How is the political situation currently in Zambia?

Any hunting companies active there right now?

Have any of you hunted there lately...?

Not sure about the politics but there are a bunch of outfitters working out of Zambia at the moment. I will let someone more familiar with Zambia suggest someone and comment on the politics.

Next month I will head back to Zambia for my third visit in the past eight months. I have not hunted there so I can't comment on that but the political situation seems very stable. Well, "very stable" compared to the rest of Africa.

Jason

Balla Balla should answer here before too long. He runs hunts in Zambia.

Pondoro, I hunted there last year and was in country for a month. I spent time in the Kafue area in the west, Vic Falls and Indola in the Copper Belt. Found country to be safe and the people wonderful. Just use good judgement at night like in all 3rd. world countries.

The hunting is fantastic. Several good companies hunt there..

It is very expensive but is really "Wild Africa"

Bullsprig

Pondoro,

Zambia is one of the premier hunting destinations in Africa. Good cats, buffalo and some elephant are avaialbe in Zambia along with species like sitatunga and lechwe not huntable in other places. Zambia also offers croc and hippo on a short 7 day buffalo hunt. All this is offered by some of the finest professionals in Africa.

As for stability I think relative to Africa it is very stable with friendly people and minimuim hassles transiting in and out.

Price wise Zambia is somewhere roughly between Zimbabwe and Tanzania.

We do have some buffalo avaialbe there for '07 if anyone is interested.

Mark

Use good judgement anywhere...I have honestly been ripped off and had more stuff stolen in N America that in Africa, not an exageration, the honest truth.

You will find Zambia to be a great place, great people. Use good judgement is true, but also in your own cities..right?

Enjoy it!
Cheers

Politically the country is stable, and also the IMF has written off all the Zambia debt as well so (in theory) it should progress at a reasonable steady pace and continue to be stable for the immediate foreseeable future.

The only thing for local operators is costs have risen a lot of late with the local currency The Kwacha having strengthened agiant the US dollar, and of cource all Safaris are priced in US and the Outfitters have to pay for their goods and services in Kwacha )-:

The old exchange rate was around 4,600 Kwacha to the US dollar and presently it is hovering arounf 3,250 to the US dollar so that has increased local Safari operators and farmers running costs a lot

There are some number of (established operators) with good hunting concessions or GMA's as they are normally called and a small number of (private ranches) offering hunting including ourselves with a good range of local Zambia species and of cource cape buffalo leopard etc

The main season is essentialy from May through October, with June July August being the most popular time for hunters.

Cheers, Peter

Hello Pondoro,
Noted your inquiry regarding political situation in Zambia and would only suggest that you might want to review on about any country a web site known as CIA/World Facts Book. Gives recent data on about any subject desired on a given nation on this planet. Hunting might well be great there, but of a population of some 11 million, 10% has HIV and lifespan is something near 40 years of age, would say all is not "milk and honey" in Zambia these days.
Always interesting to see some African talking points such as "have been ripped off more in North America than in Africa...." and I would assume that we are to consider moving there because of the great living conditions and political stability?? I think not. Go and have a great hunt while you can, be aware of your surroundings at all times, and then get the hell out of there would be my suggestion.

Hi there, "some African" here...

I was not meaning to make basic comparisons between Zambia and wherever else.
What was saying is that I enjoy Zambia very much and its not (overall) a place to get worried about safety. Yes, HIV is a large problem but unless you want to enjoy the company of hookers on your hunt, you should be OK!
My comment about getting ripped off was not meant to make any substantive or emperical claims...just my experience and a very simple truth about what I have experinced. An around about way of saying "Hey, its not so bad, and things like theft are universal, be careful where ever you are, be it Lusaka or Miami. Have agreat trip".

The CIA world fact book is a useful refence but simple stats must be taken with a pinch of salt, we all know that.
I am not denying the existance of the probelms, that would be naive at best.
Its just not necessary to be scared and 'get the hell out'. In some places yes, but thats true anywhere.
Zambians won't eat you and you might even enjoy the place outside of hunting.

