Safari Experience

@ Bongela Safaris

Safari Documentation

RESERVATION DOCUMENT (OUTFITTER DOCUMENT)

Useful Information
A useful checklist and guide to help our international clients plan their safari trip to South Africa.

Your reservation document doubles as a contractual agreement between you and ASH Adventures (your hunting outfitter), requiring signatures from both parties. In addition to the contractual portion of the document, your reservation document contains the full details of your quotation (i.e. the rates of the animals you have pre-included and the daily rates of the hunting lodge), details about specific inclusions and exclusions as well as information on taxidermy and the importation of your hunting rifles. On the very last page, you will find our terms and conditions.

INDEMNITY FORM
Upon your arrival at the airport in South Africa, you will be required to sign an indemnity form – an important and necessary formality as a hunting safari is a potentially dangerous venture. However, your professional hunter will go out of their way to ensure your safety and comfort at all times. If you have questions about the indemnity form and any policies before you travel, do not hesitate to reach out to us.

TAXIDERMY
We do not have any financial interests either directly or indirectly related to taxidermy, either in South Africa or internationally. We are, however, tasked with the permits and documentation for the exportation of your trophies. Trophies can be shipped from Southern Africa either raw or mounted. In the case of a raw shipment, it will be sent to a taxidermist of your choice in your country of origin after being thoroughly treated by a South African taxidermist. The regulations and procedures for exporting varies depending on the species hunted.

We work closely with Capricorn Taxidermy for the mounting of trophies in South Africa and with Universal Trophy Services for raw preparation. Both websites contain price lists which are relevant to the specific service.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION CONCERNING TAXIDERMY WORK

Only one client per crate.
Trophies must remain in South Africa for a minimum of 90 days before shipping.
Warthogs can cause a delay in shipping if the state veterinarian of the area is not available to issue transport permits.
Many problems are currently encountered with delays in the issuing of permits by the relevant government agencies – please bear with us.
Please note that these taxidermy rates are quoted in South African Rand and that the exchange rate may change.
Shipping costs can only be finalized by the time trophies are dropped off.
Payment of a deposit to the taxidermist will ensure that your work goes on the production line.
No raw rodents may be exported.
Warthog must be packed in a separate crate.
Raw and processed products can not be shipped together

Temporarily Rifle Import

HOW TO

Complete the temporary firearm import permit application (SAP520) in advance (if possible) and bring it with you. It is important to note that the form must be completed in black ink and must remain unsigned until the document is finalized in front of the police official issuing the actual permit at the airport.

If you do not wish to travel with your own firearms, you are welcome to make use of one of the rifles of the professional hunter accompanying you. They have a selection of appropriate calibers available. There is no cost involved other than the replacement cost of ammunition.

YOU WILL NEED

Valid passport
Return airline ticket
Letter of invitation from your hunting outfitter(s)
Completed SAP 520 Form (Not signed – must be signed in front of the official)
Proof of ownership (CBP Form 4457- Certificate of Registration for personal effects taken abroad)
Proof of export from country of origin (CBP Form 4457- Certificate of Registration for personal effects take abroad)
Letter of motivation (A letter written by yourself to motivate why you wish to import rifles)

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

The following firearms and ammunition will not be allowed to enter South Africa:

Any automatic or semi-automatic firearms
More than one firearm per calibre per person
More than 200 rounds of ammunition per person per firearm
Any pistol or revolver (unless specified for hunting)

REASONS WHY YOUR APPLICATION MAY NOT BE APPROVED

If you have any of the above-mentioned firearms and/or ammunition
If any of the supporting documents as required cannot be produced
If you are less than 21 years of age

Your application for a temporary import permit will be refused and your firearms and ammunition will be confiscated and will only be handed back to you when you depart back to your country of residence.
Please take note that only the Central Firearm Registrar in Pretoria, South Africa can authorize special applications for the above restrictions. These applications have to be made in advance and must reach them no later than 3 (three) weeks before your arrival. You will need a special motivation letter for this. Please contact the PHASA office for more information and assistance.

