Mozambique as a hunting destination  

From the rugged highlands of Niassa to the 2,500 km. of virgin coast that crowns radiant blue waters of the Indian Ocean, Mozambique is a land of extreme beauty and allure. Mozambique borders Tanzania to the north, Zambia and Malawi to the northwest, Zimbabwe to the west, and South Africa and Swaziland to the southwest. To the east lie the Indian Ocean and a coastline of nearly 1,500 miles, with tropical beaches, coral reefs and strings of islands. A vast low plateau rises towards the mountains in the west and north and accounts for nearly half of the area of Mozambique. The landscape of the plateau is savannah, more or less dry and open woodlands with tracts of short grass. The western and northern highlands are patched with forests. The Zambezi is the largest of the 25 main rivers which flow through Mozambique into the Indian Ocean.

It is paradise enjoyed by 21 million residents, only 15 per square mile, 99.7% of which are indigenous tribal groups, and the rest are Europeans and others that have succumbed to its pristine beaches and its unexplored and unspoiled game reserves. The official language is Portuguese and many African languages, such as Tsonga, Sena Nyanja, Makonde and Macua are spoken. The major concentrations of population are along the coast and in the fertile river valleys, notably in Zambezia and Gaza provinces. A blend of African, Arabic, Indian and Portuguese influences make for delicious cuisine, exciting music and dance, and a cheerful population.

After centuries of ethnic and Arab rule, slave trading, Portuguese colonialism and decades of a devastating civil war, Mozambique finally became a democratic Republic in 1990. The country is governed by FRELIMO under the leadership of President Armando Guebuza.With the return of peace and political stability in Mozambique, coupled with a smooth transition to democracy, the country has reclaimed its status as one of Africa’s treasures. The atmosphere is bright and optimistic as roads, bridges and hotels are built, and development forges ahead at full speed.

HUNTING

• The hunting season commences in June and ends in November each year.
• The wildlife in Mozambique includes a variety of species, of which antelope are the most numerous both in number and variety. Often regarded as the most beautiful of the antelope, the Sable Antelope is found in virtually all hunting areas. There is also Nyala, Cape Eland , Oryx and Greater Kudu. Other species of antelope include Lichtenstein Hartebeest, Chobe Bushbuck, Southern Reedbuck, Common Waterbuck, Common Duiker, Red Duiker, Oribi, Suni, Warthog and Bush pig

Crocodiles are also a hunted in Mozambique. They are abundant and often quite large. The main areas for Crocodile hunting are located on the Zambezi River and Lake Gahora Bassa. These areas are also good for Hippopotamus hunting. Hunting Elephant is legal in Mozambique. Elephants are normally abundant in the north and west of Mozambique, particularly in the areas bordering on Tanzania and Zimbabwe.

Lion hunting is done by calling or tracking and not by baiting unlike most countries in Eastern and Southern Africa. Leopards are also abundant in many areas in the North and West. Cape Buffalo are found in all hunting areas, but their numbers vary in different areas. In the regions near Beira, Buffalo have been poached excessively and are difficult to find.

HUNTING SEASON

The hunting season runs from May through end of November. Hunting areas in Mozambique are open territories, not fenced. The average area is approximately 150,000 acres. Hunting in Mozambique begins in a 4x4 vehicle from the camps, then once in the bush, tracking on foot but sometimes done by tracking directly from the camps. In most areas the terrain is flat and the hunting is not very physically demanding.

TRAVEL 

• Coming from the USA and flying through Atlanta (Delta), your arrival in Johannesburg will be around 5:40pm. We suggest you overnight in Johannesburg and fly to Maputo the next day. 
• Flying through NY or Washington on South African Airways, you should arrive in Johannesburg around 11am in the morning. You will then fly on to Maputo to arrive there in the afternoon.
• Flying from Dallas the best would be to fly on Lufthansa through Frankfurt and then on to Johannesburg for arrival around 7:15am.  From there you fly out to Maputo to arrive early afternoon.

On arrival in Maputo you will be met by a representative who will help you clear customs and who will transfer you to your hotel where you will overnight. 

The next morning after breakfast you will be taken back to the airport to fly onto Quelimane or Lichinga where you will be met by your PH and taken into camp -2.5 hour boat ride or road transfer. 

CLIMATE 
Climate varies from sub-tropical to tropical. Inland is cooler than the coast and the rainfall is high. The hottest and wettest season is October to March. April to September is mainly dry. Maximums are sometimes as high as 40ºC and minimums seldom goes below 15ºC.

PACKING LIST 
Lightweight cottons and linens in natural colored clothing (laundry service daily) – NO camouflage clothing allowed.

• Bug jackets, gloves and face netting (Tsetse flies are a nuisance)
• Comfortable walking shoes, natural fiber socks;
• Long trousers, a tracksuit or sweater and warm weather resistant jacket;
• Hat, sunglasses
• Binoculars, camera, flash, film
• Step-down converter (220 – 110 volt)
• Gas operated hair dryer/hot brush
• Anti-malaria medication, prescription drugs, personal toiletries, sun-block
• Raincoat
• Ammo belt

HEALTH & SAFETY  

Professional Hunters and camp staff has fully equipped medical kits, radio communication and satellite phones in case of an emergency. The whole of Mozambique is a high-risk malaria area and Tsetse fly a nuisance – consult your doctor or travel clinic and take the necessary precautions. Medical casavac insurance is recommended and can be arranged, at a nominal fee, by the Outfitter. Always carry your travel documents, travelers’ cheques and cash on your person or ask the outfitter to keep it in safe custody. The area is sparsely populated and the civil war had little effect on the northern parts of Mozambique. Landmines are uncommon in this area and major clean-up operations are undertaken elsewhere in the country.