Cheers,
'some African' (we are allowed to engage in discussions according to you, right?)

quote:

Originally posted by driver:
Hello Pondoro,
Noted your inquiry regarding political situation in Zambia and would only suggest that you might want to review on about any country a web site known as CIA/World Facts Book. Gives recent data on about any subject desired on a given nation on this planet. Hunting might well be great there, but of a population of some 11 million, 10% has HIV and lifespan is something near 40 years of age, would say all is not "milk and honey" in Zambia these days.
Always interesting to see some African talking points such as "have been ripped off more in North America than in Africa...." and I would assume that we are to consider moving there because of the great living conditions and political stability?? I think not. Go and have a great hunt while you can, be aware of your surroundings at all times, and then get the hell out of there would be my suggestion.

With that attitude, it sounds like you'll be missing out on lots of interesting (and resonably safe!) places to visit! There is no reason whatsoever to "get the hell" out of Zambia as quickly as possible after a hunt. The same goes for most countries in Africa IMO.

Be aware that a lot of the security info found on the "CIA World factbook" website (and various countries foreign department websites) are often based on one countries political relationship to the countries in question, and not necessarily genuine safety issues.

Thanks Erik,

I see you are quite an experienced African traveller - I really enjoyed your website (pity about the officials at the Swazi border) but glad you enjoyed SA greatly and the rest!

As a side, the BBC website (www.bbc.co.uk) country profiles are IMHO much better than the CIA Worldfact Book.Their reporting on Africa is generally the best and most comprehensive of the large global agencies and more inclusive than many others. When reading the CIA site, you are right, the issue may be formed by very minor issues.

Its unfortunate that people unknowingly carry this exagerated stigma. Hope it can be erroded one day!
Cheers

Kayaker,

We did greatly enjoy your country, despite the ANC hardline customs official at the Swazi border! It was no big deal compaired to bordercrossings in north and west Africa, but still came as bit of a suprise to us since all other borders south of Ethiopia were relativly friendly. That ANC customs bitch really pissed me off!

As for finding out about security issues, I have found that the best way is to be in contact with someone on the ground in the specific country. People in countries next door aren't even good enough in some cases. The trouble is finding people (the right people!), or some of the very few webforums dedicated to people who travel around independently like we did. A good suggestion is: Horizons Unlimited. No other website I know of has knowledgable "members" who either are in, or were recently in so many out of the way countries throughout the world.

Hello,
Well, I am nearing 70 years of age and spent most of my adult life travelling around this planet and much of that time in Africa and can speak with more than a passing knowledge of the many "interesting" places found there. Hunting expeditions are not really the best way to discover those interesting places of a given nation or it's people. It does provide one view that is sure, but not a complete picture I fear. Nevertheless, would not want anyone to be deprived of a great hunting adventure and as I mentioned, do it while you can in Africa. Good Hunting.

quote:

Originally posted by driver:
Hunting expeditions are not really the best way to discover those interesting places of a given nation or it's people.

Driver, I am glad to see that we agree on the above. Which is why I suggest people take time to see a bit of the country before or after their hunt.

quote:

Hello Pondoro,
Noted your inquiry regarding political situation in Zambia and would only suggest that you might want to review on about any country a web site known as CIA/World Facts Book. Gives recent data on about any subject desired on a given nation on this planet. Hunting might well be great there, but of a population of some 11 million, 10% has HIV and lifespan is something near 40 years of age, would say all is not "milk and honey" in Zambia these days.
Always interesting to see some African talking points such as "have been ripped off more in North America than in Africa...." and I would assume that we are to consider moving there because of the great living conditions and political stability?? I think not. Go and have a great hunt while you can, be aware of your surroundings at all times, and then get the hell out of there would be my suggestion.

It is unfortunate but Driver’s attitude is typical of hunters who visit Africa.

We think nothing of spending two weeks chasing after animals that can, and will, kill us with no remorse if given the chance. All the while a game scout walks in our footsteps with a loaded AK pointed in our general direction. Protection is provided by a PH who carries a beat-up rifle of questionable reliability loaded with a mix of hand-loads given to him by various clients along the way. But none of this is as dangerous as riding in the back of an overloaded landrover with tires that can and do fail all too often.

And with all this very real danger we choose to focus on the fact that the people are poor and the hookers and johns all have AIDS. Well don’t flash your valuables and don’t screw anyone that you are not in a committed relationship with. These are rules to live by, and not just in Africa I might add.

Don’t trust the world fact book too much(the AIDS rate is closer to 20% and average life expectancy is only 33 years).

