so much about Africa. I am not being a smart ass.

I did grow up on Ohio, but never the less.....You want to know what the sad/ridiculous/amazing part is.......that was from memory as I was at the office and couldn't look it up in one of my books. I guess that's what happens when you obsess about something for the last 15 years (since I was 12). I've also been looking hard for the last 2 years researching where I wanted to do a lion hunt. The final areas were the Kafue, the Rungwa, and the Save. So I learned/memorized all the concessions in those areas, the outfitters that had them, and anything and everything else I could about the areas and outfits. I read LOTS of books, watched LOTS of videos, spoke with LOTS of hunters/PHs/booking agents, looked over LOTS of websites, read LOTS of magazines, and obsessed on AR God only knows how many times a week. I didn't do it to be a know it all I just love this and know I'm young enough and have enough disposable income that I'm going to spend a lot of money over my life, so I might as well own it as well as I possibly can.

Brett

That is impressive! Sounds like your going about it all the right way. That is what I did on my lion. Found the area and wondered how I would pay and low and behold a canceled hunt came up on AR and I went to Locosallie in Masiland. Got a nice lion in 5 days.
Good luck on your quest!!!

Brett,

I could be biased as I hunt the Kafue but as I am not hunting you I would say that there is only two areas in the Kafue that consistantly produces great Lion and I think there is enough evidence posted here to prove it.

I think research is extremely important and this is the way to go. Whatever area you eventually decide you will be offered the best possible chance at a mature hairy cat, and more importantly the ultimate experience.

31 March 2010, 03:38

Balla Balla

Some of the GMA located in the Southern Kafue National Park boundaries

Cheers, Peter

31 March 2010, 04:41

Aaron Neilson

31 March 2010, 05:21

SBT

Two questions for Aaron and Andrew:
1) Which three do you believe are "worth" a lion hunt?
2) Which ones are "worth" a leopard hunt?

31 March 2010, 06:25

BrettAKSCI

My guess for Andrew's 2 is:

Kasanso Busanga and Lunga Luwishi

My guess for Aaron's 3 are:

Kasanso Busanga and Lunga Luwishi plus Lunga Busanga (1st guess or Mumbwa 2nd guess).

That said Swan & Scan has Mumbwa and based on their prices one could only conclude they've been huffing paint fumes!

Brett

31 March 2010, 06:45

SBT

I love the sound of Lunga Busanga. It sounds like wild and exotic Africa!

31 March 2010, 07:07

Aaron Neilson

Guys - I would pick the following, in this order.

Lion/Leopard
1. Lunga Luswishi
2. Kasonso Busanga
3. Mumbwa - I really only pick this 3rd because of the operator and the price, neither are very good, but the area is awesome! Speaking from personally experience of course!!
4. Lunga Busanga

If someone trys to sell you a lion hunt in Mulobezi or Sichifulo, run very quickly. Leopard MAYBE, sable ya probably!

31 March 2010, 08:09

SBT

The thing I really appeciate about Aaron is that he has the fortitude to call it like he sees it.

31 March 2010, 11:33

fairgame

quote:
Originally posted by Aaron Neilson:
Guys - I would pick the following, in this order.

Lion/Leopard
1. Lunga Luswishi
2. Kasonso Busanga
3. Mumbwa - I really only pick this 3rd because of the operator and the price, neither are very good, but the area is awesome! Speaking from personally experience of course!!
4. Lunga Busanga

If someone trys to sell you a lion hunt in Mulobezi or Sichifulo, run very quickly. Leopard MAYBE, sable ya probably!

Agree. However Aaron I spoke to Darrel Watt of the vast unfenced Mushingashi private reserve and they for financial reasons could be selling Lion this year. If so this would be high up there with Lunga Luswishi.

Not sure how Gavin in Kasonso did this year but in the past took some of the best Lions to be recorded in recent history.

There is also Nkala which is in the south up against the park but this area seems to bounce from one operator to another but still good for cats.

There are some truely montrous Leopard throughout the Kafue but they can be difficult to hunt. Note in the area I hunt in the Kafue you could easily record 500 head of game in a mornings drive and the population of Puku and other lesser game is quite staggering. However this is the reason why there are so many Lions.

I sent Aaron some 2009 photos of three Lions we turned down and not considered of age (4-5 years)and if he posts them here then these are good examples of the quality.

31 March 2010, 17:58

Aaron Neilson

quote:
Originally posted by fairgame:
quote:
Originally posted by Aaron Neilson:
Guys - I would pick the following, in this order.

Lion/Leopard
1. Lunga Luswishi
2. Kasonso Busanga
3. Mumbwa - I really only pick this 3rd because of the operator and the price, neither are very good, but the area is awesome! Speaking from personally experience of course!!
4. Lunga Busanga

If someone trys to sell you a lion hunt in Mulobezi or Sichifulo, run very quickly. Leopard MAYBE, sable ya probably!

Agree. However Aaron I spoke to Darrel Watt of the vast unfenced Mushingashi private reserve and they for financial reasons could be selling Lion this year. If so this would be high up there with Lunga Luswishi.

Not sure how Gavin in Kasonso did this year but in the past took some of the best Lions to be recorded in recent history.

There is also Nkala which is in the south up against the park but this area seems to bounce from one operator to another but still good for cats.

There are some truely montrous Leopard throughout the Kafue but they can be difficult to hunt. Note in the area I hunt in the Kafue you could easily record 500 head of game in a mornings drive and the population of Puku and other lesser game is quite staggering. However this is the reason why there are so many Lions.

