Johnny & Laura du Plooy
 

John & Laura du Plooy have been running Muchinga Adventures since 1993, offering the very best of Zambia for those passionate about wildlife, hunting and adventure. Built on decades of hands-on experience in the African bush, Muchinga Adventures has earned a reputation for delivering professional, ethical and well-organised safari experiences in some of Zambia’s most remote and unspoilt wilderness areas.

We specialise in authentic hunting safaris and outdoor adventures that are designed around your goals, your preferences and your pace. Whether you are planning your first African safari or returning to pursue a specific trophy, our team focuses on safety, comfort and outstanding results from start to finish. From tracking game through wild terrain to relaxing around the campfire after a successful day, every moment is guided by respect for nature and a deep appreciation for Zambia’s unique landscapes and wildlife.

At Muchinga Adventures, we believe the best safari memories come from the full experience, not only the hunt. That is why we place equal value on quality guiding, reliable logistics, warm hospitality and a true connection to the land. Our camps offer a comfortable base in the heart of the bush, while our experienced trackers and professional staff ensure every day runs smoothly.

With strong local knowledge and a passion for conservation, we aim to create safari experiences that are rewarding, responsible and unforgettable. If you are looking for trusted adventure outfitters in Zambia, Muchinga Adventures is ready to welcome you.

Johnny du Plooy
 

Johnny, pictured in the late ’90s.
 

Johnny du Plooy is a founding member of the Zambian Chapter of Safari Club International and has been named Safari Club International’s 2026 International Professional Hunter of the Year, in recognition of his exceptional professionalism, ethical leadership and lifelong contribution to wildlife conservation.

A Life Member of SCI, recipient of the SCI President’s Award (2025) and the most highly awarded professional hunter under the Professional Hunter’s Association of Zambia (PHAZ) and Professional Guides and Outfitters Association of Zambia (PGOAZ), Johnny is a Zambian Professional Hunter with more than three decades of experience in the field. He is widely respected for his bushcraft, integrity and unwavering commitment to fair chase, sustainable use wildlife conservation and community upliftment, values that define the highest standards of the profession.

Appointed by the Government of the Republic of Zambia as a volunteer Honorary Wildlife Police Officer, Johnny has rendered distinguished service to the wildlife sector. He has championed innovative anti-poaching strategies that deliver real, measurable results, supported law enforcement efforts on the ground and mentored the next generation of professional hunters. He has also played a leading role in the development and restoration of hunting blocks through science-based management and sustainable use principles.

As a professional hunter outfitter, Johnny believes that conservation must directly benefit the rural communities living alongside wildlife. Through his company, Muchinga Adventures Ltd, he has led extensive community development initiatives, including the renovation of a community hospital, the construction of a maternity ward, a community resource board office and two community schools which are educating hundreds of rural children annually, as well as providing educational scholarships for vulnerable community members.

These initiatives have fostered enduring partnerships between communities, conservation authorities and the private sector, reinforcing the link between sustainable wildlife management and improved livelihoods. Johnny du Plooy’s career exemplifies how ethical hunting, innovative conservation strategies and community investment can work together to safeguard wildlife and strengthen rural communities.

His recognition as International Professional Hunter of the Year reflects not only personal excellence, but also Zambia’s leadership in sustainable use wildlife conservation. Johnny represents the very best of Zambia’s professional hunting tradition – ethical, capable and deeply rooted in the land and the people he serves.