Embark on the Ultimate Adventure at Damara African Safaris
At Damara African Safaris we understand that booking a South African Hunting Safari is a big decision to make
and there are many questions around planning such a trip.
We are here to walk you through it all step by step.
TAXIDERMY
Taxidermy is a terrific way to preserve the memories of your African hunting trip.
We ensure that your hunting trophies are well looked after from the point of hunt to the moment they’re collected by the taxidermist. Our skinners are trained in caping and trophy care and follow a system that is tried and tested.
Should you wish to export your trophies to your home country, you have two options.
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you can appoint a South African taxidermist to dip, pack and ship your raw trophies to your home country to be mounted.
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alternatively, you can appoint a South African taxidermist to mount your trophies locally and ship them to you.
The waiting period on dip and pack is approximately 3-4 months.
Mounted African trophies take approximately 12 months to complete and ship. We work closely with Splitting Image Taxidermy. Whether for dip and pack or taxidermy work, the taxidermist will collect your trophies from us after your hunt and contact you for instructions.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
ELECTRICITY
110/220 Volt Adaptors-specifically for Africa (220 volt) but most modern appliances these days can take various voltages, which is usually written on the appliance/ device. To charge anything from the USA, you also need the USA 3 pin adaptor/s with 3 PINS to fit into South Africa wall socket. You may want to bring along a converter.
WHAT IS THE FOOD LIKE?
We are very fortunate to have the services of a great cook and kitchen staff. Normally either venison, chicken, beef, lamb or pork are included at most meals. An outside evening “braai” on an open fire, consisting of the back straps, tender loins or fillet steaks from some of the animals that were hunted, cannot be topped. Hunting starts at first light and therefore we have a quick breakfast in the form of coffee, rusks, toasted bread, cheese, yoghurt, fruit and orange juice before we leave. When we return back from the morning hunt, we have a sit-down cooked meal.
It is important to disclose your food preferences ahead of time.
We want you to have a great hunt, but on a full stomach!
Just like any other country in the world, South Africa has areas where the crime rates are high and other areas where crime is virtually unheard of. Crime rates are normally higher in big cities. It would be wise, however, always to be cautious and careful.
90% of your stay will be in the middle of the bush, miles away from any humans.
Your safety is our priority!
The Northern Cape of South Africa is a malaria free environment.
It would also be recommended to go for a full medical checkup before the hunt commence. Warmer weather combined with high rainfall may sometimes cause high tick populations.
Insect repellant is used very effectively to neutralize this problem when it does occur. Sunburn and dehydration, caused by our African sun, can be prevented by using sunscreen regularly and wearing a hat in the daytime.
Most of the vegetation consist of thorns with various shapes and sizes.
Clients should always keep this in mind while in the process of stalking animals.
TEMPERATURES
The average morning temperature is 10°C/50°F. Afternoons may be pleasant with temperatures around 26°F/79°F (however it can get much colder early in the morning or at night). The Norhtern Cape's weather is typical of desert and semi-desert areas. The wet season occurs from October to April, but rainfall is low, and droughts are common.
Summer: September - April (Min: 16°C/61°F Max: 35°C/95°F)
Winter: May - August (Min: -4°C/25°F Max: 25°C/77°F)
LANGUAGES
South Africa has 11 official languages: However, English is understood and spoken by most people.
The best time to travel to South Africa for a hunting safari is during the winter, which generally stretches from late April to mid-August. It is not the rule, but the cooler weather makes for better hunting conditions than during the summer.
98% of hunting areas in South Africa are high fenced. The concessions we hunt on are big thus we ensure fair chase hunting at all times.
Included in your day rate/package - beverages, including soft drinks, House wines and Local Beers.
Any hard liquor, imported drinks or non-house wines are excluded from your daily rate and charged extra accordingly.
African hunting staff are the often unseen and unsung people that keep the wheels turning on your African hunt. The hunting camp staff cook and serve your meals, wash your laundry, build the fires and tidy up. The hunting crew spot and track your game, drive the hunting vehicle, carry your rifle and skin your trophies.
