Things to Know
To help you have with a smooth, worry-free trip, please review this section and plan accordingly.
Booking Policy
We require a 10% non-refundable down payment to secure your booking dates. If for whatever reason you can't make those dates, please contact us for the next available window that works for you. This deposit is transferable to another hunter you know if you will be unable to do a safari in the future.
Bringing your own firearm(s)
The following should be noted at the time of booking flights:
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Many airlines are adhering to the IATA regulation which specifies that if a passenger is traveling with sporting weapons and ammunition, the airline must be advised AT THE TIME OF BOOKING by putting a message into the remarks section of the booking. Passengers are coming up against this non-compliance and are being denied boarding with sporting weapons. Some European airlines require additional information. Additionally:
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All sporting weapons must be packed and transported in an IATA approved lockable hard firearm case.
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All firearms must be declared at the time of check-in and must be handled via the designated firearm handling process. It is advisable to place in the remarks section of the booking that the passenger is carrying sporting weapons and ammunition.
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Proof of ownership for each firearm is required. For U.S. hunters, this is accomplished by filling out a U. S. Customs Declaration of Ownership form (CBP Form 4457) prior to your flight.
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No more than two rifles per passenger are allowed and the firearms must be different calibers. (If traveling in a group, no more than two rifles per case are allowed.)
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A maximum of 11 lbs of ammunition total is allowed per firearm carrying passenger. And a maximum of 200 rounds per caliber per hunter is allowed.
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Note, if you are flying inside South Africa (flying on to Polokwane instead of being picked up in Joburg) your ammunition will need to be in a locked, hard-sided case not to exceed 11 lbs total.
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All visitors to South Africa are required to carry a passport that is valid for six months beyond the intended length of stay. There should be sufficient blank pages for entry stamps upon arrival, visas are not required for citizens from the USA, UK, Canada, France, Germany and Spain. Visitors can stay for a maximum of 90 days. You may be requested to show a return ticket.
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Additionally, you will need to fill out pages 2, 4, 6, and 7 of the South African Police Service form (SAPS 520) in BLACK ink. But only sign this document in the presence of the South African Police in Johannesburg when requested to do so.
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Click here to go to the South Africa Police Service page. If you plan to bring your own firearm(s) please let us know so we can ensure the requirements for smooth travel are in place.
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ALL FORMS TO BE FILLED IN WITH BLACK INK. DO NOT SIGN YOUR FORMS UNTIL IN FRONT OF A POLICE OFFICIAL
Clothing
Remember that the African sun is harsh at most times of the year. Comfortable cotton clothing is recommended for the hot summer months, and it’s advisable to dress in layers to allow for cooler night temperatures. Pack durable clothing, preferably in dull or neutral colors, or even camo. Sun lotion and a hat are crucial. Items to consider:
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Travel Clothes
Hat or Cap
Leather Gloves
Hunting Shoes (ankle boots)
Camp Shoes (running shoes)
Socks (6 pairs)
Underwear (6 pairs)
Hunting Shirts & Pants (3 pairs)
Camp Clothes (sweats)
Warm Jacket
Windbreaker Bush Jacket
Down Vest
Thermal Underwear
Belt
Packing/checklist items
Toothbrush & Toothpaste
Shampoo
Shaving Kit
Tweezers & Scissors
Hairbrush/comb
Moisturizer
All Medical Prescriptions
Aspirin
Insect Repellent
Antiseptic Cream
Chapstick
Band Aid
Sunblock & Aftersun
Eye Drops
Neosporin
Anti-inflammatory
Airline Tickets
Passports / Visas
Taxidermist’s Shipping Address & Info
Laminated Business Card for Shipping
(optional)
CITES Permits (if necessary)
Customs Form from SAP
Rifle & Ammunition
Scope & Scope Cap
Gun Case (hard & soft)
Gun Strap & Cartridge Holder
Bipod for Rifle
Ear Plugs
Range Finder
Camera or phone with good camera
Batteries (AA)
Adapters (converting from
110 to 220 volt)
Binoculars
Sunglasses
Eye Glasses & an Extra Pair
Pen & Paper
Flashlight/headlamp (optional)
Pocket Knife
Duct tape
Wounded Game
If you wound an animal (blood is found or a hit is seen) we will do everything in our power to recover your animal. We employ experienced trackers who will follow-up your shot(s). If your animal is not found in a reasonable amount of time, we will leave a tracker to continue looking and we will continue with your safari.
If the animal is not found, it will count towards a completed species if you are hunting under a package hunt or you will be charged the individual animal cost. This does NOT keep you from taking another animal of the same species unless it is under a controlled permit (like a leopard). Note, not recovering animals rarely happens, but it is still important to know that the animal is your financial responsibility once you make a hit.