I sent Aaron some 2009 photos of three Lions we turned down and not considered of age (4-5 years)and if he posts them here then these are good examples of the quality.

Agree on all of that Andrew, but the guys at Mushingashi said they were gonna sell a lion last year too, and didn't correct? Just FYI for anyone reading this, it is private property, but not FENCED at all.

Andrew do you think they would let us use their lion cage/blind if we hunted there?????

31 March 2010, 23:19

fairgame

If they get permission from the owner this year they will then sell a number of hunts including Lion and Leopard. I suspect last year they were just testing the waters. I have already mentioned you as an agent.

I would probably want to do this hunt as I know I will be finished up in a week or so and can spend the rest of the time fishing or with my family. Possibly both.

31 March 2010, 23:37

Aaron Neilson

quote:
Originally posted by fairgame:
If they get permission from the owner this year they will then sell a number of hunts including Lion and Leopard. I suspect last year they were just testing the waters. I have already mentioned you as an agent.

I would probably want to do this hunt as I know I will be finished up in a week or so and can spend the rest of the time fishing or with my family. Possibly both.

Andrew - I'm all over it, if it happens please let me know. We both that hunt will produce a GREAT cat.

31 March 2010, 23:51

fairgame

quote:
Originally posted by Aaron Neilson:
quote:
Originally posted by fairgame:
If they get permission from the owner this year they will then sell a number of hunts including Lion and Leopard. I suspect last year they were just testing the waters. I have already mentioned you as an agent.

I would probably want to do this hunt as I know I will be finished up in a week or so and can spend the rest of the time fishing or with my family. Possibly both.

Andrew - I'm all over it, if it happens please let me know. We both that hunt will produce a GREAT cat.

Darrell will only deal with reputable agents contact darrellwatt@yahoo.com

01 April 2010, 03:42

Aaron Neilson

quote:
Originally posted by fairgame:
quote:
Originally posted by Aaron Neilson:
quote:
Originally posted by fairgame:
If they get permission from the owner this year they will then sell a number of hunts including Lion and Leopard. I suspect last year they were just testing the waters. I have already mentioned you as an agent.

I would probably want to do this hunt as I know I will be finished up in a week or so and can spend the rest of the time fishing or with my family. Possibly both.

Andrew - I'm all over it, if it happens please let me know. We both that hunt will produce a GREAT cat.

Darrell will only deal with reputable agents contact darrellwatt@yahoo.com

Already did, thanks!

01 April 2010, 07:01

doclee

I recommend Kansoso Busanga and Gavin Hume without reservation. Good well managed area.

01 April 2010, 12:19

fairgame

quote:
Originally posted by doclee:
I recommend Kansoso Busanga and Gavin Hume without reservation. Good well managed area.

doclee,

Agreed but you have to compare the other Kafue areas some of which make Kasonso look barren.

01 April 2010, 18:20

Aaron Neilson

Andrew - I got a message from Darrell, just this morning. They plan to do something, and are at the moment, sorting it out! Just FYI. He said he will get back to me as soon as they have the hunts laid out, and what they plan to sell. Very interesting!!!

01 April 2010, 19:06

fairgame

Great. The quantity and quality of game is second to none.

01 April 2010, 19:41

Lightning

Some of the Lion that Gavin Hume has taken in the last 3 years are some of the best I have ever seen free range.

MGM type stuff! Will try to get pics.

01 April 2010, 23:33

Balla Balla

Darrell is a good sort ...

We have done some (game scout training) business with him personally, and our PH Dene has been to see his ranch which is a vast area.

Cheers, Peter

02 April 2010, 18:31

Aaron Neilson

quote:
Originally posted by Lightning:
Some of the Lion that Gavin Hume has taken in the last 3 years are some of the best I have ever seen free range.

MGM type stuff! Will try to get pics.

Agreed!!!!

19 August 2015, 12:24

Frostbit

quote:
Originally posted by fairgame:
quote:
Originally posted by Aaron Neilson:
Guys - I would pick the following, in this order.

Lion/Leopard
1. Lunga Luswishi
2. Kasonso Busanga
3. Mumbwa - I really only pick this 3rd because of the operator and the price, neither are very good, but the area is awesome! Speaking from personally experience of course!!
4. Lunga Busanga

If someone trys to sell you a lion hunt in Mulobezi or Sichifulo, run very quickly. Leopard MAYBE, sable ya probably!

Agree. However Aaron I spoke to Darrel Watt of the vast unfenced Mushingashi private reserve and they for financial reasons could be selling Lion this year. If so this would be high up there with Lunga Luswishi.

Not sure how Gavin in Kasonso did this year but in the past took some of the best Lions to be recorded in recent history.

There is also Nkala which is in the south up against the park but this area seems to bounce from one operator to another but still good for cats.

There are some truely montrous Leopard throughout the Kafue but they can be difficult to hunt. Note in the area I hunt in the Kafue you could easily record 500 head of game in a mornings drive and the population of Puku and other lesser game is quite staggering. However this is the reason why there are so many Lions.

I sent Aaron some 2009 photos of three Lions we turned down and not considered of age (4-5 years)and if he posts them here then these are good examples of the quality.

I started looking for old threads related to this letter stating 2,000,000 views of a previous thread occurred.

Letter

I happened to come across this thread from 2010 with noted Lion followers like Aaron Neilson weighing in and where to hunt Lion.

I don't personally recall reading this one but I do get a bit of a warm fuzzy thinking that two years later Joyce and I hunted on the border of Mushingashi and took our Lion.

Cheers
Jim

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