General Info & FAQs
General info to help you plan your next hunting trip to South Africa.
General Information
Our team has put together a shortlist of general information used day-to-day when booking hunting trips. This information is provided as guideline and guest should use this at their own discretion. Any additional information can be requested directly at info@huntshoeksafaris.com or by using our contact form on the contact us page.
Travel Documents
Paperwork can be a drag. But, don’t let the paperwork stop you!
Make sure you have read through the list below of required documents:
- A passport that is valid for at least 90 days or more. Also ensure that the passport is valid at least 30 days after your intended stay.
- Air tickets and confirmed reservations.
- Visa – if required (visit the South African Department of Home Affairs – www.home-affairs.gov.za for information).
- Two copies of passport, air tickets and visa (if applicable).
- Personal cheques, traveller’s cheques, credit cards and some cash for minor expenses.
- US Customs Form Number 4457 (only applicable to US travellers).
- Temporary Firearm Import Form – SAP 520.
- Letter motivating temporary import of your firearms into South Africa for hunting purposes.
- Letter of motivation from the safari outfitter as well as safari outfitter’s contact details.
- Medical Insurance information and proof of existing medical insurance policy (ensure that medical policy covers you outside your home country’s borders).
- Proof of travel insurance – copy of SOS emergency coverage with contact details.
Firearms & Ammunition
Make sure you comply
Visit www.riflepermits.com for assistance with importing & exporting permits on all firearms.
SAP 520 form to be completed (US Citizens Custom Declaration Form 4457). *Complete the form in BLACK ink.*
The form must remain unsigned until it is completed in front of a police officer, who is issuing the actual permit.
Please note that all sections of the form apply.
Hunting visitors should concentrate on filling in the following:
- Section D – (Temporary Import or Export Permit)
- Section E: 1 – 25,4
- Section G
- Section I: Fill in all the required details
- Section J: Remember, do not sign until you are in front of the police officer at the Firearm Office.
Proof of firearm license, documentary proof etc.
Documentary proof of export from the country of origin.
Invitation letter from the hunting outfitter, which should be on company letterhead.
Provide full address and contact details.
Location where hunting will take place.
Confirmation of animals to be hunted and confirming calibre of firearms required.
Note: Firearms will be physically inspected to ensure that the serial numbers match the licenses.
Ammunition will be inspected. Rifles of the same calibre are NOT allowed.
Weapons, which are NOT allowed are:
- Fully automatic
- Semi-automatic
- Handguns for self-defence
- Weapons in military category
- No more than 200 rounds per rifle
Clearing Customs
Be legal – Visit www.saps.gov.za for more information
- Clear passport control in the terminal where your flight arrives.
- Proceed to Baggage Claim and collect your general baggage.
- Go to Airline Help Desk to collect firearms from airlines company and sign a receipt.
- Then proceed to the SA Police Firearm Office. You might need to be escorted there. (Do not proceed to Customs Office prior to the Police Office.)
- On receipt of the Temporary Import Permit from the SAP Firearm Office, you will go to Customs (Red Zone), where you will declare your firearms and complete a Custom’s Clearance.
- Please ensure that you allow for sufficient time to go through the Temporary Importation Process and Clear Customs, in order to avoid any delays for connecting flights. Bank on an average of at least three hours. However, during peak hunting season (May – August), this can take up to five hours.
In Transit Passengers
Procedures
It is critical to check and confirm with connecting airline procedures for transfer of firearm baggage.
If you have booked a direct transfer of your baggage/firearms, to your final destination, you must stay in the In-transit Area and do not clear SA Customs. You are, however, still required to go through the Temporary Import Process.
However, if the connecting airline company does NOT transfer your baggage/firearms to your connecting flight and onto your final destination, then your baggage must be collected and you are required to go through the entire Entry Process again. In this case, the SA Limitations requirements will apply.
The above also applies if you are staying overnight in SA before flying on to your country of destination.
What To Pack
Make sure you’ve got it
For the hunters:
- Clothing: colours preferred are khaki, green or camouflage.
- Safari type cotton pants or denims.
- Hunting shirts.
- Lightweight hunting jacket.
- Heavy warm jacket especially during June – August, which are the winter months.
- Hat or cap. We have suitable headgear in stock.
- Underwear, socks and a belt.
- Lightweight hunting boots (preferably well worn in).
- Rain gear.
- Safari vest (optional).
Laundry is done daily at our lodges.
Non-hunters/family members:
- Comfortable pants and shorts.
- Comfortable shoes.
- Warm jacket.
- Shirts and t-shirts.
- Sleeveless jacket for cool days.
Medication:
- Personal medication
- Prescription glasses
- Our area is malaria free
Other:
- Flashlight with batteries
- Folding knife
- Rifle Shell holder
- Sunglasses and sunscreen
- Camera and batteries
- Binoculars
- Converter 120V – 220V
Vehicle Hire
On the road
Please note that we have an in-house vehicle hire facility, should you require a vehicle to explore our beautiful country further.
Please enquire about this facility when planning your trip to South Africa.
Vacation Rentals
Explore South Africa
We have access to other accommodation facilities should you wish to stay longer.
There is accommodation all along the coastline from East London to Cape Town.
Please enquire about this when planning your trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
Satisfy your curiosity. From safety to weather, we answer a few questions that might be on your mind.
Is it safe to travel in South Africa?
Yes, however, like any other destination in the world, isolated incidents do occur.
Do I need any special medical precautions?
No, we are situated in a malaria and yellow fever free area. Only bring your personal medication. We have excellent medical facilities that can be reached within 30 minutes to one hour from Huntshoek Safaris.
Do you have venomous snakes?
Yes, but they are hibernating during the winter months (hunting season) and it is extremely rare to even see one
Is the water safe to drink?
Yes, the water conforms to Government standards and we also supply approved and tested bottled water.
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 are the weather conditions like?
We experience very hot weather during summer months. The temperature can also soar to 35 degrees Celsius (95 F) during winter months. Generally, the days are moderate with cold evenings and early mornings averages of 20 degrees Celsius (68 F). Weather in our part of the country is defined as moderate.
How do I get my trophies home?
We will provide details of reliable references. During your trip we can arrange a visit to one of the taxidermists to check the quality of their work.
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 other activities are there, for my partner or family?
We are situated in a rich historical, cultural area and we can arrange historical tours to towns close by and we are one hour away from some quaint seaside resorts.
What do staff or the guides get tipped?
This is a personal decision, but feel free to consult management or the professional hunter for guidance.