An African safari is a dream come true for many, offering the thrill of the hunt combined with the beauty and serenity of the African landscape. South Africa has become the premier hunting destination in Africa, offering first-world hospitality and infrastructure. Nowhere else can such diversity and availability of animals for hunting safaris be found at a reasonable cost.
Whether you're an experienced hunter or a first-timer, planning an African hunting safari can seem daunting. This guide provides essential information to help you prepare for a smooth and successful trip.
Choosing an Outfitter
Selecting a reputable outfitter is crucial for a rewarding and responsible hunting experience. By choosing a reputable outfitter and practicing ethical, sustainable hunting, hunters ensure their experience is both rewarding and responsible.
Nick Bowker Hunting offers an authentic and ethical African hunting safari in the Eastern Cape, combining top-tier guiding, diverse free-range terrain, comfortable lodges, and a wide selection of species. Cruiser Safaris offers the best all-inclusive safari trips and accommodation with access to some of the best hunting areas for plains game in South Africa.
Key Considerations When Choosing an Outfitter:
- Experience and Reputation: Look for outfitters with years of experience and positive reviews.
- Hunting Areas: Ensure the outfitter has access to quality hunting areas with diverse wildlife.
- Ethical Practices: Confirm that the outfitter practices ethical and sustainable hunting methods.
- Accommodation and Facilities: Check the quality of the lodges and facilities offered.
- Customization: See if the outfitter can tailor hunting packages to your specific needs and interests.
Booking Your Safari
When you have selected the safari you would like to book, the safari contract, providing all the details of the upcoming safari, will be finalized and signed and you will be required to pay the deposit of $1000 or as required, depending on the nature of the safari. With Cruiser Safaris, all you have to do is make a booking with us and fly to South Africa. We’ll take care of the rest.
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After we have agreed on the date of your safari and the number of days you are to be here in South Africa you can then book your airfare. A direct flight to OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg is recommended either with Delta out of Atlanta or United Airlines out of Newark. Please communicate with us during this process, we will work with the travel agent or yourself to make sure you are here for the correct number of days.
Our recommended Travel Agent is PWP Travel. Patrick provides excellent services and competitive pricing. If you are NOT a US citizen, you might require a visa.
Preparing for Your Trip
Proper preparation is key to a successful African hunting safari. This includes handling travel documents, firearm permits, and packing the right gear.
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Travel Documents and Permits
If you're planning to take a firearm and ammunition, the process is a bit extensive and can be confusing. However, if you use an experienced travel agency, you can complete forms like your SAP 520 Form and others online. Your SAP 520 Form is your temporary firearms import permit.
You will also need a letter of invitation from your outfitter, a copy of your passport, etc. Make sure the rifle is unloaded. Once in the office, the officer will have you complete a CBP Form 4457. After filling out the form, the officer will inspect your rifle, double-check your serial number, and stamp the form with an official CBP Seal. When making your appointment, ask if the office has a CBP Seal available.
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A temporary import permit from the South African Police service is required to bring your rifle into South Africa. We work very closely with Henry from RiflePermits that will be doing the pre-approved permit application beforehand. Upon arrival you will be met by your PH and a rifle agent, which will accompany you to the permit office where you will pick up your rifle and then travel to the arrival lodge.
Upon arrival, the South Africa Police will issue you a Temporary Import Permit. Don't lose this form; you will need it often.
What to Pack
If your Africa hunt is during June, July, or August, you're hunting the continent in the winter months. We did experience a few morning hunts with temps in the 30s. Most days, temperatures topped out in the low 70s, so prepare accordingly.
I also recommend talking with your outfitter. If you can wash clothes while you're there, I recommend going light on hunt clothing. This way, you can bring souvenirs back home and not exceed the weight limit.
Laundry is done daily, therefore three sets of hunting clothes will do: khaki or camo or whatever you prefer. A range of temperatures may be experienced in one day so dressing in layers is advisable. Please see the recommended packing list for more detailed guidelines.
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Take a carry-on and one personal item on the plane. Have boots and hunting clothes in your carry-on for at least one day. It's essential to have your laptop, optics, and camera equipment in your carry-on.
Health Precautions
No shots are needed for South Africa. Our hunting areas are in Malaria free areas. Malaria medication is required if you are traveling to the Kruger National Park for a photo safari or hunting near Kruger National park any time between March and May & September and November. Malaria medication is required throughout the year if you are hunting in Zimbabwe or if you take a tour to Victoria Falls.
Arrival and Airport Procedures
Someone was waiting for me when I stepped off the plane in Joburg. The person was holding a sign with my name and the name of our group. This person helped us through customs, and then we were met by another Gracy individual who took us to the police station, which is in the airport, to retrieve our rifles.
While at the police station, you will receive a South African Police Service Temporary Import Permit. Keep this permit. You will need it often. You will also need to pay an import/handling fee for your firearm, which you will do at the airport. Your travel representative will guide you through the entire process. If you don't have a travel representative, follow the signs.
