Namibia Hunting Guide

Namibia is the second least densely populated country in the world with only 2.7 inhabitants per square kilometre (7.0/sq. mi). Our trophy hunting season is from 1 February to 30 November every year. The largest part of southern and central Namibia is situated within the Kalahari Desert, a semi-desert landscape with vast savannah and camel thorn tree biomes. The Caprivi, however, is part of a bushveld landscape, which receives a significantly greater amount of precipitation than the rest of the country, averaging around 400 mm (15.7”) per year. Namibian summers (November to April) can be very hot and dry with average day temperatures of 25°C to 38°C (77°F to 100°F) and unpredictable rains. The cooler winter months is ideal for hunting with clear skies and temperatures ranging between 5°C and 27°C (40°F to 82°F). Most hunting takes place on private game ranches however there are limited quote available in national parks. Namibia is the ideal destination for any level of hunter with ample opportunities to hunt big as well as plains game.

Each hunter is required, by law, to have a hunting licence from the Ministry of Environment and Tourism (MET). Chapungu-Kambako Safaris obtain this on our client’s behalf and the price is included in the total safari cost. Additional permits and CITES tags are required for the large cats including leopard, cheetah and lion as well as some other game species.

Skinning of trophies and field preparation is included in our services, however all dipping, collecting, taxidermy work and shipping of trophies are not included. We make use of Trophäendienste Taxidermy (add in link: https://www.trophaendienste.com/en) in Namibia for all further taxidermy related processes and exportation of trophies.

Each hunter is allowed to bring two firearms of different calibres to Namibia with a maximum of 80 rounds of ammunition per firearm. It is legal to hunt with black powder guns and bows for bow-hunting purposes, however crossbows are illegal. Other prohibited firearms include all handguns and all automatic firearms. For plains game we recommend that any of the .300 calibres work well. If you go smaller than that make sure to bring good (high weight retention) bullets. Should a hunter wish not to bring his/her own rifle on the safari, there are camp rifles and ammunition available for their use at an additional cost.

It is advisable to take out full insurance for all firearms before travelling anywhere in Africa. A strong lockable hard case is always recommended to travel with and ensure that your ammunition is in a separate lockable container from your rifle. Firearm import permits for Namibia are done at arrival. There’s no permit or charges for bringing in a bow and arrows. Clients visiting or travelling through South Africa (depending on the airline in-transit regulations) will also need to complete a South African Firearms Permit Application Form (SAPS520) and obtain the permit prior to their arrival. Please check with your travel agent or airline, the transit procedure when travelling through South Africa. For more information please see our South Africa firearm permit application section.

Firearm import permits are applied for on arrival in Namibia. Have the following documentation ready:

• Complete or bring with an already completed Namibian Police Application form. (add link to PDF form) 
• Firearm licence: US Customs form 4457 (for US residents) or license from your home country.
• Passport
• Copy of the Letter of Invitation which we will be sending to each client before travelling.

The main port of entry for international flights to Namibia is Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH) near the city of Windhoek. Major airlines that fly here are Air Namibia, Airlink, Lufthansa, Emirates and KLM. Other airports which we also make use of include Eros (ERS), Walvis Bay (WVB) and Katima Mulilo (MPA) as well as numerous private airstrips. It is recommended to fly directly to Namibia from Europe into Hosea Kutako International Airport in order to minimise delays associated with firearm transport in South Africa.

Every visitor to Namibia must be in possession of a passport that is valid until six months after the initial date of travel. No visas are required for citizens of the USA, UK, most European countries, Russia, Australia, New Zealand and Canada. Travellers receive entry for 90 days. However, regulations can change and we advise all visitors to please check with their nearest Namibian Consulate about entry regulations and obtaining a visa. Travellers must also be in possession of a valid return/onward air ticket or proof of exit out of Namibia. A valid yellow fever vaccination certificate is needed for travellers coming from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.

The northern part of Namibia and in particular the northeast area where the Caprivi is situated, is regarded as a high-risk malaria destination and it is advisable to take malaria prophylactics before departing to that area. The rest of the country has low to no risk of malaria. Adequate clothing as well as mosquito repellent are important to minimize mosquito bites. Each hunter is advised to bring a small personal medical kit with necessary preferred medication for headaches, colds, burns, allergies etc.

