Planning your Safari (Hunting trip) to South Africa:

Below is a few things that may help with the planning of your hunting trip to South Africa:

Where do I start?

1) Book your Safari:

• Choose your days and book them;

• Start looking at your animals wishlist and or package that suits your budget;

2) Pay your Deposit:

• A $ 500,00 deposit is required to confirm your booking.

3) Book your flights:

• You will need to fly into OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg (JHB) where we will meet you upon arrival;

• Delta Airlines and United Airlines have direct flights to OR Tambo Int Airport from Georgia and Atlanta;

• Flights through Europe is not advisable should you be travelling with rifles;

• It is recommended that you make use of travel insurance.

4) Passports and Visa's:

• US Citizens and EU Citizens have no special passport or entry requirements entering South Africa only a valid passport and return ticket;

• Make sure that your passport is valid for atleast six (6) months after your expected date of return with 5 empty pages;

• Please make sure with your airline should they have any additional airline requirements.

5) Complete your Indemnity and Advance Information sheet:

• You will receive a Tsala Safaris contract, Indemnity form and a Advance Information sheet via email.

• Please complete these forms and send it back to Jo as soon as possible hr@nicsa.co.za with a copy of your passport information and your flight itinerary.

6) Spending time on the shooting range:

• We strongly recommend you to spend enough time on the shooting range to ensure success and that you are comfortable - try getting used to shooting sticks and different shooting positions.

7) Getting your rifle into South Africa:

• Should you decide to use your own rifles, we recommend you to use Henry Durrheim from Rifle permits to assist you with the temporary importation of your rifle, into South Africa.

• Email Henry at henry@riflepermits.co.za

• Should you want to bring your own rifle, you will need an invitation letter from us.

• We also have rifles available for renting.

• Please contact the Airline that you are flying with for TSA regulations.

8) Bow hunting:

• There is no legal documents required when importing a bow into South Africa;

• The three types of bows which are legally permitted in South Africa:

  • The Compound;

  • Re-curve; and

  • Longbow.

• The minimum draw weight of 50lbs is required for plains game hunting (it is recommended to use a bow of 60lbs - 80lbs)

• The minimum draw weight is 95lbs when hunting dangerous game.

9) What to bring - CLOTHING: (Daily Laundry service available)

• Atleast:

  • 2 x long sleeve shirts;

  • 2 x short sleeve shirts;

  • 2 x long pants

  • 2 x shorts;

  • 1 x hunting jacket;

  • 1 x warm seater/sweatshirt;

  • 4 sets underwear;

  • 6 pairs of good wool socks;

  • 2 pair rubber sole walking shoes/hunting boots (preferrably not new)

  • 1 pair gloves;

  • 1 pair comfortable shoes to wear around the lodge;

  • Sleepwear 

• OTHER:

  • Adapter;

  • Binoculars;

  • Camera with extra SD cards;

  • Small flashlight;

  • Rifle or bow (Renting of firearms also an option);

  • Sunglasses;

  • Medication and toiletries;

  • Sunscreen, lip balm and insect repellent;

  • Cigarettes and or Tobacco if needed.

  • No need to bring hairdryers or towels as they are provided.

  • We have WIFI in Camp

• Frequently asked questions:

  • What caliber of rifle should I bring ?:

    • We recommend that you bring a .270 or larger for plains game.

    • When hunting dangerous game a .375 or larger is required.

    • A good quality bullet is also recommended.

  • Is it hard to temporarily import my rifle ?:

    • No, as long as the required documents is completed correctly, it is actually a user friendly experience.

    • We recommend the services from Rifle permits (henry@riflepermits.com) to assist in the process.

    • The option to rent a rifle from us is also there.

  • What recommendations are there for bow hunters ?:

    • We recommend a draw weight of 65-70lbs a minimum of 50lbs.

    • A cut on broadhead works very well (G5, Muzzy, Montec, Steelhead, etc.)

    • Bring at least a dozen arrows.

    • Shots are usually taken at 30 yards maximum.

    • When hunting dangerous game, 80lbs with an arrow that generates 90 foot lbs of energy.

  • Do I need to bring a lot of clothes ?:

    • No, we have daily laundry services.

  • Is there Cell reception at the lodge?:

    • We have very limited cell and internet services.

    • We do however have WIFI in camp.

    • We recommend downloading Whatsapp to make calls and sending pictures and videos.

  • Do I need an electric converter for my devices ?:

    • The power supply in SA is 220v (in the US it is 110v).

    • It is therefore recommended that you bring your own electric converter along.

  • How can I pay my account ?:

    • Payment Link via YOCO

    • EFT/Wire

    • Cash (preferable new notes)

    • By card (we have a card facility) we do not accept American Express.

Should you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

We look forward to seeing you.

Come as a Stranger...and Leave as a Friend !