In South Africa, the hunting and camp staff frequently live with their families in a compound of houses, within the hunting area. So there will be quite a few people around who are not working on your particular hunt but help maintain the property, working in the butchery, lodge cleaning and gardening.
“How much should I tip my PH, skinner, tracker and lodge staff?”
It is not an easy question to answer because tips are by no means obligatory and are at the discretion of the hunters.
Here are some suggestions – merely a point of reference:
Tips can be given in US Dollars.
The norm is to give a 10% to 15% gratuity. The Professional Hunter, Trackers, Lodge Hostess, Chef and other Supporting Staff, may be tipped at your discretion.
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Tips can be given in US Dollars or in South African currency, Rand.
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On a typical basic 7-10 Day safari to the value of $6000 or $7000, the average tip for the Professional Hunter is around $500.
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We recommend $20 per animal that the Skinner skins for you and if he was also your tracker and helper out in the field each day – On a typical 7-10 safari, the average tip is between $150 - $250.
That being said, at the end of the day, tipping is entirely up to the client. Material gifts such as knives, optics, watches, outerwear, equipment of various kinds, etc. are not preferred over monetary gratuities.
RIFLE INFORMATION
We recommend bringing the rifle that you’re most comfortable shooting in a walk and stalk hunting environment.
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A minimum of .270 (130gr soft point or monolithic) is suitable for general plains game hunting.
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Eland is the heaviest plains game and 7mm (160 grain soft point) is recommended.
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Minimum legal caliber for dangerous game hunting is .375 (265 grain soft point or monolithic)
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Rifles can be hired from Damara African Safaris at a nominal rate.
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Average distance for shots is 100-300 yards.
If you will be bringing your own rifle, download the SAP 520 temporary rifle import permit and the trophy requirements document here.
South Africa prohibits bringing ammunition for firearms that are not on your permit.
Instructions for Filling in SAP 520 Form:
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Black ink must be used to fill in the form.
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The form must be left unsigned until the document is finalized in front of the police official issuing the actual permit.
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Please note that not all sections of the form apply.
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Download the SAP 520 instructions below.
Visitors bringing their own firearms should fill in the following:
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Section D – (temporary import or export permit)
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Section E – 1 – 25.4
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Section G
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Section I – (Must fill in all details requested)
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Section J – (do not sign until in front of police officer at firearm office)
to accompany your SAP520 forM-you require:
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Copy of your passport
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Travel itinerary and return airline ticket.
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Proof of ownership of your rifle; form 4457 - download here!
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Proof of export (obtained at the airport upon departure of US)
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Proof of export from country of origin (CBP Form 4457- Certificate of Registration for personal effects take abroad)
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Letter of invitation from Damara African Safaris - download here!
VISA REQUIREMENTS
Hunters from the USA and some European countries do not need to apply for a visa for your Africa hunting safari.
ENTRY REGULATIONS
All visitors require a passport, valid for no less than 30 days after the expiry of the intended visit. The passports must contain at least one unused page. It is imperative that travelers confirm regulations with their nearest South African embassy or consulate.
TRAVEL REGULATIONS - UNDER 18'S
New requirements, introduced by the South African Department of Home Affairs from 1 June 2015, specify that all minors (children under 18 years) are required to produce, in addition to their passport, an Unabridged Birth Certificate, which shows the details of both parents for all international travel to and from South Africa.
If a minor is traveling with 1 parent or without parents, additional documents are required. Please notify Heritage Safaris if this is the case. You may visit www.home-affairs.gov.za for the latest regulations / information and to check if you are a visa exempt national. It is always recommended to contact the Embassy of South Africa in your country prior to travel.
HUNT INDEMNITY AGREEMENT
This is a legal requirement of our Insurance Company compiled under legal guidelines for both parties involved. No person may hunt or go on Safari under our supervision without signing the Indemnity Form. Please read it carefully and understand all the liability waiver clauses and conditions.
Although our staff is responsible and experienced, Damara African Safaris do not accept any liability for any injuries, illness, accidents or losses sustained whilst on safari with us.