What has a better chance of killing you, the buffalo that you will be messing with or the hookers; that you wont be messing with?

Jason

quote:

Hunting expeditions are not really the best way to discover those interesting places of a given nation or it's people. It does provide one view that is sure, but not a complete picture I fear.

Yes, visiting hunters miss out on some of the best that Africa has to offer. And much of that has to do with fear.

Jason

True, hunting trips can give you one good perspective but yes , you can also miss out on much of what a place has to offer with a quick 'in and out'. I have met many international hunters who travel outside of their trips and throughly enjoy it. I guess the one issue is what to do with the rifles unless your outfitter or friends can store them.

Oh yes, Erik and others, thanks for the website. I also enjoy the Lonely Planet's Thorntree Posts Forum section on Africa - lots of current travel info from all kinds of folks, constantly updated 24/7.

Enjoy the discussions!

Hello JBrown,
Well, with an armed PH at your front, AK47 armed assistant at your rear, you somewhere in the middle, shooting sticks and all, comfortable camp awaiting you at the end of this arduous day, I see little fear factor involved.
Now, if you want fear, do away with the PH, assistant, and YOU carry the AK47, drop you in the "bush" with about 7 days worth of chow, first aide kit, all the ammo you can pack and "stroll" through some of the worst shit holes on this planet and then you can come to all of us and extoll the virtues of Africa and your "in depth knowledge..." I think not.

By the way, this stroll can take you from Somallia to South Africa and nothing really changes. Contrary to popular belief, it is all one very large shit hole and a safari is providing the very best possible image of the Dark Continent. Won't quibble with you on the exact percentage of HIV about, but hell if that does not get you, there are plenty of other nasty's out there that will. Again, would always wish those hunting a great success, but let's not leave the impression that this is some death defying activity.

quote:

Protection is provided by a PH who carries a beat-up rifle of questionable reliability loaded with a mix of hand-loads given to him by various clients along the way. But none of this is as dangerous as riding in the back of an overloaded landrover with tires that can and do fail all too often.

JBrown
Not picking a fight, or trying to hijack the treat, but some of our rifles and vehicles are in a better condition than you would imagine...
Regards, Karl

I know the currency is skyrocketing right now relative to the dollar -- not too sure how stable it will really be, since the business guys I know aren't very happy, and consider it a political manipulation by their president who is facing election in November. (essentially, the real cost of everything has increased tremendously, since no one seems to be buying the idea that a currency w. traditional 20% inflation is now supposed to be increasing in worth...makes heading over to start a cattle operation that much more exciting

Aglifter & Others /

Thank you ( very much) for paying off the Zambia debt via the World Bank / IMF or whomever arranges these freebies, I guess someone has to pay in the end which is proberly you the taxpayer !!!

Just to give you some more relavent economic information ... Peter (languishing downunder) also a bloody taxpayer

Zambian Macro Economic Changes

As you may be aware, Zambia has experienced some dramatic Macro economic changes recently. In December and to date, the local currency Kwacha strengthened against the US Dollar from K4, 600: US$1 to K3, 100: US$1. This is an enormous achievement for Zambia and is a result of Zambia’s world debt being written off, an increase in commodity prices (Copper being the main export) and Zambia's attainment of the completion point under the HIPC initiative.

Of course this brings stability and economic growth however the effects on certain sectors of the economy are not so positive. Tourism revenues are all in United States Dollars while the majority of our costs are in Zambian Kwacha. To buy K10, 000,000 on 1st Feb 2005 versus today costs us 39% more US Dollars, that is to say our cost base has risen considerably compared to our revenue.

quote:

Again, would always wish those hunting a great success, but let's not leave the impression that this is some death defying activity

Driver
You missed my point which was that, in Africa, we focus on the things that are least likely to affect us; AIDS, muggings and dangerous animals being the three biggest fears.

The chances of dying from Malaria, accidental gunshot or car crash while in Africa are much greater but they just don't seem to worry us too much.

I have spent about seven weeks in Africa in the past year just traveling around(not hunting) either alone or with my fiancee. I have found must of the fears that seem to grip us outsiders to be unfounded for the most part. Outside of the big cities you can walk around at night without too much fear, excepting snakes

I see that you are a new member but I can't help but notice that you sound alot like one of gloom-and-doom guys that was around for a while. My guess is that you have a bit more than ten posts under your belt.

