Hunting, Conservation & Photographic
An African safari is a dream adventure that in many cases comes along only once or twice in a lifetime. South Africa is one of the premier destinations for the first-time safari hunter or the seasoned safari veteran. South Africa has an unrivaled diversity of species — more than 45 major plains game species and all of the Big Five may be hunted here. A large variety of game birds, some presenting very challenging shooting, are on license with generous bag limits. South Africa has so much to offer and every foreign hunter, regardless of their specific requirements or preferences, will find a suitable hunting destination in South Africa to meet their needs. We take pride in having some of the finest African outfitters and professional hunters as our associates.
Planning Your Trip
Visas and Documentation
Travelers from the USA and most European and British Commonwealth countries are not required to have a visa to enter South Africa. Find out the visa requirements for your country here: http://www.dha.gov.za/index.php/immigration-services/exempt-countries.
Special requirements apply for children under the age of eighteen who are traveling to South Africa. Minors are required to produce, in addition to their passport, an Unabridged Birth Certificate (showing the particulars of both parents) when exiting and entering South African ports of entry. When a child travels with only one parent, additional documents should include an affidavit in which the absent parent gives consent for the child to travel, a court order granting full parental responsibilities or legal guardianship of the child, or the death certificate of the absent parent.
Health
Most of South Africa is malaria-free, but malaria is present in a few areas, including north-eastern KwaZulu-Natal Province as far south as the Tugela River, Limpopo (Northern) Province, and Mpumalanga Province. It is also present in Kruger National Park. If you will be hunting in or traveling to those areas, malaria prophylaxis is recommended.
Firearms Permits
South Africa has strict rules for hunters bringing firearms into the country. Visitors who are hunting or participating in a shooting event must acquire a Temporary Import Permit. These can be obtained on arrival at the airport at the SA Police Firearm Office situated after immigration. There are also a number of commercial services that can secure your permit in advance for a fee.
To be issued a permit, you will need to show proof of ownership of your firearm(s) (for American hunters, a U.S. Customs Form 4457 is sufficient), as well as an invitation letter signed by your outfitter proving that you have booked a hunt in South Africa.
Each hunter is allowed to bring up to four firearms, but no two may be of the same caliber. Ammunition is limited to 200 rounds per firearm. It is advisable to pack your ammunition in a hard-sided, lockable case, as sometimes airlines will require you to check your ammunition separately.
Upon Arrival
Permits
Most hunters arriving from outside of South Africa arrive in Johannesburg. Here, all declared or identified firearms may be collected directly from the firearm office just after immigration. Any firearms either not declared upon departure, or not identified by an appropriate label will be delivered to the normal baggage carousel for collection. Once you have collected your baggage, proceed to the SA Police Firearm Office, where all necessary import permits and other documentation will be finalized. This process can be quite time-consuming, especially if many other hunters have arrived on the flight with you, so if you have a connecting flight it is advisable to allow at least three hours in between.
If you have a domestic connecting flight, you must clear firearms and ammunition at the SA Police Firearm Office in your arrival airport before proceeding through customs. You will need to present your Temporary Import Permit to board your domestic flight. It’s important to note that firearms are accepted on domestic flights only to certain airports within South Africa; we assist to checking with the outfitter to ensure you will be able to check your firearm to your destination.
Hunting
Most hunts in South Africa are spot-and-stalk or safari style, with the hunters covering ground either on foot or by vehicle and, once an animal is spotted, completing a stalk on foot. Terrain varies dramatically from relatively flat savanna to rugged mountains, depending on the region of the country you’re hunting. Some safaris can require extensive walking; others require very little, so it’s a good idea to indicate to us your level of fitness and what your would prefer.
Clothing
Dark green or brown clothing is best, as are comfortable, well-broken-in boots with soft soles for quiet stalking. You’ll only need a couple of changes of clothing as laundry is done daily at most camps. Bring a wide-brimmed hat, sunblock, good optics, and a jacket for cool mornings and evenings. In some areas pepper ticks are a problem, so tick repellent is a good idea.
Gear
Rifles
Most professional hunters recommend rifles in the .300-caliber family for plains game and .375 for dangerous game, but the most important thing is to bring a rifle you are familiar with and can shoot well.
After the hunt
Tips
Tips are appreciated at most safari camps in South Africa; in addition to the professional hunter, tracker(s), driver, and skinner(s), there are usually staff members at camp who handle cooking and cleaning and other chores and help to make a hunter’s stay pleasant. We can advise you and your party how much is appropriate to tip each staff member.
Trophy preparation
This will be arranged and discussed with you in the planning of your trip.
Taxidermy
This will be discussed in full detail with you in the planning of your trip. You and your party should check the latest regulations in order to make arrangements in advance if you are hunting species that require CITES permits or special export or import permits from the hunter’s home country. Many export and import requirements for these species have undergone dramatic changes in the past couple of years.
The Rambling Boutique Traveller may be small but we have set in place infrastructures ensuring you and your Team get the service you expect from a supplier. Our knowledgeable travel consultants offer excellent packages for both sport and hunting/conservation. We have a range of additional consulting services to enhance your travel and ensure everything runs smoothly.
These travel services include:
Return and door-to-door airport transfers using chauffeur driven transport
Hotel
Accommodation
Car
Hire
Private
Charter Flights
Visa
Applications
Travel
Insurance
A 24hr emergency service enabling us to assist you in emergencies and after hours.
As a local and international travel agency, our consultants’ professionalism, knowledge and quest for service excellence have helped us reach a new level in customer understanding and satisfaction. Consulting to a variety of business and leisure clients, our personal recommendations remain our best marketing asset.
We look forward to providing you with travel consulting services and hope that our travel agency can be of service.