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Hunting in Kasese, Uganda: Big Game Enthusiasts Seeking Thrilling Encounters, Associations and Clubs for Hunters
The predawn air in Kasese carries the scent of snow from the Rwenzori Mountains mixing with the musky odor of buffalo herds below. As the first light hits the peaks, it slowly reveals a hunting landscape unlike any other in Africa—where 5,000-meter glaciers tower over palm-dotted savannas, and the same morning might see you stalking mountain duikers at alpine elevations then pursuing hippos in swampy lowlands by afternoon.
A Geological Hunting Wonder
Kasese's unique position straddling the Albertine Rift creates surreal hunting opportunities:
Montane Forests (1,800-2,500m): Home to secretive Rwenzori red duikers that vanish like smoke
Savanna Foothills: Where defassa waterbuck grow exceptionally large due to mineral-rich soils
Crater Lakes: Their alkaline waters attract hippos with unique ivory
Riverine Thickets: Hide giant forest hogs that raid crops under cover of mist
The district's 3,000m vertical range means hunters can experience multiple ecosystems in a single day—if they can handle the altitude shifts.
The Bakonjo Hunting Wisdom
The indigenous Bakonjo people have developed specialized techniques for this vertical world:
Cloud Hunting: Reading mountain fog patterns to predict game movement
Glacier Water Magic: Using meltwater in rituals to "cool" a hunter's presence
Bamboo Age Gauges: Estimating animal size by bite marks on shoots
Modern hunters working with Bakonjo guides quickly learn that here, wind direction matters less than thermal currents—animals detect scent differently in the mountains' rising warm air.
The Kasese Challenge
This landscape demands specialized strategies:
04:00: Ascending through bamboo zones where duikers feed on frost-tender shoots
10:00: Glassing savanna edges where waterbuck bulls patrol territory
14:00: Waiting in blinds overlooking mineral springs frequented by hippos
18:00: Deciphering hog tracks in volcanic soil that holds impressions like plaster
The animals here are high-altitude specialists—leaner, tougher versions of their lowland relatives. That waterbuck bull didn't grow his massive horns by accident; he earned them defending steep terrain where only the strongest survive.
The Ice-and-Fire Conservation Story
Kasese's wildlife thrives despite (or because of) extreme conditions:
Glacial Melt: Creates unexpected wetlands that serve as dry-season refuges
Volcanic Minerals: Enrich soils producing unusually nutritious forage
Cultural Protection: Sacred sites along the Rwenzori slopes function as unofficial reserves
The result? Trophy quality remains exceptional even as lowland areas see declines. That hippo with 60cm teeth didn't live long by being careless.
What you'll remember isn't just the shot, but:
The sound of ice cracking on the peaks during morning stalks
Bakonjo hunters imitating duiker alarms with blade-of-grass whistles
The burn in your thighs from chasing mountain game across 45-degree slopes
Kasese doesn't just test your marksmanship—it challenges your mountain legs, high-altitude lungs, and mental resilience. The Rwenzoris have been called "Mountains of the Moon"; after hunting here, you'll understand why they seem to reshape reality itself.
The Forbidden Territory of Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park: Why Hunting is Banned and What This Unique Corner of Zambia Hides
Natural and Geographical Features of Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park from a Hunter’s Perspective
Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, or "The Smoke That Thunders" (as translated from the local Tonga language), is situated in southwestern Zambia, near the border with Zimbabwe. Covering an area of just 66 square kilometers, it plays a crucial role in preserving the region's biodiversity. The park is located in close proximity to the famous Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.
From a hunting perspective, the region represents a true paradise due to its rich flora and fauna. Dense forests, savannas, and rivers create ideal conditions for large mammals, birds, and reptiles to thrive. However, it is precisely these unique ecosystems that require special protection to preserve their pristine beauty and biodiversity.
The park has a tropical climate, with distinct rainy (November to April) and dry (May to October) seasons. Seasonal changes influence animal behavior, making the region particularly fascinating for wildlife observation. Yet, for hunters, this place is permanently closed, and below we will explain why.
