Items we suggest you bring along on the trip
• Good set of binoculars
• Hunting and or safari clothing, camo is legal in South Africa (3 sets – daily laundry service)
• Suitable headgear for sun protection preferably in natural colors (full brim hat)
• Comfortable shoes for bush wear, serious hunters and hikers should consider ankle boots
• Camera and video equipment to capture the beauty you will witness
• A flash light could be handy as well as a pocketknife.
• Sun protection creams
• Where needed, physical health awareness for changes in routine could influence your health.
• Enough batteries for anything that runs on batteries.
• Electrical converter (between 110V and 220V) and adapter to South African size.
• Books to read
• Photocopies of your passport and medical prescriptions in case you lose them.
• Keep your documentation separate from the rest of your luggage.
• Rifle and ammunition or bow and arrows (See Weapons and Ammo below)
• Our main hunting season is between March and September. We are permitted to hunt all year round but our rainy season kicks in between October till February when temperatures can reach 100°F or more. From March to September, the mornings are cooler, 40°F, and warm up in the middle of the day to 80°F and then cool down again during the evenings.
• We recommend that you pack a light coat or one heavy jacket.
Wireless Internet is available in the camp.
Payment options available
Please be advised that we do not accept Traveler’s checks. American Express, or Discovery cards at the Ranch. We do however except all other Visa and MasterCard Cards. You must notify your bank that you are going to use your cards in South Africa.
We have a 3% service charge should you wish to pay with your credit cards. We do accept Cash (US$) and gratuities may be paid in cash too.There is a Bureau de Change at the airport should you wish to use it. Some clients prefer to wire funds into our account before they arrive to waive the 3% service charge. You may wire funds to our Bank in South Africa.
Climate information to consider
Spring in South Africa starts anything from September to October.
Summer is anything from November to February.
Autumn – Winter sets in from about May and last until August.
Our summers are warmer and winters moderate.
Best inquire when making your reservation, pending the period and region you are going to visit.
Please refer to the following Website for our current weather. http://www.southafricanweather.co.za
Permits, Rifles and Ammo
Recommended firearms for hunting in South Africa:
30.06 caliber or larger,
180 grain bullets or heavier,
Bolt action or muzzle loader.
2 WEAPONS OF THE SAME CALIBER NOT ALLOWED
The following firearms are NOT allowed to enter South Africa:
Any fully automatic weapon
Any semi-automatic weapon
Handguns (Pre-approved import permits necessary 60 days prior to arrival.)
Weapons that fall under military categories
Airlines require a heavy plastic or metal gun case for transportation of firearms.
Check with your airline for regulations on the amount of ammunition allowed and the packing requirements.
Per South African regulations, a maximum of 80 rounds of ammunition are allowed to enter the country.
Ammunition must be transported in your packed luggage.
Paperwork for Rifles:
– Very important! – Keep in your hand luggage for easy access.
Copy of your US4457 form – Customs form
Copy of your Passport
Copy of your return ticket
Invitation letter from Mafube Safaris.
SAPS520 form can be downloaded off the SAPS Website at www.saps.gov.za
Notes on completing the SAPS520 form:
Black ink must be used to fill in the form.
The form should be left unsigned until the document is finalized in front of the police official issuing the actual permit.
Please note that not all sections of the form apply. Visitors bringing their own firearms in for hunting purposes should concentrate on filling in the following:
Section D – (temporary import or export permit)
Section E – 1 – 25.4
Section G – 1 – 9.2 (G – 1 UP TO 9.2)
Section I – (Must fill in all details requested)
Section J – (remember do not sign until in front of police officer at firearm office)
No special paperwork is needed when bringing a bow, crossbow, and arrows. You can pack it in your suitcase or bow case.
Gratuities
Our professional hunters, camp staff and chefs work in the South African service industry, where gratuity (usually 10 – 20%) is customary but not required.