Jason

quote:

Originally posted by Karl S:

quote:

Protection is provided by a PH who carries a beat-up rifle of questionable reliability loaded with a mix of hand-loads given to him by various clients along the way. But none of this is as dangerous as riding in the back of an overloaded landrover with tires that can and do fail all too often.

JBrown
Not picking a fight, or trying to hijack the treat, but some of our rifles and vehicles are in a better condition than you would imagine...
Regards, Karl

Carl

I have been to Namibia three times and always found the trucks to be very good. The local's rifles were also outstanding but that was of little matter as there is not much dangerous game to hunt.

Now Zimbabwe is a different story. The country was hurting when I was there in late 03. Everything was hard to come by including, ammo, riflesand rifle parts, tires and tubes, and fuel.

Lack of ammo meant many PHs had a mix of clients leftovers. One PH found that the reloads a client had gifted him would not chamber in his rifle, he became aware of this as the began a stalk on a herd of buffalo.

I carried a follower and spring over to Zim for a well known PH. His last client asked me to give it to him because his 458 would not feed. The PH had used it as a single shot to back the client up on Buffalo and Elephant.

With the lack of fuel safari trucks were asked to carry loads that would have normally been split between two trucks to conserve fuel. Overloading on bad tires with even worse tubes was asking for trouble. But I am here to tell the story so it could not have been that bad.

Jason

Hello JBrown,
I take it by posts you mean "writings" on this site and your assumption would be wrong. You know about assuming and what that does to a fellow??
As for postings in Africa, many, many times and places and only a realist and would only encourage those so inclined to visit and hunt in Africa if at all possible.
Going back to my original point, any slight reference that the place is safer overall than the United States or even in the back alleys of Mexico City is simply wrong. It is a marketing ploy or talking point used to not deter visitors to Africa for hunting or any other purpose.
Far be it from me to discourage you with or without your fiance walking about Africa. Don't forget your pills, shots, or whatever else they suggest these days.

quote:

By the way, this stroll can take you from Somallia to South Africa and nothing really changes. Contrary to popular belief, it is all one very large shit hole

Driver
You paint with a broad brush. Yes many parts of Africa are bad but the same can be said for any part of the world.

If Africa was even half as bad as all you doom-and-gloomers say then why don't we hear about it first hand from the members of this site? After all, the members of this site make quite a few trips and we rarely hear of any problems. 1,000 trips on the past five years would be a fair estimate. Yes, one member almost died from Malaria and another was almost killed by a buffalo but that is about it.

I would never say that Africa is as safe as America. Overall it is not close. But the worst areas of the U.S. are worse than many large areas of Africa.

And keep in mind ErikD drove from one end of Africa to the other in a very expensive 4X4, unarmed, and ran in no major problems.

Jason

Hello JBrown,
It is very good to see that you admit that Africa is not as safe as America. Again, wish all those going on hunts or visits in Africa have a grand time of it.
I truly enjoy reading the various accounts here, brings back some memories, but do feel we need to keep the situation in Africa on a realistic basis and not compare anywhere on the Dark Continent to that of America. Simply can not be done.
Some few years back while attending a large hunt/sportsman show, many African outfitters were present and heard frequently that same old saying "Africa is safer than in Detroit, LA, NYC., etc...." when asked by prospective clients about the safety factor in a visit to Africa. They were not speaking directly to me and I only thought, well these guys have all got the same line or talking points to put away any fears the client might have.

Enough, you seem to enjoy the visits as I am sure others do as well and that is super and only wish the situations in Africa remain stable that such visits can continue.

by all means stay extra and do some sightseeing and fishing.i always plan on about 3 weeks extra just to do this.if possible try to visit at least 1 extra country and get a feel for the way of life there.

i haven't hunted zambia,but did do a rhino photo trip and much sightseeing.i spent a half a day with some rhinos with their ak-47carrying protector and had a ball.this may be a bit out of the guidelines,but...an excellent prospective on managing and watching these animals close-up instead of inside a vehicle.

when showing folks my pics this part of the trip always generates more conversation than the hunt.

the fishing has always been excellent and gives one another opportunity to experience another lodge,country,food, etc.

At the end of the day NO country in Southern Africa is totally kosher, but politically speaking and from a general safety standpoint Zambia would be one of the best to visit I guess!