General Info & FAQs

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.

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.

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.

Passport (valid for at least six months with enough blank pages)

Airline tickets

Rifle import permit and related documents (if bringing your own rifle)

Health Insurance / Vaccinations

Emergency Recue & Travel Insurance

Paperwork

Make copies of all paperwork and take with you in your carry on.

Embark on Your Adventure:

Discover South Africa, an oasis of stability with top-tier infrastructure, accessed through our international airports in Johannesburg and Cape Town, providing seamless connections to your final safari destination.

Safari Itinerary:

When planning your safari, optimize your experience by arriving a day before your first hunt and departing the day after your last, aligning perfectly with your travel schedule.

Documentation Essentials:

For your South Africa journey, ensure your passport is ready; American and European Union passport holders typically don't require visas. If extending your adventure to other Southern African countries, verify visa requirements with your local Embassy, and note that visa payments are often in USD$ cash.

Traveling with Young Explorers:

If traveling with minors under 18, adhere to new regulations since June 1, 2015. Bring a full birth certificate with the child's name matching the passport, both parents' details, passports of both parents, and a valid visa if needed.

When one parent accompanies a child, present an unabridged certificate, an affidavit from the other parent (as on the birth certificate), a court order if applicable, and certified copies of both parents' passports, along with a 24-hour contact number.

Remember: Young travelers lacking proper documentation won't be allowed to journey to or from South Africa.

Embark on your adventure with confidence—meticulous preparation is the key to an unforgettable experience!

Please contact our team and they will provide you with details on the best places to stay pending your travel arrangements.

Contact us @Huntshoek Safaris Info

Please visit the following website www.riflepermits.com or contact our team to get the necessary contact details of support services at the Airport.

Hunting season in South Africa is March through November.

The weather will vary from Region to Region

During March, April, September, and October, South Africa experiences warm to hot weather, with temperatures typically ranging from 65°F to 85°F.

In contrast, the winter months of May through August can bring chilly evenings, often dropping below freezing, though daytime temperatures usually rise to the mid-60s or 70s.

When preparing for a safari, consider this as a basic packing guide. Daily laundry services are available, except on arrival/departure days and when switching camps. Aim to pack lightly with essential, comfortable clothing and gear, remembering to save space for souvenirs from Africa.

RECOMMENDED CLOTHING:

A pair of well-worn walking boots

Comfortable shoes for camp

Four pairs of quality socks

Four sets of underwear

Three pairs of long hunting pants in dark khaki, olive green, or camo

Two pairs of short hunting pants for early hunts (Mar-Apr, Sept-Oct)

Four hunting shirts in dark khaki, olive green, or camo

One hunting jacket in a suitable color.

A warm sweater or jumper

Casual evening wear

A pair of gloves

A raincoat or waterproof jacket

A cap or hat

A pair of Boot gators Gaitors are not required but can certainly help keep sand, sharp seeds, thorns & stickers from dropping into boots or shoes and is important for obvious reasons

ADDITIONAL GEAR (NOT ALL MANDATORY):

Binoculars

Personal shooting sticks (optional, as your Professional Hunter will have a set)

Camera(s) and a USB flash drive or SD card for photo sharing

Lens cleaning cloth for camera/binoculars

Flashlight or headlamp

Pocket/hunting knife

Sunglasses, sunblock SPF 50, and lip balm

Small backpack for daily hunting essentials (e.g., camera, extra ammo)

Rifle with sufficient ammunition (unless renting)

International plug adapter for South Africa (220V)

Insect repellent, preferably with DEET

Extra prescription glasses or contact lenses.

Personal medical supplies (first aid available in camp and hunting vehicles)

Spare batteries/charger

Rifle cleaning kit (unless hiring)

Prescription medication

Toiletries

Wet wipes for comfort

Rifle soft case

Taxidermy tags and shipping instructions, if using a personal taxidermist

Any required CITES permits.

Huntshoek Safaris ensures meticulous handling and proper Field preparation of harvested animals, preserving skins, horns, heads, or bodies and by delivering these to the local taxidermy this is how far Huntshoek safaris excellent services provided, and responsibility goes when it comes to Taxidermy .

From here Trophies can be exported "raw" or "mounted." To simplify the process, opting for mounting by a South African taxidermist is recommended, complying with export permit regulations.

For "raw" exports, Taxidermy prepares skins and horns to specified preferences, employing a salting method. After drying for a few weeks, the items undergo the "Dip, Pack, and Crating" process at the taxidermist, lasting 6-8 weeks. Once treated, the trophies are packed into crates, and relevant export permits are obtained. Health certificates are applied for, collected by the shipping company, and forwarded to your home country.

Alternatively, mounted exports by South African taxidermists offer cost-effective expertise, often 20-30% cheaper than foreign operators. Completion time ranges from 6 months to a year, with access to additional skins for restoration or replacement if needed. Followed by the same process of packing the mounted trophies into crates, and relevant export permits are obtained, and regulations are adhered to as well as Health certificates are applied for, collected by the shipping company, and forwarded to your home country address.

Huntshoek Safaris recommends a few Local taxidermist but this will still be ultimately the client’s personal choice and preference as most South African Taxidermist from all over the country do pick-ups all over South Africa. During your trip we can also arrange a visit to one of the taxidermists to check the quality of their work and meet them on a personal level and make arrangements.

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!

This is a personal decision, but feel free to consult management or the professional hunter for guidance. This should be done in cash or Wire transfer

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.

Yes, but they are hibernating during the winter months (hunting season) and it is extremely rare to even see one.

Yes, the water conforms to Government standards and we also supply approved and tested bottled water.

Yes, you will need some cash for tips and small personal items, otherwise credit card facilities are widely available.

Entrust your adventure to the Huntshoek Safaris team, ensuring fully arranged experiences that promise no disappointment in South Africa’s breathtaking scenery, activities, and landscapes.

• Game Drives on Day trips to National Parks 
• Spa and beauty treatments  
• Shopping
• Rock art viewing
• Helicopter Rides
• Fishing Safaris -Rock and Surf, Deep Sea or River Fishing
• Other Adventure Sports and Activities
• Scenic Guided or Self-drive Tours

Please note that we have an in-house vehicle hire facility, should you require a vehicle to explore our beautiful country further. Kindly enquire about this facility when planning your trip to 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.