South Africa Hunting Guide

South Africa, at the southernmost tip of Africa, is one of the premier hunting destinations on the continent. It is a diverse country with a conglomerate of cultures, variety of wildlife and landscapes changing from mountainous terrain to savannah grasslands to the arid Karoo and the tropical eastern coast. With so many geographical changes as well as the influence of both the Atlantic and the Indian Ocean, one can expect to encounter various weather conditions and biomes from one area to the next. However, South Africa’s temperatures are quite mild with summers ranging between 20°C and 35°C (70°F and 95°F) and winters being around 0°C to 20°C (32°F to 70°F). We can legally hunt throughout the year, however the cooler and drier months (April to September) are much more suitable for trophy hunting. We own the single largest huntable private property in South Africa and also partner with other private game ranches and nature reserves across the country to provide each client the opportunity to hunt multiple species. Unlike some other African countries, South Africa is easily accessible and extremely well developed with first class hotels, hospitals and services; making it the ideal safari destination not only for the hunter but also for his companions.

Each hunter is allowed to bring a maximum of 4 firearms to South Africa with a maximum of 200 rounds of ammunition per firearm. It is legal to trophy hunt with black powder guns, handguns and semi-automatic shotguns. However, there are some minimum requirements to adhere to for dangerous game hunting. Prohibited firearms include semi-automatic firearms. Should a hunter wish to not bring his/her own firearm on the safari, there are camp rifles and ammunition available for their use at an additional cost. Bow hunting is legal in most of the 9 provinces, however, the hunting of pachyderms with a bow is prohibited in South Africa.

Each hunter requires a hunting licence in order to hunt with Chapungu-Kambako Safaris in South Africa. Additional CITES and/or TOPS permits are required for certain species such as lion, rhino, hippo etc. We obtain this on our client’s behalf. Lions and rhinos each have a non-refundable US$5,000.00 permit administration fee included in the hunting price.

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

The two main ports of entry for international flights to South Africa is OR Tambo International airport (JNB) in the city of Johannesburg and Cape Town International Airport (CPT). Major airlines that fly here are South African Airways, Delta, American Airlines, Qatar, Emirates, British Airways and Lufthansa. Other domestic airports which we make use of include Upington airport (UTN), Eastgate airport (HDS), Nelspruit airport (NLP) and Port Elizabeth airport (PLZ) as well as numerous private airstrips. South Africa has an extensive domestic flight network with daily flights to almost all regions and we also partner with superior private charter companies to offer our clients exclusive airplane and helicopter transfers.

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 (miriam.clingensmith@frosch.com / +1 713-590-8138). She is also available to meet in person at the DSC and SCI shows. Go 2 Travel (Safari Concierge) can also assist with booking of international tickets as well as the importing/exporting of firearms (www.safari-concierge.co.za).

Every visitor to South Africa must be in possession of a passport that is valid until six months after the initial date of travel and has at least one blank page for endorsements, a valid visa (if required), a return or onward ticket and a yellow fever certificate if the journey starts or entails passing through the yellow fever belt of Africa or South America. Requirements for visitor’s visas differ from country to country and they are subject to change. Visas are not issued at South African ports of entry and all visitors must check with their nearest South African Consulate about entry regulations and obtaining a visa.

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. Ensure that your ammunition is in a separate lockable container from your rifle. A temporary import/export permit is required to bring any firearms into South Africa. It is advisable to apply for this permit before travelling to South Africa even though the permit can be issued on arrival. We recommend using the services of Safari Concierge (www.safari-concierge.co.za) to assist with applying for the permit on behalf of the client as well as provide assistance at the airport when arriving in Johannesburg.

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 trophy collection, dipping, taxidermy work, packing, and shipping of trophies are not included. We make use of Life Form Taxidermy (www.lifeformtaxidermy.com) for all further taxidermy related processes and exportation of trophies. Please visit their website for more information.

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 risk of malaria is in the north-eastern part of the country which includes the low altitude areas of Mpumalanga Province (including Kruger National Park) and Limpopo Province. Malaria risk is present throughout the year, but highest from September to May. There is low to no risk areas in all other parts of the country including our flagship property, Kalahari Oryx. Adequate clothing as well as mosquito repellent are important to minimize mosquito bites. Each hunter is also 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.