Where will I be hunting?

 

This will depend on the package and species you decide on, we have concessions in Limpopo, Natal, Northern Cape, Eastern Cape as well as the Free State as well as Botswana, Zimbabwe, Namibia and Mozambique.

 

What shots do I need?

 

No shots are required for South Africa.

 

What clothing should I bring?

 

There is a daily laundry service at all camps so three sets of hunting clothes are recommended, light cotton shirts in green or a dark khaki work well as well as your standard camo T shirts. Zip off pants are always handy as the mornings can be pretty cold but it tends to warm up significantly where the zip offs work well. A light jacket is also recommended as the weather can change pretty fast, if doing your safari in June, July or August a heavy jacket is recommended for

the early mornings that can be cold.

 

3 pair pants, cotton safari type in khaki or green, or jeans if preferred.

3 hunting shirts in khaki or green or camo.

1 lightweight hunting jacket in khaki or green or camo.

1 heavy jacket during June, July and August

1 hunting hat

3 sets of underwear and socks

1 belt

1 pair light weight hunting boots (well broken in for you will do a lot of walking)

Camo may be worn in South Africa

 

We highly recommend leather boots that are well broken in as well as high quality hiking socks. This is NOT the trip to break in a new pair of boots or to wear cheap socks. You may be walking a great deal, and blisters on a safari are no fun.

What do I need to enter South Africa?

 

You and your family members will need a passport that is valid 6 months beyond your departure date. Make sure you have at least 2 blank pages in each passport for visa stamps, more if you are adding stops to other countries in your itinerary. In 2004, the South African Passport control required you to have a front and back page blank that is titled Visa. Don’t check that when you are on the airplane filling out your immigration form. Citizens from the US, Canada, UK, France, Germany and Spain do not require a Visa.

What caliber should I bring?

 

No semi-automatic or handguns with barrels shorter than 8” are allowed.

 

PLEASE NOTE WE RECOMMEND YOU MAKE USE OF A COMPANY CALLED RIFLE PERMITS.COM FOR THE ARRANGEMENTS OF THE IMPORT PERMIT FOR YOUR RIFLE. They specialise in this and after an 18 hour flight you don’t want to spend 2-3 hours waiting for your rifles, they charge in the region of $90 for the service but it is well worth it. The total time spent at customs is usually less than 10 minutes. They can be contacted at www.riflepermits.com

 

No calibre smaller than a .270 are recommended and depending on species to be hunted a .30 will be a good choice. The best weapon is the one you are comfortable with and shoot well, if hunting Dangerous game a minimum of a .375 is required by law.

 

Proof of gun ownership must be supplied entering South Africa.

Custom form 4457 must be obtained from your Customs as proof.

 

NO TWO OF THE SAME CALIBER:

Rifle sling

Hard gun case (Airline approved)

Soft gun case

A firearm import custom paper will be sent to you prior to the hunt (make sure you receive it!)

One heavy rifle (when required for big game like buffalo)

.375 H & H Magnum, .458 Winchester Magnum, .416 Remington, etc. With variable power scope, 1,5x4, 2x7, etc.

 

You don’t need to run out and buy a new rifle unless you really want one. Plan on bringing a maximum of 2 sporting rifles into South Africa. Most hunters bring 40 to 60 rounds of ammunition. The best bullets we have seen are Premium type ammunition loaded with Barnes X, Swift A Frame or Nosler Partition bullets.

3. Invitation letter

 

How do I get there?

 

From the US, we recommend South African Airways. They fly direct flights from Chicago O'Hare, Washington Dulles and New York JFK Airports to Johannesburg International Airport.. Some flights land in Cape Town before arriving Johannesburg and adds five more to an already long trip. Travel arrangements can be made for you or you can use a travel agent. We use and highly recommend you use a travel agent experienced in travelling to Africa. If you have frequent flyer miles, you’ll need to deal directly with your specific airline. Plan ahead at least 6 months for this as the frequent flyer seats go very quickly.

What kind of personal items should I bring?

 

Camera, video camera, battery charger and extra batteries, sunglasses, binoculars, flashlight and batteries, 220 to 110 voltage converter and adapter plug, pocket knife, diary and pen, any medical prescriptions and allergy medicines, insect repellent with at least 35% DEET, band aids and mole skin, sunscreen, lip balm with sunscreen, personal toiletries, shaving or cosmetic kit, hat/cap, warm jacket and gloves, camp shoes.