The Hunting Experience
Hunting in Southern Africa is conducted Safari Style, where hunters drive around in search of plains game. When sighted, hunters stalk on foot. Alternatively, hunting is from an elevated vantage point, and game is spotted in the thick brush and then stalked.
Hunting with shooting sticks is a must in Africa. A three-legged shooting stick is a tripod to rest your rifle for support while taking a standing shot. Prone, sitting, and kneeling shots with a gun are not that common. Furthermore, shots in Africa often need to be taken relatively quickly.
Hunting areas Hunting takes place in all 9 of South Africa’s provinces. Most of our standard hunting packages take place in two major areas. The Limpopo Province, referred to as the North, and the Free State province, referred to as the South. These two areas are totally different from one another in topography and vegetation. The North consists mostly of thick acacia thorns brush and small rocky outcrops. The South is characterised by open plains with very little tree cover and mountains up to 11 000 feet. It is a real advantage to hunt in two different areas on one safari to experience more of what South Africa is like. Different animals occur in these two different areas.
Ethical Hunting
Hunters are expected to respect the animals, the environment, and others in the field-maintaining awareness, safe distances, and practicing ethical hunting through selective harvesting and adherence to local regulations.
Evaluating trophy quality in plains game and big game hunting goes beyond size-it considers age, condition, and unique features. Professional hunters guide hunters in identifying mature, prime animals, ensuring ethical harvests that enhance the hunting experience and protect long-term sustainability.
Plains Game and Big Game
South Africa’s renowned hunting destinations are famous for their diverse wildlife and iconic species, making it a top choice for adventure seekers. The continent is home to diverse ecosystems and majestic species, including the Sable Antelope and Cape Kudu. Plains game hunting includes species like kudu, impala, and warthog.
In South Africa, some of the most sought-after plains game animals include the kudu, a species of antelope with a unique spiral horn, which can stand as tall as 4 feet and weigh up to 600 pounds. Kudu are distinguished by their striking stripes that extend from their shoulder down to their rump. Gemsbuck, more commonly known as oryx, are some of the most magnificent animals you can encounter on a South African hunting trip. The gemsbuck and impala are also very popular hunting targets in South Africa. Gemsbuck are particularly striking with their white patches and long horns, weighing up to 350 pounds and standing 4 feet high. Impala are smaller than gemsbuck at 250 pounds but make for an exciting hunt with their incredible agility. Warthog is another favorite among hunters in South Africa because of its speed and quick reflexes - they’re apt to run away quickly if given the chance!
Nick Bowker has a dangerous game license and offers a wide selection of buffalo safaris. Hunting Buffalo is one of Africa’s most iconic safari hunts. Our concession area is situated in the mountains, surrounded by dense brush in a vast expanse. This Buffalo hunt is proper. The bulls are challenging to find and are shot at close range.
Additional Activities
An African hunting safari is more than the hunt itself. Between hunts, you can explore national parks like Kruger, visit the Cape Winelands, or experience local culture and cuisine.
For more adventures outside of Cruiser Safaris, you can visit National Parks and activities in surrounding areas.
Guests can also request a custom hunting package tailored to their specific needs and interests. In addition to world-class plains game hunting, Meyrick specializes in dangerous game hunting in Southern Africa, including Cape buffalo, leopard, lion, elephant, and rhino.
Cost of a South African Hunting Trip
The cost of a hunting safari in South Africa can vary depending on factors such as species, duration, method of travel, type of accommodations, equipment used, and more. Generally speaking, however, many all-inclusive packages with experienced outfitters start at approximately $6,000 and can go up to around $20,000 for more of a luxury experience. It’s important to do research and comparison shop to get the best bang for your buck when it comes to planning a hunting safari in South Africa.
We offer cost-effective All-Inclusive Packages at affordable prices.
Family Safaris
Family hunts are most welcome. Family-oriented hunting packages often cater to father-son, mother-daughter, or other family combinations, providing a memorable shared experience. The hunting lodge and safari experience are suitable for the whole family, with activities and accommodations designed for visitors of all ages.
We cater for the whole family on our safaris.
If the family wants to take a break from hunting, there are multiple other relaxing activities they can do at Cruiser Safaris such as taking a dive in our swimming pool, getting a soothing massage in our spa or keeping the kids entertained in our aviary.
South Africa Weather and Temperatures
South Africa’s seasons are reversed from yours. For the most part, early mornings are crisp and cool but warm up around 9am. Mid-days are sunny and warm but start cooling down from 3pm and can range a great deal, so you have to pack to dress layers each day.
Here as an indication of the temperatures that you might experience:
| Months | Limpopo (North) | Free State (South) |
|---|---|---|
| March and April | 50-80 °F | 45-75 °F |
| May and June | 40-70 °F | 35-70 °F |
| July and August | 35-70 °F | 35-70 °F |
| September and October | 50-80 °F | 50-75 °F |
