Unverified Reports Continue to Swirl Around Attack on Hunting Camp in Mozambique

SCI has received additional information regarding the destruction of Chapungu-Kambako Safaris’ (CKS) main camp in northern Mozambique’s Niassa Reserve that had been reported earlier. Two fatalities, possibly a third, have been reported by the media but have not been verified by Mozambican authorities who have yet to issue a statement. This is an ongoing and fluid situation, and SCI is working to deliver verified information as it becomes available in order for hunters to make informed decisions.

Reports are based on, as of now, un-verified photos and information apparently leaked by a member of the military that responded to the incident. Mozambican forces have restricted access to the entire area around the CKS camp, preventing CKS owners, employees and family members of the deceased from entering the camp or verifying facts firsthand.

CKS joint-partner Jumbo Moore informed SCI about this development on Monday, April 28, dismayed that officials did not inform the victims’ families or CKS first. Additional reports include other details that have not been verified by authorities. CKS is seeking information from officials for the affected families while moving client bookings for the Kambako camp to other camps and venues. SCI extends its condolences to the families.

News of this incident also affected safari operators far from the area, with several reporting cancellations by clients. While individual risk tolerance levels vary, hunters should remember that Mozambique is a large country encompassing over 300,000 square miles (800,500 square kilometers). The Niassa Reserve itself, is located in the northernmost stretch of Mozambique, comprises over 10 million remote acres (42,000 square kilometers) and sprawls across two provinces. The distance from the Niassa Reserve in the north to Maputo in the south is almost 1,400 miles (over 2,200 kilometers). That distance is farther than driving from New York City to Miami.

Hunters with trips planned for Mozambique should consider the locations of their safaris. Others may wish to review their travel insurance coverages. They may consider security evacuation insurance and discuss security with their operators. SCI members may contact the Hunter Information Service ([email protected]) for further information and assistance.