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 quotas 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 allowed to bring two firearms 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 have learned 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 to not bring his/her own rifle on the safari, there are camp rifles and ammunition available for their use at an additional cost.

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. An additional, special permit is required for the large cats including leopard, cheetah and lion.

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

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, South African Airways, Lufthansa 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.

It is advisable to make use of a travel agent when booking your international flights to Africa. Miriam Clingensmith at Frosch travel agency can assist with any flight bookings (mailto:miriam.clingensmith@frosch.com / +1 713-590-8138). She is also available to meet in person at the DSC and SCI shows.

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 (including France, Germany, Italy, Austria, Belgium, Spain and Switzerland), Russia, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Malaysia, Japan and Singapore. 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.

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) as a preferred travel insurer.

It is advisable to take out full insurance for all firearms before travelling anywhere in Africa. A strong lockable Pelican type hard case is always recommended to travel with and ensure that your ammunition is in a separate lockable container from your rifle. On arrival in Namibia, fill in or bring with an already completed application for an import/export firearm and ammunition permit. Present this together with a copy of the Letter of Invitation which we will be sending to each client before travelling. 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 need to complete a South Africa Firearms Permit Application Form (SAPS 520) and obtain the permit prior to their arrival. Please check with your travel agent or airline about the transit procedure when travelling through South Africa. For more information please see our Travelling with firearms South African section.

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.

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 Reiser Taxidermy in Namibia for all further taxidermy related processes and exportation of trophies.

A gratuity is a gift of appreciation for services provided. They 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.

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.

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

Bookings are confirmed on receipt of the signed safari contract and 50% of the total daily rate. The balance due (which consists of the balances of the daily rate, trophy fees of reserved animals and all extras) is payable 60 days prior to the commencement of the safari. The only exception is for trophy elephant hunts in the Caprivi that require 4 installments, each of 25% on the total hunt value, from the date of booking to 2 weeks prior to the commencement of the hunt. Trophy fees of any animals killed/wounded and any additional expenses incurred during the trip, are payable at the conclusion of the safari and can be paid in cash in camp (US dollar notes, clean and unmarked and not older than 2009 series only) or by electronic bank transfer. Any unused credits will be refunded within 30 days of the safari end date. Any other payment arrangement must be authorized in writing.

There will be no refund of any deposit paid within six (6) months prior to the 1st of March of the year the hunt is to take place in. If cancelled longer than 6 months prior to this date, 50% of the deposit will be refunded.

It is hereby agreed that any leopard or lion shot, regardless of its age, without the consent of the professional hunter accrues an immediate fine of US$ 30,000.00 and $US 50,000.00 respectively. 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.