Aglifter:
I posted some general comments on travel in Africa on another thread. To experience any one of the many worlds of Africa can be a life-changing experience. I spent four years there, and am a better man because of it -- scars and all.
If you are going to Zambia and plan to do some hunting, you might want to retain one of the professional guide organizations to help you "cut a path through the bush." I know you have friends there, but the established companies which are in the business of helping their clients "expedite" the importation of firearms for hunting can save you a lot of grief . . . and possibly save your firearms as well. There are several such organizations in Zambia, most of which can be found on the Internet.
Good luck, and good hunting!