ON ARRIVAL AT OR TAMBO INTERNATIONAL IN JOHANNESBURG

Disembark from aircraft and clear passport control in whichever terminal the flight arrives. (Generally SAA and its co-partners at Terminal 2, and all other airlines at Terminal 1)
Proceed to baggage claim at the respective carousel. Pick up general baggage. Your firearms will be delivered directly to the SAPS firearms office.
For visitors with firearms arriving at Terminal 2:
Proceed to the SAPS Firearms Office. Look for office signs. Location of the SAPS Firearms Office in Terminal 2 – in front of the Post Office.
For visitors with firearms arriving at Terminal 1:
Proceed to the firearm office that is situated in Terminal 2 in front of the Post Office.
On arrival at the SAPS Firearm Office, collect your issued temporary import permit at the PHASA desk or have the necessary documentation available for inspection.
Your firearms and ammunition will be physically inspected to ensure that the serial numbers match those of the licenses and the application forms. You will then be asked to wait while your application is being processed – if you are not already in possession of an issued temporary importation permit.
When your application has been processed and your permit has been issued, you will have to sign for the permit. If you are connecting to other flights, please make sure that you allow ample time for this process (at least 3 hours).

REMEMBER THE ISSUING OF THE TEMPORARY IMPORT PERMITS AT THE PORT OF ENTRY IS FREE OF CHARGE. DO NOT TIP OR PAY ANY SAPS OFFICER FOR THIS SERVICE. YOU SHOULD KEEP THE PERMIT WITH YOU AT ALL TIMES WHILE IN SOUTH AFRICA AND WHEN THE FIREARMS ARE IN YOUR POSSESSION.

Suggested Rifles and Calibres

For your hunting experience

This can become a heated debate indeed. The general rule applies in this case where we suggest that you bring the rifle(s) you are most comfortable with. It is important to spend time on the shooting range before your African hunt commences. You will sight-in your rifles prior to commencing the hunt. However, you must be familiar with your rifle.

Apart from the suggested calibers, it is our recommendation that a 30-06 or 300 Win Mag and a .375 would cover all your needs sufficiently. Do not think this to be a requirement – it is merely a suggestion. If you intend to hunt any one of the Big Five, it is required by law that a .375 is the minimum calibre with which you will be permitted to hunt.

Please bear in mind that, according to South African law, it is prohibited to bring a semi-automatic firearm into the country. You are also limited to bringing in 200 rounds of ammunition per caliber into the country. Depending on how many animals you aim to shoot, we suggest about 60 rounds of ammunition per caliber should be adequate. Remember the cleaning equipment!

Lastly, some of the questions which are most frequently asked have been answered on the FAQ page. If any of the information is unclear or if we can provide you with a more detailed explanation, please use the form provided on the ‘contact us’ page to send us your queries.

Medical Considerations

For your travels / journey

ASH Adventures is not able to provide you with professional medical advice. We suggest that you consult your personal physician or contact a doctor in your country who is able to offer medical advice and who can prescribe any medication should they deem it necessary. We do, however, recommend that you take the following into consideration:

MALARIA

If you are traveling to the northeastern part of South Africa, including the lowveld near the Kruger National Park, or to any destination in Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique or Zambia, it is prudent to discuss anti-malaria prophylactics with your doctor. We do not recommend child observers younger than six years to travel to any malaria area.

ALLERGIES

Dust and pollen encountered in the various hunting areas may aggravate any allergies you might have. It is recommended that you consult your physician regarding precautions which can be taken in this regard. Although allergies can be triggered all year round, it is important to note that the advent of spring (September) is especially known as “allergy season”, due to the high occurrence of flowering plants. Remember to communicate any food allergies so that the hunting camp’s staff are duly prepared.

PRESCRIPTION MEDICATION

If you plan to arrive with prescription medication, we suggest that bring along your prescription as well as the original boxes/containers in which you received your medication. South Africa is generally less austere regarding controlled medications, but it’s nevertheless prudent to arrive prepared.

MEDICAL FACILITIES

South Africa has world-class medical facilities and doctors who are, in some cases, regarded to be amongst the leaders in their field globally. ASH Adventures does not, however, offer medical or travel insurance. Ensure that this is arranged prior to your travels in the unlikely event of a medical emergency.

FIND OUT MORE

Enquire further about our offerings