Tanzania Hunting Laws – Licenses, Firearms, Permits & Travel Guide

Your complete guide to legal, safe, and ethical hunting in Tanzania. Tanzania hunting laws are designed to protect wildlife, ensure fair-chase hunts, and facilitate safe and legal safari experiences. Hunters must be aware of regulations concerning licenses, firearms, trophy export, hunting seasons, and travel requirements.

For expert-guided safaris that fully comply with Tanzanian law, explore Tanzania Hunting Safari.

Hunting Licenses in Tanzania

Hunting licenses are mandatory and must be arranged in advance through your outfitter.

Key Details

Duration Options: 10, 16, or 21 days depending on the safari. Minimum 10 days for most hunts.
Government Supervision: All hunts are accompanied by a licensed game scout (PH), ensuring compliance, recording trophies, and facilitating export permits.
Fees: Separate from trophy and safari fees. Tanzania hunting is considered a premium African experience.

Firearms & Ammunition Regulations

Airline Restrictions

Confirm your airline accepts firearms; rules vary by carrier and country.

Temporary Import Permit

Obtained via outfitter
Requires notarized passport copies and proof of ownership
In the U.S., Customs Form 4457 is needed

Limits

Up to 3 rifles per hunter
200 rounds per rifle

Minimum Rifle Calibers

Dangerous/thick-skinned game (elephant, buffalo, hippo): .375 H&H Magnum
Other species: .240 caliber minimum

Bowhunting Guidelines

Big Animals: ≥80 ft/lbs draw, 700 grains
Medium Animals: ≥70 ft/lbs, 550 grains
Small Animals: ≥40 ft/lbs, 400 grains
Limitations: Dangerous and thick-skinned species may not be hunted with bows
Permits: No import permits required for bows

Trophy Export & Import

Tanzania follows CITES regulations. Some countries impose additional restrictions:

Country	Notes
USA	Elephant trophies require US Fish and Wildlife permit
EU	Elephant imports may be refused
Australia	Elephant and lion trophy imports are banned

Key Hunting Laws in Tanzania

Hunting season: 1 July – 31 December (recently extended to 31 March)
License: Hunter-specific and species-specific
Daylight hunting only; artificial light prohibited
Minimum distances enforced from vehicles, water, and protected areas
Female animals cannot be hunted; strict penalties for violations

Minimum Trophy Sizes

Species	Minimum Size
Lion	Adult males ≥ 6 years
Elephant	Tusks ≥ 20 kg, ≥ 160 cm
Leopard	≥ 130 cm (nose-to-base-of-tail)
Crocodile	≥ 300 cm (nose-to-tail)

Hunter Age Requirement: 18+

For full legal details, visit Tanzania Wildlife Management Authority (TAWA).

Travel Information for Hunters

Passports & Visas

Passport valid 6+ months with 2+ blank pages
Visa required for most visitors (e-Visa available)

Health Precautions

Recommended vaccines: Hepatitis A & B, Typhoid, Tetanus
Malaria prophylaxis advised
Yellow Fever certificate required if coming from risk countries
COVID-19 and other regulations may change; consult your outfitter

Airports & Transportation

Main international gateways: DAR (Julius Nyerere) & JRO (Kilimanjaro)
Domestic and charter flights access remote hunting areas

Accommodations

Luxury lodges, tented camps, and safari hotels available near hunting concessions

Tourist Attractions

Serengeti National Park (migration)
Ngorongoro Crater (predators & rhinos)
Mount Kilimanjaro & Mount Meru (trekking)
Zanzibar & Mafia Island (beaches, scuba, culture)
Lake Natron & Lake Manyara (birding)
Mahale Mountains (chimpanzee trekking)

Professional Hunting Associations

Tanzanian Hunting Operators Association (TAHOA)

Represents ethical and sustainable hunting operators
Membership indicates compliance with industry standards
More info: TAHOA Official Website

Why Book With Tanzania Hunting Safari

Booking with Tanzania Hunting Safari ensures:

⭐ Compliance with all Tanzanian hunting laws

⭐ Experienced PHs and trackers

⭐ Full assistance with firearm permits and trophy export

⭐ Luxury safari camps and logistical support

⭐ Customized hunts for every skill level

We specialize in safe, legal, and unforgettable hunting safaris tailored to your goals.

Frequently Asked Questions – Tanzania Hunting Laws

1. Is hunting legal in Tanzania?

Yes. Hunting is fully legal under TAWA regulations and licensed outfitters. Only mature animals are harvested per legal quotas.

2. Do I need a special firearm permit?

Yes. Temporary firearm import permits are mandatory, arranged by your outfitter.

3. Can I export trophies to my country?

Yes, but rules vary by country. Some species (elephant, lion) require additional CITES permits or may be restricted.

4. How old must hunters be?

Minimum age: 18 years.

Book Your Legal & Ethical Safari

For a safe, fully-compliant hunting safari in Tanzania, follow all Tanzania hunting laws and book with experienced guides.