Our recommended guide to Tip Individual Staff
- Professional Hunter: $1000 to $1500 per PH
- Tracker/Driver: $250 to $350
- Skinning Shed & Skinners – $15 to $20 per animal (This is shared by skinning shed staff)
- House Keeping/Cleaning: $20 to $25 per day per person
- Host/Hostess: $25 to $50 per person per day
- Chef: $50 to $100 per day
- Budget on more or less $150 to $350 per day per client ( 7 Day Safari – $1050 to $2450)
At the end of the safari, we’ll provide you with a list of all the people who assisted you during your stay. If you would like to tip them, please do so individually (to ensure fairness) using sealed envelopes that we can supply. You can hand these envelopes to the front desk. And remember to make sure you have enough cash with you.
Other things to consider as a tips guide:
The size of the tip usually depends on your satisfaction with the staff and the trip.
When planning to tip your guide, please be prepared to give cash by taking it along with you on the outing.
When tipping groups, please choose an appropriate time to present the gratuity, making sure all the staff are present so that they know to split the gratuity among themselves. Consider dividing the cash equally and giving each person their tip at the same time if possible, sealed in an envelope. Please do not ask your professional hunter to split tips.
Health
- The hunting and lodge area is malaria free, and no vaccinations are needed for travel to South Africa.
- If you are planning to visit any of the neighboring African countries, then however you will have to get Hepatitis and Tetanus shots.
- Ensure that you bring a good quantity of sunblock and tick repellant.
Travel
- All clients fly into O.R. Tambo International Airport (Johannesburg) and will be met by our Professional Hunters. They will also keep you company and informed during your road trip to the ranch, which is about a 5-hour drive.
- No visas are required to enter South Africa, except you need to have a valid passport.
Non-Hunting Activities
- A vast variety of different non-hunting activities are available in the area that will suit everyone, young or old.
Taxidermy
We highly recommend the following taxidermist:
- African Dip and Pack Taxidermy – africandipandpack.co.za
- Shipping costs and quotations are available upon request.
- The price list is available on request.
Prices and Rates:
- Prices and packages is calculated to suit visitors requirements and thus pricing will be communicated upon request.
- To get a quote from us please click here
Amenities
Our air-conditioned rooms are comfortable and cozy where you can kick off your shoes and relax after an exciting day out in the bush. You can freshen up and enjoy a well-deserved night’s rest. There is no need to worry about your valuables as all our rooms are fitted with a safe and the best part is you determine the code.
- Private rooms with en-suite bathtub/shower.
- Towels provided
- Daily Laundry Service
- Free WIFI
- Firepit – Bushveld TV
Entertainment
Enjoy some fun at the lodge where you can challenge your friends with a game of pool, and darts, or even try out your blackjack skills. You can also cool down in our
splash pool after a hot day in the African sun. Remember to pack your sunblock. You can also enjoy an ice-cold beer, a glass of wine, or soda while sitting around the firepit where you can relive your hunting experience, share stories, tell some jokes and strategize the next day’s adventure with your PH.
- Blackjack table
- Pool table
- Dartboard
- Swimming pool
- Shooting range
Services
Fill your hunger with our heart-warming meals prepared by our chef. You can enjoy and help yourselves to the fridge which is stocked with some of our local beers, and sodas. You can even enjoy a glass of wine while having dinner.
- Daily African-style, chef-prepared meals
- Spacious Dining Area
- Self-help Coffee Station
- Stocked Fridge with local beers, sodas, and bottled water
- A selection of White and Red wines
Terms and Conditions
- A deposit will confirm your booking.
- All prices are subject to change.
- Nico Bresler and his staff accept no liability for any injuries, deaths, or losses that may occur to persons or property during the hunt or visit due to negligence or conditions beyond our control.
- Clients may not carry unlawful articles or participate in any unlawful act whilst in South Africa or under the care of our company.
- Any person caught committing any such offense will be immediately expelled from the hunting party and will be liable for all costs involved with their repatriation and the company will under no circumstances assist such an offender in any dealings or negotiations with any authority.