Why Hunting is Banned in Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park: Reasons and Consequences
Biodiversity and Threat of Extinction
The park is home to rare species such as the black rhinoceros, which is critically endangered. Excessive hunting in the past led to a significant decline in the populations of many species, and now the Zambian government is striving to restore their numbers.
Ecotourism as an Alternative to Hunting
Zambia actively promotes ecotourism, which generates significant revenue for the country’s economy. Tourists visiting Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park to observe animals in their natural habitat have become more profitable than allowing hunting.
International Commitments
Zambia has signed several international agreements aimed at protecting wildlife, including the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). This obligates the country to take measures to conserve endangered species.
Cultural Significance of the Region
For local tribes such as the Tonga and Lozi, Mosi-oa-Tunya holds deep cultural and spiritual significance. Allowing hunting could disrupt their traditions and lead to conflicts.
Hunting Legislation in Zambia: What Hunters Need to Know
Hunting legislation in Zambia is strictly regulated by the government. While hunting is permitted in some parts of the country, it must be licensed and controlled. Here are the key points hunters should consider:
Licensing
Every hunter must obtain a special permit, issued only after document verification and payment of substantial fees. Licenses are granted for specific animal species, and their number is limited.
Prohibited Zones
Hunting is completely banned in national parks, reserves, and other protected areas, such as Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park. Violating this rule results in fines and even imprisonment.
Trophy Hunting
Trophy hunting in Zambia is allowed only in designated areas and under strict supervision. It aims to generate income for local communities and fund wildlife conservation programs.
Fines and Liability
Illegal hunting in Zambia is considered a serious crime. Fines can reach several thousand dollars, and prison sentences can last up to five years.
Fauna of Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park: Who Lives in This Sanctuary?
Despite its small size, Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park is home to an incredible variety of animals. Here are some of them:
Large Mammals
African elephant
Cape buffalo
Giraffe
Zebra
Predators
Lion
Leopard
Cheetah
Rare Species
Black rhinoceros
Kudu antelope
Birds
The park hosts over 400 bird species, including the African fish eagle, guineafowl, and marabou stork.
Reptiles
The Nile crocodile and various snake species, including the green mamba, can be found in the park.
Regional Traditions: How Local Residents Relate to Nature
Local tribes, such as the Tonga and Lozi, have a deep connection with the nature of Mosi-oa-Tunya. For them, Victoria Falls and the surrounding forest are sacred places. Traditional beliefs prescribe respectful treatment of animals and plants, contributing to the preservation of the ecosystem.
One interesting tradition involves ceremonies held near the falls, where locals thank the spirits for nature’s gifts. These rituals remind us of the importance of harmonious coexistence between humans and the wild.
Interesting Facts About Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park
Park Name
"Mosi-oa-Tunya" translates to "The Smoke That Thunders," perfectly describing the power of Victoria Falls.
UNESCO World Heritage Site
In 1989, Victoria Falls and its surrounding area were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Unique Ecosystem
The park is part of a transboundary reserve that spans Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Historical Significance
The first European to see Victoria Falls was David Livingstone in 1855. He named it after Queen Victoria, but the local name persisted.
Visitor Numbers
The park attracts over a million tourists annually, making it one of Africa’s most popular attractions.
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In Horn of the Hunter, Robert Ruark describes two Cape buffalo he took on his first safari, in 1951, in (then) Tanganyika with Harry Selby. The first was wounded and gave the pair a hell of a time until he finally succumbed. The second, which had much bigger and more massive horns, was also wounded, and disappeared into a dense thicket.
Selby and Ruark looked at each other, then sat down to smoke a cigarette. As the minutes wore on, Ruark became more and more anxious about what was to come. Then Selby invited him to accompany him as he went after the buffalo — a serious compliment as you know if you’ve ever been in that situation. Ruark steeled himself, checked his .470, and off they went. The tracking took some time. It probably seemed much longer than it was, but that’s the way these things work, as they crept along, expecting a charge at any second.
