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INFORMATION

Planning your safari is nearly as thrilling as the adventure itself.

Essential information to help you organize your trip to Africa, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience.  

  • Booking Airfare
    We recommend a direct flight to OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, then a connecting flight to Kimberley Airport. Upon arrival, your Professional Hunter will greet you and drive you to the hunting lodge. For travel arrangements, including airfare and insurance, consider using Jeanne Thirion, our experienced Travel Counselor, for competitive pricing and excellent service. Cell: 082 829 7000
  • Traveling with Firearms
    South Africa requires you to obtain a temporary firearms import permit in advance. Should you require Professional help with bringing your own Rifle. We recommend a five-star company in Johannesburg, Rifle Permits, to assist you with this. First you must have a CSB Form 4457 signed and sealed listing the correct serial numbers of your firearms. You are then required to complete the SAP 520 form when applying for the temporary importation of firearms. You can download the SAPS 520 form: Instructions on how to complete the SAPS 520 form can be downloaded: Instructions on Completing the Form Use black ink on the form. Fill in form in BLOCK letters Leave the form unsigned until finalized in front of a police officer. The following documents must accompany the SAP 520 form: Passport Return airline ticket Proof of ownership Firearm licenses, documentary proof etc. For USA citizens, an officially stamped Customs Declaration Form 4457 is essential. Proof of export Note: You must obtain documentation for the legal export of firearms from an official government institution (police or customs). This must be written in English and state the following: “It is hereby certified that the owner of the firearm(s) M (state particulars) with caliber (state caliber), serial number (state the serial number) and type (state type of weapon) is hereby authorized to temporarily export the above firearm(s) from country (state country).” Invitation letter from the hunting outfitter. Note: Firearms will be physically inspected to ensure that the serial number(s) match those of the licenses (proof of ownership) and the application form. Ammunition will also be inspected. How to travel with your firearm: Your firearms should be packed in a padded lockable rifle case. DO NOT PUT YOUR AMMUNITION IN THE CASE WITH YOUR FIREARMS! You must declare that you are traveling with firearms when checking in your luggage at the airport. You may be asked to open the rifle case it at the airport for inspection. Make sure your firearm is unloaded, and you have removed the bolt. Have the breach open and face up for easy inspection. You may NOT carry ammunition in your carry-on luggage. Check each of the airline's websites that you will be flying on for their luggage weight and firearm policies. They may differ from your international flight, and it is better to find out before flying. You may be able to pack your binoculars, rangefinder and a few other items in your rifle case.
  • How much ammunition should I bring?
    Clients are advised to bring 60 rounds of ammunition per rifle. Do not exceed 5kgs of ammunition.
  • Can I rent a rifle for my Safari?
    Although we prefer clients to bring their own rifles, about 70% of our clients do not. For some it is just not worth the effort and for that reason we have a host of various calibers available to rent.
  • What are the passport and visa requirements to visit South Africa?
    Hunters from the USA and some European countries do not need to apply for a visa for your Africa hunting safari.
  • Are there Airport/ Custom Assistance services?
    Please visit the following website www.riflepermits.com or contact our team to get the necessary contact details of support services at the Airport.
  • Should I change foreign currency on entering the country?
    Yes, you will need some cash for tips and small personal items, otherwise credit card facilities are widely available.
  • What is the best time of year to come and hunt?
    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.
  • What medical precautions should I take?
    As the Northern Cape Province is both Malaria and Bilharzia free you do not need any additional shots or medication. However, you should always consult your own medical practitioner.
  • 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.
  • Insurance
    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.
  • Where are you situated?
    We are located in the Northern Cape Province of South Africa, known as one of the safest hunting destinations, featuring wide open spaces.
  • What species do you have available to hunt in your area?
    Warthog, Bontebok, Steenbuck, Mountain Reedbuck, Common Springbuck, Copper Springbuck, White Springbuck, Black Springbuck, Blesbuck (common), Blesbuck (white), Common Impala, Black Impala, Nyala, Waterbuck, Red Hartebeest, Kudu, Black Wildebeest, Blue Wildebeest, Golden Wildebeest, Lechwe, Jackal, Gemsbuck, Golden Gemsbuck (Oryx), Sable Antelope, Roan Antelope, Burchell’s Zebra, Eland, Giraffe and Buffalo
  • Taxidermy
    Taxidermy is a terrific way to preserve the memories of your African hunting trip. ​You can either have your animals mounted in south Africa, or they can be dipped, packed and exported as a raw product, to the taxidermy of your choice in the USA. Our recommended Taxidermy is African Artistry Taxidermy ​ Please visit their website for more information.
  • What should I pack for my south African Hunting Safari?
    A range of temperatures may be experienced in one day so dressing in layers is advisable. Take into consideration when packing for your safari that laundry is done daily at the lodge. 2x Camouflage or green/brown shirts and pants (trousers) Camouflage hunting cap or hat Hunting boots 2x thick socks Binoculars Hunting rifle Ammunition Ammunition belt or pouch Casual Clothing – One outfit for use prior and after your safari Camera, flash and film – very Important Any medical prescriptions Shaving and cosmetic kit Sun protection lotion and sunglasses Raincoat or waterproof jacket
  • What electrical current does South Africa use?
    The voltage that is used in the Northern Cape is 220/230 Volts 50HZ. We do have adapters for electronic devices, however if you need a special adapter please bring one with you.
  • How can I pay the balance of my Safari?
    The final balance of the hunt, trophy fees, animals taken or wounded plus any additional charges such as optional tours etc will be calculated on the last hunting day. This can be paid in US cash, EFT Bank Transfer or by Credit Card (Visa & MC) (For all card payments – 3% bank fee apply)
  • What do the PH's / guides normally get tipped?
    Tipping in the hunting industry acknowledges the hard work of staff who contribute to your safari experience. Tips should reflect the level and quality of service experienced during your safari. While not obligatory, tipping is customary and essential for the income of Professional Hunters, Trackers, and Camp staff. Our guideline will be to work on 10% of the total hunt cost towards tipping of all staff members. Gratuities are not mandatory, but they are typically expected on an African Safari Tips, usually given in cash or wire transfer, are typically presented directly to the PH, Tracker, and Camp staff at the end of the hunt. Though generous gestures like extra items are appreciated, they shouldn’t be substituted for tips. Suggested tip amounts vary based on satisfaction, hunting success, location, hunt specifics, and duration. These amounts are recommended: Professional Hunters: $150 – $250 per day or 10% of the total bill. Guide for observers: $20 – $50 per day. Main Tracker, Skinner, Driver: $350 – $500 for the safari. Maid: $40 – $80 for the safari. Cook: $150 – $200 for the safari. In rare instances, additional camp staff may merit recognition for exceptional service. You can seek guidance from your PH, but the final decision on tipping amounts rests with you. Address any concerns promptly during the hunt to ensure a satisfying experience with your PH or Outfitter.
  • Do we eat the game we shoot?
    Yes, all game can be prepared in many different delicious ways. However, other meat, such as lamb, beef, pork, chicken and fish are also served. We cater for all your needs! What type of Food can we expect ? We serve 3 lovely meals per day including snacks throughout the day. Venison that was hunted is always a treat and we try and stick to the motto from field to table. Sodas and water are also included in our day fee as well as table wine and beer in moderation. If you have any dietary restrictions, please let us know in advance and we will cater our meals to suit your needs.

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