Things to Know

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.

Bowhunting on safari offers a uniquely close and challenging experience. Thus, equipment requirements vary by species to ensure ethical, effective harvests. At Waymaker Safaris, we help bowhunters match their equipment to each species so they can hunt with confidence, precision, and respect for the animals.

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Medium Game

Examples: impala, blesbok, warthog, springbok, nyala

​Minimums:

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• 50 lb draw weight

• 50 ft-lb KE

• 400 grain arrow

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Large Game

Examples: wildebeest, kudu, zebra, gemsbok, waterbuck, sable

​Minimums:

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• 60 lb draw weight

• 60 ft-lb KE

• 500 grain arrow

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Cape Buffalo

​Minimums:

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• 80 lb draw weight

• 80 ft-lb KE

• 750 grain arrow

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Giraffe

​Minimums:

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• 90 lb draw weight

• 90 ft-lb KE

• 750 grain arrow

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✅ Broadhead guidance:

• Plains game → strong fixed blade 2- or 3-blade broadheads (100–150 gr); mechanical heads only on light skinned animals 

• Large plains game → cut-on-contact fixed blade

• Dangerous game → 2-blade single bevel cut-on-contact only (very strong shafts)

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Bringing your own rifle offers familiarity, confidence, and tailored ballistics but involves airline logistics, permits, and risk of delays, whereas using a professional hunter’s rifle is hassle-free and reliable yet may sacrifice personal fit and practice familiarity.

I you choose to bring your own rifle(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.

• 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.

• 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.  Do this at a minimum of a week before you fly to allow for any office closures or minimal staffing.  Customs state that they can get your form done 24/7 at the airport just prior to your flight.  But if you live in the Anchorage area, we recommend doing this prior to the day of your flight to minimize issues on your departure day.  For hunters coming from Alaska, the customs office is located at the Anchorage International Airport.  They will have the CBP Form there and will sign it once they see your firearm(s) and verify the serial number(s).  Note, you only have to do this once if you keep track of this form and file it for your next overseas passage. Also, ensure you list all accessories attached to your rifle (expensive scopes, etc.). This will ensure you don't pay duty when you return from your safari.

• 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.)

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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 download a PDF. of SAPS 520.  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

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
 

There are two ways in which you will bring your trophies back to the U.S.  This is based on whether you want your trophies mounted in Africa (usually less expensive and simplest), or if you'd rather have a home-town taxidermist mount your animals.

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• Africa Taxidermist mount your animals and crate them for shipping to the U.S. If none of your trophies are part of the "big five" a warthog or baboon, or any animal listed as a CITES species shipments may be forwarded directly to your home.  If you have one of the species listed above, these will need help from an authorized receiving agent here in Alaska.  Knight's Taxidermy in Anchorage is a U.S. Fish and Wildlife approved agent which will help you import these trophies.  Bring shipping labels from them prior to your hunt if you are planning on taking any of these specific animals.

• Dip and Pack.  If you plan to have a U.S. based taxidermist do your mounts, you will need what is called "dip and pack" done prior to shipment stateside.  This is a process that kills any germs/parasites etc. prior to importing into the U.S.  We will take you to a taxidermist in Africa where you can give them follow-on addresses and pay the fee for dip and pack. Again, if you are importing any of the species mentioned above, you will need to coordinate with Knight's taxidermy.  

• Import Form 3-177.  When your trophies arrive in the U.S. at the first U.S. Customs port, a USFWS form 3-177 will be filled out.  This can be done by a Customs Broker (here in Alaska Knight's Taxidermy can do this process) or by yourself (typically if no CITES animals are involved).  Either your Customs Broker or you would call for a US Fish and Wildlife inspection.  Once inspected, your trophies would be released to you to be delivered to your taxidermist or to be taken home if the taxidermy was already done in Africa. (Note for CITES animals, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife service charges $93 for each CITES animal imported.) Waymaker Safaris will assist in this process to ensure your trophies are properly imported.

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

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.