Safaris  |  Accommodation

South Africa

- Mike Murray -

Today the Eastern Cape and Karoo boast healthy herds of more than 30 species of antelope as well as numerous game bird varieties. African Field Sports offers a unique variety to the discerning hunter, from some of the finest wingshooting to selected trophy hunting. Our hunting areas, rich in both historical interest and scenic beauty, are carefully selected to offer the highest quality, which is maintained through strict game management programmes.

Your competent African Field Sports host have enjoyed vast experience in Wingshooting, the hunting of Big Game, Plainsgame and Forest Game in different locations through Africa. We offer the highest standards in quality of service, hospitality and professionalism on the hunt and our knowledge and passion for the area, its people and abundant wildlife will ensure you of an unforgettable experience.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Trophy Hunting

Trophy hunts are tailored to suit the hunter's preference and ability and are planned and conducted to give the hunter the opportunity to test his/her skill and endurance against some of our prime game animals. No specific peak times and hunting are conducted throughout the year.  Certain species require permits which must accompany the hunting party.

Wingshooting

South Africa offers a variety of quality and quantity of wingshooting and the sometimes vast distances that separate many of these sought-after venues is realistically compensated for by a good road infrastructure, good vehicles and superb accommodations and hospitality.

Greywing Partridge

Peak season: April 15 July 16. Greywing are hunted over English Pointer dogs in rugged and scenic mountain terrain. Often strenuous and demanding, this is considered to be the cream of South African Wingshooting. One can expect to put up an average of 8-12 coveys per day. The shooting party is recommended at 3-5 guns with the ideal duration between 2-3 days.

Doves and Pigeons

Peak season is from February to May. Exciting, swift and challenging game shooting mostly done in and on our fringes of cultivated fields, pre-and post reaping of sunflower, sorghum and maize. Hot gun shooting can be expected.

Terrain

The terrain varies from thick coastal bush, home of the shy Blue Duiker, to the vast open Karoo plains, abundant in Springbuck and other plainsgame, to rugged 8000ft snow-capped mountains, haunt of the elusive Vaal Rhebuck and Klipspringer, and where Pointer Dogs prance in quest of the challenging Greywing Partridge.

Travel

Clients are met in Port Elizabeth by a Company Representative from where they are transported to the ranch by vehicle. Air charters are also available on request.

Currency

The local currency is the South African Rand. Credit cards are not accepted by the Outfitter but are welcomed at most shops. The government levies 14% Value Added Tax on all non-export itmes, i.e. air charters, car hire, accommodation, etc.

Weather & Clothing

Temperatures vary a great deal in this area. Clothing should include lightweight garments, a warm sweater, windproof jacket and strong, comfortable boots. Laundry is done daily.

Health

This is not a recognised malaria area. Clients should bring personal medication along.

Customs, Passports & Visas

Customs clearance is operative at your port of entry into South Africa.  South Africa requires a passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your departure date.  Citizens of certain countries are required to obtain visas for entry into Botswana.  As the list of such countries changes from time to time it is important to check current visa requirements with your travel consultant.

Firearms & Ammunition

An import/export permit is required for South Africa and you have to be 21 years of age. 
A maximum of four firearms per person and none of the same caliber are allowed. 
Any firearm, including handguns, semi automatic rifles and shotguns may be imported/exported into South Africa. 
No automatic fireams are allowed.
Handguns and Semi automatic firearms needs special permits which must be obtained well in advance of arrival in South Africa. 
A maximum of 200 rounds of ammunition, per firearm, per caliber are allowed.  Some airlines have a weight limit on ammuntion (i.e. 11 lbs which is approximately 100 rounds of .375 ).

Please be advised that you need to familiarize yourself with the new Firearm Control Act and that you need to be aware of the legal requirements pertaining to the safe handling, storage, transportation and use of the firearms in terms of the Firearms Control Act 2000 (Act 60 of 2000).

The new act requires the outfitter to supply the hunter with a Letter of Invitation without which an import permit will not be issued. African Field Sports will suplly this letter upon receipt of a deposit and all the necessary information with regards to the hunter's firearms.

Hunters' Support - Air2000 is a company who offers a service where they apply for the necessary firearm permits.  We strongly advise all our clients to make use of this service.   Click here to visit their website http://www.hunterssupport.com/

A medium rifle 7mm to 30.06 calibre with a good scope is recommended. For wingshooting 12 and/or 20 gauge shotguns are preferable.

IMPORTANT NOTICE:    SAA have issued a directive on the transportation of sporting weapons and ammunition - as follows:

All sporting weapons must be packed and transported in an IATA approved lockable hard firearm case.
All firearms must be declared at the time of check in and must be handled via the designated firearm handling process.
It is advisable to place in the remarks section of the booking that the passenger is carrying sporting weapons and ammunition.
No more than two rifles per case per passenger - keeping in mind the firearms must be of a different caliber.
Ammunition must be packed in a lockable box with a key or box with TSA approved combination lock and placed in the checked luggage.
A maximum of 5kgs (11 lbs) is allowed per firearm carrying passenger.

It is advisable to keep these regulations in mind if travelling on SAA or its code share partners within the SADAC states (Southern Africa).

Accommodation

Hunters are accommodated in well-equipped lodges or spacious ranch houses, depending on the game species being hunted and the region thereof. Click here for photos of the accommodation.

Packing, dipping and shipping of trophies

An import and export CITES permit for Appendix I and an export CITES permit for Appendix II animals are required for each shipment.  Field preparation of trophies are done in camp and transported to a shipping agent designated by the outfitter.  Clients will be put in touch with the shipping agent to discuss their requirements and arrange for the payment of services.  Clients should have sufficient trophy tags and full shipping instructions should be completed on the applicable form and provided to the outfitter prior to their safari.

Packing list -   It is meant as a guideline only.  Always take your own preference into account.

Shirts (lightweight cottons and linens)
Long trousers
Sweater
Warm weather resistant jacket
Comfortable walking boots and sneakers
Natural fibre socks
Baseball cap/Hat, sunglasses
Binoculars
Camera equipment
Sunscreen, Skin moisturizer, personal toiletries
Personal medication
Step down converter (220 - 110 volt)


Business Terms

Deposits:

A deposit of 50% of the cost of the safari is required to confirm the booking. Dates for hunts are not booked without receipt of the deposit.

Balance:

The balance is due no later than 2 months prior to the commencement of the safari. Trophy fees are payable at the end of the safari in US Dollars cash.

Cancellations:

No refund of deposits will be made. However, if you should cancel six months or more in advance, and if a client is booked to replace you on the dates held for you originally, you may be entitled to a refund of your deposit, less 15% administration fee.

Liability:

While every effort is made to safeguard you and your property, no liability or responsibility is accepted for any accident, injury, illness or for any loss of property during your trip.

Insurance:

You are not covered by any insurance and you are advised that you and your property be fully covered by insurance for the duration of the safari. By booking and paying a deposit for a safari, you are deemed to have accepted these Liability and Insurance clauses.

African Field Sports reserves the right to change conditions, prices and terms without prior notice.