ARRIVAL IN SOUTH AFRICA
Gather your checked bags first then ask official where you SIGN your rifle.
Proceed to SAPS firearm office.
The SAPS office checks the firearms and issues the Firearm Import/Export Permits, not customs.
When you enter the SAPS office, please ensure that you have all the needed documents ready. Gun permits we have supplied, I.D., letter of invitation, passport, etc. You will be asked for your SAPS 520 form and will have to sign for the guns you have brought in.
Hunters with pre-approved gun permits must tell the SAPS officers that they have a pre-approved Import / Export permit.
Collect firearm(s) and ammunition.
Proceed to domestic flights for further travel to Kimberley. When you arrive in Johannesburg - clear customs. Collect baggage at carousel.
INSURANCE
You are advised to get insurance.
Although we at Damara African Safaris take every precaution to ensure your safety and health we do not except any liability against injuries, illness, accidents and acts of nature.
Contact your local travel agent for an insurance policy to cover personal valuables and medical expenses in case of death, disability, illness, loss of personal items and flight cancellation. Although there are good medical doctors, hospitals and pharmacies within forty minutes' drive from our lodge, we encourage clients to declare any allergies and medical problems they might have, before the hunt commence, any prescribed medicine that they are using at the time.
Considering that hunting is a potentially dangerous sport, clients must be aware of the fact that there are always certain risks involved when hunting with Damara African Safaris. It is thus our recommendation to obtain insurance for the following: emergency medical evacuation, accidental death, major medical disability, trip cancellation and damage or loss to equipment or trophies hunted.
We operate in a MALARIA-FREE area but ask your local Doctor or CDC (Center for Disease Control) for information about shots and/or immunizations. South Africa do not require any shots prior to entry.
WHAT TO PACK
Laundry is done daily, therefore three to four sets of hunting clothes will do.
A range of temperatures may be experienced in one day so dressing in layers is advisable.
Knowing what to wear on safari is important because it will affect your levels of comfort. The overall recommendation is to pack clothes that are comfortable, durable and functional. Pack smart, bring layers.
To be comfortable we suggest that you pack the following:
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Clothing best for hunting: Camouflage and khaki works, so whatever you prefer.
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Comfortable clothes for relaxing around the campfire at night.
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Gloves, and a lightweight raincoat.
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Bush hat or cap, a warm hat (beanie) early mornings and evenings can get chilly, especially on game drives.
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Comfortable walking shoes and safari socks are essential.
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Lightweight rainproof jacket, jersey, windbreaker.
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Long-sleeved bush shirts that protect your skin from the sun.
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Long pants recommended, to protect your legs from scratchy bushes and insect or tick bites.
Binoculars, camera, memory cards, chargers, batteries, international travel adaptors for Africa. Personal toiletries, insect repellent and sunglasses, lip balm, eye drops, sun blocks (yes even in winter - this is Africa). Please ensure to bring your own medication.
CONVERTER PLUGS USED
When bringing any electrical appliance, please pack converters for the country you are visiting. In South Africa we use 3-pronged round hole plugs and some 2 prong round hole plugs. Electric current is 220V.
CURRENCY
The currency in South Africa is the South African Rand. There are 100 cents to 1 rand. There are exchange bureaus in all towns and airports and in most hotels. Be sure to exchange some currency for SA Rands, as you may want to buy African souvenirs on your safari travels.
Most stores outside of the airport WILL NOT accept dollars.
Most stores WILL accept ONLY MASTERCARD AND VISA credit cards.
CREDIT and DEBIT CARDS: Payment for your Safari is ONLY with VISA or MASTERCARD CREDIT or DEBIT CARDS, for deposits on booking and at hunt end. No other types of credit cards are accepted.
MONEY: You Only need about $ 150 in US$ / foreign cash just in case. You may only need to convert about $50 of that into Rands cash as most stores in SA accept credit and debit cards.
A questionnaire will be forwarded to you (OR you may download here) so that we know what your preferences in your diet are. This is also important as we need to know about any allergies you might have.