Tanzania Tourism Safaris Hunting

Background information: by edgardowelelo@yahoo.com

Tanzania is Africa’s premier trophy hunting safari destination. It has one of the largest populations of big game in Africa and a greater variety of wildlife than most other countries in the world. It is the place to see spectacular and seemingly endless herds of wildebeest and zebra followed by large predators: lion, leopard and hyenas. It ranks first in terms of lion population and third with regard to elephant population in the world. Its bird life is unique with over 1000 species. Its lakes and rivers bound with fish and its islands and coasts offer some of the best game fishing sites in the world. More than a quarter (264,600 sq.km) of Tanzania’s land (947,300 sq.km) is set aside for wildlife conservation. None of these wilderness areas is fenced so that the game is free – ranging at will: most of the areas that form primary hunting concessions are so remote and pristine that wild game can majestically move around wherever the conditions are the most attractive. So, once on safari, you may truly feel that the land is there just for you to enjoy your own adventure. Hunting in Tanzania contributes significantly to the conservation of wildlife and the improvement of community livelihood. The revenue generated from trophy hunting supports the efforts of the Tanzania Wildlife Management Authority (TAWA) to manage the whole spectrum of wildlife (game and non – game species in 28 Game Reserves, 43 Game Controlled Areas, Open areas and four (4) Ramsar sites. Local communities receive 25% of the revenue accrued as game fees. TAWA also manages the famous SELOUS GAME RESERVE (currently over 30,000 sq.km of the 55,000 sq. km has been upgraded as J.K.Nyerere National Park, while the remainder to be under the control and supervision of TAWA). Selous Game Reserve is among of the largest wildlife reserve in the world and also a World Heritage Site. Apart from trophy hunting experience, Tanzania offers a unique opportunity to visit the most outstanding attractions in the world; the world famous Serengeti National Park, Mount Kilimanjaro (the highest free – standing mountain in Africa), Ngorongoro Crater – including the remains of the earliest humans at Oldupai Gorge, the beautiful islands of Zanzibar with the historic Stone Town, which is also a World Heritage Site.

HUNTING SEASON IN TANZANIA

Hunting season in Tanzania begins on July 1^st and ends December31st. These are the mainly dry months, although some rain may be expected during November and December.

SAFARI PACKAGE

Hunting in Tanzania is organized, marketed and conducted on packages. There are three (3) safari packages (Regular, Major and Premium) based on number of days and species to be hunted there. In order to maximize clients’ demands, Tanzania Wildlife Management Authority (TAWA) offers so called inter – company safari packages allowing hunters to move from one hunting block to another belonging to a different hunting company after paying a token fee depending on the package.

WING SHOOTING SAFARI PACKAGES

Guided by the following conditions;

1. Maximum of four (4) clients per professional hunter;
2. Payment of game fees per number of birds shot.

Tanzania offers a great diversity of habitats that allows for a broad distribution of game, for example, in the southern part of the country, most of the hunting blocks are primarily dominated by Miombo woodland (Brachystegia woodland) and permanent water sources that provide habitat for lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, hyenas, Nile crocodile, common duiker, Livingston’s eland, Lichtenstein’s hartebeest, Impala, Sable, Klipspringer, Greater Kudu, Southern (Common) Reedbuck, Waterbuck and Nyasa wildebeest. The northern part of the country, well known as “Maasai Land”, is popular for Lesser Kudu, Gerenuk, Grant’s gazelle, Robert’s gazelle, Thomson’s gazelle, Fringe – eared Oryx, Patterson’s eland, Topi, Western white bearded wildebeest and Eastern – white bearded wildebeest, and Coke’s hartebeest. The western part is dominated by Buffalo, Eland, Elephant, Hippo, Impala, Puku, Reedbuck, Roan, Sable, Sitatunga, Steenbok, Topi, Waterbuck and Zebra. It is also rich in birdlife.

THE ETHICS OF HUNTING

It is of great important that both the client and his / her professional hunter are proud of the way in which hunt is conducted and the manner that animals are harvested. Tanzania is well renowned for excellent trophy quality. However, it is the thrill of the chase that should be the motivation to go on safari. In addition to its friendly people, Tanzania should be remembered for the unique atmosphere of the African bush and the sights, smells and sounds of the animals that are encountered. Professional hunters are required to strictly adhere to the Wildlife Conservation Act NO. 5 of 2009 and Tourist Hunting Regulations 2015 read together with its amendments of 2017. Professional hunters are urged to assist clients in this responsibility. Clients are permitted to hunt for matured male specimens only and must accept the judgement of their professional hunters when it comes to trophy quality and one should be prepared for this possibility. A hunting safari is intended to provide the opportunity to harvest top quality trophies in a fair and sportsman like manner.

TRAVEL TIPS (FIRE ARMS AND AMMUNITION)  

Clients are required to use their own guns and ammunitions, or bows and arrows. Clients are allowed to import up to three rifles of different calibers and one shotgun, on a temporary basis. Advice on the type of firearms required for hunting in Tanzania should be taken from the hunting outfitter/ company. License for dangerous game can only be issued for rifle’s caliber of 375 caliber or larger. A minimum caliber of 240 is required for all other game. Clients are allowed to import 200 cartridges for each different caliber.

TROPHY DOCUMENTATION

CITES import permits are required for Appendix 1 listed species (specimens) collected during the expedition. To export trophies from Tanzania, one must obtain CITES permits and Trophy Export Certificates issued by the Management Authority of the United Republic of Tanzania. In view of various complications involved in obtaining CITES import permits, hunters are advised to select taxidermists in the county of final destination before commencing their safari. These taxidermists will be able to provide advice on any particular CITES regulations.

IMMUNIZATION / HEALTH

Visitors from countries infected with cholera and yellow fever must provide international certificates of vaccination. This is particularly relevant for those travelling from neighboring African countries.

LANGUAGE:

English is widely spoken but a few words of Swahili are always appreciated.