It is important to note that all hunting safaris are potentially dangerous and it is each client’s own responsibility to arrange his/her medical, evacuation or personal insurance. We recommend Ripcord Comprehensive Travel Protection (www.ripcordtravelprotection.com) or Global Rescue (www.globalrescue.com) as preferred travel insurers.

The Namibian Dollar is the official currency and is fixed to and equals the South African Rand. American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa can be used in major towns although they are not accepted everywhere. A gratuity is a gift of appreciation for services provided and most visitors give in the form of cash (US$, Euro’s or NAM$). It can be given to staff members at the hunter’s own discretion. We can provide a proposed gratuity list as guideline should it be required.

Our continent is known for rich and colourful cultures, friendly people, exhilarating adventures and breath-taking natural beauty. Chapungu-Kambako Safaris can assist in arranging some additional sightseeing, interesting excursions or alternative activities for our travellers and observers.

There is daily laundry done in camp. Below is a packing list to get you prepared for your Namibian safari:

• • 3 x t-shirts
  • 2 x long sleeve shirts (khaki or olive green)
  • 1 x sweatshirt / fleece
  • 2 x pairs of comfortable shorts
  • 2 x pairs of cotton trousers / pants (khaki or olive green)
  • 4 x pairs of socks and underwear
  • 1 x belt
  • 1x hat / cap
  • swimsuit
  • lightweight, durable, waterproof hiking shoes / boots
  • flip flops, sandals or Teva’s for around camp

1 x Warm padded jacket (Camo, khaki or olive green), 1x pair of gloves, 1x Beanie, 1x buff and long underwear.

Passport, airline tickets, rifle import documentation, invitation letters, emergency contact list and copies of all documents.

Cash, toiletries, sunglasses, reading glasses, any prescribed medication (if applicable), sunscreen, mobile phone and iPad charger, power adapter (Local power 220V) and leisure reading books.

Camera, knife, ammo belt, binoculars, telescope, hunting backpack, flashlight, hunting gaiters or leggings and insect repellent (Skin so Soft by Avon is recommended)

When hunting in the Caprivi area

All safaris booked through and conducted by Chapungu-Kambako Safaris in Namibia are based on the following terms and conditions: (Please see the current Safari Pricelist and Safari Contract for the detailed Terms and Conditions)

Bookings are confirmed on receipt of the signed Safari contract and a deposit consisting of 100% of the Total Daily Rate. The balance due (which consists of the trophy fees of reserved species, charters, transfers and all extras) is payable 60 days prior to the commencement of the safari. Trophy fees of any animals killed/wounded and any additional expenses incurred during the trip, are payable on conclusion of the safari and can be paid in cash in camp (US dollar notes, clean, unmarked and not older than 2009 series) or by electronic bank transfer. Any other payment arrangement must be authorized in writing. Any unused credits will be refunded within 30 days of the safari end date. The only exception is for trophy elephant hunts in the Caprivi that require 4 instalments, each of 25% on the total hunt value, from the date of booking to 2 weeks prior to the commencement of the hunt. 

There will be no refund of any deposit paid within six (6) months prior to commencement of the safari. If cancelled longer than 6 months prior to this date, 50% of the deposit will be refunded. Chapungu-Kambako Safaris will be open to accept postponements of safaris should there be a valid reason for a client not able to attend his/her safari, providing that there are acceptable available dates and quota.

No juvenile leopards may be shot. The PH’s decision on age is final. It is hereby agreed that any leopard shot, regardless of its age, without the consent of the professional hunter accrues and immediate fine of US$ 30,000.00. The hunt will not continue until payment has been received.

It must be noted that hunting is a dangerous vocation and although Chapungu-Kambako safaris are committed to your safety, comfort and enjoyment, we cannot be held responsible for any accidents, illness or death that may occur whilst on the safari. Each client will be required to sign an Indemnity / General release of all claims form before the commencement of the safari.