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The options for big game hunting in Namibia are legendary! In fact, right now, it is the only country worldwide where you can hunt all of Africa’s Big 5 and Dangerous 7. Contrary to what some may believe, Namibia is the perfect big game hunting destination, offering hunters a variety of vegetation and species, depending on where in this southern African country you are! And that big game hunting list includes the sought-after lion, the king of the beasts. Lion hunting in Namibia and elsewhere is often seen as a rite of passage for many game hunting enthusiasts. Lion hunting safaris require patience, skill, experience, and let’s be honest here, some nerves of steel to target this cunning, aggressive, and savage African cat on its home turf. The African lion (Panthera Leo) is an apex predator found throughout the sub-Saharan, enjoying a variety of habitats from open plains and thick bush to thorn forests. They weigh around 330-570 pounds, sporting a set of razor-sharp pearly whites just ready to rip their prey apart and large paws that can take down a man with one swipe.
Namibia’s hunting season runs from February to November, with the peak season being June, July, and August. The best areas for lion hunting adventures in Namibia are the Zambezi region, formerly known as the Caprivi Strip, as well as the northern region of the country, close to Etosha. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has identified the African lion's status as “vulnerable.”
Shot Placement while Lion Hunting in Namibia
A lion hunting safari in Namibia is undertaken in two ways: baiting the animal or through a walk-and-stalk hunt. While baiting involves hanging bait in a tree, just high enough that the lion can still reach it, and then shooting the lion from a temporary blind, the walk-and-stalk sees trackers and the hunter following the lion’s spoor until close enough to take the perfect shot. Lion hunting safaris are an exciting, adrenalin-filled hunting adventure! Shot placement options for a lion hunting safari in Namibia will differ according to the conditions, the distance between the hunter and the kill zones, and the angles.
Shot placement options when hunting this apex predator can include: The Broadside Shot When taking this shot, the hunter is looking to hit the lion hard straight into the heart resulting in a quick and humane kill. When the lion stands broadside, the heart will sit behind the lion’s front leg, just above the elbow joint. The broadside shot is one that the PH will suggest is taken, if appropriate. Quartering away from the Hunter While lion hunting in Namibia the animal may be facing away from you and shot placement for this scenario would be where the root of the tail joins the body. This is not a shot the PH will suggest you take due to a small target and the associated risk. Quartering towards the Hunter When this apex predator is quartering towards a hunter, the lion will be facing him at a slight angle. The perfect shot will be aimed at the base of the lion’s neck where it meets the shoulder. The bullet will go through into the heart and lungs of the lion and will be deadly. The Fleeing Shot This shot placement is not recommended as a first shot. If the lion has been wounded due to a poorly placed first shot and is facing away from you, this shot severs the spine and will cripple the lion. The Frontal Shot Your PH would recommend this shot, if appropriate. A perfectly placed bullet in this position will hit the heart and lungs and will be humane and deadly.
What Caliber Rifle is Used for Lion Hunting in Namibia?
While a .375 is the minimum legal requirement for dangerous game hunting in many African countries, many hunters prefer a .416 Rigby or a double rifle like a 470NE or 500NE. Other options for a lion hunting safari include a .458 or a .458 Lott. Whatever you decide on, remember that you need to be extremely comfortable with it and be able to execute precise and accurate shot placement to take down this apex predator.
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