Waterbuck hunting in Zambia

In Zambia, hunting Waterbuck is popular in several of the country’s Game Management Areas (GMAs) and private hunting concessions, particularly those surrounding major national parks. Prime locations include the Lower Zambezi, Luangwa Valley and Kafue regions, where Waterbuck populations are healthy and well-managed. These areas offer vast, unspoiled wilderness, providing an authentic and challenging hunting experience. Two species of Waterbuck occur in Zambia, the Common Waterbuck in the East and the Defassa Waterbuck western parts of the country. The Common Waterbuck are split into two subspecies, the Southern Common Waterbuck in the east and Nyasa Common Waterbuck in the west. To be correct you would be hunting one of nine Defassa Waterbuck species in Zambia, namely the Crawshay's Defassa Waterbuck. Waterbuck in Zambia are typically found near rivers, lakes, and floodplains, as they prefer habitats with abundant water sources. The Luangwa Valley, for instance, is known for its dense wildlife, including sizable waterbuck herds, making it a favoured spot for hunters. The challenging terrain, ranging from thick brush to open plains, adds to the thrill of tracking and hunting these elusive animals. Zambia’s hunting season generally runs from May to November, during the dry season when animals are more concentrated around water sources. Waterbuck are classified as a species of least concern by the IUCN.